FACES CANDIDATE SUPPORT How we can help

Hannah Hammond Tayo Olanite

Neil is Head of Engagement at ACES. Hannah is Graduate Estates & Commercial Property Surveyor, Corporate Property – Assets and Investment, Suffolk County Council. Tayo is employed by Hyndburn Borough Council.

Introduced by Neil, Hannah and Tayo give insights into the APC experience. Congratulations to both in getting those precious MRICS letters. 

As part of the Future ACES (FACES) programme we have been offering support to candidates for their RICS Assessment of Professional Competency (APC).  In particular, we have been providing mock interviews ahead of their formal interview with the panel. We are pleased to report that the majority of candidates are passing, thanks to their dedication and the support of their employees - but we like to think we have played a small part.

I therefore asked two of the recently successful candidates, Hannah and Tayo, to give me their views on the process. Their articles are published in full below.

If you or a colleague are on the journey towards RICS qualification and are not signed up to FACES, you can do so here https://tinyurl.com/3crkj57u 

If you are signed up and would like a mock interview, just contact Neil at neil.webster@aces.org.uk .

Now lets here from the successful candidates:

Hannah

Becoming MRICS is my proudest achievement to date – not because it came easily, but because it absolutely didn’t.

I followed the apprenticeship route and, after graduating, actually deferred sitting my APC twice. Quite simply, I didn’t feel ready. When I did eventually put myself forward, I was referred on my first attempt. I found that incredibly tough – it felt like a huge setback, and if I’m honest, I seriously questioned whether I wanted to continue.

However, looking back, the feedback I received was fair, honest and ultimately invaluable. It gave me a clear picture of where I needed to improve, and I came back into the process with a completely different mindset. For my second attempt, I committed fully. I booked in regular mock interviews, revised consistently, and really drilled into the mandatory competencies and key data. I made sure I knew my case study and summary of experience inside out.

I also made good use of AI tools to support my revision, helping me structure answers, test my knowledge, and refine my understanding of key topics, and even run quick fire live revision sessions on tough topics – it even gave me constructive criticism, advising me to practice answering more concisely. Alongside that, I was incredibly fortunate to have the support of colleagues across ACES and the wider public sector, who gave up their time to run mocks and Q&A sessions. I’d also like to give a special mention to colleagues in the MOD who kindly allowed me to join their weekly APC catch-ups, despite me being nothing to do with their own organisation – that support made a real difference.

Going into my second interview, I felt much better prepared – although that didn’t make it any less nerve-wracking. When I came out, I was convinced I had failed again, and had already started thinking about taking a year out and what my next case study would be. In reality, that was just my pessimism and classic overthinking taking over. The interview had gone far more smoothly than before. I took my time, asked for questions to be rephrased where needed, and felt much more in control – something I had really struggled with previously.

Passing as a public sector candidate came with its own challenges. I was very aware that I hadn’t had exposure to the same structured APC programmes or breadth of client-side experience as some in the private sector. I had to be confident in framing my experience around the fact that my “client” is the public sector organisation I work for, and demonstrate that value clearly within my submissions.

Now, having come through the process, I can honestly say it was hard, stressful and at times quite daunting. Whether you pass first time or are referred, the journey is not easy. But the sense of relief and achievement when you finally get that result – and realise you never have to look at your APC notes again – is unmatched.

As a coordinator for FACES, I’m keen to use my experience to support others once I have the time to do so – particularly those who might feel unsure about taking the step to sit their APC, so please if you are an APC candidate not sure where to start, or simply looking for a quick chat with someone who has been there, please do reach out. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that persistence really does pay off.

Tayo

Following the final submission, you receive confirmation that your submission has been accepted, followed by notification of your interview date. At this stage, the preparation becomes more intense, and it can often feel as though you have not done enough or still have a long way to go.

After the interview comes the anxious wait for the final result. However, once the notification confirms your qualification, every stage of the journey, preparation and support received from your Counsellor or Supervisor, ACES, APC Groups become worthwhile.

I experienced each of these stages until I received the email confirming my qualification on 20 November 2025. Looking back at the 24-month structural training within the Corporate Property Department at Hyndburn Borough Council, I can confidently say that, even coming from the informed position, the process of training and bringing together all required elements to reach the final submission stage is the real journey of the APC experience. I would like to thank my counsellor Mandy Catterall (Retired) and Supervisor (Helen McCue-Melling), Phil Haslam (counsellor) and everyone at Hyndburn Borough Council who have supported me during this journey.

My APC journey formally began in 2023. Although 24 months initially seemed like a long time, but trust me, it passes very quickly. Early preparation and planning with your counsellor or supervisor regarding competencies and how you intend to achieve the required levels for each competency are crucial to success. Selecting the right competencies, identifying any gaps in workload or case experience, and understanding what is required to achieve Level 2 or Level 3 competency are all extremely important. Where necessary, opportunities for secondments or shadowing within another firm to gain additional experience should be discussed and agreed upon early with your counsellor. Regular or quarterly meetings with your counsellor to review workload, alongside Q&A’s sessions, are invaluable. These discussions help to build confidence, identify knowledge gaps, and assess how effectively competencies are being met throughout the training period.

I am particularly grateful to ACES members for their prompt support in arranging a mock interview session, despite my request being made at very short notice and close to the interview date. The mock interview, conducted by experienced professionals, significantly boosted my confidence ahead of the APC interview, and they provided valuable feedback that I was able to work on before the final assessment.

For success throughout the APC journey and at interview stage, I would strongly advise candidates to start preparing early. Keep detailed records of examples and cases you have worked on, ensuring you understand how they align with the required competency levels. Joining APC support groups or reaching out to organisations such as ACES to assist with APC group sessions and Q&A discussions can also be highly beneficial. In addition, attending APC-related CPD events, contacting RICS early if you have concerns, and maintaining regular communication with your counsellor or supervisor regarding your progress are all important steps. Regular workload reviews and Q&A sessions will help ensure that you continue to develop towards the required competency levels.

Most importantly, know your submission thoroughly before the interview. Confidence comes from preparation, understanding your experience, and being able to discuss your competencies clearly and professionally.