SHORT HISTORY OF THE GHANA INSTITUTION OF SURVEYORS

The Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS) was established on 28th February 1969 at the Annual General
Meeting of the Ghana Branch of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors at which a resolution was passed to
that effect and the Constitution was promulgated. Membership of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors comprises
members of the recognized Overseas Professional Bodies who were practicing in Ghana viz: Royal Institute of
Chartered Surveyors and the Institute of Quantity Surveyors. Members of the Licensed Surveyors Association
also agreed to be incorporated into the Ghana Institution of Surveyors in the class of Licentiates.
The Committee of the Ghana Branch of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors for the year 1968/1969
constituted the Interim Council of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors and was charged with the responsibility of
conducting election of officers of the Institution and Members of Council and arranging for the inauguration of the
Institution. At the Annual General Meeting of the Ghana Branch of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors,
held on 13th March 1970, Officers and members of Council were elected in accordance with the provisions of the
Constitution. A formal inauguration of the Institution was held on 28th August 1970.
At the Extra Ordinary General Meeting held on Friday December 10, 2007, the name of the Council was
changed to the GOVERNING COUNCIL with the coming into effect of the new constitution, 2007.

MISSION STATEMENT
The Ghana Institution of Surveyors is a professional body dedicated to:

Securing the development of its members and provide high quality technical and professional information
Advancing the surveying profession through facilitation of acquisition of knowledge, skills and attitude in
the arts, sciences, and practice of surveying.
Providing ample opportunity for continuing education and training in all facets of survey work.
Protecting the public interest through best practice regulation
Raising public awareness of the profession and promoting public trust and confidence in the services
provided by members.

VISION
It is our vision to ensure that:

The services provided by members will sustain public confidence at all times.
Care for land and the built-environment will go beyond efficient management through to protection and
conservation.
We undertake research to ensure that our services are technologically driven in line with prevailing trends.

VALUE STATEMENT
The Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS.) is the leading professional body which provides advice on the
demarcation, acquisition/procurement, development and management of national, corporate, family and
individual properties and assets in Ghana. The members of the Institution are regulated to the same high
standards as pertains throughout the world.
1

B.WHO WE ARE
There are three main areas of Specialization in the Institution i.e. The Valuation and Estate Surveying (VES)
Division, the Quantity Surveying (Q.S.) Division, and the Land Surveying (L.S.) Division. Qualified Surveyors are
permitted to use the letters, FGhIS, MGhIS, TechGhIS after their names depending on their
professional/technician class and the prefix Surv.(i.e. Surveyor) preceeding the names of members of the
professional class.
ASSURANCE OF HIGH STANDARDS
The Institution regulates its members in the public interest. Qualified Surveyors are bound by strict rules of
conduct. Continuing updating of skills is mandatory for all practising members.
WHAT WE OFFER
The advice of a professional Surveyor is required at all stages of the life cycle of property from the bare land,
through measurement, planning, funding, design and construction, agency, management and investment,
refurbishment and redevelopment.
1. VALUATION AND ESTATE SURVEYING
Variously referred to as the Estate Surveyor, Valuer, Estate Manager; in Ghana he is basically a Land Economy
or Estate Management Graduate who after approved post-graduate training and examination has been elected
into membership of the Institution of Surveyors.
WHAT HE IS TRAINED TO DO.
a. VALUATION
To value land and buildings of all descriptions for multifarious purposes, including:i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
x.
b.

Sale or purchase
Rental or letting
Mortgage
Insurance
Probate
Accounting
Property Rating
Compulsory acquisition, compensation and betterment
Taxation on property
Security (e.g. Bonds, Bids, Bails, etc.) etc
MANAGEMENT OF LAND & BUILDINGS
To manage land and buildings entailing among others:-

i.
ii.
iii.

Ensuring proper documentation and recording.

Arranging and negotiating leases and lease renewals.
Promoting proper maintenance
2

iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
c.

Advising on improvements, sales or lettings.

Ensuring that all contractual/statutory obligations of the estate are met.
Ensuring that regard is paid to mutual interest shared with adjoining developments and neighbours.
Facilities management
Land acquisitions of all kinds etc.
VIABILITY APPRAISAL
To undertake viability appraisal of (proposed) projects with a view, inter alia, to determining profitability
and enabling the arrangement/provision of necessary finance.

d.

