Investigation of Core and Future Competencies Needed for Quantity Surveyors in Nigeria

The quantity surveying profession uniquely blends engineering, construction, economics and project management in a way that demands a diverse skill set from its practitioners. Thus, competence in this field requires not only a deep understanding of cost estimation, contract management, measurement and project financial control, but also the ability to adapt to technological advancements and evolving industry standards. This article explores both the core competencies necessary for effective quantity surveying practice and the future-proof skills needed to address emerging challenges in the construction industry. Through literature review, 17 core and 17 future-proof competencies were identified for quantity surveyors. This led to the development of a questionnaire aimed at professionals across various levels, including principal partners, partners, senior quantity surveyors and junior quantity surveyors. Data collected from the survey was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to assess the relevance of these competencies. The five most crucial competencies identified were contract administration, construction technology, measurement and quantification, communication and negotiation skills and construction law and regulation. ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests revealed significant variations in competency importance across different professional levels. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the core and future-proof competencies required for quantity surveyors, considering the perspectives of professionals at different career stages.