Certified General Exam Failure

[Terrel L. Shields]

[url]http://digitalprairie.ok.gov/cdm/compoundobject/collection/stgovpub/id/102217/rec/80[/URL]

OK newsletter said the pass rate is 73% nationwide for CGs...lower for CRs and Trainees..When I took the test it was probably easier but was not easy. I passed 1st time, but when I got to the car after the test....I went into the shakes....swore I would never submit to another test ever.

 

[Bazinga]

db09jku: I passed the exam a couple months ago so I can provide some insight. Stop using learnappraising.com! Delete it from your computer now. I can further explain if you really want to know..

You mentioned a few good topics on the test that came up a lot like cash equivalency. It sounds like you didn't study hard enough because that topic was well covered in AI Income Cap 1/2. Simply reading over AI course books while eating breakfast isn't going to cut it. You really have to sit down and write out each definition and math problem you don't know by heart because there are so many topics on that test that don't come up on a daily basis at work. And don't forget to read USPAP front to back two times.

And don't 'master' compucram.com; master all the topics covered in the AI course books because they supply 95% of the test questions. Use compucram a couple days before the actual exam to get your brain programmed to reading through multiple choice questions for 5 hours straight. Compucram's questions are real good for the basic definitions and terms, but it lacks income problems like cash equiv and equity yield rates.

Go to appraisalfoundation.org and scroll to the bottom. Click on National Exams, and on the right hand side of that page are multiple links with pass/fail rates and sample questions.

 

[Kali the Boston Terrier]

Kali,

I'm not sure that will work. The test center gives you a few sheets of scratch paper, say three, and you must return them before you get three more. They're determined to make sure nothing leaves the test center.

Doesn't have to be more than small tally marks.

 

[elkrealestate]

AS the title says, I failed my CG exam today with a 70%. I've done well in my AI courses, even have taken and passed Advance Income. Been a trainee for almost 5 years for a large firm.

I used learnappraising.com as my test study material. This program does not get you ready for the exam. The questions are one away or two away questions. When I say that I mean, you usually have to figure out 1 or 2 things before you can figure out the answer. The actual exam is much much harder and the questions are more involved than the questions on learnappraising.com. The language in the exam is different than whats on the practice questions.

I was passing the practice exams with 90% plus pass rate for the most part, and the ones that I missed was due to not reading the question. The material was not the problem.

I need some help to get passed this and to pass the test. I questioned my career choice and the last 5 years of my life during this test. I typically do 60 commercial appraisals a year and have 4 kids, so time is precious, but I'm willing to spend whatever time I need to to pass the test.

I like the layout of learnappraising.com, I do, I like the program itself and how it works, but the level of questions are not up to par to get you to a level to pass the test, in my opinion.

I'm looking at buying Compucram. Is it more advanced or is it more of the same as learnappraising?

Also, the areas that I recall from the test that I had issues with and were on the test were in these areas:
Cash equivalency - Owner financing compared to market financing and the adjustments for them
Yield Rates, equity dividends
Financial feasibility of a project

If I were more up to speed on these three areas, I would have passed.

Sorry about the ranting in , my first post, but this is devastating to me, I love what I do.

You need to look into John Urubek's Comprehensive Concepts course. I think it's offered quarterly in Roanoke, VA. It's worth every penny!!!! I was in the same place as you and this course got me through the wall. It's not a AI class but it's a review for MAI and General Tests.

 

[dacsavannah]

I just recently took the exam in Georgia. I passed, but I wasn't sure until I go to the proctor's desk and she told me. I studied all of my AI textbooks. To me, the practice exams at the end of each section of the AI course textbooks and the solution booklets were the most helpful. I had heard that none of the online prep was worth it. Those cash equivalency problems . . . only thing I can say is: repetition, repetition, repetition. There are plenty of examples in the AI textbooks.

The only other resource I invested in was the "Student Handbook to the 13th Edition", which has several more sample problems.

Don't feel bad-that test is a bear. There are only about 5-6 people per state per year that are passing it on average since the newest requirements. My sitting was the first time my testing center had ever administered it. The passing rate is probably reflective of only very well prepared people even attempting it. I have always been one of "those people" who could skate in to a standardized test and knock it out with my eyes closed. Not this one. I was very unsure as to whether I had passed, and I am happy to have it behind me. Next . . . the Comp!

One thing I have noted is the draconian test conditions many people have reported. I was fortunate that I got a lunch break between the two sections (ours was administered in two parts) and unlimited restroom breaks. Sounds like it is a crap shoot as to how your state or their test administrator decides to administer it. I mean, come on, is this an endurance event or a test? People should be required to get a meal in the middle of an 8 hour test. Good Luck.

 

[RobD211111]

Thanks so much for your post - it's very helpful. I failed yesterday, after using learnappraisal. Couple quick questions:
- Will the AI student workbook be all I need, or do I need to buy/read the whole 13th edition?
- I'm thinking about taking the Residential exam just to be able to do "something" while I wait to study enough for the GA exam. I've done underwrition for a major financial institution, but even that didn't help.

Thanks in advance - Rob

 

[Kim Whiting]

A friend passed the certified exam in Michigan and said it was the worst experience of his life. 4+ hours. Realtors taking test at the same time in and out in 1.5 hours. That tells us alot doesn't it?????
The questions on the exam do not in any way resemble the quiz questions or any classes you take. and this was for "merely" getting certified.
My firend indicated there was no way he could ever pass the math sections of a certifed general exam. never. ever. Kudos to those of you now trying to pass the much, much harder exams than back in 2000-2005....

 

[Kali the Boston Terrier]

A friend passed the certified exam in Michigan and said it was the worst experience of his life. 4+ hours. Realtors taking test at the same time in and out in 1.5 hours. That tells us alot doesn't it?????
The questions on the exam do not in any way resemble the quiz questions or any classes you take. and this was for "merely" getting certified.
My firend indicated there was no way he could ever pass the math sections of a certifed general exam. never. ever. Kudos to those of you now trying to pass the much, much harder exams than back in 2000-2005....

I can only speak to the CG test, but I always thought the test questions seemed a lot like the work I do every day. The math section isn't anything too difficult, all you need is a 12c.

 

[Kali the Boston Terrier]

Thanks so much for your post - it's very helpful. I failed yesterday, after using learnappraisal. Couple quick questions:
- Will the AI student workbook be all I need, or do I need to buy/read the whole 13th edition?
- I'm thinking about taking the Residential exam just to be able to do "something" while I wait to study enough for the GA exam. I've done underwrition for a major financial institution, but even that didn't help.

Thanks in advance - Rob

Rob how long ago did you take your pre-licensing classes? May I ask who the provider was? I would have the student handbook as well as the 13th edition, 5th edition dictionary, and USPAP 2012-13.

 

[KenRossman]

FWIW, after 40 or so years as an appraiser, CG in NY since inception, I moved to FL a few years ago. The CG test is brutal - I failed the 1st time (1st test I failed in my entire life). The second time I passed but thought I failed again until I got the score. I used several different prep guides/websites and none had many questions with the degree of horsecrap exhibited on the cg test. I am at a loss for what to tell you to pass that POS. Good Luck! Kenm2: