ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Quantity Surveying
The ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Quantity Surveying is a comprehensive two-year, 240-credit programme designed to equip learners with the knowledge, technical skills, and professional expertise required to excel in quantity surveying and construction project management.
This internationally recognised qualification provides learners with practical insights into cost planning, procurement, risk assessment, contract administration, and financial control within construction projects. Learners also develop expertise in project measurement, valuation, tendering, and sustainability practices, ensuring they are well-prepared to contribute to efficient and profitable project delivery.
Whether you are a school leaver aspiring to enter the construction industry or an industry professional seeking career progression, this diploma provides a flexible pathway to success. The programme blends theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, allowing learners to develop critical skills in decision-making, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement within the context of quantity surveying.
Graduates of the programme are prepared for roles such as assistant quantity surveyor, cost estimator, contract administrator, or project cost manager. The course also enhances career prospects internationally, providing the skills needed to manage construction projects, control budgets, and implement industry best practices across diverse sectors.
With its strong focus on professional competence, practical application, and industry relevance, the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Quantity Surveying empowers learners to become effective, strategic, and forward-thinking professionals in the construction and built environment industries.
Course overview
Level 5 International Diploma in Quantity Surveying
To enrol in ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Quantity Surveying, learner must meet the following entry requirements:
This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Quantity Surveying, consists of 24 mandatory units.
Year 1 – Foundation and Core Quantity Surveying Principles
- Principles of Quantity Surveying and Construction Management
- Fundamentals of Construction Technology and Materials
- Organisational Structures and Business Environments in Construction
- Measurement and Costing Techniques in Quantity Surveying
- Project Planning and Scheduling for Construction Projects
- Leadership and Team Management in Construction Contexts
- Fundamentals of Risk Assessment and Control in Construction Projects
- Construction Project Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
- Introduction to Financial and Cost Management in Construction Projects
- Quality Assurance and Control in Construction Works
- Procurement and Contract Management in Quantity Surveying
- Professional and Ethical Practice in Quantity Surveying
Year 2 – Advanced Applications and Strategic Quantity Surveying
- Advanced Cost Planning and Control in Construction Projects
- Strategic Leadership and Governance in Quantity Surveying
- Tendering, Bidding, and Contract Administration in Construction Projects
- Advanced Project Finance and Budget Management
- Human Resource and Team Management in Construction Projects
- Monitoring, Evaluation, and Performance Metrics in Quantity Surveying
- International Construction Project Management and Cross-Cultural Challenges
- Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility in Construction Projects
- Innovation and Change Management in Quantity Surveying
- Information Systems and Digital Tools for Quantity Surveyors
- Research Methods in Quantity Surveying
- Capstone Project / Applied Quantity Surveying Practice
Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Quantity Surveying:
Year 1 – Foundation and Core Quantity Surveying Principles
Principles of Quantity Surveying and Construction Management
- Understand the fundamental principles and processes of quantity surveying.
- Apply project management techniques within construction projects.
- Analyse the roles and responsibilities of quantity surveyors in project delivery.
- Evaluate construction project constraints such as scope, cost, and time.
- Recognise the relevance of industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Fundamentals of Construction Technology and Materials
- Understand core construction materials, methods, and technologies.
- Analyse material properties and their impact on project performance.
- Evaluate construction techniques and their suitability for different projects.
- Develop foundational knowledge to collaborate effectively with engineers and contractors.
- Apply technical knowledge to support accurate project estimation and planning.
Organisational Structures and Business Environments in Construction
- Explain different organisational structures and their influence on project delivery.
- Analyse business environments affecting construction projects.
- Identify stakeholder roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines.
- Understand legal, economic, and regulatory factors impacting projects.
- Apply organisational knowledge to improve project planning and decision-making.
Measurement and Costing Techniques in Quantity Surveying
- Apply accurate measurement techniques for construction works.
- Prepare cost estimates and bills of quantities.
- Analyse project costs and resource requirements.
- Understand standard methods of measurement and valuation principles.
- Develop skills to support effective budgeting and financial control.
