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What do I need to do next?  What template(s) should I be using?
 

As easy as APC

DeLever APC Management Pack

You're one-stop guide to what you should be doing when

Unsure of what you should be doing for your APC Journey?
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Welcome

Introducing the APC Management Pack from DeLever! If you're an APC Candidate, Supervisor, or Counsellor, you know firsthand the difficulties that come with finding the right template or guide for the RICS APC Assessment Platform. With the APC Management Pack, you can start your journey on the right foot and maintain a steady progression towards success. This comprehensive tool is designed to assist all parties involved in the APC process, providing you with the resources and support you need to succeed. Don't miss out on the chance to streamline your APC journey and achieve your goals with the APC Management Pack from DeLever.

 

The DeLever APC Management Pack contains the following:

SECTION 1 -     Parts List

SECTION 2 -    Checklist 1 - Starting Out

                         Checklist 2 - DeLever APC Timeline Resources

SECTION 3 -    Diary & Logbook – The DeLever myAPC Diary

SECTION 4 -    CPD Recording

SECTION 5 -    Summary of Experience

SECTION 6 -    Case Study 

SECTION 7 -    Pre Submission Checklist 3

SECTION 8 -    Terms and conditions of use

 

The APC Management Pack is a number of complimentary documents that are linked to from this document:

 

  • The DeLever APC Management Pack (this document) (Word)

  • The DeLever myAPC Diary software www.DeLever.com/myapcdiary

  • The CPD template created by DeLever (Word)

  • The RICS Summary of Experience template (Word)

  • The DeLever How to Write Your Competencies Information Sheet

  • The RICS Case Study template (Word)

  • The DeLever Case Study Layout image

  • The DeLever Case Study report example (PDF)

 

PLEASE NOTE THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT CONTAIN THE RELEVANT TEMPLATES OR GUIDANCE FOR SENIOR PROFESSIONAL, SPECIALIST OR ACADEMIC CANDIDATES. 

If you are pursuing any of these APC routes. Please contact DeLever separately.

 

I hope you find it useful and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask at

hello@DeLever.com

 

Kind regards

 

 

 

 

 

Jon Lever FRICS FInstCPD

DeLever - Managing Director

SECTION 1 - Parts List

Starting off on the right foot is the first step to APC Success. 

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Consider having some form of cloud-based backup system to avoid loss of data through computer failure or theft.  Simple backup procedures, even just emailing documents to yourself are common sense (and professional) and will alleviate the huge amount of stress and progress delays that come with losing documentation.

 

We have identified the things we think you will need:

 

  1. RICS Guides

    1. APC Candidate Guide:       Web page  |  Document

    2. APC Counsellor Guide:       Web page  |  Document

    3. APC Requirements and Competencies Guide:  Web page  |  Document

    4. APC Pathway Guides:        Web page

 

  1. APC Critical Dates

    1. You can find these on the RICS website:            Web page     

 

  1. APC Assessment Platform

    1. You can find the link to this on the RICS website footer:          Web page

 

  1. DeLever Resources

    1. DeLever Brochure - Available on our website: Web page  |  Document

    2. DeLever myAPC Diary: Web page 

    3. DeLever Coaching: Web page 

    4. DeLever Document Reviews: Web page 

    5. DeLever Mock Interviews: Web page 

    6. DeLever iSpy Final Assessment Question Finder Report: Web page 

    7. DeLever Package Deals: Web page 

    8. APC centre - For one-click links see our APC centre ‘One-click-links’ page

    9. APC Roadshow: Web page 

    10. APC Roadshow Instant Messaging group chat: Web page 

    11. APC Roadshow Lite: Web page  (RICS Assessment Platform Explained Rec.)

    12. DeLever Free Resources: Web page  

    13. DeLever APC Masterclasses: Web page 

 

(Note: You will need to register for free to access some of the resources).

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SECTION 2 - Checklists

We have created TWO Checklists for you 

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Checklists are a way of ensuring you do not miss anything as you start out and progress your APC Journey.

