AIQS Competency Standards 2011
AIQS Competency Standards 2011
AIQS Competency Standards 2011
COMPETENCY STANDARDS
FOR
QUANTITY SURVEYORS
CONSTRUCTION ECONOMISTS
AND
COST ENGINEERS
AMENDMENTS
Record all amendments here
ISBN 1-876389-02-8
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COMPETENCY STANDARDS FOR QUANTITY SURVEYORS
INTRODUCTION
The Competency Standards for Quantity Surveyors October 1997 Revised October 2005 provides the
basis for the development and evaluation of the level of competency of Quantity Surveyors for the
Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors worldwide.
The competencies described in this publication cover the broad range of expertise provided by the
modern Quantity Surveyor and extends beyond some of the more traditional Quantity Surveying
services.
Competency has been defined as the ability to perform the activities within an occupation to the
standard expected for employment.
Certain competencies are essential and provide the core requirements of a competent Quantity
Surveyor. These core requirements will change from time to time as the profession meets the
demands for diversified new services. However, in order to clarify the current position, these
Standards have been divided into Core (i.e. essential) units and Specialist (i.e. optional) units of
competency.
Education bodies seeking accreditation for courses in Construction Economics and Quantity
Surveying will be expected to provide an appropriate level of education that satisfies these core units
of competency.
These Standards should also be read in conjunction with the National Competency Standards Policy
and Guidelines published by the National Training Board of Australia.
The National Training Board Policy and Guidelines provide background information together with
guidance on how to use the Standards.
The development of competency standards for the profession serves many purposes, but
fundamentally provide the profession with the opportunity to:
Evaluate the training programs available to those wishing to enter the profession,
Review the skills of practitioners and organisations, and identify their training needs.
They may also be used to identify skills which will be needed in the future, directions for professional
development and registration requirements.
These Standards have been prepared under the auspices of The Australian Institute of Quantity
Surveyors (AIQS), the regulatory body of the Quantity Surveying profession, whose mission is to:
DEVELOP and maintain standards of excellence and best practice in the profession;
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Membership of the Institute is restricted to those with appropriate educational or practical
qualifications and who have demonstrated the required level of professional competence after a
required work experience period. Corporate membership is open to Quantity Surveyors, Building or
Construction Economists, Cost Engineers, Cost Estimators and Facility Cost Managers. Students
and other related professionals are eligible for non-corporate membership.
Quantity Surveyors are key professionals in the construction industry and their clients include
financiers, developers, government agencies, building proprietors, investors, insurance assessors,
architects, and contractors. They can be involved in estimating, cost planning, cost management,
procurement management, contract administration, feasibility studies and asset financial management
and all activities related to making the financial operation of the property and construction industries
as effective and efficient for the various stakeholders.
Quantity Surveyors perform the role of cost management throughout the life of a project from the
concept stage through acquisition and operation and finally to disposal. The Quantity Surveyor in the
role of cost manager is a competent and experienced person who will safeguard the clients interests
and manage the process to minimise contractual claims and unexpected financial pressures on the
budget.
The following competency standards describe the skills required by Quantity Surveyors in providing
professional services to the property and construction industries and are broken down into units of
competency.
Each unit of competency describes in broad terms a particular element of a Quantity Surveyors
function in terms of performance criteria, range indicators and evidence guides.
Performance criteria specify the outcomes to demonstrate acceptable performance achieved for each
element of competency.
Range indicators frame the boundaries within which the performance criteria apply.
Evidence guides give an indication of tangible results that confirm satisfactory demonstration of
competence.
Entry or Graduate level Quantity Surveyors first demonstrate acquisition of these competencies by
successful completion of their tertiary degree course. This enables them to proceed to
Probationer/Entry Graduate level where these competencies are improved and expanded through
supervised on the job training and experience over a minimum of two years. Their competencies
are then reassessed by the Institute through a review process and attendance at an Assessment of
Professional Competence interview, which they must pass before proceeding to Associate/Member
level.
Associates and Fellows may acquire the additional competencies through further formal education
(post graduate studies), continuing professional development or in-house training and work
experience.
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COMPETENCY STANDARDS FOR QUANTITY SURVEYORS
OCTOBER 2005
GENERAL
BASIC SKILLS
PROJECT COST MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
DESIGN COST MANAGEMENT, COST PLANNING & COST ENGINEERING
CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION
POST CONTRACT SERVICES
SUPPORT SYSTEM COMPETENCIES
ASSET FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
SPECIALISED MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors wishes to acknowledge the contribution of a special
task force established by the Institute in 1995 under the direction of the Institutes President,
Professor Dennis Lenard LFAIQS, which resulted in a draft set of standards in August 1995.
These standards were then further researched, developed and edited by Dr Alan Bowen-James,
Senior Research Scientist with the Faculty of Design, Architecture and building, University of
Technology, Sydney.
Final development and review was carried out by Martin Hinds a Life Fellow of the Institute.
The Institute in 2005 agreed to bring these standards into line with the PAQS standards. This review
and subsequent revisions was carried out by Robert Little FAIQS, passed Vice President and passed
Chairman of the OverSeas Committee.
CAVEAT
The many competencies described in this publication may be acquired by individual Quantity
Surveyors over a lifetime of professional practice, education and training.
