Appraiser Bias Education

[TooMuchCoffeeGirl]

I recently completed the mandatory 2-hour appraisal law course for Pennsylvania certification renewal. I was surprised to see that, beginning with the next cycle, appraisers will be required to complete SEVEN HOURS of bias training. This is 25% of the entire CE hours requirement!!! Since USPAP and law are 7 + 2, this will mean only 12 hours is left to enhance appraiser knowledge and skills. Sure, we're not prohibited from taking more classes, but I'd guess that a large percentage of appraisers get their CE reimbursed by their employer and aren't going to take more CE than the minimum required. I'm furious. Seven hours is insane, particularly when I think the entire idea of appraiser bias has been blown up out of proportion. Since bias is an element of USPAP's Ethics Rule, why???? Is there any way appraisers voices can be heard on this?

 

[TC]

Take a 5 hour class.

 

[ucbruin]

Will the 7 hour bias class be required every renewal cycle....
Or just once....

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

As I pointed out elsewhere, CE is being rendered useless with time. Soon it will be all procedure and no education... then what?

 

[TC]

Starting in 2026 PA will have 16 hours of mandatory CE. 7 of USPAP, 2 hours of PA Rules and Regs, and 7 hours of Bias.

 

[TC]

Will the 7 hour bias class be required every renewal cycle....
Or just once....

Every

 

[TooMuchCoffeeGirl]

Take a 5 hour class.

I don't think a 5-hour class is an option in PA but I could be wrong. Regardless of whether it's 2, 5, or 7, I'm livid that this is being shoved down our throats.

 

[ucbruin]

Why are you livid....

 

[TooMuchCoffeeGirl]

Will the 7 hour bias class be required every renewal cycle....
Or just once....

Good question. I pulled this from PA.gov: "If a certified appraiser satisfies the 7-Hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations Course requirement prior to the biennial renewal period ending on 6/30/2025, the appraiser will be required to complete the 4-hour course prior to the biennial renewal period ending on 6/30/2027 and for each biennial renewal cycle thereafter."

 

[TooMuchCoffeeGirl]

Starting in 2026 PA will have 16 hours of mandatory CE. 7 of USPAP, 2 hours of PA Rules and Regs, and 7 hours of Bias.

Not according to PA.gov. It will still be 28,