Writing a RICS Senior Professional Assessment (SPA) case study is a requirement for experienced professionals seeking the Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) designation. The Senior Professional Assessment (SPA) route is designed for individuals in senior positions, focusing on leadership, management, and strategic decision-making rather than solely on technical tasks.
The case study is a 3,000-word document that details a specific project or piece of work you have managed within the last 24 months. It serves as evidence of your ability to apply professional standards and ethical judgment at a high level.
Read Related Link: RICS Senior Professional Assessment (SPA) Assessment Pathway
Understanding the RICS Senior Professional Assessment Framework
The SPA route is different from the standard Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). While the APC focuses on technical competencies, the SPA prioritises three specific “Senior Professional” competencies: Leadership, Managing People, and Managing Resources.
You must demonstrate that you operate at Level 3 in these areas, meaning you provide reasoned advice and take responsibility for strategic outcomes. The case study is your primary tool for proving that you are not just a practitioner but a leader within your organisation.
Before you begin drafting the specific sections of your report, you need to understand the project requirements that will form the basis of your narrative.
Selecting a Suitable Project
The choice of project is arguably the most critical decision in the entire application process. You should choose a project that was complex enough to allow multiple options and required difficult decisions.
It does not have to be a multi-million-dollar development; a smaller project with significant strategic challenges or innovative problem-solving is often more effective. Ensure the project is recent, within the last two years and that you had a lead role in its delivery.
Structuring the Case Study
RICS provides a specific structure that you must follow to ensure your submission is valid. The 3,000-word limit is strict, and you should distribute it logically across the required sections. Typically, allocate 500 words to the introduction and project description, with the remaining 2,500 words focused on your role, the challenges faced, the options considered, and the outcome. It is helpful to think of the case study as a story in which you are the protagonist, solving a professional puzzle.
Key Components of an Effective Case Study
An effective SPA case study must be clear and direct. You are writing for a panel of peers who understand the industry, so you do not need to explain basic concepts. Instead, focus on the “why” and “how” of your actions.
| Section | Focus Area | Word Count Guidance |
|
Introduction |
Project overview and objectives |
500 Words |
|
My Role |
Your specific responsibilities and authority |
500 Words |
|
The Project |
Technical details and key milestones |
500 Words |
|
Options & Solutions |
Analysis of problems and decision-making |
1000 Words |
| Outcome & Reflection | Results and lessons learned |
500 Words |
The “Options and Solutions” section is where most candidates succeed or fail. Here, you must demonstrate critical thinking. Do not just state what you did; explain why you chose one path over another. What were the risks? What were the financial implications? How did you manage the stakeholders involved? This is the evidence the assessors are looking for to justify your senior status.
Demonstrating Senior Professional Competencies
In a senior assessment, your technical skills are assumed to be solid. The focus shifts to your ability to lead teams and manage large-scale resources. You must weave the three core competencies into your narrative-
- Leadership
- Managing People
- Managing Resources
If you manage a budget, explain the controls you put in place. If you led a multi-disciplinary team, describe how you resolved conflicts or motivated the group during a difficult phase of the project.
Linking your actions to the RICS Global Professional and Ethical Standards is also mandatory. Your case study should naturally reflect your commitment to acting with integrity and providing a high standard of service.
Identifying the Challenges
Every project has hurdles, and the SPA case study requires you to identify two or three key challenges. These should not be simple tasks. There should be issues that require a senior-level intervention. For instance, a sudden change in local government policy or a major supply chain failure provides a perfect opportunity to show how you stayed calm and found a workaround.
Presenting the Solution
When presenting your solution, use the “Problem, Option, Action, Outcome” method. Clearly define the problem, list the options you considered (at least two), explain the action you took, and describe the final result. This logical flow shows the assessors that your decision-making process is rigorous and professional.
Benefits of a Well-Structured SPA Submission
Constructing a high-quality case study offers several advantages beyond just passing the assessment. It forces a level of professional introspection that is rarely found in daily work.
- Professional Self-Actualisation: You gain a clearer understanding of your own leadership style and decision-making patterns through documented reflection.
- Strategic Capability Proof: The document serves as a permanent record of your ability to handle high-stakes projects and complex stakeholder environments.
- Career Advancement: Achieving MRICS through the SPA route signals to the global market that you are an expert leader in the built environment.
- Risk Management Skills: Analysing past projects helps you identify potential pitfalls in future work, making you a more effective senior manager.
Final Review and Submission Checklist
Before you hit the submit button, you must verify that your document meets all formatting and content requirements. Small errors in word count or missing CPD records can lead to an administrative rejection before the assessors even read your work.
- Verify that the total word count is within the 3,000-word limit.
- Check that all confidential client information has been redacted or that you have permission to use it.
- Ensure your CPD record shows at least 20 hours of relevant learning for the current year.
- Confirm that your proposer and seconders have reviewed and signed off on your submission.
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Developing a successful RICS SPA case study requires a balance of technical accuracy and strategic reflection. It is your opportunity to prove your value as a leader within the global surveying profession.
Achieving your professional goals requires precision in every document you submit. CDRAustralia.Org provides comprehensive assistance with your RICS SPA case study preparation and expert guidance on your submission, consult an expert to ensure your application succeeds.