Most Quantity Surveyors should have attained the competencies listed as core or essential, either
after graduation from their tertiary course and in their first five to ten years of on the job training in
approved employment under approved supervision.
A number of other competencies are specialised and therefore optional and might only be acquired by
Quantity Surveyors working in a specific area or on particular projects.
It is therefore unlikely that all these competencies will be found in any one Quantity Surveyor.
However, in many Quantity Surveying practices the balance of these competencies is likely to be
provided by pooling all the skills of the various staff.
The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) publishes a Members Business Register which
lists the services provided by members practices. People seeking Quantity Surveying services
should refer to that register and ascertain directly that the members concerned are able to provide the
skills or competencies required for a particular task.
DEFINITIONS
Basic Skills Skills which need to be acquired during tertiary education and are
part of the Core Competencies.
Core Competencies Required skills of a competent Quantity Surveyor.
Specialist Competencies Skills gained in areas akin to Quantity Surveying, which may
become primary business functions.
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BASIC SKILLS
The basic characteristics of the skills that lead to a competent Quantity Surveyor are:
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understand and apply basic computer skills relevant to area
of practice
understand the use and relevance of information
technology.
These basic skills form the platform from which a competent Quantity Surveyor can develop and are an integral
part of the various units of competence.
These abilities and knowledge may be developed during tertiary education or by personal development. Some
may be included as modules of Quantity Surveying courses.
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PROJECT COST MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
Competencies in the various performance criteria will be demonstrated in the execution of typical work
undertaken as a professional Quantity Surveyor. The work in question will call for the application of extensive
knowledge appropriate to the discipline. Such knowledge will normally be acquired through a structured program
of education to degree level incorporating training and work experience.
This activity would be based on a clear understanding of the processes involved and includes:
Additional range indicators for specific competencies are included where required.
Communication and computing skills would also be applied in conjunction with these competencies.
Discrimination between the application of this unit at the levels of Entry Graduate (Probationer), Associate (or
Member) and Fellow is chiefly in terms of the level of autonomy or supervision of the work required and the
degree of leadership exercised. The type of projects on which the practitioner has worked and the range of
experience would also be taken into account.
The Entry Graduate (or Probationer) would demonstrate these competencies in work undertaken under the
supervision of a more senior practitioner. The Entry Graduate would be able to work effectively and develop
through experience and added responsibility the ability to work under general guidance on the accepted range of
work carried out by a professional Quantity Surveyor.
Associate/Member
The Associate would demonstrate these competencies in the course of work associated with the application of
appropriate knowledge to recognised tasks either self managed or senior practitioner supervised activities. The
Associate would have had varied experience and worked on a range of projects.
Fellow
Competencies would be demonstrated in the course of undertaking tasks associated with the self managed
application of appropriate knowledge to recognised tasks and leadership of others in the performance of the
professional activities. The Fellow would be expected to have had considerable experience and demonstrated
competency over a wide range of projects.
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PROJECT COST MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
Evidence Guide
Evidence of successful achievement of these competencies would be effective and efficient management or
implementation of the particular competencys process and the setting up and application of appropriate systems
for monitoring of activities.
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PROJECT COST MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
Project cost management involves various cost management and procurement procedures to ensure that the
Client's budget is properly established and maintained.
strategies for gathering data and carrying out research on current construction costs and
future predictions
analysis of data relating to costing, budgeting and cashflows including financial
implications of various options
use of appropriate analysis and evaluation techniques in reporting to the Client
application of principles of cost management and elemental cost analysis
1.1 Provide strategic advice on the 1.1.1 Various techniques for value optimisation
costs and benefits of various established and implemented
courses of action on a construction
project 1.1.2 Advice on various courses of action provided
1.2 Conduct economic and financial 1.2.1 Relevant financial and economic data collected
analyses for the life of a
construction project 1.2.2 Financial and economic data analysed for life of
project
1.3 Provide input into the development 1.3.1 Relevant data collected
of the project brief
1.3.2 Input into project brief provided
1.5 Prepare cost benefit analyses 1.5.1 Data for cost benefit analyses accessed and
evaluated
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ELEMENT PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
2.4 Establish budget for 2.4.1 Cost budgets for all contracts
project prepared and established
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PROJECT COST MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
3.3 Assess and advise on the 3.3.1 Cost estimates reviewed and
accuracy of cost evaluated
estimates
3.3.2 Advice provided on accuracy
of estimates
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PROJECT COST MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
4.1 Establish project cost 4.1.1 Project cost objectives clarified with Client, colleagues and other
objectives and parameters appropriate personnel
4.2 Access data to produce 4.2.1 Appropriate data gathering structures and relevant schedules developed
estimate/indicative costs
4.2.2 Data for cost estimates/indicative costs collected and evaluated
4.3 Analyse time related cost 4.3.1 Time related cost data analysed
data
4.4 Undertake project cost 4.4.1 Project cost estimate completed using time-related cost data
estimate
4.5 Analyse and advise on 4.5.1 Analyses of design construction details completed
various alternative design
solutions 4.5.2 Design solutions evaluated
4.6 Prepare project 4.6.1 Implementation and procurement plan clearly specified
implementation and
procurement plan 4.6.2 Stages of the project identified with defined outcomes
4.7 Prepare cost plan 4.7.1 Documentation input into cost plan prepared based on sound principles
and accepted practice
4.8 Undertake scope audit 4.8.1 Scope audit undertaken based on sound principles and accepted
practice
4.9 Provide advice to Clients 4.9.1 Involvement in on-going planning/review cycle maintained
on estimate, cost
alternatives and cost plan 4.9.2 Advice on cost plan provided to Client based on analysis of data
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PROJECT COST MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
Contract Documentation and Procurement involves the various processes by which a construction contract is
achieved including the use of the appropriate project delivery system and standard form of contract, the method of
tendering and contractor selection, the provision of bills of quantities and the subsequent acceptance of a tender.
