RICS is the world's leading professional body for qualifications and standards in land, property and construction.

With around 100,000 qualified members and over 50,000 students and trainees in some 140 countries, RICS provides the world's leading professional qualification in land, property, construction and the associated environmental issues.

An independent, not-for-profit organisation, RICS acts in the public interest: setting and regulating the highest standards of competence and integrity among their members; and providing impartial, authoritative advice on key issues for business, society and governments worldwide.

RICS was founded in London in 1868, and granted a Royal Charter by Queen Victoria in 1881. The Charter requires the Institution "to maintain and promote the usefulness of the profession for the public advantage." This commitment to act in the interests of society in everything we do continues to be our guiding principle. 

RICS members around the world understand the whole lifecycle of property, from land management and measurement, through planning, environmental impact assessment, and investment appraisal; to managing the construction process and advising on the most efficient use of buildings.

A modern profession with ancient roots
Surveyors have been in demand since the days of ancient Egyptians, who honoured their royal surveyors with ornate tombs. The Romans employed finitores (surveyors) and agrimensores (land surveyors).

With the rapid industrialisation and urbanisation of the 19th and 20th centuries, the diverse strands of the profession were drawn together, and today RICS represents and supports some 200 specialisms spanning the built and natural environments. 17 RICS Professional Groups set standards, develop guidance and provide information on best practice.

Qualified RICS members are recognised by designatory letters:

• FRICS (Fellow)
• MRICS (Member)
• AssocRICS (Associate)

RICS members are required to keep up to date with current practice through a programme of lifelong learning.