Math on the Certified Residential State Exam

[Alsie35]

I understand why they do it at the testing center. However, I do not understand why the practice tests like Compucram include so many questions using the HP12C if you cant use it during the actual exam.

That, to put it mildly, sounds like BS to me. Find another testing center. You HAVE to use the HP12c calculator in order to do the problems on the test. Its literally REQUIRED in order to take the Certification Exam. I took it in with me when took the test in 2018 in CA.

 

[Fernando]

It's been years since I took it and I have no idea. Is the test same nationally or each state has own set of questions?

 

[Alsie35]

I am pretty sure it is now a national test. And math is at least 50% of it (I took it in 2018). You won't pass if you secretly hope math will not be that big of a part. You need to over-prepare for all of the various formulas that they will pepper the test with, usually with VERY long intro paragraphs to questions where half the info provided is a "false flag" that you need to identify and not consider in the answer ... my 2 cents worth ...

 

[Will41]

That, to put it mildly, sounds like BS to me. Find another testing center. You HAVE to use the HP12c calculator in order to do the problems on the test. Its literally REQUIRED in order to take the Certification Exam. I took it in with me when took the test in 2018 in CA

 

[Fernando]

I had the HP calculator but never figured out how to use it. It just sits in my desk. I use regular calculator for all math calculations.
In school I was good in math until I came across geometry. It was so hard to understand and now as appraiser, geometry is most useful in our math work.

 

[Sid Holderly]

Regular calculator only when I took it. If a 10BII is allowed it is easy to use. It sometimes takes a little paper if you know the process for getting the answer.
Ethics, State Penalties and requirements, time value of money, being able to convert work questions to algebra, number conversions, legal descriptions to acres, scope of work, etc

 

[Alsie35]

I had the HP calculator but never figured out how to use it. It just sits in my desk. I use regular calculator for all math calculations.
In school I was good in math until I came across geometry. It was so hard to understand and now as appraiser, geometry is most useful in our math work.

*LOL* Welcome to the club! Fortunately for me, the new HP12c calculators have the arithmetic function so you can use it as a regular calculator. Which is what I did during the test.

 

[Surf Cat]

Hey DCD,

Go online and get "Appraisal Review Crammer" 5th edition (Hondros Learning). I took a "examinaiton prep" class at RET Trainers here in CA taught by Bruce Legg and this is the text that was used for the 2 day class and is the path to your success in passing the Certified exam. The book goes through all the HP12C calculations you will need for the math as well as all the other areas (Real Estate Markets, Highest and best use, property description, etc.) needed to pass the exam (IF you study).

I also did CompuCram to practice going through the exam process to build up my speed in computer test taking. After going through the test and passing, I felt the book was more inline with the examination questions than Compucram. But, Compucram did give me the "timed" practice and did instill into memory key concepts you need to know.

There was still questions and concepts on the examination that both the book and Compucram did not cover though.

Good luck!

 

[WSS]

Sorry for the delayed response as we are in the middle of reassessment. It's been quite hectic around here for sure. I purchased Steve Williamson's Exam Prep. It's not like compucram, but I would say the questions mirror what I saw on the first go around of the exam. I've gone through over half of the questions and have wrote down the steps to the math problems to familiarize myself with them. What is frustrating that even though I'm really going over the math this time, who's to say that the math this go around will be less than before? Just have to keep on keeping on!

 

[Alsie35]

Sorry for the delayed response as we are in the middle of reassessment. It's been quite hectic around here for sure. I purchased Steve Williamson's Exam Prep. It's not like compucram, but I would say the questions mirror what I saw on the first go around of the exam. I've gone through over half of the questions and have wrote down the steps to the math problems to familiarize myself with them. What is frustrating that even though I'm really going over the math this time, who's to say that the math this go around will be less than before? Just have to keep on keeping on!

I also attended Bruce Legg's 2-day seminar in Anaheim in 2018 and agree with the previous poster about the Hondros Learning material. I wasn't overly impressed with the compucram exams. But the Hondros book that Bruce worked from in his seminar was gold. Could not have passed the exam without it. Good luck!