Project Planning and Scheduling for Construction Projects
- Develop detailed project plans and schedules using industry-standard tools.
- Apply Gantt charts, CPM, and PERT techniques to manage timelines.
- Identify task dependencies and allocate resources efficiently.
- Plan for contingencies and mitigate potential delays.
- Evaluate the impact of scheduling on project quality and cost.
Leadership and Team Management in Construction Contexts
- Understand leadership styles and their application in construction projects.
- Manage multidisciplinary teams and foster collaboration.
- Resolve conflicts and enhance team productivity.
- Develop interpersonal skills for effective project leadership.
- Evaluate team performance and implement improvement strategies.
Fundamentals of Risk Assessment and Control in Construction Projects
- Identify common risks in construction projects.
- Apply risk assessment and mitigation techniques.
- Develop contingency plans and monitor risk throughout the project lifecycle.
- Analyse the consequences of unmanaged risks on project outcomes.
- Implement proactive strategies to ensure project safety and compliance.
Construction Project Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
- Develop effective communication strategies for stakeholders.
- Conduct stakeholder analysis and engagement planning.
- Prepare clear project reports, presentations, and technical documentation.
- Manage stakeholder expectations to support project objectives.
- Analyse the impact of communication on project performance and delivery.
Introduction to Financial and Cost Management in Construction Projects
- Understand project budgeting, cost estimation, and financial reporting.
- Monitor expenditures and manage cost variances.
- Analyse financial risks and resource allocation.
- Apply cost control methods to achieve project objectives.
- Evaluate financial decision-making in construction projects.
Quality Assurance and Control in Construction Works
- Understand principles of quality management in construction.
- Apply inspection and quality control techniques.
- Monitor project processes to ensure compliance with standards.
- Identify areas for improvement and implement quality measures.
- Evaluate the impact of quality management on project success.
Procurement and Contract Management in Quantity Surveying
- Understand procurement processes and supplier management.
- Analyse contract types and obligations in construction projects.
- Manage vendor relationships and monitor performance.
- Apply ethical and legal considerations in procurement.
- Develop skills to support efficient sourcing and project delivery.
Professional and Ethical Practice in Quantity Surveying
- Understand professional codes of conduct and ethical standards.
- Apply ethical reasoning in construction project scenarios.
- Recognise responsibilities to public safety and sustainability.
- Evaluate the impact of ethical practices on project outcomes.
- Demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of quantity surveying.
Year 2 – Advanced Applications and Strategic Quantity Surveying
Advanced Cost Planning and Control in Construction Projects
- Apply advanced cost planning techniques for complex projects.
- Monitor project budgets and analyse cost variances.
- Develop strategies for cost optimisation and resource management.
- Implement financial controls to ensure project profitability.
- Evaluate the impact of cost planning on overall project success.
Strategic Leadership and Governance in Quantity Surveying
- Understand governance frameworks and strategic project leadership.
- Apply leadership principles to achieve project objectives.
- Analyse accountability, compliance, and decision-making structures.
- Develop governance frameworks for effective project oversight.
- Evaluate leadership impact on long-term project success.
Tendering, Bidding, and Contract Administration in Construction Projects
- Understand tendering processes and bid preparation.
- Analyse contract administration principles and obligations.
- Evaluate legal and commercial considerations in contracts.
- Manage contract variations, claims, and dispute resolution.
- Apply practical skills for successful contract delivery.
Advanced Project Finance and Budget Management
- Implement advanced budgeting, forecasting, and financial monitoring.
- Analyse multi-phase budgets and funding strategies.
- Apply cost control methods for large-scale construction projects.
- Assess financial risks and make informed project decisions.
- Ensure alignment of financial management with project objectives.
Human Resource and Team Management in Construction Projects
- Plan and manage project teams effectively.
- Develop recruitment, training, and retention strategies.
- Monitor team performance and implement improvement measures.
- Address diversity and inclusion within project teams.
- Enhance productivity and morale through effective HR practices.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Performance Metrics in Quantity Surveying
- Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and measurement frameworks.
- Monitor project progress and evaluate outcomes.
