We use cookies to keep you signed in and to see what's working and what breaks. No advertising cookies, nothing sold. Details in our Cookie Policy.

Profession Playbook

Quantity Surveyor

Professional designation, not a licence

Quantity surveyors are the cost experts of construction — estimating, cost planning, contract administration, and claims. The title is not legally reserved, but the recognized credential is the PQS (Professional Quantity Surveyor) from the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS).

Quantity Surveyor at a glance

Credential
Not licensed — the PQS designation is the recognized credential
Path in
CIQS-accredited program → approved experience → TPE
Regulated by
Not government-regulated; CIQS sets the standard
Insurance baseline
Professional liability (E&O) for a cost-consulting practice
Professional body
Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (CIQS)

Where are you right now?

Qualify. Practise. Own it. Pick the door that matches where you are.

Getting inBecome a quantity surveyorThe real path: degree, supervised experience, and the licensing or designation exam.Open Going out on your ownStart a cost consulting practiceFrom qualified professional to your own authorized, insured practice.Open Just lookingCommon questionsCredentials, timelines, and how-to questions, answered straight.Open

The credential, explained

Quantity surveying is a professional designation, not a government licence — anyone can do cost work, but clients and employers look for CIQS credentials. The CIQS awards the PQS (Professional Quantity Surveyor) and the CEC (Construction Estimator Certified). Earning the PQS means completing an accredited course of study (or the CIQS subject exams), approved industry experience, and the Test of Professional Experience (TPE), including a practice problem and professional interview.

Designations in this profession

  • CECConstruction Estimator Certified: Estimating-focused designation; a common first step
  • PQSProfessional Quantity Surveyor: The full professional QS designation

Insurance to expect

A cost-consulting practice carries professional liability (E&O) exposure — an estimating or cost-advice error can drive a client's loss. Carry E&O insurance; commercial general liability matters less than for trades because you are advising, not building.

Go to the source

The official bodies that govern this profession. Bookmark these, they are the final word on requirements, exams, and fees.

Keep reading

IncorporationCRA RegistrationInsuranceOperational Setup

Ready to start a cost consulting practice?

AEC Stack handles the business side (incorporation, registrations, insurance, and operations) so you can focus on the professional work.

Get started