Strategies for gathering data and carrying out research on project delivery systems,
contractor selection and forms of contract.
Analysis of data including financial implications of various options.
Use of appropriate analysis and evaluation techniques in reporting to Client.
Methods of construction and analysis of buildability.
Appropriate recording and documentation of information including registration of
interest, preparation of bills of quantities and work breakdown structures.
Dispute resolution procedures.
5.1 Collect information required to 5.1.1 Clients objectives established and confirmed
specify procurement
requirements 5.1.2 Objectives of process specified
5.2 Evaluate project delivery systems 5.2.1 Project delivery systems reviewed
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PROJECT COST MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
6.1 Establish Client 6.1.1 Client objectives, risk acceptance and other factors
requirements and advise on assessed
alternative contract
document types 6.1.2 Alternative contract document types explained to Client
6.2 Recommend and agree 6.2.1 Alternative method of measurement types explained to
method of measurement Client
and input document
requirements 6.2.2 Expected quality and timing of input documents
assessed
6.3 Develop management plan 6.3.1 Trade or other document breakdown determined
for resources and other
requirements 6.3.2 Appropriate resource levels quantified and allocated
6.4 Access and distribute input 6.4.1 Input documents validated and registered
documents
6.4.2 Input documents distributed to Quantity Surveying team
6.5 Prepare Bill of Quantities 6.5.1 Measurement (software) system established and set up
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PROJECT COST MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
6.7 Undertake quantity and 6.7.1 Input document discrepancies and/or omissions noted
other checks and queried during measurement
6.8 Prepare Addenda as 6.8.1 Final Bill adjusted for corrections to input documents and
required errors and/or omissions
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PROJECT COST MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
7.1 Manage tendering process 7.1.1 Tender and contract documents prepared
7.2 Prepare documentation inputs 7.2.1 Advice on appropriate tender documentation provided
to the tender
7.2.2 Bills of Quantities or work breakdown structures to aid
tendering process prepared
7.4 Advise on the selection of 7.4.1 Tenderers proposals and credentials analysed
tenderers against criteria
7.5 Evaluate and award of 7.5.1 Data gathered using appropriate structures and
tenders procedures
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CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
Contract administration involves effective cost management of the project during the construction phase including
preparation of cost management documents, management of cashflow including progress payments and rise and
fall calculations, negotiation of claims and scope changes, dispute resolution and progressive reporting to the
Client.
Analysis of the financial implications of construction process, rise and fall calculations
and outcomes of negotiations on variations and claims.
Application of principles of contract administration
Strategies for gathering data and carrying out research on current trends in contract
administration
Analysis of data relating to contract performance and cashflows
A thorough understanding of dispute resolution procedures.
8.1 Prepare construction cost 8.1.1 Cost management document prepared (priced bill of
management document quantities or priced work breakdown structure)
8.2 Manage cash flow during 8.2.1 Parameters relating to cash flow established
construction
8.2.2 Data accessed, processed and evaluated
8.3 Recommend progress 8.3.1 Procedures for handling progress payments developed and
payments during implemented
construction phase
8.3.2 Reports from specialist consultants obtained and evaluated
CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
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8.4 Clarify the extent of rise and 8.4.1 Sound data gathering techniques employed
fall costs and access data
8.4.2 All required data accessed
8.6 Conduct negotiations on 8.6.1 Negotiation carried out based on sound preparation and accurate
adjustment of rise and fall data
costs
8.6.2 Negotiation conducted in a professional manner to achieve
acceptable outcomes
8.7 Prepare progressive 8.7.1 Format for progressive financial reports developed
financial reports during
construction phase 8.7.2 Required financial information accessed and analysed
8.8 Arrange settlement of 8.8.1 Relevant data collected, analysed and evaluated
accounts during
construction phase 8.8.2 Report compiled and negotiation undertaken
8.9 Communicate with Client 8.9.1 Client kept informed at all stages
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PROJECT COST MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
9.1 Establish extent of 9.1.1 Proposed and actual scope change clarified
proposed and actual
scope changes 9.1.2 Parameters and objectives clarified;
9.2 Collect all data relevant 9.2.1 Data gathering structure and schedules
to scope changes established
9.4 Manage cost claims 9.4.1 Procedures for handling cost claims
during construction developed and implemented
9.5 Communicate with Client 9.5.1 Client kept informed at all stages
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PROJECT COST MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
10.1 Establish background and collect 10.1.1 Relevant data collected, analysed and
all data relevant to claim evaluated
10.2 Conduct negotiation on claim 10.2.1 Key issues for each party identified
settlement
10.2.2 Best/worst case scenarios for each party
identified
10.3 Prepare claim and resolution 10.3.1 Client kept informed at all stages
status report for Client
10.3.2 Client briefed on best/worst case
scenarios
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PROJECT COST MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
FINANCIAL AUDIT
Financial audit involves an independent assessment that risk is being effectively managed to the satisfaction of
the Client or their financier.
