Math on the Certified Residential State Exam

[Thomas Holding]

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.

Just use the HP 10B. It's more like a traditional calculator but most of the real estate specific keys correspond to the same keystrokes on the HP12C plus no reverse Polish notation.

 

[Will41]

"Candidates will not be permitted to use any calculator that is alpha programmable". So, is the HP 10B alpha programmable?

Just use the HP 10B. It's more like a traditional calculator but most of the real estate specific keys correspond to the same keystrokes on the HP12C plus no reverse Polish notation.

 

[Renee Healion]

Check, but I think you just have to demonstrate that you have cleared the 12C before entering the test space.

 

[Will41]

I tried to call the testing center but no one answered. When I took the License exam, they gave you a basic calculator to use.

Check, but I think you just have to demonstrate that you have cleared the 12C before entering the test space.

 

[Thomas Holding]

"Candidates will not be permitted to use any calculator that is alpha programmable". So, is the HP 10B alpha programmable?

The HP10B is not. I believe that only the 17B and 19B will allow you to enter actual formulas with a solvable variable. The 10B looks like the 17B but it will not let you enter formulas yourself. It does all the 6 functions of 1$, amortization, irr, NPV with specific keys or keystrokes like the 12C though. One nice feature is that like the 12C, you can store numbers in the register assigned to a specific number key for recall for when you have a multi-part or multi-problem question that requires the results of the previous question for the correct answer.

 

[DanCD]

I took the CR test and failed. The test was hard and tricky that I can not complete on time. I would said that the math is 30-40%. Most math questions are cost, income and sale approach. About 2-3 questions are mortgage payment, present and future value. You need to manage the time otherwise you run out the time

 

[Will41]

I found an older thread from about 10 years ago. Most people said they were allowed to use the HP12C. I was not when I took the License exam almost 20 years ago. I sent the testing center an email.

The HP10B is not. I believe that only the 17B and 19B will allow you to enter actual formulas with a solvable variable. The 10B looks like the 17B but it will not let you enter formulas yourself. It does all the 6 functions of 1$, amortization, irr, NPV with specific keys or keystrokes like the 12C though. One nice feature is that like the 12C, you can store numbers in the register assigned to a specific number key for recall for when you have a multi-part or multi-problem question that requires the results of the previous question for the correct answer. View attachment 48356

Did you need the HP12C for the math? I would prefer to use a regular calculator. Also, did you use any practice exams to get ready?

I took the CR test and failed. The test was hard and tricky that I can not complete on time. I would said that the math is 30-40%. Most math questions are cost, income and sale approach. About 2-3 questions are mortgage payment, present and future value. You need to manage the time otherwise you run out the time

 

[Thomas Holding]

I found an older thread from about 10 years ago. Most people said they were allowed to use the HP12C. I was not when I took the License exam almost 20 years ago. I sent the testing center an email.

Did you need the HP12C for the math? I would prefer to use a regular calculator. Also, did you use any practice exams to get ready?

I do not know what to expect on the residential exam as I only took the 8 hr comprehensive for my general cert way back when the rules changed in 2008, and I was allowed to use the HP10B. The best thing that I did was to find every thread on this forum with questions that people posted and where others pitched in with the answers. I also purchased the companion book to the Appraisal of Real Estate which I read from cover to cover and went through each practice problem. There used to be a fantastic website called Georgia Appraiser that had an online exam you could take that was very similar to taking the actual exam. By taking and retaking the exam multiple times it helped me overcome my test anxiety and I was able to pass on my first try even though I am a terrible test taker. By forcing myself to take the entire test in the actual allotted time, I learned how to budget my time better by not allowing myself to get stuck on a hard question and panicking that I was not going to finish the exam. Answer the questions you can first, then go back to the ones that are multi-part or difficult. I also had an outline of the percentages of each type of question in each section that was asked on the entire exam. This outline was provided by Pearson which administers the test. This was great for studying because you could use it to concentrate on specific parts of the Appraisal of RE text and accompanying study book. Maybe someone on this forum still has a copy they can provide you. Unfortunately they don't give you same detailed outline anymore with the exact percentage makeup of types of questions on the exam. It's a shame because it was a great study aid.

One thing I can tell you is to study USPAP very carefully until you know it back to front. It constitutes a significant portion of your score and it doesn't have any math so those questions should be a gimme if you choke on math questions. I know this will sound trite, but don't overthink questions too much. The questions on the exam are not designed to trip you up by being tricky, but to see if you understand general and specific concepts. If you over-analyze a particular question by believing it to be a "trick" question, it usually means you just read it wrong and are focusing on the wrong point. Also, after you actually take the test, as soon as you get to your car, take a writing pad and write down every hard question that you can remember from the test. That way you can come back on here and ask for help if you don't pass on the first go. If you don't pass it at first it's no big deal, just identify your weak points and concentrate on those for the next time. Sorry I don't have more specific advice but I wish you the best.

 

[WSS]

I do not know what to expect on the residential exam as I only took the 8 hr comprehensive for my general cert way back when the rules changed in 2008, and I was allowed to use the HP10B. The best thing that I did was to find every thread on this forum with questions that people posted and where others pitched in with the answers. I also purchased the companion book to the Appraisal of Real Estate which I read from cover to cover and went through each practice problem. There used to be a fantastic website called Georgia Appraiser that had an online exam you could take that was very similar to taking the actual exam. By taking and retaking the exam multiple times it helped me overcome my test anxiety and I was able to pass on my first try even though I am a terrible test taker. By forcing myself to take the entire test in the actual allotted time, I learned how to budget my time better by not allowing myself to get stuck on a hard question and panicking that I was not going to finish the exam. Answer the questions you can first, then go back to the ones that are multi-part or difficult. I also had an outline of the percentages of each type of question in each section that was asked on the entire exam. This outline was provided by Pearson which administers the test. This was great for studying because you could use it to concentrate on specific parts of the Appraisal of RE text and accompanying study book. Maybe someone on this forum still has a copy they can provide you. Unfortunately they don't give you same detailed outline anymore with the exact percentage makeup of types of questions on the exam. It's a shame because it was a great study aid.

One thing I can tell you is to study USPAP very carefully until you know it back to front. It constitutes a significant portion of your score and it doesn't have any math so those questions should be a gimme if you choke on math questions. I know this will sound trite, but don't overthink questions too much. The questions on the exam are not designed to trip you up by being tricky, but to see if you understand general and specific concepts. If you over-analyze a particular question by believing it to be a "trick" question, it usually means you just read it wrong and are focusing on the wrong point. Also, after you actually take the test, as soon as you get to your car, take a writing pad and write down every hard question that you can remember from the test. That way you can come back on here and ask for help if you don't pass on the first go. If you don't pass it at first it's no big deal, just identify your weak points and concentrate on those for the next time. Sorry I don't have more specific advice but I wish you the best.

As far as the USPAP goes, what would you recommend studying most? I printed out the 2020-2021 USPAP FAQ's and have been reading them. They are so complex some of them, and are wordy.

 

[Thomas Holding]

As far as the USPAP goes, what would you recommend studying most? I printed out the 2020-2021 USPAP FAQ's and have been reading them. They are so complex some of them, and are wordy.

First and foremost, read USPAP itself and understand it. You don't have to memorize it word for word but for example know what's required in a certification. Understand the Scope of Work and do practically memorize the ethics provisions and record keeping requirements. You will get questions about record retention and such. Anything with "must" in the sentence, specific time frames, etc. If It looks important and specific in USPAP, not just the FAQs, then learn it. They want to know that you understand your legal and ethical obligations set forth in USPAP and they will ask tricky questions in this section of the test.