Taking The 15 Hour USPAP Test & PACC Adjunct Exam
USPAP Online
Below you will find information and opinion regarding the Uniform Standards Of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). The aim of this page is to briefly outline the purpose of USPAP, and it's current role in the world of "personal property appraising" - particularly as it relates to appraisers working within the field of antiques and collectibles. The information being provided in this document is by no means a definitive exploration of USPAP, but rather an introductory examination into the potential value of obtaining training and testing through their offerings, in conjunction with those being provided through Asheford. Students and graduates are encouraged to assess the merit and benefits of undertaking such coursework, in order to update their appraisal credentials, by carefully deliberating the potential long-term benefits that may be derived from the pairing of USPAP testing and Asheford coursework.
For those seeking a complete listing of all information contained within the latest publication of USPAP, and a link to the online version of this publication, click here, USPAP Online.
According to the Appraisal Foundation: "The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) are the generally accepted standards for professional appraisal practice in North America. USPAP contains standards for all types of appraisal services, including: real estate, personal property, business and mass appraisal."
About The Uniform Standards Of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)
From a lay perspective, the purpose of USPAP is to provide a set of consistent standards and criteria for appraisers that can be administered through ongoing and tested coursework. While USPAP and it's comprehensive appraisal guidelines were created and intended for the "real property" market (real estate), it also has similar applications for "personal property appraising" (in regard to goods and chattels). However, it should be noted that while USPAP Course testing is a requirement for real property appraisers, this is not the case for personal property appraisers. Although the Appraisal Foundation has, through the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB), "...established voluntary minimum qualifications for personal property appraisers," these "qualifications" are not mandated by law; either State or Federal. And, as such, "personal property appraisers" are not required to participate in any form of USPAP Course testing, in order to lawfully conduct personal property evaluations.
However, as generally accepted standards and guidelines for appraising continue to evolve, and move towards a more homogenous set of practices, it is recommended that students carefully consider the benefits of adopting these voluntary standards and guidelines as part of their overall curriculum - especially as they relate to the Institute's Professional Appraiser Code of Conduct (PACC) rules. Many organizations and government bodies are now endorsing USPAP Course testing, and while not yet a mandatory requirement for personal property appraising, it is a designation that seems to be gaining favor and general acceptance amongst a broad spectrum of diverse groups and organizations.
For those seeking a complete listing of all information contained within the latest publication of USPAP, and a link to the online version of this publication, click here, USPAP Online.
According to the Appraisal Foundation: "The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) are the generally accepted standards for professional appraisal practice in North America. USPAP contains standards for all types of appraisal services, including: real estate, personal property, business and mass appraisal."
About The Uniform Standards Of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)
From a lay perspective, the purpose of USPAP is to provide a set of consistent standards and criteria for appraisers that can be administered through ongoing and tested coursework. While USPAP and it's comprehensive appraisal guidelines were created and intended for the "real property" market (real estate), it also has similar applications for "personal property appraising" (in regard to goods and chattels). However, it should be noted that while USPAP Course testing is a requirement for real property appraisers, this is not the case for personal property appraisers. Although the Appraisal Foundation has, through the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB), "...established voluntary minimum qualifications for personal property appraisers," these "qualifications" are not mandated by law; either State or Federal. And, as such, "personal property appraisers" are not required to participate in any form of USPAP Course testing, in order to lawfully conduct personal property evaluations.
However, as generally accepted standards and guidelines for appraising continue to evolve, and move towards a more homogenous set of practices, it is recommended that students carefully consider the benefits of adopting these voluntary standards and guidelines as part of their overall curriculum - especially as they relate to the Institute's Professional Appraiser Code of Conduct (PACC) rules. Many organizations and government bodies are now endorsing USPAP Course testing, and while not yet a mandatory requirement for personal property appraising, it is a designation that seems to be gaining favor and general acceptance amongst a broad spectrum of diverse groups and organizations.
Updated 'Credential' Status
USPAP & PACC Coordinated Online Testing And Training
As a result of this convergence towards standardization in appraisal practices, the Asheford Institute now offers its students and graduates, the opportunity to add supplementary USPAP and PACC updates into their Course curriculum. The supplementary add-on to the Asheford Course consists of two parts:
1. The National 15-Hour Online USPAP Course & Testing Curriculum
2. The Asheford-PACC Online Compliance And Bridge Examination
Students and graduates must successfully complete both the National 15-Hour Online USPAP Course, and the adjunct, Asheford-PACC Online Compliance Examination, in order to receive 'updated' designation status for their Asheford appraisal credentials. The supplementary add-on of USPAP & PACC is a single component upgrade, divided into two parts, of which, neither part can be taken separately. This is a combined component upgrade.
