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Assistant Quantity Surveyor CV Example

An assistant quantity surveyor CV highlights your cost management skills, measurement expertise, and understanding of construction contracts at an early career stage.

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Key Skills to Include

Cost EstimationBill of QuantitiesContract AdministrationNRM/SMM7Microsoft ExcelMeasurement SoftwareProcurement SupportValuation Preparation

Quick Tips

  • Highlight relevant degree qualifications in quantity surveying or construction management.
  • Include specific contract types you have worked with, such as JCT or NEC.
  • Mention experience with cost management software like CostX or Buildsoft.
  • Showcase any progress towards RICS chartership to demonstrate professional ambition.

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How to Write Your Assistant Quantity Surveyor CV

An assistant quantity surveyor CV should demonstrate your understanding of cost management principles, your ability to work with construction contracts, and your commitment to professional development. Employers want to see that you have a solid grounding in measurement, procurement, and commercial reporting, even at a junior level. Your CV should evidence both technical competence and the practical experience gained on live construction projects.

CV Structure

Use a reverse-chronological format with a profile, work experience, education, and skills sections. For each role, provide context about the project types and values you have worked on. List four to five responsibilities and two to three achievements per role. Include a professional development section highlighting your RICS APC progress and any CPD activities. Keep the document to two pages.

CV Format

Choose a clean, professional template that is easy to scan. Quantity surveying is a detail-oriented profession, so your CV formatting should reflect that attention to precision. Use consistent date formats, bullet point styles, and heading sizes throughout. Submit as a PDF to preserve formatting integrity.

CV Profile Examples

Graduate AQS

Quantity surveying graduate with two years of experience as an assistant quantity surveyor on commercial and residential construction projects valued up to £25M. Proficient in preparing cost plans, producing valuations, and assisting with final account settlements under JCT and NEC contract forms. Currently working towards RICS APC with a target assessment date within the next twelve months.

Experienced AQS

Ambitious assistant quantity surveyor with four years of experience in the main contracting sector, supporting senior surveyors on projects across social housing, education, and healthcare. Skilled in subcontract procurement, interim valuations, and change management with a strong understanding of NRM1 and NRM2 measurement rules. Keen to progress to a full quantity surveyor role within a forward-thinking construction business.

Consultancy AQS

Detail-oriented assistant quantity surveyor working within a multidisciplinary consultancy, providing cost advisory services to public and private sector clients. Experienced in preparing elemental cost plans, feasibility estimates, and tender documentation for projects ranging from £500K to £10M. Combines strong analytical skills with clear report writing to deliver accurate cost information that supports client decision-making.

Open with your qualification status, years of experience, and the sectors you have worked in. Mention the contract forms you are familiar with and your RICS APC progress. Include one key achievement or capability that sets you apart from other candidates at a similar career stage.

Key Skills for Your Assistant Quantity Surveyor CV

Cost Estimation

Preparing project cost estimates using historical data, first principles measurement, and industry benchmarking databases.

Bill of Quantities

Producing measured bills of quantities in accordance with NRM2 rules for tender and contract purposes.

Contract Administration

Supporting the administration of JCT and NEC contracts including payment notices, variations, and extensions of time.

NRM/SMM7

Applying New Rules of Measurement or Standard Method of Measurement for accurate quantity take-off and pricing.

Microsoft Excel

Building cost models, comparison spreadsheets, and valuation trackers using advanced Excel functions and formulae.

Measurement Software

Using digital take-off tools such as CostX, Bluebeam, or Buildsoft for efficient and accurate measurement from drawings.

Procurement Support

Assisting with subcontractor and supplier procurement including enquiry preparation, tender analysis, and order placement.

Valuation Preparation

Preparing interim and final valuations for inclusion in payment applications or payment certificates.

Cost Reporting

Producing cost reports, cost value reconciliations, and budget forecasts to support commercial decision-making.