 

Checklist 1

DeLever – APC Candidate Checklist for ANY STAGE in your APC Journey

This Checklist has been produced by DeLever to enable anyone undertaking their APC to start off on the right foot and not miss any key elements. ​

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Checklist 2

DeLever – APC Timeline Resources

This Checklist has been produced to enable anyone undertaking their APC not to miss any items and to remember both the key points in their APC Journey and the wealth of resources available from DeLever.

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Checklist 2
Checklist 1

SECTION 3 - Diary & LogBook

Register for a FREE copy of the myAPC Diary created by DeLever at: www.DeLever.com/myapcdiary

 

While you have the option to use the RICS Assessment Platform diary, it is clunky and unhelpful in places, with no backup. If you lose your data, it is gone.

 

The DeLever myAPC Diary is an APC management tool that will save you hours of APC administration time. With its automated logbooks and instant visual graphs showing your progress, you can easily manage your APC Diary recording.

 

Register today for your free copy at www.DeLever.com/myapcdiary

myAPC Diary Screenshot

Diary input section - Simple, effective and quick

myAPC Diary Screenshot

Automated Logbook - Ready to enter totals into the Assessment Platform

Please watch our recording of the APC Assessment Platform Explained, delivered by Jon Lever FRICS, at www.DeLever.com/apcrooadshowlite. You will see how you can easily transfer the competency logbook totals from your DeLever myAPC Diary to the RICS Assessment Platform in just a few minutes.


We hope you find it useful and if you have any questions, contact: hello@DeLever.com

SECTION 4 - CPD Recording

While you have the option to use the RICS Assessment Platform CPD section, it has no backup. If you lose your data, it is gone.

 

You can use the DeLever APC Management Pack - CPD Template created
(in Word) by DeLever to help structure and organise your CPD recording.
This template provides a clear format for capturing important details about
your CPD activities.  Ensure you have a backup copy of your data.

 

Here are some tips and advice:

 

  • Recording to a minimum of 30 minutes (0.5hr)

 

  • Record the date, duration (in hours or minutes), and description of the CPD activity

 

  • Indicate whether the CPD activity is formal or informal. Formal activities have a specific learning outcome. If the CPD activity is formal, note the learning outcome or objective. Note:  If you are entering a learning outcome then by default the CPD is Formal, isn’t it?

 

  • Private study focussing on your declared competencies, in our opinion, is Formal as it has a specific learning outcome, e.g. developing Level 1 competency knowledge

 

  • Ensure your CPD entries are accurate and complete. It is advisable to only record completed CPD activities to avoid having to revisit and update entries in the RICS Assessment Platform

 

  • Link the CPD activity to the relevant competencies (Level 1) declared in your APC submission. This helps demonstrate how you are actively developing your knowledge
    in those areas

 

  • Keep track of your total CPD hours and formal CPD hours separately (You can use the DeLever CPD template). The APC assessment platform calculates CPD backward from the submission date, so it is important to be vigilant and have the correct totals when uploading your CPD

 

  • Don't try to excessively exceed the minimum requirement of CPD hours. Aim for a reasonable balance of 48 to 60 hours per 12 months. Going significantly above the minimum quota may result in additional questioning from assessors

 

  • Make sure at east 50% is FORMAL (min 24 hours) per 12 months

 

  • Regularly monitor your CPD progress and keep a running total of your recorded CPD activities. This will help you stay on track and monitor the running total of your CPD and check when uploading it to the Assessment Platform the totals check with your off-line backup copy

 

  • By following these tips and using the provided template, you can effectively record and manage your APC CPD, demonstrating your commitment to ongoing professional development and active engagement with your declared competencies.

 

 

Sadly, little attempt has been made to differentiate assoc/chartered member CPD activity from APC candidate relevant CPD. 

 

We have highlighted in red, amber, green the activities we feel are relevant (green being most relevant) and should be selected from.  We advise thinking carefully about/avoiding amber or red options as CPD should be focused on your declared competencies.

Checklist 1
CPD Template

Include a 12-month total calculation to ensure you have met the RICS requirements.

 

Just duplicate the above table for each entry required.  We have enclosed it as a separate Word template for you within the DeLever APC Management Pack.

