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.
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.
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.
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.
