Going to take the AQB USPAP Course

[George Hatch]

Whatever you do, don't approach the course the way I did. I didn't break the cover of the materials until I was sitting in the meeting room. That was a big mistake.


The two sections in USPAP that you really want to understand well are the Definitions Section and the Scope of Work Rule and the material that speaks to it. The test is all about being able to draw clear distinctions between the definitions, reading the questions for what they actually say, and being able to apply the underpinnings of the SOWR to the question.

Then when you come back, you can join us on the unpopular side of the ongoing "comp checks are illegal" discussions. LOL

 

[ddnma]

I took it when it was first offered and somehow passed. What I found helpful was to have a study partner. My partner must have done well, I passed. It was one of the hardest tests I ever took in my life.

 

[alex gilbert]

The advise already given is excellent. Read the material in advance. I didn't study enough ahead of time and suffered for it. Listen carefully to the lecture. Some of the material is covered in the lecture in more depth than in the books. Take notes and use a highlighter. Highlighting particular passages and making notes about them helped me. Read the test questions carefully. Some them are wicked. When I finished that exam I was convinced I'd failed. I passed the first time, but to this day I'm still surprised I did.

 

[Kali the Boston Terrier]

So its a role of the dice...huh? Sounds like my Comprehensive exam, did the fine people who wrote the MAI comp also write this exam too?

 

[Don Clark]

So its a role of the dice...huh? Sounds like my Comprehensive exam, did the fine people who wrote the MAI comp also write this exam too?

Can't answer that question....but...it was the hardest exam I have ever taken. In one class I had a Phd, a Lawyer, and a CPA and they all said it was the hardest exam they had taken. May have been blowing smoke but may have been honest about it as well. Don't know how it is done now but when I took it, the exam was sent to a University in North Carolina to be graded by a Psychomatrician. Never heard of such a person before. Definetly not a simple matter of grading a multiple choice exam. At least that is what I was told. May be different now.

 

[Michigander]

What is of great concern to me, is if you fail the first time, it appears you have to wait until the course is offered again. Since the course may only be offered every couple of years now, that is a long wait to try again. I'd rather be able to try again while the course is still fresh in my mind.

I am sure that all the advice you (Danny, Don, George, et.al) are giving is excellent, and will most definitely do as you suggest. Perhaps Hal, Brian, Goodpasture (yes, he is taking it too) can all study together if we don't go off on tangents....

 

[George Hatch]

The best part of passing the test is that the AQB sends out swag every year. For instance, one year they sent me a nylon book bag with a logo on it. I'm telling you, appraisers clear a space for you when they see that. Chicks dig it.

 

[Michigander]

The best part of passing the test is that the AQB sends out swag every year. For instance, one year they sent me a nylon book bag with a logo on it. I'm telling you, appraisers clear a space for you when they see that. Chicks dig it.

You old show off you

 

[Lee Lansford]

... I would really appreciate any advise from the group who are AQB certified USPAP instructors, on how best to prepare for the class.



Hal

#1..."study, study, study".

#2...The test: the possible responses to the exam questions are very well-nuanced with several answers being correct, but one more than the others. You have to choose the best correct answer.

At the time that I completed the course and exam, the national pass rate was something like 50% for first-time enrollees; I don't know what that number might be today.

Good luck.

 

[Lee Lansford]

I'll be there too. Understand the test is extremely difficult and that many people do not pass.

Decided a good place to start was to read USPAP cover to cover including AOs and FAQs. Since there a lot of people on this forum who have taken the class and passed the test, hopefully they will chime in with tips.

Read and study the course materials that you will receive; you can read and study the USPAP but it is the course materials that you will be tested on.