- Analyse data to inform decision-making and improvement strategies.
- Prepare performance reports for stakeholders.
- Evaluate project efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
International Construction Project Management and Cross-Cultural Challenges
- Manage projects in international and multicultural contexts.
- Understand global construction standards and regulations.
- Apply cross-cultural communication and collaboration techniques.
- Analyse challenges in international projects and implement solutions.
- Adapt project management practices to diverse environments.
Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility in Construction Projects
- Understand sustainability principles in the built environment.
- Apply environmental assessment and compliance practices.
- Develop strategies for eco-friendly and sustainable project execution.
- Evaluate environmental impacts and implement mitigation measures.
- Integrate sustainability into project planning and delivery.
Innovation and Change Management in Quantity Surveying
- Identify opportunities for innovation in construction projects.
- Apply change management principles to adapt processes and systems.
- Evaluate the impact of technological advancements on projects.
- Implement strategies to overcome resistance to change.
- Lead innovation initiatives to improve project efficiency and outcomes.
Information Systems and Digital Tools for Quantity Surveyors
- Utilise project management software and digital tools effectively.
- Apply digital measurement and cost estimation systems.
- Analyse project data using IT-supported tools for decision-making.
- Implement cloud-based collaboration platforms for project teams.
- Demonstrate proficiency in digital technologies relevant to quantity surveying.
Research Methods in Quantity Surveying
- Understand research methodologies applicable to construction projects.
- Collect, analyse, and interpret project-related data.
- Apply critical thinking to develop evidence-based solutions.
- Conduct small-scale research or case studies in quantity surveying.
- Present findings and recommendations effectively.
Capstone Project / Applied Quantity Surveying Practice
- Integrate knowledge and skills from all programme units into a practical project.
- Plan, execute, and monitor a real-world or simulated quantity surveying project.
- Manage scope, budget, timeline, and quality effectively.
- Prepare a comprehensive report with analysis, conclusions, and recommendations.
- Demonstrate readiness for professional practice in quantity surveying and construction management.
Completing the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Quantity Surveying equips learners with the technical knowledge, practical skills, and professional expertise necessary to advance in the construction and built environment industries. Graduates gain both national and international opportunities for employment, professional growth, and entrepreneurship.
Career Advancement
- Progress into roles such as assistant quantity surveyor, cost estimator, project coordinator, contract administrator, or project cost manager.
- Take on responsibilities for project budgeting, cost planning, procurement, contract management, and financial monitoring.
- Transition into team leadership or supervisory positions, managing multidisciplinary construction teams.
- Develop expertise to manage complex construction projects across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
- Apply strategic decision-making and problem-solving skills to improve project efficiency and outcomes.
Professional Development
- Pursue higher-level professional certifications or specialist diplomas in construction cost management and project control.
- Strengthen skills in tendering, contract administration, risk management, digital tools, and sustainability practices.
- Build a professional portfolio showcasing applied project experience and industry competencies.
- Develop critical thinking, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills relevant to modern construction projects.
- Enhance credibility in the construction industry through internationally recognised qualifications.
Global Opportunities
- Access international roles in quantity surveying, construction project management, and consultancy.
- Work on cross-cultural projects, applying global construction standards and best practices.
- Manage projects across regions, ensuring compliance with international codes, sustainability, and quality standards.
- Leverage skills to operate in high-demand sectors such as infrastructure, civil engineering, commercial development, and industrial projects.
- Gain the ability to adapt and lead in diverse and multicultural project environments.
Entrepreneurial Pathways
- Establish or manage construction-related businesses, offering consultancy, project estimation, and cost management services.
- Apply knowledge of project finance, contracts, and procurement to deliver successful independent projects.
- Implement innovative solutions and sustainable practices to enhance operational efficiency and business growth.
- Develop expertise to advise clients and stakeholders on cost-effective, timely, and quality-driven construction solutions.
Centres delivering the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Quantity Surveying must adhere to specific standards to ensure consistent quality, learner support, and compliance with ICTQual AB’s international best practices.