ESTATE AGENCY
To act variously between buyers and sellers of landed property, landlords and tenants, property owners
and accommodation seekers, as a broker or agent. Clients have the added security that professionals act
under penalty of sanctions by the Institution

e.

DEVELOPMENT
To manage development schemes and act as clients representatives. This involves among others:i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.

f.

Co-ordinating the activities of other building professionals.

Vetting development proposals.
Reviewing (other) consultants advice on tenders and choice of contractors.
Monitoring the progress of construction works and submitting periodic reports.
Confirming the validity of valuation certificates issued by Consultants.
Vetting Consultants fee claim.
Taking over completed developments.

OTHERS
We also provide other services in collaboration with allied Consultants involving:i.
ii.

2.

Risk Assessment
Environmental Impact Assessment etc

QUANTITY SURVEYING
Quantity Surveyors are professionals who offer a variety of services in the construction and property development
industry. Principally they act as;

A.

Building Economist
As building economist they advise on; appropriate financial design criteria, economic factors affecting
projects, preparation of schedule of predicted cashflow, financial evaluation of tenders. They also
undertake research on economic issues concerning the building/construction industry by reviewing and
evaluating design concepts and advice on the economic viability of projects and computing price
fluctuation and valuation of variations to specifications in conjunction with other consultants.
3

B.

Construction Cost Estimators

As cost estimators, the quantity surveyor provides the following services:
i.

ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
C.

Receive relevant data for cost estimates from suppliers, manufacturers

and other consultants;
Prepare preliminary and elemental or equivalent estimates of construction
cost for client and construction organizations;
Assist the client or construction organization in preparation of a financial viability report of
projects.
Estimate the detail material, plant, labour and financial resources required in executing projects.
Prepare detailed estimates of construction and or development cost.

Procurement Managers/Consultants
Procurement is a skill which when applied in project delivery effort will go a long way to eliminate
corruption and corrupt practices and thus enhance national development through the judicious use of
scarce financial resources. In procuring projects the Quantity Surveyor is well skilled in providing the
following services to the client and construction organizations:
i.

Advise on the procurements policy for the project;

ii.

Agree and review the documentation programme with the principal consultant and other
consultants;

iii.

Assist the principal consultant or client organization in the formulation of the procurement
strategy for contractors, sub-contractors and supplies thereby ensuring transparency in the way
projects and services are procured;

iv.

Ensure harmony in the supply chain of project and service delivery through a co-ordinated of
procurement management.

D.

Project Management Consultants

Quantity Surveyors are qualified to practice as project management experts due to their training during
and after graduation. This is because as project managers they:
i.

Assist in developing a clear project brief for their clients;

ii.

Attend project initiation meetings;

iii.

Advise on the engagement of their consultants and services required;

iv.

Attend design and consultants meetings;

v.

Assist other consultants in auditing space allocation and materials of construction against the
initial brief to ensure that clients get good value for their investment;

vi.

Comment on space and accommodation allowances and prepare an area schedule;

vii.

Provide risk analysis and maintenance schedule of projects;

viii.

Establish and maintain financial control system for effective implementation of project budget
and scheduling;

E.

ix.

Assist in the project scoping to be able to meet time and budget constraint on construction; and

x.

Ensure that effective risk management strategies concerning input resources are provided and
implemented.

Project Administrator
Construction project administration is a skill which when ignore could affect the duration budget and
quality of the end product of construction. Quantity Surveyors as administrators to construction and
property development provide the following services:
i.

Attend project meeting and manage all the communications associated with the successful
implementation of project design and specifications;

F.

ii.

Liaise, co-operate and provide necessary information to the client, principal and other
consultants;

iii.

Review and evaluate design and outline specifications and exercise cost control in conjunction
with the other consultants;

iv.

Review working drawings for compliances with the approved budget of construction cost and/or
financial viability;

v.

Attend the site handover before construction and project/property handover after construction;

vi.

Attend regular site, technical and progress meetings;

vii.

