Quantity Surveyor CV Template

Quantity Surveyors manage costs on construction projects from feasibility through to final account. UK employers seek RICS-qualified QSs with strong measurement, valuation, and contract administration skills. Your CV should demonstrate your ability to control project costs, manage procurement, and provide commercial advice across the project lifecycle.

What recruiters look for in a Quantity Surveyor CV

  • RICS qualification (MRICS preferred) or clear APC progression
  • Project experience across the cost management lifecycle (feasibility to final account)
  • Contract knowledge (JCT and NEC are most common in UK construction)
  • Measurement and estimating proficiency with specific software tools
  • Commercial management of subcontractors and supply chain
  • Sector experience relevant to the hiring organisation (residential, commercial, infrastructure)

Key skills for a Quantity Surveyor CV

Cost planning & estimatingBill of quantities preparationContract administration (JCT, NEC)Interim valuations & final accountsProcurement & tender managementNRM 1, 2 & 3 measurementCostX, CATO, or similar QS softwareRisk & value managementSubcontractor managementRICS membership (MRICS/AssocRICS)

Example experience bullets for a Quantity Surveyor

Use these as inspiration — always tailor bullets to your own experience and achievements.

Managed commercial function for £45M residential development, delivering the project 3% under budget through proactive cost management and value engineering.
Prepared cost plans and bills of quantities for 20+ projects with combined value of £120M, achieving average tender accuracy of 97%.
Administered NEC3 contracts for 8 concurrent projects, processing 150+ compensation events and maintaining client cash flow projections.
Negotiated final accounts with 25 subcontractors on £30M scheme, settling all accounts within 6 months of practical completion with £200k net saving.
Achieved MRICS through APC assessment, mentoring 2 graduate QSs through their own APC training agreements.

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Frequently asked questions

How important is RICS qualification for Quantity Surveyor roles?

MRICS is the gold standard for quantity surveyors in the UK and is often required for senior roles. AssocRICS is valued for mid-level positions. If you're working through your APC, state your level (1, 2, or final assessment) and expected completion date. Include your RICS pathway and any competency levels achieved. The qualification significantly impacts your earning potential and career progression.

How should I present project experience on a QS CV?

List key projects with: project name (if public), value, sector, contract form, and your specific role. Describe your commercial contribution: cost plan accuracy, budget performance, savings achieved through VE, and final account settlements. Include the project stage you were involved in (pre-contract, post-contract, or full lifecycle). Show progression from measurement work to commercial management.

Should I include software skills on a Quantity Surveyor CV?

Yes — include QS-specific software (CostX, CATO, Buildsoft), Microsoft Excel (advanced), and any BIM tools you use for quantity take-off. Contract management systems and ERP platforms are also relevant. As the QS profession becomes more digital, demonstrating tech proficiency beyond Excel differentiates you from traditionally-trained surveyors.

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