Accreditation and Approval
- Centres must be officially approved by ICTQual AB to deliver the programme.
- Compliance with ICTQual AB quality assurance procedures and audit requirements is mandatory.
- Centres should demonstrate the capability to manage, deliver, and assess quantity surveying programmes to international industry standards.
- Centres must maintain records of approval and participate in periodic ICTQual AB audits for verification and quality assurance.
Qualified Teaching and Assessment Staff
- Trainers and assessors must hold relevant academic qualifications in quantity surveying, construction management, civil engineering, or related disciplines.
- Staff should have substantial professional experience in construction projects, cost management, and project administration.
- Assessors must be competent in evaluating assignments, project reports, and practical portfolios of evidence.
- Centres must ensure continuous professional development for teaching staff to keep up with industry innovations, technologies, and standards.
- Trainers should be capable of delivering both theoretical instruction and applied, practical exercises relevant to quantity surveying.
Learning Resources and Facilities
- Centres must provide access to classrooms, IT resources, and construction simulation tools.
- Digital learning platforms and online support materials should be available for blended learning approaches.
- Learners should have access to software and tools such as cost estimation systems, project management software, and digital measurement platforms.
- Centres must offer reference materials including technical manuals, case studies, and industry reports to enhance applied learning.
- Practical workshop or site visit opportunities should be provided to allow learners hands-on experience with quantity surveying processes.
Assessment and Quality Assurance
- Centres must implement robust assessment methods aligned with ICTQual AB standards.
- Internal quality assurance procedures should monitor assessment validity, reliability, and consistency.
- Learners should receive formative feedback to support progression and improvement.
- Centres must participate in external verification and auditing processes to maintain certification credibility.
- Assessment records, portfolios, and quality assurance documentation must be maintained for accountability and continual improvement.
Learner Support and Guidance
- Centres must provide guidance on programme structure, entry requirements, and assessment expectations.
- Academic and pastoral support must be available to assist learners throughout the programme.
- Career advice, employability workshops, and guidance on future progression opportunities should be offered.
- Learners must be supported in developing IT skills, technical competencies, and professional project management abilities.
- Inclusivity and equal opportunity policies must be upheld for all learners.
Route for Candidates with No Experience
This route is ideal for learners who are new to Quantity Surveying and do not have prior work experience. The process is as follows:
- Admission: Learners enrol at an ICTQual AB approved centre to begin the two-year programme.
- Training: Learners complete a structured two-year programme comprising 24 study units and 240 credits, combining classroom teaching, case studies, practical exercises, workshops, and online support. Both theoretical knowledge and practical application are emphasised to build a strong foundation in quantity surveying.
- Assessment: Learners complete assignments, project reports, scenario-based tasks, and portfolios of evidence. Assessments test knowledge, problem-solving, financial planning, and practical project management skills. Regular formative feedback supports learner progression and skill development.
- Certification: Upon successful completion of all assessments, learners are awarded the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Quantity Surveying, recognising competence in project cost management, measurement, procurement, and professional practice.
Route for Experienced and Competent Candidates
For learners who already have relevant professional experience in Quantity Surveying, the following route is available:
- Eligibility: Learners must demonstrate at least five years of verified professional experience in quantity surveying, cost management, or construction project administration. Evidence may include references, project reports, job descriptions, or other documentation confirming relevant skills.
- Assessment of Competence: Experienced candidates are not required to complete the full training programme. ICTQual AB Approved Centres assess whether existing skills and knowledge meet the diploma’s learning outcomes, through interviews, professional discussions, or competency evaluations.
- Evidence Submission: Learners submit a portfolio demonstrating competence, including project records, contracts, tender documents, and other relevant materials. Additional evidence may be requested for verification.
- Knowledge and Understanding: Centres may perform a skills gap analysis and provide short bridging modules if required to ensure full alignment with learning outcomes.
- Certification: On successful verification of experience and competence, candidates are awarded the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Quantity Surveying, recognising both professional expertise and academic achievement.
This flexible approach ensures that both new learners and experienced professionals can achieve internationally recognised certification, either through structured learning or formal recognition of existing competence.