Prepare valuation for payment certificates to be issued by the principal agent; and

viii.

Prepare final account (s) for the works on a progressive basis.

Arbitrators
By their training in contract and financial management, the Quantity Surveyor is
role as an arbitrator on construction projects. Their services include:

qualified to play a

i.

Adjudication and the resolution of financial claims by the contractor(s);

ii.

Resolution of issues associated with the contract administration;

iii.

Mediating between parties to a contract when an issue under contention is time and money; and

iv.

Providing expert advice to construction disputes among parties during court trials.

As GhIS members, Quantity Surveyors are able to keep up to date with developments in their profession
through a combination of reading of professional journals and training seminars.

3.

LAND SURVEYING
THE LAND SURVEYOR / GEOMATIC ENGINEER
A Land Surveyor is the Professional who, by his education and training, determines positions of points
on the earths surface and the relation between these points from measurements on the earths surface,
below the surface or in aerospace, considering the size and shape of the earth and atmospheric
conditions. These points are used for mapping the earth and its interior leading to the provision of
Geomatic information for the socio economic development of the country.
Various aspects of the profession are performed by geodetic engineers, licensed surveyors, mine
surveyors, hydrographic surveyors, photogrammetrists, cartographers, experts in remote sensing and
geographic informatic system.
The main professional activities of the Land Surveyor are:

1.0

CADASTRAL SURVEYS:
Land Surveyors of the Institution are involved in the cadastral surveys of concessions, government
acquisitions and landed properties of individuals. These surveys are intended to be used for conveying
title to land in the country. They include The Land Title Registration surveys, which are currently being
undertaken by Licensed Surveyors who are all members of the Institution.

2.0

ENGINEERING SURVEYS:
The Engineering Surveys undertaken by land surveyors include surveys for construction of roads, dams,
buildings, pipelines, electricity transmission routes for V.R.A. and Electricity Corporation of Ghana, etc.

3.0

LARGE SCALE MAPPING OF CITIES & TOWNS

With the aid of aerial photographs, Land Surveyors provide field data (vertical and horizontal co-ordinate
of identified points) for the production of large scale maps for cities and towns. These maps form the
basis of property registration schemes, urban planning and engineering projects.

4.0

MEDIUM /SMALL SCALE MAPPING

With the aid of aerial photographs /satellite data, Land Surveyors provide data for the production of
medium and small scale maps covering the country. These maps are used for global planning and
environmental monitoring of our natural resources. Political, tourist guide and road maps of the country
are prepared using these maps.

5.0

DEMARCATION OF STOOL LAND BOUNDARIES

Lands surveyors put their services at the disposal of the Stool Lands Boundaries Settlement authorities.
They undertake all surveys connected with the investigation of boundary disputes as well as the final
demarcation of adjudicated boundaries.
6

6.0

DEMARCATION AND SURVEY OF LAY OUT SCHEMES:

Land Surveyors demarcate and survey lay out schemes approved by the Town and Country Planning
Department. Plans resulting from the surveys are used to convey title to land.

7.0

DEMARCATION OF INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARIES:

Land Surveyors have been helping to re-demarcate, open up, pillar and survey Ghanas national
boundaries with the La Cote dIvoire, Burkina Faso and Togo. This is to make the boundaries clear and
well defined which will make it easier to control smuggling and minimize border friction.

8.0

FRAMEWORK SURVEYS:
Lands Surveyors take part in framework surveys, which provide control for both small and large scale
mapping. The surveys also establish accurate frameworks of permanently monumented points to which
all future local surveys are tied.

9.0

MINE SURVEYS:
Mine Surveying deals with all surveying, measurements, calculations and preparation of maps and
diagrams of all kinds for documentation of events during all stages of prospecting and investigation of
mineral deposits and their extraction on and below the surface of land and the sea.

10.0

HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEYS:
Hydrographic Surveyors provide a complete surveying service in all waters - offshore, coastal, inland,
etc. They collect and compile hydrographic data for projects like charting, drill site investigations, tide
gauging, port and harbour development and maintenance, water inventory, marine geophysics and
environmental control.

