How to Become a Quantity Surveyor

Knowing What to Expect

Decide if this career is a fit for your personality. If you are logically-minded, think methodically, and are good with numbers and finances, quantity surveying may be right for you. In addition to practical thinking, you should also be good at creative problem solving and approaching issues in inventive ways. Quantity surveyors transform complicated data into simply worded reports. They are natural leaders and negotiators who also work well on a team. You should be willing to learn a lot about construction, including information about materials, past and present building technology, and business/legal topics.

Learn what the position entails. As a quantity surveyor, you will come up with a rough estimate of the project’s cost before construction begins. Your estimation will come from project measurements, based upon the sketches of a client or designer. You will then see the project through to completion by monitoring the budget, managing invoices and contracts, giving financial advice, and negotiating resolutions. Expect to be involved in court hearings and arbitration as well. Quantity surveyors assist the designer(s) with staying in the budget limit throughout the project, by implementing pragmatic solutions. If there are delays or deviations from the original plans, you will evaluate the cost effects of those changes, and work on modifications with the contractors. At the end of each project, you will create a final account statement that delineates the actual cost within each section of the project.

Expect to work on- and off-site. Quantity surveying is office-based. However, it also involves site visits which can last an entire day. The amount of time you will work is similar to office hours, but with a little extra. For example, your hours as an on-site contractor might be 7:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. If you work for the local government, you may have a shorter time span, such as from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm during the week. Expect to work occasionally on the weekends. You will likely travel and possibly stay overnight as needed. Depending on your employer, the client, and the site location, you may have opportunities to work overseas as well.

Review the job outlook. The median annual salary for cost estimators in the U.S. is $60,390, or $29.03 per hour. This position is projected to grow nine percent through 2024, which is faster than average. Your overall job prospects should be good, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This position is growing two percent faster than the average growth rate of seven percent for all occupations.

Gaining Education and Training

Complete your high school education. Concentrate on doing well in mathematics courses. Also consider taking basic carpentry or electrical courses if available. Study hard and take the SAT and/or ACT tests, as those scores may be considered when you apply for an undergraduate program.

Obtain a bachelor’s degree. You have several degree options on your path to becoming a quantity surveyor. A bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Building Science, or Construction Science will help you prepare to enter this field. Look for a degree program that offers training or an internship alongside your education. Construction Management degrees teach construction skills and management, estimating, mechanical systems, and surveying. Building Science undergraduate degrees include courses like alternative energy, building methods, sustainable building practices, and building performance, structures and science. Construction Science degrees teach building technology, cost estimating, and construction safety, management and procedures.

Gain exposure. Look for internship opportunities if you weren’t able to secure one through your college or university. Check online job boards for combinations of keywords like “quantity surveyor,” “cost engineer,” “project controls manager,” “intern,” “internship,” and “summer placement.” You can also research companies you would like to work for and send them cover letters. Mention any relevant work experience you have, including any student jobs. Explain what was involved in each role. If you don’t have any work experience yet, focus on your education, strengths, and goals.

Look into licensure. You may benefit from getting licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE) or a Registered Architect (RA). Many employers will require you to have a valid driver’s license to apply as a quantity surveyor, since you will need to drive to job sites. If you want to work overseas, you may need a quantity survey license. Professional certification is voluntary. If you’re interested in getting licensed, you can do so through the Association for the Advancement of Cost Estimating International, the American Society of Professional Estimators, and/or the International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association.

Finding Employment

Become an assistant quantity surveyor. You can apply for this position in the public or private sector, nationally and internationally. Available fields include residential construction, sustainable building, and commercial infrastructure. Employers hiring quantity surveyors tend to require 2 to 5 years of experience or more as a post-graduate intern or assistant. Search online job boards and recruitment sites for “assistant quantity surveyor,” “assistant cost estimator” and “assistant estimator.”

Apply for the position of quantity surveyor. Search online job boards for the titles quantity surveyor, cost engineer and project controls manager. Your on-the-job training will vary based on your prior experience. Upon being hired, you may be trained from a few weeks up to several months. Approximately 40% of cost estimators work in the construction industry, and about 14% work in manufacturing. Be prepared to impress in your interviews. For instance, educate yourself on the company beforehand, dress professionally, arrive early, and have stories prepared that demonstrate your skills. Ace your application. Your application should convey your talents and explain how they will make you a valuable asset to the position and the company.

Succeed at your job. Keep up-to-date with computer literacy and information technology. Strive to meet your clients’ needs. Personal and interpersonal skills are important to the business success of this profession, as are project management and marketing. Participate in networking opportunities where possible. Try searching online for meetings and dinners where discussions are held about your field. Make it a point to learn from mentors in your profession, whether at the firm where you’re employed, or by reading news in your field.

Use your experience to branch out. Once you’ve gained experience, you can become a senior quantity surveyor, or opt to be self-employed as a freelance quantity surveyor. You may even decide to open a private practice. At this point, you will have more control over your schedule and hours on the job. An experienced quantity surveyor has at least five to seven years in the field.