The audit service provides a level of confidence for the Client/financier in terms of the containment of risk from
both financial and management aspects.
time control
financial control
strategies for gathering data and carrying out research on legal and financial issues
analysis of data including risk implications
use of appropriate analysis and evaluation techniques in reporting to Client
11.1 Establish project objectives and 11.1.1 Project objectives clarified in discussion
parameters with Client or their financier
11.3 Confirm interface with 11.3.1. Formal arrangements for interface with
consultants, contractors and others arranged
other relevant data providers
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PROJECT COST MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
FINANCIAL AUDIT
11.4 Establish reporting 11.4.1 Reporting format confirmed with the Client
details including level of supporting
documentation
11.5 Implement financial audit 11.5.1 Initial financial audit completed in relation
to design documentation, compliance
issues and project delivery
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PROJECT COST MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
RESOURCE ANALYSIS
Resource analysis involves carrying out various studies in construction resource management including
associated productivity estimates/forecasts and subsequent monitoring of performance.
strategies for gathering data and carrying out research on resource factors
analysis of data including financial implications
use of appropriate analysis and evaluation techniques in reporting to Client
12.3 Prepare resource and productivity 12.3.1 Resource usage reports prepared
usage reports
12.3.2 Productivity reports prepared
12.5 Develop and implement 12.5.1 Procedures for data gathering developed
appropriate procedure for data
gathering 12.5.2 Data gathering implemented
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SUPPORT COMPETENCIES
Support competencies involve numerous skills that are necessary to be acquired in order to effectively practice
the various services of a Quantity Surveyor, including measuring techniques, design and construction
methodologies, environmental issues identification, quasi legal matters, general business management, service
back up in computer software and hardware, research and development and an effective cost database.
Competence in support competencies will be demonstrated in the execution of typical work undertaken as a
professional Quantity Surveyor. The work in question will call for the application of extensive knowledge
appropriate to the discipline. Such knowledge will normally be acquired through a structured program of
education to degree level incorporating training and work experience.
This activity would be based on a clear understanding of the processes involved in the carrying out of associated
competencies including:
strategies for acquiring knowledge relating to regulations and legal requirements, research and data
gathering
analysis of associated data
methods of measurement
business management techniques
use of appropriate analysis and evaluation techniques
13.1 Use computers to input and 13.1.1 General skills in the use and care of computing
access information relating to hardware and software demonstrated
the full range of Quantity
Surveying applications 13.1.2 Computers used to access, enter and process
information
13.2. Use standard application 13.2.1 Word processing programs used to produce
packages in the management professional quality reports
and presentation of information
relating to construction 13.2.2 Electronic spreadsheets used to prepare schedules.
economics activities
13.2.3 Statistical packages use to manage and process
statistical data
13.3 Use computer packages for 13.3.1 Computer software for cost planning and cost
specific construction management used to achieve the most beneficial and
economics applications professional outcomes for the Client
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SUPPORT COMPETENCIES
14.2 Acquire knowledge of the 14.2.1 Knowledge of principles of building science demonstrated,
principals of the science of in respect of heat, light and sound
construction
14.2.2 Knowledge of principles of building science in relation to
structures demonstrated including analysis, design and
stability
14.4 Interpret building 14.4.1 Building plans, specifications, construction codes and
documentation regulations interpreted
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SUPPORT COMPETENCIES
16.1 Understand legal 16.1.1 Knowledge of previous arbitration case histories demonstrated
principles involved in
arbitration proceedings 16.1.2 Successful previous arbitration history or participation under
supervision in previous successful arbitration demonstrated
16.2 Manage the preliminary 16.2.1 Agreement to refer the dispute to arbitration documented
conference based on
knowledge of arbitration 16.2.2 Nature of proceedings and running costs negotiated
process and legal
principles 16.2.3 Legal representation of parties decided
16.3 Prepare material for the 16.3.1 Timetable for hearing of dispute prepared
hearing
16.3.2 Points of claim and defence listed
16.4 Conduct the 16.4.1 Proceedings of the hearing conducted in accordance with legal
hearing principles and knowledge of the arbitration process
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SUPPORT COMPETENCIES
16.6 Prepare award 16.6.1 Award written in accordance with accepted principles based on the
stated case
16.7 Determine costs 16.7.1 Costs determined based on knowledge of contracting methods and
business finance
17.3 Brief counsel and solicitors 17.3.1 Basis of evidence and methodology explained
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SUPPORT COMPETENCIES
COMPETENCY STANDARD UNIT 17 - EXPERT WITNESS / EVIDENCE (SPECIALIST UNIT)
(CONTINUED)
17.4 Give evidence 17.4.1 Concise and clear presentation given, based on complete
and thorough knowledge of the matter
(a) COMMUNICATION
18a.1 Communicate effectively with 18a.1.1 Technical information clearly and accurately