11.0

SPECIAL SURVEYS:
Land Surveyors determine positions and bearings by observing to the sun and stars, or by using Global
Positioning System (GPS) receivers which track orbiting satellites. Computers are used to generate
digitized maps which make revision and super-imposition of other data very accurate. Also, thematic
maps are produced very quickly from satellite images.
NB:

C.

Employers are humbly advised to check the credentials of their employees offering the
services of surveying with the Institution.

THE SURVEYORS VOLUNTARY SERVICE SCHEME

The Institution has noted that there are some people/communities who cannot afford the services of
Professional Surveyors or who are ignorant about such services. The Governing Council of GhIS had
therefore instituted the Surveyors Voluntary Service Scheme which was launched in Kumasi, on the 10th
of March 2000 at our 31st Annual Conference.
The Surveyors Voluntary Service Scheme expects Surveyors to give advice, education and in some
cases render service on voluntary basis. The advice will be such that the public will be enlightened on
7

the necessary steps to take to acquire land without any hitch. Surveyors offer professional advice and
education in the following areas:i. In Valuation and Estate Surveying advice can be sought on the following:a. Landlord and tenant relationship
b. Land disputes
c. Town Planning and Building Requirements for development.
d. Compulsory acquisition of property and compensation claimants rights and appraisals
procedure.
e. Property rating issues
f. Environmental and conservation matters
g. Land documentation and registration procedures.

ii. In the area of Quantity Surveying, we offer advice (and in some cases service) in the following;
a. Cost implication of building designs and choice of building materials.
b. Disputes between developers and artisans in direct-labour contracts.
c. Cases of restorations necessitated by incidence of fire, storms and floods.
d. Management of construction projects.
e. Training of artisans and middle level construction professionals to enhance their performance.
In the Land Surveying and Mapping areas, the Surveyor will offer advice and service in the
following:a. Demarcation and Survey of approved layouts.
b. Demarcation and Survey of stool land boundaries for registration. Land owners will be advised
to avail themselves of the offer made by Director of Surveys where by a team of government
surveyors accurately demarcate and survey boundaries of land at subsidized fees.
c. Preparation of base maps
d. Provision of cadastral plans
e. Digital Mapping and Geographic information systems
It is hoped that the public, especially the needy, will take advantage of the services provided under
the scheme to facilitate and enhance their transactions in land. This, we believe, will help to
accelerate the socio-economic development of the nation.
Implementation Steps
The Governing Council of the Institution has adopted the steps noted hereunder for the
implementation of the Voluntary Service Scheme.
a. Formal applications should be submitted to the Executive Director of GhIS for those in Greater
Accra Region and in the other Regions, to our regional representatives. (Heads/our members in
the following Departments: Lands Commission, Administrator of Stool Lands, AESL, PWD,
Highways, Feeder/Urban Roads and Ghana Irrigation Authority)
b. Prescribed Forms will be completed by the Executive Director/Regional Representative upon
discussions/interview with Applicants.
8

c. Completed forms and applications will then be sent to the respective Divisional Committee(s) for
consideration.
d. Reports and recommendations from the appropriate Divisional/Regional Committee(s) will be
sent to Governing Council.
e. Governing Council ensures the Applicant is offered the requested service or advice on urgent
basis.
D.

BENEFITS OF GhIS MEMBERSHIP OR AFFILIATION

1.
1.1

Benefits of Being A Member

Individuals:
Students
Trainees
Members

The benefits cut-across and are not necessarily in water-tight compartments.

1.2

Students:
a. Opportunities for meeting like-minded people; raises ones profile with future employers.
b. Provides support (financing project work, materials for dissertation, industrial training etc.)
c. Offers opportunity to participate in CPD activities.
d. Access to the Institutions Library.
e. As a source of future reference.

1.3

Trainees:
a. Opportunities for meeting like-minded people; raises ones profile with future employers.
b. Provides support (financing project work, materials for dissertation, industrial training etc.)
c. Offers opportunity to participate in CPD activities.
d. Access to the Institutions Library.
e. As a source of future reference.

1.4

Members
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.

