Estimating as a profession in UK construction

Purpose - Both quantity surveyors (QSs) and estimators have pivotal roles in the profitability of construction contracts; however, only the QS is classified as a professional. Preliminary examination of the responsibilities of the estimator and the level of qualification required in comparison with the QS suggests that the current failure to recognise estimating as a profession may be an anomaly. The purpose of this inquiry is to consider the role of the estimator relative to the accepted criteria attaching to professional status. Design/methodology/approach - To achieve this, available definitions of a profession were distilled into core criteria which were then used to compare QSs and estimators in terms of remuneration, education and professional representation. Findings - A statistical analysis on each of these criteria suggested that there was no significant difference in terms of salary offered or education required by employers. Further investigation, however, did reveal a considerable difference in educational and professional opportunities available to QSs. With regard to the key defining criteria of a profession and the consideration given by employers, the results indicate that there is no difference between the two groups. Originality/value - Given the information revealed by this research it may therefore be the case that the current standing of estimators should be reconsidered with the purpose of upgrading estimating to a professional status.