Professional Development Learning Check 1

What is professional development in surveying primarily about?

• Ticking CPD hours

• Continuously maintaining and improving competence

• Attending occasional training days

• Submitting assignments only

Answer explanation

Professional development in surveying is primarily about continuously maintaining and improving competence, ensuring that professionals stay updated with skills and knowledge necessary for their field.

Which of the following is NOT one of Kolb’s learning cycle stages?

• Concrete experience

• Abstract conceptualisation

• Reflective observation

• Formal examination

Answer explanation

Kolb’s learning cycle includes Concrete experience, Reflective observation, and Abstract conceptualisation. 'Formal examination' is not one of the stages, making it the correct answer.

Which strand of personal development involves informal conversations and reflection?

• Formal learning

• Experiential learning

• Informal learning

• Mandatory learning

Answer explanation

Informal learning involves unstructured, spontaneous interactions and self-reflection, making it the correct choice for personal development through conversations and reflection.

Why does RICS require CPD?

• To generate revenue through courses

• To ensure members remain competent and up to date

• To replace formal qualifications

• To promote competition between firms

Answer explanation

RICS requires CPD to ensure members remain competent and up to date with industry standards and practices, which is essential for maintaining professional integrity and service quality.

In the RICS CPD framework, how many hours must be formal CPD annually?

• 5

• 10

• 15

• 20

Answer explanation

In the RICS CPD framework, members are required to complete 10 hours of formal CPD annually. This ensures that professionals stay updated and maintain their competency in the field.

What is the purpose of reviewing goals in personal development?

• To check CPD hours are met

• To identify progress and refine objectives

• To avoid future training costs

• To prepare reports for clients

Answer explanation

Reviewing goals in personal development helps to identify progress and refine objectives, ensuring that individuals stay on track and make necessary adjustments to achieve their desired outcomes.

Which of the following is a driver of personal development?

• Intellectual challenge

• Boredom

• Avoiding projects

• Reduced competence

Answer explanation

An intellectual challenge stimulates growth and learning, making it a key driver of personal development. In contrast, boredom, avoiding projects, and reduced competence hinder progress.

What are RICS “mandatory competencies”?

• Technical skills unique to valuation

• Business-specific processes

• Core ethical and professional standards required of all members

• Optional modules in CPD courses

Answer explanation

RICS 'mandatory competencies' refer to the core ethical and professional standards required of all members, ensuring they adhere to the highest levels of integrity and professionalism in their practice.

Which element of SMART objectives ensures realism?

• Specific

• Achievable

• Relevant

• Time-bound

Answer explanation

The 'Achievable' element of SMART objectives ensures realism by setting goals that are attainable given the available resources and constraints, making it practical for individuals or teams to reach their targets.

Which of these is an example of formal learning?

• Chatting with a colleague

• Attending a RICS-accredited valuation course

• Shadowing a senior surveyor

• Reflecting on a past project

Answer explanation

Attending a RICS-accredited valuation course is formal learning as it involves structured education with recognized accreditation, unlike informal methods like chatting or reflecting.