1.5

Benefits from CPD Programmes aimed at ensuring that Members remain at the top of their profession.
GhIS is highly regarded in the job market hence being a Member is a major advantage.
Free access to the Institutions publications.
Building network of professional contacts, thereby increasing work/job opportunities.
Have free access to the Institutions library.
Have access to Institutions website.
Provides financial support in specific cases Benevolent Fund.
Confer international recognition with prospects of automatic membership into some professional
bodies e.g. International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), Commonwealth Association of Surveying and
Land Economy (CASLE), African Association of Quantity Surveyors (AAQS), International Cost
Engineering Consultants (ICEC), International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) etc.

Practising Firms
Generally very similar to those that the individual Members enjoy:
a. Membership is recognized by both the public and private sectors in the job market Particular
reference to the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663).
9

b. Opportunity to engage and retain surveying professionals competitive edge in the job
market.
c. Gains the right to offer training to prospective Members.
d. Participation in Institutions activities be they for professional development or for fun (social) is
guaranteed.
e. Has free access to the Institutions Library.
f. Have access to the Institutions website
g. Enhances the prospect of partnership with foreign Firms thereby gaining from technology
transfer becoming more competitive.
1.6

Responsibility
To every right, there is its corresponding responsibilities. Some of these are:
a. Finance
Every organization runs on sound financial footing. Membership support is therefore needed and it is
expected that all will pay subscriptions and other levies promptly to ensure efficient and effective
running of the Institution.
b. Contribute to all debates, therefore comments, advice and criticisms from general membership are
warmly welcomed.

c. Participation of members in all Institutional activities be they for professional development or

social are mandatory
d. Members are expected to study the Rules, Regulations, Code of Ethics etc of the Institution
and be above board in all dealings with both the public and private to avoid embarrassment to
either the Institution or themselves.
e. Members are expected to volunteer to serve the Institution though it is expensive in terms of time,
energy and finance.

E.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER

The Institution has three main areas of specialisation, for election to membership viz;
i.

Valuation and Estate Surveying

ii.

Quantity Surveying (Cost Engineering)

iii.

Land Surveying (Geomatic Engineering)

The procedure for gaining membership of the Ghana Institution of Surveyors follows a set of detailed
rules: but for the purpose of this Manual, may be summarized as follows:Valuation and Estate Surveying
There is the Professional Class for which an applicant must normally possess the B.Sc. Land Economy
or Real Estate Degree of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi
10

or its equivalent and the Technician Class from which an applicant must hold the Diploma in Estate
Management (KNUST) or the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Estate Management or its equivalent.
In either of the above, he/she must first be registered as a Trainee of the Institution and undergo
practical training in an approved office for at least (2) two years after which he/she would be required to
take an appropriate Test of Professional Competence (TPC) for election as Member or Test of Technical
Competence (TTC) for election as Surveying Technician.
Quantity Surveying (Cost Engineering)
A holder of B.Sc. Building Technology Degree of KNUST, Kumasi or its equivalent also needs to enroll
as Trainee with the Institution for at least two years and then submit to a TPC and after successful
completion would be elected as a Member.
An applicant with a Higher National Diploma, Full Technological Certificate or its equivalent is entitled,
after two (2) years of approved probation, to take a TTC for election as a Surveying Technician.
Land Surveying (Geomatic Engineering)
A holder of B.Sc. Geomatic Engineering Degree of KNUST, Kumasi or UMAT, Tarkwa or its equivalent
needs to enroll as a Trainee with the Institution for at least two years and would be eligible to take TPC
to qualify for election as a Member.
Applicant who holds a Diploma in Geomatic Engineering in KNUST or HND from Ghana School of
Surveying and Mapping, Certificate in Land Surveying from Ghana School of Surveying and Mapping
plus Technician Diploma/Technologist from RECTAS or ITC or its equivalent will enroll as a technician
Trainee for two (2) years and then submit to take TTC to qualify for election as a Surveying Technician.

Mature Candidates
Bachelor Degree and Diploma Applicants or others with equivalent qualifications can become members
of the Institution on the attainment of the age of Forty five (45) years provided they have worked in the
relevant Institution/firm for an aggregate of fifteen (15) years.
All Applicants must be approved by the Governing Council and a serve the minimum requisite training
period of six(6) months and take the relevant TPC or TTC exams and interview.

F.

