Before someone can be elected and subsequently recognised as a corporate member of NIESV, such an individual must pass “Test of professional competence”. The word ‘competence’ means ‘the quality of being adequately or well qualified physically and intellectually’ (WordWeb Dictionary). The main goal of “Test of professional competence” is to properly ascertain the academic qualification, practical experience and temperament among others. As a matter of fact, the certificate of registration issued to registered Estate Surveyors and Valuers by ESVARBON contain such statement as:
“This is to certify that ……………………………. having been found to possess the necessary knowledge qualification capacity experience and good character was conferred with the rights and privileges under section 8 of the Act to practice as an Estate Surveyor and Valuer throughout the Federation of Nigeria”.
The operating words in this statement are:
- Possession of the necessary knowledge;
- Possession of the necessary qualification;
- Possession of the necessary capacity;
- Possession of the necessary experience; and
- Possession of the necessary good character.
These are the specific traits and qualities being examined in the candidates seeking election as a corporate, professional member of NIESV; and same goes for registration and interview with ESVARBON. The ‘Test of professional competence’ mission therefore is to seek for, and identify such candidates that possess these sterling professional qualities and thereafter consider and confirm such candidates as elected members of the Institution by the National Council of NIESV. The possession of the ‘necessary knowledge’; and ‘qualification’ must be evidenced by certification from recognised and accredited higher institution of leaning. Furthermore, such candidate must undergo, at least, two years of pupillage in an approved estate firm.
For those with other qualifications other than a degree or diploma in Estate Management or those graduates from unaccredited higher institutions, they are expected to write and pass the required stages of the professional qualifying examinations including the mandatory Professional Practice Examination (PPE). After the above conditions has been complied with, every potential candidate for corporate membership is required to submit a professional dissertation on relevant topic that will have positive bearing on the growth and development of the profession.
Without doubt, these and other requirements of NIESV that prelude election into corporate membership of the Institution is tasking and therefore requires diligence, perseverance and commitment on the part of the individual candidate who wants to become an Estate Surveyor and Valuer; which in reality, are tests of character and ascertaining the quality of the individual candidate concerned.
