How to Become a Quantity Surveyor

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1. Understand the Duties of a Quantity Surveyor. The first step in becoming a
QS(Quantity Surveyor) is to understand what role a Quantity Surveyor plays
in the construction industry. Many people, when asked what a Quantity
Surveyor is will just give the reply "They survey quantities". In actual fact
they perform various roles including managing the costs and finances of a
project, calculating quantities eg. how many bricks will be needed for a
house, advising clients on procurement routes and deciding which contractor
does a particular project once tender documentation is received.
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2. Realise the Differences in Types of Surveying. Quantity Surveying is a
different profession altogether from Building Surveying. Building Surveyors
offer professional advice on many areas relating to the occupation and
construction of property, from the design of modern structures to facilities
management. Building Surveyors' play a part in the diagnosis and remedy of
building faults, rehabilitation and extension of buildings, detailed building
surveys, property appraisals, and the management of property. This is
different from Quantity Surveying as the tasks in Step 1 show a QS's duties.
Also, Land Surveying is different from Quantity Surveying as Land Surveying
focuses primarily on calculating the volume of coal etc. to be excavated from
an opencast mine etc.
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3. Differentiate between the two types of Quantity Surveying. These consist
of a Private Practise QS who works with a QS organisation in an office and
advises clients as well as constructing a Bill of Quantities for different
Contractors on different projects. In a Private Practise the Quantity Surveyor
has a close relationship with different Architects and Clients. The other type
of Quantity Surveying is a Contractor's QS where the QS works for the same
contractor on different projects that they have and is used to produce Bills of
Quantities for this Contractor.
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4. Decide if Quantity Surveying is your desired career based on Steps 1 and
2. Step 3 is a choice made once you are qualified, but I feel it is important
you are aware of the difference now. If you have always wanted to become a

QS then you will be aware that the best subjects to do at school are subjects
such as Maths, Physics, English and Computing. If you have left school and
can get into college to do even just a one year course in Quantity Surveying
or a variety of construction careers just to get a feel of which one you like,
you have a high chance of being accepted as a direct entry student in
university.
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5 Attend a University to study to become a Quantity Surveyor. Some
companies who have Quantity Surveyors may be willing to take on trainees
with one or two days per week spent at university. Another option is either to
go straight to university as part of a full time course or direct entry as
previously mentioned. The university course most people do is around 4
years full time and fees will differ depending on the country you live in.