Work Experience Examples

Describe the types and values of projects you have supported. Detail specific commercial tasks such as valuations, variations, procurement, and cost reporting. Quantify your achievements where possible — cost savings identified, accuracy of estimates, or improvements to commercial processes. Show progression in responsibility across your roles.

Assistant Quantity Surveyor

Thornton Construction Group

Assisted the commercial team on a portfolio of residential and education sector projects with a combined value of £45M across the Midlands region.

Responsibilities

  • Prepared monthly interim valuations and applications for payment in accordance with JCT Design and Build contract terms.
  • Produced subcontractor comparison sheets and assisted with procurement of trade packages worth up to £2M per package.
  • Measured and priced variations using NRM2 measurement rules, maintaining accurate records for final account negotiations.
  • Attended monthly site progress meetings, recording commercial actions and tracking resolution of contractual queries.
  • Maintained cost value reconciliation reports for three live projects, highlighting commercial risks to the senior quantity surveyor.

Achievements

  • Identified £85,000 in under-valued variations on a secondary school project through detailed remeasurement of groundworks packages.
  • Reduced subcontractor payment query turnaround time from ten days to four by introducing a standardised application checklist.
  • Completed the RICS APC Structured Training diary ahead of schedule with all competencies signed off by counsellor and supervisor.

Trainee Quantity Surveyor

Bridgewater Cost Consultants

Provided cost consultancy support on behalf of clients across healthcare and commercial office refurbishment projects.

Responsibilities

  • Prepared elemental cost plans at RIBA Stages 2 and 3 using BCIS data and first principles measurement.
  • Assisted with tender documentation including bills of quantities, preliminaries schedules, and employer's requirements.
  • Carried out site measurements and prepared interim payment certificates for inclusion in contract administrator reports.
  • Maintained project cost databases and contributed to benchmarking reports for the consultancy's internal knowledge library.

Achievements

  • Produced a detailed cost plan for a £4.5M GP surgery that came within 2% of the lowest tender return.
  • Passed the RICS APC Level 1 assessment at first sitting, demonstrating strong technical and professional competence.

Education & Qualifications

List your quantity surveying degree first, including the university, dates, and classification. Follow with A-levels or equivalent qualifications. If your degree is RICS-accredited, mention this explicitly. Include any dissertation topic that relates to commercial management or construction economics.

BSc Quantity Surveying (RICS Accredited)

Undergraduate degree providing the academic foundation for a career in construction cost management and consultancy.

RICS APC (In Progress)

Assessment of Professional Competence pathway towards chartered membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

CSCS Card

Construction Skills Certification Scheme card confirming competence and health and safety awareness for site access.

RICS AssocRICS

Associate membership of RICS demonstrating technical competence at an early career stage in quantity surveying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should an assistant quantity surveyor put on their CV?
Focus on the project types and values you have worked on, the commercial tasks you have carried out, and the contract forms you are familiar with. Include your RICS APC progress and any relevant software experience. Quantify achievements such as cost savings identified or accurate estimates produced. Employers want evidence of practical commercial experience, not just academic knowledge.
How important is RICS membership for an AQS CV?
Very important. Even as an assistant, demonstrating that you are on the path to RICS chartership signals your commitment to the profession. State whether you are an AssocRICS member or enrolled on the APC pathway, and mention your target assessment date. Employers in both contracting and consultancy expect quantity surveyors to work towards chartered status.
Should I mention specific contract forms on my CV?
Yes. Specifying whether you have worked with JCT, NEC, or other contract forms helps employers assess your relevance for their projects. Many roles require familiarity with a particular contract suite, so listing your experience with specific forms demonstrates practical knowledge. If you have exposure to multiple forms, mention them all to show breadth of experience.
How do I show progression on an assistant quantity surveyor CV?
Demonstrate progression by showing increasing responsibility across your roles — from basic measurement tasks to managing procurement packages or leading cost reporting. Highlight milestones such as completing APC competencies, taking on larger project values, or being trusted to manage aspects of the commercial function independently. Career growth reassures employers of your potential.

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