Civil engineering impacts our society so much, it comprises various professions, including structural, geotechnical, environmental, water resources, construction management, and transportation engineers. And quantity surveying is a profession that blends engineering, construction, and economics.

Quantity Surveyors

Quantity surveyors manage the costs on a construction project. They help to ensure that the construction project is completed within its projected budget. Alternative job titles for a quantity surveyor include ‘cost consultant’, ‘commercial manager’, ‘cost manager’ and ‘cost engineer’.

The tasks quantity surveyors complete will differ according to whether they are working on the design or the construction stage of a project (and therefore whether they are working for a consultancy – which focuses on the design stage – or the contractor, who builds the project). Depending on the stage of the project and their employer, they might:

price/forecast the cost of the different materials needed for the project;
prepare tender documents, contracts, budgets, bills of quantities and other documentation;
track changes to the design and/or construction work and adjust budget projections accordingly;
procure or agree the services of contractors and/or subcontractors who work on the construction of the project;
measure and value the work done on site;
pay subcontractors;
liaise with the client and other construction professionals, such as site managers, project managers and site engineers;
select and/or source construction materials; and
write reports.

Quantity Surveyor Qualification

After finishing a suitable pre-university programme, students should enrol in institutions that offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Quantity Surveying. This degree will take up to three and a half years to complete, as some programmes offer a semester of industrial training or internship. In the first year, students will learn the basics of the construction industry through subjects like Measurement and Site Surveying. After that, students will be taught how to use the latest software such as BuildSoft & Masterbuild that is a useful project costing tool for quantity surveyors. Other subjects in a Quantity Surveying degree include Project Management and Construction Law. To be a qualified quantity surveyor, graduates have to register with the Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM). This is followed by finding employment that is supervised by the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM) for two years. After that, individuals have to sit for a professional interview and exam set by BQSM and RISM. Only those who pass will be recognised as a Registered Quantity Surveyor in Malaysia.

Civil Engineers

Civil engineers create, improve and protect the environment in which we live. They plan, design and oversee construction and maintenance of building structures and infrastructure, such as roads, railways, airports, bridges, harbours, dams, irrigation projects, power plants, and water and sewerage systems. They also design and build tall buildings and large structures that can withstand all weather conditions.

Generally, civil engineers fall into two types: consulting engineers and contracting engineers. Consultants are responsible for the design work of projects and work predominantly in an office. Contractors then take the designs and implement them during construction. Contractors work on site, managing the construction of the structure.

Depending on whether you are a contractor or a consultant, work activities can include:

undertaking technical and feasibility studies including site investigations;
using a range of computer software for developing detailed designs;
undertaking complex calculations;
liaising with clients and a variety of professionals including architects and subcontractors;
compiling job specs and supervising tendering procedures;
resolving design and development problems;
managing budgets and project resources;
scheduling material and equipment purchases and deliveries;
making sure the project complies with legal requirements, especially health and safety;
assessing the sustainability and environmental impact of projects; and
ensuring projects run smoothly and structures are completed within budget and on time.

Civil Engineers Qualification

To practise as an engineer in Malaysia, one must graduate with an engineering degree recognised by the Engineering Accreditation Department, Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and be registered as a graduate engineer. Subsequently, one can apply to become a professional engineer.

Skills Needed for Civil Engineers & Quantity Surveyors

The skills you will need vary depending on the area you are working in, but there are some skills that most employers will look for. These include the ability to prioritise and meet multiple deadlines; a logical approach to work; strong spatial awareness; excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills; and the ability to work effectively within a team environment and on your own initiative. Commercial awareness is increasingly important in this area.

If you like to view tertiary programs related to this article, click here to go to the list of recommendation. If you are not sure which path you want to pursue for your tertiary education, you should find this psychometric test here to be helpful in providing some aptitude breakdown and course suggestions upon completion of the test. Feel free to proceed to the test, it's free after all.

Quantity Surveying vs Civil Engineering, Differences and How to Pursue Them?

Civil Engineers

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