colleagues, Clients, suppliers communicated
and contractors
18a.1.2 Appropriate means of communication selected for a
variety of situations, instructions given and received
accurately
18a.2 Access, organise and analyse 18a.2.1 Research undertaken to access information of a technical
information to provide the basis and financial nature
for written reports and
presentations 18a.2.2 Information for reports and presentations organised in a
coherent and logical way for oral or written presentation
18a.4 Write reports 18a.4.1 Material logically organised for inclusion in a report
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SUPPORT COMPETENCIES
COMPETENCY STANDARD UNIT 18 - BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (SPECIALIST UNIT)
18a.5 Take part in formal and 18a.5.1 Formal meeting procedure adhered to when
informal meetings appropriate
18b.1 Establish and maintain 18b.1.1 Data collected from empirical observations, other bodies,
information systems technical and scientific literature and existing buildings for
storage and retrieval
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SUPPORT COMPETENCIES
COMPETENCY STANDARD UNIT 18 - BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (SPECIALIST UNIT)
18c.3 Assume professional 18c.3.1 Potential professional risks and liabilities recognised
responsibility for own
actions
18d.2 Plan and implement training 18d.2.1 Training needs of staff determined
programs
18d.2.2 Training manual produced and regularly updated
18d.3 Understand and apply 18d.3.1 Principle of law of employee / employer relationship
principle of industrial law understood and applied
and industrial relations
18d.3.2 Effective resolution of staff disputes carried out
(e) MARKETING
18e.1 Prepare market plan and 18e.1.1 Marketing needs assessed and marketing strategy
implement effectively reviewed
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SUPPORT COMPETENCIES
(f) ACCOUNTING
18g.1.4 Mental and physical fitness sustained at a level which enable work
performance requirements to be met
18g.2 Negotiate, plan and 18g.2.1 Competing demands assessed and organised to achieve individual
organise personal team and organisation priorities
work priorities
18g.2.2 Events managed to accomplish individual, team and organisations
goals and objectives and project requirements
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SUPPORT COMPETENCIES
18g.3 Develop and 18g.3.1 Personal strengths and weaknesses assessed to determine
maintain personal personal development priorities
competence
18g.3.2 Feedback on performance used to identify and develop ways to
improve knowledge and skills
18g.4 Access and share 18g.4.1 Sources of data identified and accessed to ensure that relevant
relevant information is available to work groups
information
18g.4.2 Legislation, codes of practice and organisational policies and
practices assessed to identify the provisions relevant to the
workplace
18g.5 Plan and 18g.5.1 Requirements and guidelines discussed with colleagues to establish
introduce procedures appropriate to the work group
processes to
implement 18g.5.2 Responsibilities of individuals and work groups in developing a safe
workplace and fair workplace agreed and understood
requirement
18g.5.3 Support provided to colleagues to ensure that they understand and
implement their rights and responsibilities
18g.6 Understand 18g.6.1 Legislation, codes of practice and organisational policies and
employment law practices assessed to identify the provisions relevant to the
and statutory workplace
industrial issues
18g.7 Promote 18g.7.1 Responsibilities of individuals and work groups in developing a safe
continuous and fair workplace understood
improvement
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SUPPORT COMPETENCIES
18g.8 Monitor and 18g.8.1 Work performed in a safe and fair environment
adjust
performance 18g.8.2 Potential and actual problems identified and rectified promptly and
decisively
18g.9 Investigate non 18g.9.1 Accidents and incidents investigated and dealt with according to
conformance agreed procedures and processes
18h.1 Convey and receive 18h.1.1 Ideas presented and expressed in individual and group
information and ideas situations, using appropriate communication techniques
18h.2 Develop trust and 18h.2.1 People treated with integrity, respect and empathy
confidence
18h.2.2 High personal, ethical and organisational standards
demonstrated and promoted
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SUPPORT COMPETENCIES
18h.3 Project a professional 18h.3.1 High personal, ethical and organisational standards
image demonstrated and promoted
18h.4 Build and maintain 18h.4.1 Networking used in internal and external environments to
networks and identify and build relationships
relationships
18h.4.2 Networking and other work relationships maintained and
used to provide identifiable benefits for the team,
organisation and Client
18h.5 Negotiate positive 18h.5.1 Problems identified and analysed, and action taken to rectify
outcomes to rectify the situation with minimal disruption to performance
difficulties
18h.5.2 Industrial relations issues handled within the organisations
processes and procedures
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SUPPORT COMPETENCIES
COMPETENCY STANDARD UNIT 19 - RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (SPECIALIST UNIT)
19.2 Formulate concepts for 19.2.1 Promising concepts examined and evaluated
development
19.2.2 Requirements for development identified
20.3 Set up database 20.3.1 Database selected to satisfy cost information requirements
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SUPPORT COMPETENCIES
COMPETENCY STANDARD UNIT 20 - COST INFORMATION DATABASE (SPECIALIST UNIT)
(CONTINUED)
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ASSET FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
Asset financial management involves independent advice on the cost of ownership of property particularly in the
areas of feasibility, tax, audits, life cycle cost analysis and technical due diligence.
