Post APC submission: 10 things you must do!
The APC countdown clock will have started for many candidates who have their sights set on the next sessions. If you are getting ready to submit, or have already done so, you're within touching distance of achieving your chartered status.
In this blog I will suggest some ways that will help you to prepare for the countdown to final assessment.
- Get some submission help
There is some useful guidance on the RICS website and lots of online sessions you can join. Don't forget LionHeart can offer support, especially if you're feeling the pressure.
Create a presentation visual aid
The presentation is all about your case study. Start with the visual aid.
Create a simple deck of about 10 slides for the 10-minute presentation and follow the case study format:
- Introduction
- My approach (key issues)
- My achievements (be proud)
- Conclusion (lessons learned)
- Practise your presentation
Practise clicking through the slides once a week to start with and then more frequently as the interview draws near to make sure you are as familiar as possible with it. DON'T cram at the last minute!
If you would like a supportive pair of eyes and ears and feedback on your presenting style, call the LionHeart support team. They cannot offer technical guidance but can work with you to make sure you feel as confident as possible heading into the big day. The experienced team would love to help!
You can contact them on 0800 009 2960 (UK free) or +44 (0)121 289 3300
- Revise your own submission
The interview will be focused on, but not restricted to, the evidence you have provided within your final submission. Make sure you know what you have written and submitted inside out, and that you can add to it in an interview scenario.
Create mind maps for each example to remind yourself of the 'what, how and why'.
- Revise Pathway Guide
Think of the pathway guide as the client's brief or mark scheme. This outlines exactly what the assessors have asked for.
Revise the key words and make sure you have covered all the knowledge listed at level 1.
- Have RICS references up your sleeve
The APC is a risk management process. It's important that assessors see you as a safe pair of hands. One of the best ways to achieve this is to be familiar with the RICS professional statements and guidance notes relevant to your area of practice.
- Practise talking!
The APC is not an exam: it's an interview, a conversation. Revising is great for level 1 and can build confidence but you also need to articulate your competency evidence.
Q & A practice with your counsellor - or anyone who will listen - is a great way to prepare and may help you predict what language and questions to expect.
- Have a mock interview
Closely related to 'practise talking' - have a dry run of the entire interview process in a mock interview. This will make you feel more confident and also give you opportunity to practise:
- Sharing your screen
- Talking and listening online
- Seeing how you look
- Interview timings
- Keep up to date
Keep up to date with RICS news and technical hot topics - Modus is a good place to start, along with other professional press and online forums. What are the ethics topics people are talking about?
Don't try to remember everything, just try to build awareness of the big picture. Be outward looking from your employer.
- And finally....
- Keep calm and carry on
Try to trust the process. Getting chartered is a big step and rightly shouldn't be an 'easy' process. Your panel need to be sure you meet the required standards.
Practise some self-love and take care of yourself.
Do whatever works for YOU to manage your stress levels. Stay healthy.
If it gets too much at any point don't hesitate to call the lovely LionHeart support officers, who may be able to signpost to appropriate help or just a supportive chat.
Here's that number again:
UK 0800 009 2960 or +44 (0)121 289 3300
Good luck!
A former LionHeart trustee and trainer, Kate Taylor FRICS is 
an experienced RICS APC Assessor, APC auditor, RICS UK APC Appeal Panel and chair with a passion for professional development. Kate also authored the Commercial and Residential Property Quick Start Revision Guides and the Estates Gazette 'Pathway to Success' APC series.
