Becoming a Quantity Surveyor M/F: job, salary and missions

A key profession in the estimation of construction sites

The quantity surveyor calculates quantities, draws up quotes and prepares budgets. It secures costs and guarantees the good financial preparation of projects.
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The sector's figures confirm its importance:

✔ Sustained recruitment, especially in structural work and rehabilitation.

✔ Profiles with digital and BIM skills that are increasingly in demand.

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A technical and precise job

Reading plans, rigorous calculations, mastering software: his work determines the economic success of the site.

Training to become a quantity surveyor: everyone has their own career path

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The different types of training available
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1. BTS Construction Studies and Economics (EEC)

• Duration: 2 years.
• Audience: Technical post-baccalaureate or retraining.
• Objective: Learn to read plans, take measurements, draw up estimates and analyze costs.
• Where? Technical high schools, CFA BTP.

2. BUT GCCD (Civil Engineering — Sustainable Construction)

• Duration: 3 years
• Audience: Students looking for a broader curriculum.
• Advantage: gives a global vision (structure, thermal, durability) useful for complex measurements.
• Where? specialized IUTs.

3. Bachelor's degree in Construction Economics/Metre

• Duration: 1 year after Bac+2.
• Audience: Senior technicians.
• Advantage: in-depth analysis of DQE, CCTP, multi-lot costing, budget monitoring.
• Where? Universities, IUT, CFA.

4. Software certificates (Attic+, Devisoc, Advanced Excel, BIM 5D)

• Duration: a few days to weeks.
• Audience: Students and pros.
• Advantage: immediate gain in productivity and reliability in measurements and costing.

5. VAE/Continuing Education Métré

• Audience: Quantity surveyors, economists, experienced technicians.
• Objective: have the skills acquired on site or in the design office officially recognized.

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Comparison of GO/TCE quantity surveyor courses

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Skills taught in training

In training as a Quantity Surveyor GO/TCE (Structural Work/All Contractors), you develop skills in costing, measurement and technical analysis of projects:

📊 Cost estimation and analysis

• Realization of detailed measurements on plans and on site.
• Elaboration of quotations and estimation of costs per lot (GO and SO).
• Comparison of supplier and subcontractor offers.
• Preparation of tender documents (DQE, CCTP).

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🔧 GO/TCE technical skills

• Reading and understanding architectural and construction plans.
• Mastery of DTUs, Eurocodes and standards in force.
• Knowledge of building pathologies for rehabilitations.
• Participation in the technical preparation of construction sites.

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🛠️ Putting it into practice

• Case studies: full costing of GO/TCE projects.
• Software used: Attic+, Devisoc, Excel, BIM software for quantities.
• Internships or work-study programs in general companies, economic firms or design offices.
• Practical measurement exercises on site.

Access conditions

• Bac+2 : BTS Construction Studies and Economics (EEC), BTS Building or Public Works.
• BUT Civil Engineering — Sustainable Construction with economic specialization.
• Pro or Bachelor's degree in construction economics or construction management.
• VAE : accessible to experienced technicians or quantity surveyors.

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The steps to integrate a training

• Parcoursup for BTS and BUT BTP focusing on economics and civil engineering.
• Direct application for professional licenses or specialized bachelors.
• Adult retraining: CPF, France Travail, AFPA, GRETA or specialized private schools BTP.
• Alternation: is looking for a general contractor or a specialized design office.

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From junior quantity surveyor to experienced economist
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✅ Confirmed quantity surveyor: You take charge of complete costing and measurement projects.

✅ Main quantity surveyor: you coordinate several projects and assist with strategic tenders.

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Supervision and expertise
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Head of study group: you manage a team of quantity surveyors and economists.

Price studies manager: You manage the costing strategy of a company.

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Creation or takeover
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Independent measurement firm: You are setting up your specialized company.

Freelance consultant: you offer your services to businesses.

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Footbridges
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Construction economist: you are evolving towards a wider expertise.

Price studies engineer: You are increasing in responsibility and strategy.

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