research and data gathering strategies related to the collection of predictive information
analysis of data on property cycles
the use of appropriate methodologies to analyse supply and demand statistics
use of appropriate analysis and evaluation techniques including discounted cash flows and
sensitivity analyses
appropriate recording and documentation practice particularly in relation to compilation of data on
completed projects
21.4 Communicate outcomes 21.4.1 Client given accurate information and advice
of study to Client leading to acceptable functional and financial
outcomes
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ASSET FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
Life Cycle Cost Analyses involves various considerations of the total cost of ownership over the whole life of a
property asset.
strategies for accessing data relating to life cycle and cost in use information and research
analysis of data for preparation of life cycle costs
use of appropriate analysis and evaluation techniques
22.1 Establish project objectives 22.1.1 Project objectives clarified in discussion with
and parameters Client and other consultants
22.1 Confirm data elements 22.2.1 Data elements affecting life cycle costs
determined
22.2 Establish data projection information 22.2.1 Escalation and discounting factors
established and financial projections
confirmed
22.3 Establish time aspect over which 22.3.1 Time aspect confirmed including importance
analysis process is to be considered or otherwise of short, medium and long term
projections
22.4 Establish data sources and collection 22.4.1 Data sources and validity of data clarified
and confirmation process
22.5 Confirm reporting format layout 22.5.1 Reporting requirements confirmed with the
and presentation Client
22.6 Complete life cycle cost analysis 22.6.1 Life cycle cost analysis completed
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ASSET FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
Tax Depreciation involves the calculation of appropriate tax depreciation write offs of all eligible items.
research and data gathering strategies and structures as applied to information relating to tax
depreciation including latest government tax rulings
analysis of data and financial implications
use of appropriate analysis and evaluation techniques in preparation of estimates of value of items
and construction costs including appropriate fees, site charge, sales tax, import duties etc.
the construction and financial practices of the industry.
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ASSET FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS
Quantity Surveyors are involved in a number of special assessments including calculation of taxes, stamp duties,
rates and charges associated with property as well as replacement cost estimates for insurance purposes and
tenancy reinstatement estimates.
Sales Tax Assessments involve calculation of the appropriate tax on the sale value of goods
manufactured in Australia including flow on of appropriate exemption benefits.
Stamp Duty Assessments involve calculation of the appropriate State imposed duty on the transfer of
interest in land.
Land Tax Assessments involve calculation of the appropriate State imposed tax based upon the
unimproved value of all land owned by taxpayers including lodgement of objections to the relevant State
body.
Capital Gains Tax Assessments involve calculation of the appropriate tax on capital gains on property
assets acquired after September 1985.
Local Authority Rate Assessments involve calculation of the appropriate rates on property assets as
levied by appropriate local governments based upon valuations established by the Valuer General in
accordance with the relevant State Act.
Body Corporate Charge Assessments involve calculation of the appropriate charge common to all unit
holders as defined by the Body Corporate under the relevant State Act.
Replacement Cost Estimates involve calculation of the appropriate building cost for insurance or
valuation purposes including any specific exclusions and allowances for time related impacts.
Competencies in various special assessments will be demonstrated in the execution of typical work undertaken
as a professional Quantity Surveyor. The work in question will call for the application of extensive knowledge
appropriate to the discipline. Such knowledge will normally be acquired through a structured program of
education to degree level incorporating training and work experience.
This activity would be based on a clear understanding of the processes involved in the carrying out of specialised
assessments including:
strategies for accessing data relating to regulations and legal requirements, research and data
gathering
analysis of data for preparation of estimates for tax and insurance purposes
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ASSET FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
COMPETENCY STANDARD UNIT 24 - SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS (SPECIALIST UNIT)
24a.1 Confirm the service objectives 24a.1.1 Service objectives clarified in discussion with
and strategy the Client and other appropriate personnel
24a.2 Confirm interface with contractor 24a.2.1 Arrangements between Client and Contractors
and sub-contractors established and confirmed
24a.3 Establish reporting format 24a.3.1 Reporting format confirmed in line with Clients
brief
24a.4 Complete sales tax assessment 24a.4.1 Sales tax assessment completed
24b.1 Confirm the service objectives 24b.1.1 Service objectives determined with the Client
and advisers
24b.3 Establish reporting format 24b.3.1 Reporting format confirmed with the Client
24b.4 Complete stamp duty assessment 24b.4.1 Stamp duty assessment completed
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ASSET FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS
24c.1 Confirm the service objectives 24c.1.1 Service objectives determined with the Client and
and strategy advisers
24c.2 Confirm interface with 24c.2.1 Limitations of the service to be provided clearly
other professional defined including the interface with any
consultants conjunctional services to be provided by others
24c.3 Establish reporting details 24c.3.1 Reporting format confirmed in line with Clients
brief
24c.4 Complete land tax assessment 24c.4.1 Land tax assessment completed
24d.1 Confirm the service objectives 24d.1.1 Service objectives determined with the Client and
advisers
24d.2 Confirm the cost base of 24d.2.1 Cost base of assets confirmed based on
assets purchase established at a given point in time,
including all eligible purchasing costs such as
stamp duty charges, legal costs, real estate
costs and similar