You can use the CPD Template created by DeLever

(Separate document provided with the DeLever APC Management Pack)

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Email the Word template back and forth with your counsellor with track changes enabled and edit it accordingly. 

 

Once an entry is complete and edited you can upload (copy and paste) it into the assessment platform.  You can do this periodically or as a bulk activity 2 to 3 months prior to document submission.  It will not take long to do, and you will be comforted that you have a backup copy, should anything go wrong.  Ensure you keep a close eye on version control and saving back-up copies.

CPD Template

SECTION 5 - Summary of Experience

Downloaded from RICS Assessment Platform July 2023. 

A copy is also enclosed with the DeLever APC Management Pack.

 

Please refer to the DeLever guidance on how to write your competencies at www.DeLever.com/freeresources  
and www.DeLever.com/masterclasses  'Competency Writeup Explained' for assistance.

 

Here are some tips and advice:

 

  • Ensure you have matched your selected competencies and levels in the RICS Assessment Platform with the competencies and levels in the Summary of Experience Word template document

 

  • Tidy up the template so it looks and reads well

 

  • Write in easy-to-read paragraphs, not excessive blocks of text

 

  • Use professional language throughout.  Check for any spelling and grammar for any mistakes. This document needs to be 100% perfect

 

  • Write to the correct Competency Level and avoid mixing up your Levels

 

  • Avoid unnecessary waffle and be concise

 

  • Remember that every Level 2 and Level 3 competency must have a 'real-life' project example where you have been fully engaged in the project activity and can discuss the project and your activities at length

 

  • Make sure that project example titles are clear and ensure you provide a contextual description so that assessors can visualize the project you are referring

 

  • Do not exceed the word count, EVER!  But, do also use up the complete word count to the best of your ability and demonstrate your competency

 

  • When you convert the document to a PDF ready for uploading to the RICS Assessment Platform, make sure to open the PDF and check the transformation from Word to PDF to ensure that the document looks as professional as it can be

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  • Double-check that you are uploading the correct document or version of the document into the RICS Assessment Platform to avoid any mistakes.

 

  • Remember to adhere to these guidelines to ensure your competency write-ups are clear, well-presented, and error-free.

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Here is our guidance (Written by Jon Lever FRICS) on how to write up your Summary of Experience, also available to download at www.DeLever.com/freeresources.

 

COMPETENCY LEVEL EXPLANATION as trained to APC Assessors by Jon Lever FRICS

(This information is fundamental, and you really should reflect upon and follow it!)

CPD Template

LEVEL 1

 

This is all about LEARNING. Do not try and define the competency or regurgitate the APC Pathway guide text, as so many candidates seem to do! Remember you are trying to demonstrate to the Assessors that you have reviewed the requirements in the APC Pathway guide, with your mentors, and have researched, undertaken and achieved the required learning. Also remember not to talk about your project experience examples in this level, unless you wish to refer to the learning you have reinforced through your experience.

 

I would suggest starting with “I have developed my knowledge (or understanding) of this competency by...” then list a range of documents and articles you have studied, demonstrate learning from your education as appropriate, courses you have attended, in-house training you have done etc. which will demonstrate what you have learned. It is good to demonstrate a range of learning methods and also include reference to some learning you have done recently as this shows willing on your part and demonstrates your keenness to continually develop which is something you will do with your CPD once you are chartered.

LEVEL 2

 

This is all about DOING.  This needs to be a focused description of the depth and breadth of your experience and one or two (if you can fit it into the word count) examples of your ‘REAL-LIFE’ project or process experience that you have specifically undertaken / delivered, relevant to this competency.

 

I would suggest starting with “I have had the opportunity to do / deliver / achieve / administer) A, B, C and D…” (here you should be using words that demonstrate your specific involvement / management of a situation and subsequently your experience). Then think about a specific project (or two) that you have personally had extensive involvement in and lead with “A typical example of this is project X…” (always include a brief explanation of what project X is and your role). Then add further description detailing the experience you have had relevant to the competency in question. Remember, there is no harm having extra / other project examples available to discuss with the Assessors at your final assessment interview.

