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.
How to write a Quantity Surveyor CV
A Quantity Surveyor CV must establish your RICS status and project pedigree immediately. If you hold MRICS, display it after your name — it is the gold standard for QS professionals in the UK. If you are progressing through your APC, state your current competency level and expected assessment date. Chartership significantly influences both hiring decisions and salary expectations in UK construction.
Your personal statement should name your sector (residential, commercial, infrastructure, fit-out), the contract forms you work with (JCT, NEC), and the project value range you manage: "MRICS Quantity Surveyor with 8 years in commercial construction, managing the cost function for projects valued up to £45M under NEC3 and JCT Design & Build contracts, consistently delivering projects within 3% of budget."
In the experience section, present each role with a project list showing the project name (if public), value, sector, contract form, and your specific contribution. A common mistake is describing QS work in generic terms — "managed project costs" — without specifying whether you were doing pre-contract estimating, post-contract cost control, or final account settlement. Be precise: "Prepared bills of quantities for 20+ projects with combined value of £120M, achieving 97% average tender accuracy."
List your measurement and cost-planning software (CostX, CATO, Buildsoft, Causeway), your knowledge of NRM 1/2/3, and any BIM experience for quantity take-off. Include your subcontractor management experience — number of subcontractors managed, compensation events processed, and final account outcomes. If you have mentored graduate QSs through their APC or contributed to industry bodies (RICS, CIOB), mention it. Keep the CV to two pages and ensure your budget performance figures and project values are immediately scannable.
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
Example experience bullets for a Quantity Surveyor
Use these as inspiration — always tailor bullets to your own experience and achievements.
Tailor your CV for a Quantity Surveyor position
Upload your CV and a job description. Our AI will tailor your CV in under 60 seconds — optimised for ATS and UK recruiters.
Tailor my CV nowFrequently 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.