HARMONIZED PROGRESSION IN THE INSTITUTION

1.1

HND/Diploma Technician Progression to the Professional Member Class

1.1.1

General
All HND/Diploma holders after attaining the Technician Grade/Class must undergo a further
training in an approved office for a minimum aggregate period of six (6) years (Progression
Period) to be considered for advancement to the Member Class. The period is meant to be
equated to the option of attending the University for a Degree Course and subsequent
probation all totaling six (6) years.
11

1.1.2

Additional
In addition they must within the six (6) year progression period:
o
o
o
o

Submit written evidence of attachment

Submit written reports
Take written examinations
Attend Interviews (i.e. oral examination)

The details applicable to each Division are as follows:

1.1.3. Valuation and Estate Surveying Division
At the end of the 3rd year, a candidate must:
o
o
o
o

Submit two (2) written papers/essays on topics of ones choice relating to his/her
schedule of duty.
Submit two (2) Valuation Reports Capital and Rental
Take a written examination (Part 1 : Management and Valuation)
Attend an Interview.

At the end of the 6th year, a candidate must:

o
o
o
o

1.1.4

Submit written papers/essays on two (2) topics of ones choice

Submit two (2) Valuation Reports (Capital and Rental)
Take a written examination (Part II: Management and Valuation)
Attend an Interview

QS Division
At the end of the third (3rd) year, the candidate must:
o
o

Take a written examination that is Final B in addition to Law i.e. Paper 4 of Intermediate
Part A.
Attend an Interview

At the end of the 6th year, the candidate must:

o
o

1.1.5

Take a written examination

Attend an Interview

LS Division
At the end of the third (3rd) year, the candidate must:
o
o
o

Take a written examination

Submit One (1) Practical Task
Attend an Interview
12

At the end of the sixth (6th) year, the candidate must:

o
o
o

1.1.6

Take a written examination

Submit One (1) Practical Task
Attend an Interview

Logbooks
At the end of the third (3rd) and sixth (6th) years, the candidate must submit Logbooks (at
Interview) showing work done during the periods duly certified by his/her supervisor. This is
applicable to the three (3) Divisions.

1.2

Matured Candidates

1.2.1

Category One (1) Technicians Progressing To Member Class

These criteria below apply to all candidates within the three (3) Divisions who are Technician
members and are considered matured in terms of age and experience. The Candidate:
o
o
o
o

1.2.2

Must attain a minimum age of 45 years

Must have worked for an aggregate period of 15 years in an approved office or an
equivalent office outside Ghana (i.e. working experience).
Take written exams applicable to a final year Trainee Professional Surveyor.
Attend an Interview (Oral examination).

Category Two (2) Direct Entry Graduates/Degree Holders To Member Class

These criteria below apply to all candidates applying to the three Divisions who are not yet
members but have acceptable academic qualifications and are considered matured in terms of
age and experience. The Candidate:
o
o
o
o
o

1.2.3

Must be registered as a Trainee for at least six (6) months

Must attain a minimum age of 45 years
Must have worked for an aggregate period of 15 years in an approved office or an
equivalent office outside Ghana (i.e. working experience).
Take written exams applicable to a final year Trainee Professional Surveyor
Attend an Interview (Oral examination).

Category Three (3) Direct Entry into Technician Class

The criteria below apply to all candidates applying to the three Divisions who are not yet
members but have acceptable academic qualifications and are considered matured in terms of
age and experience. The Candidate:
o
o

Must be registered as a Trainee for at least six (6) months.

Must attain a minimum age of 45 years
13

o
o
o

Must have worked for an aggregate period of 15 years in an approved office or an

equivalent office outside Ghana
Take written exams applicable to a final year Trainee Technician Surveyor.
Attend an Interview

1.3

Technician Membership

1.3.1

Category One (1) HND Holders (Polytechnic and Ghana School of Surveying and
Mapping) (GSSM)
HND holders from the Polytechnic and Ghana School of Surveying and Mapping (GSSM) must
undergo a two (2) years probation period and training. Candidate:
o
o
o
o

1.3.2

Category Two (2) Certificate/City and Guilds Part III Holders (Polytechnic and GSSM)
Polytechnic/GSSM Certificate holders must undergo three (3) years probation period and
training. Candidate:
o
o
o
o
o

2.0.

