You'll usually need a degree or professional qualification approved by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors to become a general practice surveyor.

Relevant degrees include:

• real estate management
• property development and valuation
• building surveying
• quantity surveying and commercial management

If your degree is in a different subject like economics, law or maths, you could take an accredited postgraduate qualification in surveying.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

You could do a chartered surveyor degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

If you have a higher national diploma or foundation degree in surveying or construction, you may be able to work as a surveying technician with a company and take further qualifications to fully qualify.

You could get a postgraduate qualification through a graduate trainee scheme with a company, or through distance learning with the University of the Built Environment.

You'll need:

• maths knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of geography
• analytical thinking skills
• customer service skills
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

In this role you could:

• negotiate deals for buying, selling and renting property
• act as an agent, buying and selling property and land on behalf of clients
• assess the environmental impact and economic viability of developments
• value land and property
• compile reports for valuations, mortgages, rent reviews and investment potential
• advise on property values, land purchase, tenancy issues and related legislation

You could work in an office or on a construction site.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.

You may need to wear protective clothing.