In Kenya’s construction industry, the roles of Associate Quantity Surveyor and Quantity Surveyor are often mentioned but not always well understood. Both professionals work within the field of cost management, project planning, and contract administration, but they differ significantly in terms of qualifications, experience, and responsibilities.
If you’re a student, graduate, or even a client seeking to understand who should handle your project, here’s a clear breakdown of how these two roles differ, based on local industry standards.
- Role and Responsibilities
At their core, both professionals help ensure that construction projects are completed within budget, on time, and in accordance with contractual terms. However, the scope of duties and level of independence is where the difference lies.
Quantity Surveyor (QS):
- A QS in Kenya is a qualified and often registered professional capable of managing full cost consultancy services. They handle:
- Feasibility studies
- Cost planning and control
- Preparation of Bills of Quantities (BQ)
- Tender documentation and analysis
- Contract administration
- Site valuations and final accounts
Associate Quantity Surveyor (AQS):
- An AQS plays a supporting role under the supervision of a registered QS. They assist with measurements, drafting documents, updating cost plans, and learning the practical side of quantity surveying.
- Qualifications and Accreditation (Kenya)
In Kenya, the Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya (IQSK) and Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS) are the two key professional bodies regulating the QS profession.
- Quantity Surveyor:
Must have:
- A recognized degree in Quantity Surveying
- Successfully completed internship and professional assessments
- Registered with BORAQS as a Registered Quantity Surveyor
- Often a full member of IQSK
- Associate Quantity Surveyor:
Typically:
- Holds a diploma or is a recent graduate with a degree
- Still undergoing internship (Industrial Attachment or Practical Training)
- Not yet registered with BORAQS
- May be an Associate Member of IQSK (membership level, not job title)
- Experience Level
Quantity Surveyor:
- Usually has 3+ years of experience post-graduation, often including site exposure and professional training. They’re expected to handle projects independently and communicate directly with clients, consultants, and contractors.
Associate Quantity Surveyor:
- May still be gaining experience under mentorship. Often seen working in a junior role at a consultancy firm or a contractor’s office, assisting on several projects to build competence.
4. Seniority and Decision-Making
QS:
- In Kenya, a QS is legally recognized to sign off on official documents like cost estimates, tender evaluations, and final accounts. They are project decision-makers, trusted to offer professional advice to clients.
AQS:
- Works under supervision. While they may handle important tasks, all their work is usually reviewed and approved by a Registered QS before being presented or used officially.
- Career Progression
The role of Associate QS is seen as a starting point in the profession. With enough experience, further education (if needed), and successful registration with BORAQS, one can become a fully-fledged Quantity Surveyor.
Typical progression in Kenya:
Intern → Assistant QS → Associate QS → Quantity Surveyor → Senior QS → Director/Partner
Professional growth also includes gaining IQSK membership and, potentially, international credentials like RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) if working abroad.
- Salary Differences
In Kenya, Quantity Surveyors earn higher salaries than Associate Quantity Surveyors, given their professional status and responsibilities. An Associate QS’s salary often reflects their entry-level or training status, but increases as they move up the professional ladder.
Final Thoughts
In the Kenyan context, the distinction between an Associate Quantity Surveyor and a Quantity Surveyor is crucial, especially when assigning roles in a project.
An Associate QS is a junior or trainee professional gaining experience and still under supervision. A Quantity Surveyor, on the other hand, is a fully qualified, licensed, and independent professional with the authority to oversee all cost-related aspects of a construction project.
Whether you’re hiring for a project or pursuing a career in quantity surveying, understanding these roles ensures the right expertise is applied where it’s needed most.