Must take written Technician examination after the 2nd year.

Attend an Interview
Must be working in an approved office
Training period can start with National Service.

Must take written Intermediate examination after 1st year

Must take written Technician examination after the 3rd year
Attend an interview
Must have worked for at least three (3) years in an approved office
Training period can start with National Service and in an approved office.

Survey and Mapping Division of Lands Commission (formerly Survey

Department )
Licensed Surveyors work under the supervision of the Director, Survey and Mapping Division of
the Lands Commission and must therefore be seen as working in an Approve Office. Their
Application Forms must be endorsed by the said Director.

3.0

Examination Fee(s)
All candidates must pay the appropriate Examination Fee(s) to Ghana Institution of Surveyors.

14

G.

EXAMINATION PROGRAMME
1.0

VALUATION AND ESTATE SURVEYING DIVISION

1.

APPLICATIONS FROM FIRST YEAR

Applicants are to submit Four (4) Reports on (1) Capital and one (1) Rental Valuation; and two
(2) Essays on topics relating to the applicants schedule of duty. Applicants should have
served one (1) year training, which should cover at least twelve (12) months post registration
experience in an approved office.

1.2

APPLICATIONS FROM SECOND YEAR TRAINEE PROFESSIONAL SURVEYORS

Applicants are to submit Three (3) Reports one (1) Capital and one (1) Rental Valuation; and
one (1) Essay on any topic relating to the applicants schedule of duty after serving the
second year training, which should cover at least twelve (12) months in an approved office.

1.3

APPLICATIONS FROM TRAINEE TECHNICIAN SURVEYORS

Applicants are to submit Two (2) Valuation Reports after at least two (2) years post registration
experience in an approved office

1.4

SURVEYING TECHNICIANS PROGRESSING TO PROFESSIONAL MEMBER CLASS

Applicants willing to undertake the six (6) year progression course from Surveying Technician
Class to Professional Member Class are to apply to the GhIS Secretariat for registration.
Part I
Applicants shall serve three (3) years Training which should cover at least three (3) years postelected experience as a Surveying Technician in an approved office. During the period,
applicants shall attend an intensive programme to be organized by the Institution after which
they shall submit Four (4) Reports one (1) Capital and (1) Rental Valuation; and two (2)
Essays on topics relating to the applicants schedule of duty and undertake a written and
oral examinations.
Part II
Applicants who successfully complete Part I of the programme shall serve a further three (3)
year term under the same terms as Part I, and submit Four (4) Reports one (1) Capital and
one (1) Rental Valuation; and two (2) Essays on topics relating to the applicants schedule
of duty, and undertake a written and oral examinations together with second year Professional
Trainee Surveyors. Successful applicants would then be admitted into the Professional Class.

1.5

MATURE CANDIDATES
a. BSC. Land Economy Degree Holders or Equivalent

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Recognized matured candidates are to submit three (3) Reports, Two (2) of which must be
on Valuation (Capital and Rental) and One (1) essay on any relevant topic relating to the
applicants schedule of duty and attend an interview.
b. Diploma in Estate Management Holders or Equivalent
Recognized matured candidates are to submit one (1) Report on Valuation.
c. Surveying Technicians Progressing to Professional Class
The requirements are the same as Second year Trainee Professional Surveyors.
1.6

DATES APPLICABLE TO THE ABOVE

o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

2.0
2.1

Deadline for Submission of synopsis on Essays

April 30,
Approval of synopsis
May 30,
Refresher Course
June 1st week
Submission of Reports
August 31,
Written Examination
October 1st week,
Oral Examinations (Interviews)
October 2nd Week
Submission of Exams Results by BOE to Div. Ctee
October 31,
Submission of Exams Results by Div. Ctee to Governing Council November 2nd Week,

