Becoming a Successful QS is about more than knowing measurements and rates

It’s about combining technical, financial, and communication skills to deliver value, control costs, and build trust with stakeholders.

Here’s a clear, structured roadmap

🧱 1. Master the Fundamentals

Before anything else, you must have a strong technical base.

✅ Key Skills:

Measurement (IS1200, SMM, POMI, CESMM, NRM2, etc.)

Cost Estimation (unit rates, material/labour costing/Preliminaries/OHP)

Contracts & Procurement (FIDIC, JCT, NEC)

Tendering Process (preparation, evaluation, negotiation)

Valuation & Payment (interim and final accounts)

Variation & Claims Management

Cost Control & Reporting

🎯 How:

Read standard methods of measurement (IS1200, SMM7, POMI, NRM2, CESMM).

Learn how to prepare and check BOQs.

Understand construction drawings and specs in detail.

⚙️ 2. Specialize in Your Field

If you’re in MEP, build depth there. MEP QSs are in high demand because systems are complex and cost-heavy.

✅ Focus Areas:

HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Firefighting systems.

Equipment costing (chillers, AHUs, pumps, panels, etc.).

Estimation tools (e.g., Candy, CostX, PlanSwift, Bluebeam).

Understanding design–build vs traditional contracts.

🎯 How:

Work closely with engineers.

Visit site regularly to understand how MEP works are executed.

Keep up with new technologies (BIM, sustainability systems).

💼 3. Learn Contracts and Law

A QS must protect the financial interests of the company and ensure compliance with the contract.

✅ Learn:

FIDIC clauses (especially 13: Variations, 20: Claims).

Payment terms and procedures.

Risk management and dispute resolution.

🎯 How:

Read FIDIC Red/Yellow Book case studies.

Take short courses or RICS-accredited workshops on contract administration.

💰 4. Develop Financial & Commercial Awareness

You’re not just measuring — you’re managing money.

✅ Focus On:

Cost forecasting and cash flow analysis.

Value engineering and cost optimization.

Budget tracking vs actuals.

🎯 How:

Use Excel or cost management software.

Learn basic accounting and finance principles.

Participate in cost review meetings.

🧩 5. Build Soft Skills

This is what truly separates good QSs from great QSs.

✅ Essential Soft Skills:

Communication – Be clear, concise, and factual in reports and meetings.

Negotiation – Handle subcontractors, suppliers, and clients professionally.

Teamwork – Collaborate with engineers, planners, and site staff.

Attention to Detail – A single digit can change a project’s profit.

🎯 How:

Write professional emails and reports.

Practice defending your valuations logically, not emotionally.

Build strong relationships on site and with consultants.

📚 6. Commit to Continuous Learning

Construction technology and cost management methods evolve constantly.

✅ Stay Updated On:

BIM for QS (5D cost estimation).

Sustainability and green building costing.

New software (Revit, Navisworks, CostX, CATO).

Market price trends (materials, labour, logistics).

🎯 How:

Attend webinars or RICS/CIOB events.

Read industry publications (MEP Middle East, Construction Week, RICS Journal).

Learn from senior QSs — mentorship accelerates growth.

🎓 7. Get Professionally Accredited

This adds credibility and global mobility.

✅ Options:

RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)

AIQS (Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors)

CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building)

SCS/ICES (for civil/infrastructure focus)

🎯 How:

Gain required experience (2–3 years).

Complete the APC (Assessment of Professional Competence).

Maintain CPD (Continuing Professional Development).

🚀 8. Adopt the Right Attitude

Finally — success as a QS is as much about mindset as skillset.

💡 Principles:

Be accurate, honest, and fair.

Own your mistakes and learn quickly.

Deliver on time — reliability builds trust.

Think long-term: build relationships, not just reports.

🧭 Summary: The 8 Pillars of a Successful QS

Pillar

Focus

1️⃣ Technical Knowledge

Measurement, Estimation, Valuation

2️⃣ Specialization

MEP / Civil / Infrastructure expertise

3️⃣ Contractual Awareness

FIDIC, Claims, Variations

4️⃣ Financial Control

Cost forecasting, reporting

5️⃣ Soft Skills

Communication, negotiation, teamwork

6️⃣ Continuous Learning

BIM, sustainability, software

7️⃣ Professional Accreditation

RICS, CIOB, AIQS

8️⃣ Attitude & Ethics

Integrity, accuracy, consistency

RSP COST CONSULTANT

Phone Number

Email Address

Becoming a Successful QS is about more than knowing measurements and rates

🧱 1. Master the Fundamentals

✅ Key Skills:

🎯 How:

⚙️ 2. Specialize in Your Field

✅ Focus Areas:

🎯 How:

💼 3. Learn Contracts and Law

✅ Learn:

🎯 How:

💰 4. Develop Financial & Commercial Awareness

✅ Focus On:

🎯 How:

🧩 5. Build Soft Skills

✅ Essential Soft Skills:

🎯 How:

📚 6. Commit to Continuous Learning

✅ Stay Updated On:

🎯 How:

🎓 7. Get Professionally Accredited

✅ Options:

🎯 How:

🚀 8. Adopt the Right Attitude

💡 Principles:

🧭 Summary: The 8 Pillars of a Successful QS

1️⃣ Technical Knowledge

2️⃣ Specialization

3️⃣ Contractual Awareness

4️⃣ Financial Control

5️⃣ Soft Skills

6️⃣ Continuous Learning

7️⃣ Professional Accreditation

8️⃣ Attitude & Ethics

Phone Number

Email Address

QS Career Roadmap

Becoming a Successful QS is about more than knowing measurements and rates

🧱 1. Master the Fundamentals

✅ Key Skills:

🎯 How:

⚙️ 2. Specialize in Your Field

✅ Focus Areas:

🎯 How:

💼 3. Learn Contracts and Law

✅ Learn:

🎯 How:

💰 4. Develop Financial & Commercial Awareness

✅ Focus On:

🎯 How:

🧩 5. Build Soft Skills

✅ Essential Soft Skills:

🎯 How:

📚 6. Commit to Continuous Learning

✅ Stay Updated On:

🎯 How:

🎓 7. Get Professionally Accredited

✅ Options:

🎯 How:

🚀 8. Adopt the Right Attitude

💡 Principles:

🧭 Summary: The 8 Pillars of a Successful QS

1️⃣ Technical Knowledge

2️⃣ Specialization

3️⃣ Contractual Awareness

4️⃣ Financial Control

5️⃣ Soft Skills

6️⃣ Continuous Learning

7️⃣ Professional Accreditation

8️⃣ Attitude & Ethics