1. What is a Quantity Surveyor (QS)? 

The main responsibility of a Quantity Surveyor is to manage construction project costs and budgets, ensuring the entire project is economically efficient and executed within budget. They estimate costs before project commencement, procure materials and services, and conduct cost control and contract management during project execution.

Quantity Surveyors must be familiar with construction drawings, engineering processes, contract regulations, and various construction materials and market prices.

2. Are You Suitable to Become a QS? 

Want to know if you're suitable for this profession? Here are some references:

3. Academic & Registration Path to Become a QS

In Malaysia, to become a legally recognized Quantity Surveyor, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Complete SPM or Equivalent Qualification

It's recommended to have good SPM subject grades, especially:

• Mathematics
• Additional Mathematics
• English
• Science / Physics

Step 2: Study QS-related Pre-University or Diploma Programs

Two common paths:

After completing diploma, you can enter the workforce directly or continue to bachelor's degree programs.

Step 3: Study Bachelor's Degree

You need to study courses recognized by the Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM). For example:

Duration is usually 3-4 years, with some programs offering internship opportunities.

Recommended Universities:

• Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
• Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
• Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
• Taylor's University
• UCSI University
• INTI International University

4. Becoming a Registered Quantity Surveyor 

Malaysia's professional regulatory body is:

Lembaga Juruukur Bahan Malaysia (Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia, BQSM)

You must complete the following steps to become a registered professional (Juruukur Bahan Berdaftar):

• Complete an accredited bachelor's program (BQSM Accredited Program)
• Join the probationary program (PQS: Probationary QS), register as a trainee surveyor
• Complete minimum 2 years of work experience
• Pass BQSM's TPC examination (Test of Professional Competence)
• Formally register as a Registered QS, obtain license number and professional qualification

5. Career Development & Salary Prospects

Work fields include:

• Construction companies
• Engineering and design consulting firms
• Property developers
• Government departments (such as JKR)
• International cost consulting firms (such as Arcadis, Turner & Townsend, etc.)
• Project management companies
• Legal support and claims consultants

Salary Reference:

QS income increases with experience and qualifications, especially after obtaining registered status (Registered QS), with huge career development potential.

6. Professional Certifications & Advancement

Besides BQSM registration, the following international certifications can enhance your career competitiveness:

• MRICS (Member of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)
• AIQS (Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors)
• CIArb (Chartered Institute of Arbitrators)
• CIDB Construction Personnel Card (Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia ID)

These certifications will help you enter multinational companies and even have opportunities to work in Singapore, Middle East, or Australia.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need to register to work?

Not necessarily, but if you want to sign official documents, participate in large government projects, or advance to professional levels, registration is mandatory.

2. Do I need a master's degree?

Not mandatory. Most Quantity Surveyors only need to complete a BQSM-recognized bachelor's degree to register. But if you want to conduct in-depth research or advance to management positions, you can consider pursuing a master's degree (such as Construction Management or Law & Contract).

3. What can I do after completing a diploma program?

Diploma holders can work as Assistant QS or continue to bachelor's degree programs.