FAQ - Candidates
Question: Must I be a member of the IAAO to become a candidate in the Professional Designation Program?
Answer: Yes.
Question: I am considering becoming a candidate in the Professional Designation Program. I feel I have the knowledge and skills to challenge an examination for an IAAO course. Would it be advantageous to become a candidate prior to challenging the examination?
Answer: Yes. Normally the IAAO fee for a challenge examination is $200. As a candidate in the Professional Designation Program you may challenge IAAO course examinations with the exception of USPAP, Workshop 171, or the IAAO Standards Supplement for $50 per course.
Question: I have not yet met the experience requirement for a designation. May I become a candidate?
Answer: Yes, you may become a candidate. However, the experience requirement must be met by the time you sit for the master examination.
Question: Do I need to have all core course requirements met before I become a candidate in the Professional Designation Program?
Answer: No – you may enter the candidacy program at any time. You will have 5 years to complete all the requirements.
Question: I am ready to submit my demonstration appraisal report to the IAAO for grading. Will my report be returned to me upon completion of the grading process?
Answer: No. All submitted demonstration appraisal reports become the property of the IAAO and will not be returned to the candidate. Therefore, candidates are instructed to retain a copy of their report.
Question: I am a candidate for the Assessment Administration Specialist (AAS) designation and want to complete an evaluation of a jurisdiction’s assessment practices. Does the IAAO have any information to help me prepare the report?
Answer: Yes. The IAAO offers the “Assessment Practices Self-Evaluation Guide” to assist candidates in writing the report. The book is available on the IAAO web-site under the Marketplace tab.
Question: I am a candidate in the Professional Designation Program and nearing the end of my 5 year candidacy. I feel that I need a little more time to complete my requirements. What can I do?
Answer: You may request a one-year candidacy extension. Contact Headquarters for more information – 800/616-4226 ext. 8137 or witthar@iaao.org
Question: I plan to take the RES or CAE Case Study Examination. Does the IAAO offer a workshop to help prepare for these examinations?
Answer: Yes, the IAAO offers Workshop 850 – to prepare for the Case Study Examination on the Mass Appraisal of Income-Producing Property and Workshop 851 – Residential Case Study Examination. These workshops are rarely offered in a classroom setting due to low attendance. Many candidates choose to purchase the Student Reference Manual for the above workshops, which includes a practice examination, to help prepare for the examination.
Question: Does the IAAO still accept course equivalencies toward a designation?
Answer: At this time course equivalencies are only accepted thru the University of British Columbia two year Certificate in Real Property Assessment program, specializing in mass appraisal and assessment administration.
Question: When can I take the master examination?
Answer: Candidates may take the master examination after all other requirements have been fulfilled.