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ASSET FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS
24d.4 Confirm interface with 24d.4.1 Impact on the service provisions of any
other professional interface requirement confirmed with other
consultants professional consultants
24d.5 Establish reporting 24d.5.1 Reporting format confirmed in line with Clients
details brief
24d.6 Complete capital gains 24d.6.1 Capital gains tax assessment completed
tax assessment
24e.1 Confirm the service objectives 24e.1.1 Service objectives determined with the Client and
and strategy advisers
24e.2 Confirm interface with 24e.2.1 Limitations of the service to be provided clearly
other professional defined including interface with any
consultants conjunctional service to be provided by others
24e.3 Establish reporting 24e.3.1 Reporting format confirmed in line with Clients
details brief
24e.4 Complete local authority rates 24e.4.1 Local authority rates assessment completed
assessment
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ASSET FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS
24f.1 Confirm the service objectives 24f.1.1 Service objectives clarified with the Client
24f.2 Define common areas to be assessed 24f.2.1 Charges for operating and maintaining discreetly
different common areas of the property defined,
eg., exterior of buildings, external common areas,
external services, carparking, entry foyer, lobby
areas, plant rooms and similar
24f.3 Define common charges to be 24f.3.1 Charges for operating and maintaining the
assessed common areas defined, eg., insurance, painting,
cleaning, servicing, heating, cooling, lighting,
sharing of installation costs and similar
24f.4 Establish reporting format 24f.4.1 Reporting format confirmed with the Client
including level of detail required
24f.5 Complete body corporate charge 24f.5.1 Body corporate charge assessment completed
assessment
24g.1 Establish service objectives 24g.1.1 Service objectives clarified with the Client
including any diversification from standard practice
24g.2 Confirm extent of service 24g.2.1 Extent of service confirmed including demolition of
existing building, re-design documentation, re-
construction including or excluding tenancy fit-
outs.
Note: Where buildings of historical significance are
involved replacement with a contemporary
equivalent may be proposed
24g.3 Confirm time frames 24g.3.1 Time frames relative to reporting confirmed with
the Client
24g.4 Establish reporting format 24g.4.1 Reporting format confirmed with Client including
level of required supporting documentation
24g.5 Complete replacement cost estimate 24g.5.1 Replacement cost estimate completed
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ASSET FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS
24h.1 Establish service objectives 24h.1.1 Service objectives clarified with the Client
and scope of work including any interface with other consultants
or advisers and scope of work established
24h.2 Confirm lease terms and 24h.2.1 Implications of lease terms confirmed in
requirements respect to tenancy reinstatement, eg., reinstate
to same condition as start of lease with part
wear and tear, or no arrangement in lease
24h.3 Confirm extent of brief 24h.3.1 Confirm scope of works to be carried out by
including defining work tenant, ie., remove furniture, business
by others equipment etc.
24h.5 Establish reporting format 24h.5.1 Reporting format confirmed with the Client
including level of supporting documentation
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ASSET FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
providing a detailed condition statement on a property from which future management and financial
directions may be determined, taking into account potential environmental and life cycle
considerations
identifying appropriate energy usage and maintenance characteristics of a property to assist future
directions and strategies and minimise maintenance costs and energy usage.
providing a defined listing of the component plant, equipment and general fabric that make up a
property asset for use in various tax, maintenance management, stocktaking and general
ownership decisions.
strategies for accessing data relating to regulations and legal requirements, research and data
gathering
analysis of data for preparation of audits
use of appropriate analysis and evaluation techniques
financial, insurance and tax practices of the industry.
25a.1 Establish project objectives and 25a.1.1 Project objectives clarified and discussed with
parameters Client and other consultants
25a.2 Confirm the basis and level of 25a.2.1 Reporting level defined on either an overview
reporting or detailed basis and implications of the
reports confirmed
25a.3 Co-ordinate the functions of the 25a.3.1 Functions of various consultants confirmed
various consultants
25a.4 Confirm reporting format, layout 25a.4.1 Reporting detail confirmed with the Client and
presentation and level of detail consultant team.
required
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ASSET FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
25b.1 Establish project objectives and 25b.1.1 Service objectives determined with the Client
parameters
25b.1.2 Energy usage and characteristics considered
and reviewed.
25b.2 Access available data and 25b.2.1 Availability of data established including its
information relevance and requirements to meet the brief
25b.3 Confirm audit timing 25b.3.1 Initial audit program established including timing
of subsequent audits eg. annually or other
25b.4 Establish reporting details 25b.4.1 Reporting format confirmed in line with
Client's brief. Reports should confirm that
property is being maintained in accordance
with the adopted program. Reports should
highlight potential for minimising future
maintenance or energy costs
25c.1 Confirm the service 25c.1.1 Service objectives determined with the Client
objectives
25c.1.2 Clients perspective use of the asset registers
short term and long term confirmed
25c.2 Confirm interface with other 25c.2.1 Interface with Clients business manager,
professional consultants accountants or legal advisers confirmed
25c.3 Establish reporting details 25c.3.1 Reporting format with the Client confirmed
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ASSET FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
Technical Due Diligence involves reporting on the existing condition of a property highlighting any adverse factors
from which future management and financial directions in relation to purchase or sale may be determined. Legal
issues are normally the subject of a separate report carried out by professionals trained in law.