LEVEL 3

 

This is all about ADVISING. This needs to be a description of the depth and breadth of your experience and specifically where you have been advising clients, colleagues and anyone else of relevance. Remember the ability to advise effectively comes from having had a large amount of varied experience, relevant to your declared competencies.


I would suggest starting with “I have had the opportunity to advise on A, B, C and D…” (always promoting personal advice you have given from your experience). Then consider and demonstrate your experience of giving advice on a specific project and lead with “A typical example of this is project X…” (with a brief explanation of what project X is and your role. You could also refer back to a project you have already described in Level 2 of the same competency, saves on word count). Then add further description detailing the specific advice you have given and do not forget to explain your reasoning for the advice you have given which is often the proof the assessors are looking for that your advice has solid foundation, from your experience.​

Also available to download at www.DeLever.com/freeresources

Mandatory and Technical Competency Word count Guidance

 

As we have to juggle word counts to fit the word count limits, here is our suggestion on how to approach your word count.  Note this may differ for each pathway, depending upon how many technical competencies you have to achieve.

wordcount

The Summary of Experience Template

(Downloadable from the RICS Assessment Platform.  It is also a separate document provided with the DeLever APC Management Pack)

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Email the Word template back and forth with your counsellor with track changes enabled and edit it accordingly.  Ensure to keep a close eye on version control and saving back-up copies.

CPD Template

SECTION 6 - Case Study

Downloaded from RICS Assessment Platform July 2023.  A copy is also enclosed with the DeLever APC Management Pack.

 

See the DeLever guidance on how to formulate your Case Study REPORT
www.DeLever.com/freeresources and www.DeLever.com/masterclasses

 

Here are some tips and advice:

 

  • Select a Case Study project with which you have had extensive involvement

 

  • Reflect on a Case Study project that can demonstrate as many of your declared
    competencies as possible

 

  • Plan and map out your case study before you start writing your report

 

  • Follow the candidate guide exactly and ensure you write a report that the assessors are expecting and will find interesting

 

  • Do not forget to explain the project/property and your role in it, in detail

 

  • Clearly identify your key issues. We suggest limiting your Key Issues to a maximum of two, to provide sufficient detailed information within the restricted word count

 

  • We strongly advise you to follow the DeLever APC Case Study Report example as the RICS template is unfortunately not a professional report layout and misleading. However, ensure that you incorporate all of the elements that are in the RICS template

 

  • The DeLever example has been given to 8,500+ APC Assessors and thousands of APC Candidates that Jon Lever/DeLever has trained

 

  • Write in easy-to-read paragraphs, not excessive blocks of text

 

  • Use professional language throughout.  Check for any spelling and grammar for any mistakes. This document needs to be 100% perfect

 

  • Your Case Study should be a Level 3 piece of work. 

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  • Avoid unnecessary waffle and be concise.

 

  • Do not exceed the word counts, EVER! But, do also use up the complete word count to the best of your ability and demonstrate your competency

 

  • When you convert the document to a PDF ready for uploading to the RICS Assessment Platform, make sure open the PDF and check the transformation from Word to PDF to ensure that the document looks as professional as it can be

 

  • Double-check that you are uploading the correct document or version of the document into the RICS Assessment Platform to avoid any mistakes.

 

  • Remember to adhere to these guidelines to ensure your competency write-ups are clear, well-presented, and error-free.

Checklist 1

Case Study Visualisation

 

I have created an image of the layout of the Case Study and enclose it below.  If you can map your case study to have something in every element you are a good way toward picking the right project and key issues.  Remember the two key issues will be separate with their own key issue, option and solution. (I just could not fit it all into the picture!)

case study pic

Here is a text version of the above picture to help you think through your case study planning

 

  • Introduction (500 words)

    • Explain the project, maybe a timeline to demonstrate process and your involvement

    • Explain your role

 

  • My Approach (1,500 words), I suggest two Key Issues, so approx. 750 words each)

 

  • Key Issue 1, explain the Key Issue briefly

 