QUANTITY SURVEYING DIVISION

PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF QUANTITIES TRAINEE PROFESSIONAL SURVEYORS

2.1.1 Open to all Trainee Professional Surveyors with post registration training of not less than one
(1) year in an approved training office to undertake the 1st year Part 1 Exam of two (2) papers.
2.1.2 On successful completion of Part 1 Exam and after serving the second year training, which
should cover at least twelve (12) months in an approved office Trainee Professional Surveyors
can take the Final Exam of two (2) papers.
2.1.3 Trainee Professional Surveyors willing to undertake the two(2) exams at a sitting will have to
undertake at least two (2) years of post registration training in an approved office.
o Refresher Courses
o Written Examination

2.2

August 3rd Week,

September 3rd Week

APPLICATION TO BECOME TECHNICIAN SURVEYORS

Open to HND/CTC Part III Quantities/ City & Guilds Part III Quantities Trainee Technicians with
post registration with the Institution of not less than two (2) years in an approved office.
o Attend Interview date at discretion of Board of Examiners (BOE)

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2.3

DIRECT ENTRY EXAMINATIONS FOR SURVEYING TECHNICIANS

Open to Surveying Technicians who wish to progress to professional status. The applicant
must have served a minimum of six (6) years in the Surveying Technician Class.

2.3

MATURE CANDIDATES EXAMINATIONS

Open to university Graduates of not less than forty-five years of age with proven track record of
QS practice and post qualification experience for an aggregate period of fifteen (15) years.
May 3rd Week,
June 4th Week,
June 30,

o Refresher Course
o Written Examination
o Interview

3.0

LAND SURVEYING DIVISION

3.1

APPLICATION FROM TRAINING PROFESSIONAL SURVEYORS

a. Professional Trainees who have served their full term of training should submit a report on
Land Survey/Geo-Information works executed and a practical task both duly endorsed by
their Supervisors to the Executive Director in addition to 3.3 below.
b. Diploma and HND holders in Geomatic Engineering or Survey and Mapping with basic Land
Surveying Certificate who have served their full term of Training should submit Reports on
Land Survey/Geo-Information Works executed and a practical task duly endorsed by their
Supervisors to the Executive Director, in addition to 3.3 below.
c.
d. Certificate in Land Surveying from Ghana School of Surveying and Mapping who have
served full terms of training should submit practical task to the Executive Director in addition
to 3.3 below.
In all cases (a) or (b) or (c) two copies of the Report in addition to the log book (also duly
endorsed by the candidates Supervisor) should be submitted to the Executive Director. A
written examination will be conducted at least two (2) months after the receipt of the reports.
The candidates will be duly notified.

3.2

TECHNICIAN DIRECT ENTRY EXAMINATION

This examination is meant for members in the Surveying Technician Class who wish to progress
to the Professional Member Class. The Applicant must have served a minimum period of six (6)
years in the Surveying Technician Class. The Direct Entry Written Examination will be in two (2)
parts as in 3.3 below.

3.3

REFRESHER COURSES
a. Part I
o Refresher Course
o Written Examination

May 3rd Week July 2nd Week,

July 2nd Week August 1,
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b. Part II
o Refresher Course
o Written Examination

August 2nd Week Oct. 2nd Week,

October 2nd Week Oct. 4th Week,

NB: WHERE DATES FALL ON WEEKENDS SUBMISSIONS AND OR

EXAMINATIONS WILL BE THE FRIDAY PRECEEDING.
3.4

MATURE CANDIDATES
The Candidate:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

4.

Must attain a minimum age of Forty-five (45) years

Must have worked for an aggregate period of fifteen (15) years as a Licensed Surveyor
Must be a University Graduate and /or Surveyor.
Undertake a refresher course and written examination as in 3.3 above.
Attend an interview

ELEVATION TO FELLOW (ALL CLASSES)

Applicant must have been a Professional Member for at least Ten (10) years and qualify as per
the Marking Scheme.
Note: Deadline for submission of Applications is October 15 in each year.
GENERAL
Details regarding: Forms, Fees, Courses etc can be obtained from:-

The Executive Director

Ghana Institution of Surveyors,
3rd Floor, Palma House, Adabraka
P. O. Box 916, Accra
GHANA
Tel: 233 21 220191
Fax: 233 21 257012
Email: info@ghisonline.org
Website: www.ghisonline.org
SURV. HUMPHREY AMEGADOE (MGhIS)
(HON. SECRETARY)

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