Common APC Mistakes That Lead to Deferral or Referral

Introduction

Deferral or referral at Final Assessment is rarely caused by a single major flaw. In most cases, it comes down to a handful of common mistakes that could have been avoided with clearer alignment to RICS requirements. Understanding where candidates typically go wrong can help you approach your submission with greater confidence—and significantly improve your chances of success

Common APC Mistakes That Lead to Deferral or Referral

One of the most frequent issues assessors see is misaligned competency evidence. Candidates often claim experience at a higher level than they can clearly demonstrate, particularly at Level 3, where reasoned advice and professional judgement are required.

Another common mistake is a weak or descriptive case study. Successful case studies focus on decision-making, challenges, and outcomes, rather than providing a project summary. Assessors want to understand your role, not just what happened.

Poor structure and clarity can also undermine an otherwise solid submission. If assessors struggle to follow your experience or understand your contribution, confidence in your competence is reduced.

Finally, insufficient ethical awareness—whether in the ethics module, case study, or final assessment answers—remains a key reason for referral. Ethics is fundamental to the profession and must be demonstrated consistently throughout your submission.

Avoiding these mistakes doesn’t require exceptional experience—just clear evidence, honest reflection, and a thorough understanding of what assessors are looking for.