Generally the fields encompassed within the Technical Due Diligence Report are:
Compliance Reports:
Building Regulations
Disability Discrimination Act
Environmental Reports:
Building Structure
Building Facade
Building Services
Planning Issues
Competencies in technical due diligence will be demonstrated in the execution of typical work undertaken as a
professional Quantity Surveyor. The work in question will call for the application of extensive knowledge
appropriate to the discipline. Such knowledge will normally be acquired through a structured program of
education to degree level incorporating training and work experience.
This activity would be based on a clear understanding of the processes involved in the carrying out of technical
due diligence including:
strategies for accessing data relating to regulations and legal requirements, research and data
gathering
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ASSET FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
26.1 Establish project objectives and 26.1.1 Project objectives clarified in discussion with
parameters and format of Client, colleagues and other appropriate
Report personnel
26.2 Access available data and 26.2.1 Appropriate data gathering structures and
information relevant schedules developed
26.3 Activate consultant team 26.3.1 Consultant team instructed according to the
Clients requirements
26.5 Provide advice to Clients which 26.5.1 Advice provided to Client based on analysis of
outlines potential cost of data to determine future direction in line with
ownership after analysis of short, medium and long term management
results strategies
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ASSET FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
As part of overall asset financial management certain legislated compliance issues have to be addressed.
Competencies in compliance issues will be demonstrated in the execution of typical work undertaken as a
professional Quantity Surveyor. The work in question will call for the application of extensive knowledge
appropriate to the discipline. Such knowledge will normally be acquired through a structured program of
education to degree level incorporating training and work experience.
This activity would be based on a clear understanding of the processes involved in current government
compliance issues
strategies for accessing data relating to regulations and legal requirements, research and data
gathering
analysis of appropriate data
use of appropriate analysis and evaluation techniques
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SPECIALISED MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
Project value management involves the identification of best value design solutions having regard to the Clients
project objectives. Project value management includes life cycle cost analysis techniques as well as proactive
participation in workgroup focus sessions.
strategies for identification of project objectives in terms of cost, time and quality
use of cost planning techniques to establish realistic capital costs and identification of project
component costs
participation in value management focus groups
techniques that manage outcomes from focus groups
28.1 Identify project objectives 28.1.1 Scope of works and life cycle clearly identified
28.2 Prepare cost plan and 28.2.1 Cost planning techniques used to establish total
breakdown costs cost
28.3 Carry out life cycle cost 28.3.1 Alternative solutions to project components
analysis of alternatives identified
28.4 Instigate value management focus 28.4.1 Proactive participation in value management
sessions focus sessions carried out
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SPECIALISED MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
Quantity Surveyors, as with many of the professionals in the construction industry, are capable of carrying out the
role of Project Manager. However, project management is a separate profession and reference should be made
to appropriate competency standards including the National Competency Standards for Project Management.
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SPECIALISED MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
Project risk management involves a structured approach to the identification, analysis and treatment of events
that might have an adverse impact on achieving a projects objectives.
analysis of a projects objectives and its relationship to the strategic objectives of the Client organisation
quantification of risks using appropriate methods to enable the prioritisation of those risks
ongoing monitoring of changing risk situations and reviewing the effectiveness of risk management
strategies
30.1 Analyse project objectives and 30.1.1 Project objectives identified and listed
develop a structure in which to
undertake a project risk 30.1.2 Project risk management study structure
management study developed
30.2 Use various techniques to identify 30.2.1 Risk identification session facilitated using
project risks including brainstorming techniques
brainstorming, interviews,
checklists, etc. 30.2.2 Risk management identification checklist
identified for a standard project
30.3 Use techniques to analyse and 30.3.1 Probability that a projects objectives (eg. budget)
quantify project risks including will be met determined using sensitivity analysis
quantitative and qualitative or monte-carlo simulations
analysis of risk likelihood and
consequences, sensitivity 30.3.2 Prioritised list of project risks developed using
analysis, probability calculations either qualitative or quantitative techniques to
and monte-carlo simulations. assess risk levels
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SPECIALISED MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
30.4 Identify suitable techniques to 30.4.1 Risks that can be managed by the project team
effectively manage project risks listed
including likelihood reduction,
impact mitigation, risk transfer and 30.4.2 Risks that are suitable for transfer to the contractor
risk financing strategies listed
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SPECIALISED MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES
Quality assurance involves the systematic approach to carrying out services by the Quantity Surveyor to ensure
their outcomes meet the expectation of the Client. Quality assurance includes establishment of clear procedures,
work instructions and quality records that quantifically demonstrate correctness and compliance with the Clients
and Quantity Surveyors service objectives.
establishment of a corporate quality policy and its structure and content that complies with
Australian or International Standards
establishment of procedures that clearly describe required processes, outcomes and verification
requirements
undertaking of internal audits of the application of these procedures
continuous identification of improvements to procedures, outcomes and verification techniques that
increase quality, efficiency and certainty
provision of verification evidence to Clients
to demonstrate the assurance of service quality
31.1 Develop 31.1.1 Corporate objectives in relation to quality of service and service
corporate quality outcomes established
policy
31.1.2 Practice policies established
31.2 Develop 31.2.1 Appropriate procedures for each relevant service established
procedures
31.2.2 Verification criteria formulated
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