APC — Commercial Property Practice Test

Focus roughly 60% of your time on the core competencies (valuation, landlord and tenant, inspection, measurement, property management) and mandatory competencies (ethics, client care, communication, data management), as these form the foundation of most questions. Dedicate 25% to the optional competencies you have chosen, and 15% to practicing the case study format. For the case study, practice writing structured responses that clearly address the scenario, reference relevant competencies, and demonstrate professional judgment.

Optional competencies are tested at a level that requires applied knowledge, not just definitions. For example, if you choose building pathology, you may be asked to diagnose a defect from a description and recommend remedial action. If you choose auctioneering, expect questions on auction strategy, legal requirements, and bidder management. You should be prepared to answer at the same depth as your chosen optional competency pathway requires for the final APC.

Start by reading the case study carefully and identifying the key issues and the competencies being tested. Outline your response before writing, grouping related points under clear headings. Use the first paragraph to summarize your understanding of the situation and your proposed approach. Then, address each issue systematically, referencing relevant rules, regulations, and professional standards. Conclude with a clear recommendation or action plan. Leave time to review for clarity, spelling, and professional tone.

Ethics questions are typically scenario-based, presenting a dilemma such as a conflict of interest, confidentiality breach, or pressure to misrepresent data. You will be asked to identify the ethical issue, reference the relevant rule from the RICS Rules of Conduct, and explain the correct course of action. These questions test your ability to apply principles, not just recite them. Always consider the client's best interests, public trust, and your professional obligations.

Yes, a basic non-programmable calculator is typically permitted for questions involving valuation calculations, floor area measurements, or financial analysis. However, you should be comfortable performing calculations manually and understanding the underlying principles, as some questions may test your reasoning without requiring a precise numerical answer. Practice with the same calculator you will use in the exam to avoid errors under time pressure.