*NOTE: USPAP testing is being offered solely as an "optional" supplementary add-on to one's existing Asheford appraisal credentials. It is NOT a necessary prerequisite or condition for conducting appraisals, but simply an additional testing program that can be used to enhance one's already existing appraisal credentials from the Institute.
As a result of this convergence towards standardization in appraisal practices, the Asheford Institute now offers its students and graduates, the opportunity to add supplementary USPAP and PACC updates into their Course curriculum. The supplementary add-on to the Asheford Course consists of two parts:
1. The National 15-Hour Online USPAP Course & Testing Curriculum
2. The Asheford-PACC Online Compliance And Bridge Examination
Students and graduates must successfully complete both the National 15-Hour Online USPAP Course, and the adjunct, Asheford-PACC Online Compliance Examination, in order to receive 'updated' designation status for their Asheford appraisal credentials. The supplementary add-on of USPAP & PACC is a single component upgrade, divided into two parts, of which, neither part can be taken separately. This is a combined component upgrade.
*NOTE: USPAP testing is being offered solely as an "optional" supplementary add-on to one's existing Asheford appraisal credentials. It is NOT a necessary prerequisite or condition for conducting appraisals, but simply an additional testing program that can be used to enhance one's already existing appraisal credentials from the Institute.
Requirements For Updating Your Asheford "Designation Status"
1. Taking The National 15-Hour "Online" USPAP Course
This course was developed by The Appraisal Foundation and focuses on the principles of ethical behavior and competent performance set forth in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). This is the "online" distance-education version of the 15-hour National Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice from The Appraisal Foundation. This course is designed to aid appraisers seeking competency in USPAP, in all areas of appraisal practice including those subject to state licensing or certification and continuing education requirements imposed by professional organizations, client groups, or employers. USPAP has been endorsed and adopted by major appraisal organizations in the United States and Canada. As required by federal law, USPAP must be used by states in their real estate appraiser certification programs. It is also "recommended" for use by "personal property appraisers as well. This course provides at least 15 hours (50 minutes per hour) of instruction in USPAP that allows for a one-hour exam period within the 15-hour time frame, and is taught by an AQB Certified Instructor.
(National 7-hour "Online" USPAP Update Course - Required 2 Years After Initial 15-Hour USPAP National Course)
This course is designed to fulfill the continuing education requirement which specifies that state licensed and certified appraisers must complete a 7-hour update course on the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice every two years.
1. Taking The National 15-Hour "Online" USPAP Course
This course was developed by The Appraisal Foundation and focuses on the principles of ethical behavior and competent performance set forth in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). This is the "online" distance-education version of the 15-hour National Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice from The Appraisal Foundation. This course is designed to aid appraisers seeking competency in USPAP, in all areas of appraisal practice including those subject to state licensing or certification and continuing education requirements imposed by professional organizations, client groups, or employers. USPAP has been endorsed and adopted by major appraisal organizations in the United States and Canada. As required by federal law, USPAP must be used by states in their real estate appraiser certification programs. It is also "recommended" for use by "personal property appraisers as well. This course provides at least 15 hours (50 minutes per hour) of instruction in USPAP that allows for a one-hour exam period within the 15-hour time frame, and is taught by an AQB Certified Instructor.
(National 7-hour "Online" USPAP Update Course - Required 2 Years After Initial 15-Hour USPAP National Course)
This course is designed to fulfill the continuing education requirement which specifies that state licensed and certified appraisers must complete a 7-hour update course on the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice every two years.
2. Taking The Asheford-PACC Online Compliance Examination
This examination was designed to be offered in conjunction with the USPAP 15-Hour Online Course, and may not be taken separately. It's focus is to help students and graduates gain an introductory and preparatory understanding of certain USPAP testing components; including types or styles of questions, that "might" be encountered on USPAP Courses and testing materials. The exam is also aimed at the exploration of some of the terms and language that is likely to be used within the USPAP 15-Hour Course. Note: Examples used will NOT be from the actual USPAP test, but similar in nature.
Adding USPAP & PACC Testing To Your Enrollment Application
Students (or past graduates), may choose to add the combination,15-Hour National USPAP Course, along with the Asheford-PACC Online Compliance Examination to their enrollment, by clicking on the link for the Enrollment Application page.
If you have any additional questions about taking either the USPAP Course and test, or the Asheford-PACC Online Compliance Examination, you can write to us on the Contact Page, or call the Registrar's Office toll free at: 1-877-444-4508.
Students (or past graduates), may choose to add the combination,15-Hour National USPAP Course, along with the Asheford-PACC Online Compliance Examination to their enrollment, by clicking on the link for the Enrollment Application page.
If you have any additional questions about taking either the USPAP Course and test, or the Asheford-PACC Online Compliance Examination, you can write to us on the Contact Page, or call the Registrar's Office toll free at: 1-877-444-4508.
