The IAAO Body of Knowledge is divided into eight books, and each book reviews key Knowledge Areas (KAs) that assessors must demonstrate competency in.
01 | WORKING WITH THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK
This knowledge area includes skills related to the legal basis for assessment and valuation, reassessment and reappraisal cycles, property tax base, exemptions, and taxation.
02 | COLLECTING AND MAINTAINING PROPERTY DATA
This knowledge area includes skills for managing information essential to property valuation, including ownership, transfers, identification, description, and related data management. Proper management and maintenance of your data will ensure you have what you need to defend your appraisals. Proficiency in this KA is a stepping stone toward all the IAAO designations.
03 | DEVELOPING AND MANAGING CADASTRAL DATA
This knowledge area identifies the skills required to effectively develop, manage, implement, and administer a robust Cadastral System, both digital and printed versions. This knowledge area helps you plan, develop, implement, and manage both manual and digital cadastral mapping operations. Proficiency in this area is a stepping stone toward the Cadastral Mapping Specialist (CMS) designation.
04 | APPRAISING PROPERTY
This knowledge area includes skills in identifying property, developing and reporting property value, mass appraisal and single-property appraisal, using the three approaches to value, land valuation, and value reconciliation, while considering specific property types. This knowledge area is the core of the Body of Knowledge. Proficiency in this area gives you the foundational skills that enable you to plan and perform appraisals. Proficiency in this KA is a stepping stone toward four of the six IAAO designations: Certified Assessment Evaluator (CAE), Residential Evaluation Specialist (RES), Mass Appraisal Specialist (MAS), and Personal Property Specialist (PPS).
05 | LEADING AND MANAGING THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE
This knowledge area focuses on assessment administration and includes skills in leadership and management, such as planning, organizing, directing, and controlling. Proficiency in this area will enable you to run a more effective office by strengthening skills in budgeting, mentoring, project management, and personnel management. Knowledge gained in this area is a stepping stone toward the Certified Assessment Evaluator (CAE) and Assessment Administration Specialist (AAS) designations.
06 | MANAGING COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS
This knowledge area is concerned with inquiries, complaints, and valuation/assessment appeals. Proficiency in this area will enable you to address property owners’ complaints promptly and effectively within prescribed timelines. Knowledge gained in this area is a stepping stone toward the Assessment Administration Specialist (AAS) designation.
07 | MANAGING PUBLIC RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
This knowledge area focuses on communicating with the public, government stakeholders, and the media. Proficiency in this area enables you to communicate your office’s objectives and engage effectively with the public, government stakeholders, and the media. Knowledge gained in this area leads to the Assessment Administration Specialist (AAS) and the overarching Certified Assessment Evaluator (CAE) designation.
08 | OVERSIGHT AND COMPLIANCE REVIEW
This knowledge area covers the skills required for audit, oversight, and compliance reviews at the macro level (i.e., State/Province/National). Using the knowledge in this area, you will be able to ensure that the responsibilities of each assessing office are properly and legally covered. Knowledge gained in this area leads to the Assessment Administration Specialist (AAS) and the overarching Certified Assessment Evaluator (CAE) designation.