  • Option appraisal

    • 1 Briefly explain the option and discount it if not being used

    • 2 Briefly explain the option and discount it if not being used

    • 3 Briefly explain the option and mention this is the one you are going to explain in the solution

    • I suggest 3 or 4 options maximum

 

  • Proposed Solution

    • Explain the solution and specifically detail how you delivered it

 

  • Key Issue 2, explain the Key Issue briefly

 

  • Option appraisal

    • 1 Briefly explain the option and discount it if not being used

    • 2 Briefly explain the option and discount it if not being used

    • 3 Briefly explain the option and mention this is the one you are going to explain in the solution

    • I suggest 3 or 4 options maximum

 

  • Proposed Solution

    • Explain the solution and how you delivered it.

 

 

  • My Achievements (approx. 500 words)

    • This is now your opportunity to reflect on each key issue and the solution delivered

    • With hindsight reflect on the appropriateness of the solution you delivered

    • You can offer suggestion or insight if you feel now, you could have delivered a better solution or if you were content with what you have delivered

    • DO NOT MIX THIS UP WITH THE CONCLUSION.

 

 

  • Conclusion (approx. 500 words)

    • This is DIFFERENT to My Achievements

    • This section requires you to reflect on your personal performance and learning

    • What lessons have you learnt

    • I would deliver this as a reflection on your performance and maybe what systems you have now put in place to mitigate the key issue happening again in the future.

    • I WOULD NOT list the competencies and explain what you have learnt against each one… the assessors will be able to do this themselves.

The Case Study Template

(Downloadable from the RICS Assessment Platform.  It is also a separate document provided with the DeLever APC Management Pack)

 

This is the RICS version.  Unfortunately it is not a professional report!  Use the DeLever example and make sure you write a professional report.

DeLever case study template

Email the Word template to your counsellor with track changes enabled and edit it accordingly.  Ensure to keep a close eye on version control and saving back-up copies.

SECTION 7 - Checklists

We have created a THIRD Checklist for you 

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Checklists are a way of ensuring you do not miss anything as you start out and progress your APC Journey.

 

Checklist 3

DeLever – APC Pre-Submission Document Review

This Checklist has been produced to enable anyone undertaking an APC Submission Documentation review not to miss any items and advising Candidates how to approach the Final Assessment process.  You can add comments to remind you of improvements needed to each item as you work through the checklist.

 

WE SUGGEST HAVING THE CANDIDATE ASSESSMENT PLATFORM OPEN DURING THE DOCUMENT REVIEW SO YOU CAN CROSS-REFERENCE AND SCREEN SHARE AS YOU WORK THROUGH THE CHECKLIST

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Checklist 2

SECTION 8 - End of APC Management Pack

The DeLever APC Management Pack Terms & Conditions of use:

 

General:

 

The DeLever APC Management Pack document has been created by Jon Lever FRICS (DeLever) and is a part of the resource material used in DeLever's APC training and support services. It is also utilised by Jon Lever and DeLever agents. Components of the DeLever APC Management Pack have been distributed to thousands of APC Chartered members and Candidates who have received training from Jon/DeLever over the past 20+ years.

 

Proposed use of the DeLever APC Management Pack:

 

The purpose of the DeLever APC Management Pack is to provide support and guidance to individuals undertaking their APC journey and/or those mentoring them. The information provided is based on Jon Lever/DeLever's 20+years of experience in APC support.

 

Updates:

 

The APC process undergoes constant changes, and as a result, the DeLever APC Management Pack will be periodically reviewed and updated. The latest version details can be accessed on the DeLever website.

 

Disclaimer:

 

This document is solely produced by Jon Lever FRICS (DeLever) and represents his interpretation of the RICS APC Guides, specifically the sections that pertain to the production of the APC Final Assessment Submission Documentation. Any layout, content, suggestions, or views provided in this document are Jon Lever/DeLever's interpretation and are not endorsed by any other party. Anyone using this resource does so at their own risk, and Jon Lever FRICS (DeLever) accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions in its production.

 

Contact DeLever:

 

+44(0)1234 780 142

hello@DeLever.com

www.DeLever.com

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