Question - getting ready to sit for Cert Res

[Brian Cooper]

As I recall, you are permitted to use any calculator you like, as long as it is not on a cell phone. They did not allow 2 calculators where I tested. No tables were given to me when I tested. I used a HP 12c. I also have a TI BAII+ left over from my college days with dead batteries. I found that since the AI courses taught using the HP12c, it was best to use the HP12c. But the MOST important calculator is the one you know how to use.

 

[Conservative in Virginia]

uggggggggggg yeah I did it last time but I just want to get this over with

 

[cinnamontoastcrunch]

Getting ready to schedule with PSI and I have a few questions for them but THEY do no answer the phone so I thought I would pose this here specifically to anyone who may have recently taken the test. My first question is... for the test questions relating to time value of money do they include the factor tables OR are you forced to use the HP 12 C? IF you must use the HP 12 c (which I have, and the instructions) CAN I also bring another (plain old fashioned calculator) to do regular math with. The reverse polish notation drives me nuts.

I am also about to sit for the cert res for VA. Have you tried any of the test prep courses? Ex. through McKissock? I've been thinking about doing it but it's $200. If helpful, I think it would be a good investment but would like input from you and/or the group. Thanks!

 

[Conservative in Virginia]

I used Learn Appraisal.com.. only 49 dollars.. also used Exam Scholar, also relatively cheap. I did not know McKissock had an exam prep class?

 

[Mr Rex]

It's probably worth your while to take either the AI or McKissock online HP12C classes before the exam.

 

[graindart]

Off topic. HP 12C was probably a good tool in the 1980s - 1990s. But even when I took my exams back in 2002-ish, there were better alternatives. I bought a 12C for the test, learned the basics, took the test, then stuck it in a drawer never to be turned on again. It's now 40 years since the release of the 12C and that's still the calculator allowed to be used on the current testing????? Would hate to allow using modern tech that the appraiser will actually be using in day to day operation.

I know that some of you probably still use the 12C. Just like some people still use a landline phone or have just upgraded to a flip-phone cellular. It's a personal choice based on what someone is familiar with, but isn't something that anyone new to the profession is going to rely upon for day to day work.

 

[Brian Cooper]

I use the HP12c because the AI courses are taught around that device. It's allowed on the tests.

In the real world, I use a website and enter the calculations. Then I print the results to keep in my workfile. I never use the HP12c in practice, only for AI courses and tests. AI likes it because you can't store data on it like a simple phone app. They can regulate your access to information if you use an old fashioned calculator.

 

[cinnamontoastcrunch]

I used Learn Appraisal.com.. only 49 dollars.. also used Exam Scholar, also relatively cheap. I did not know McKissock had an exam prep class?

They do and I just purchased it. McKissock says that they work with the state re: exam questions and that pretty much what's in the prep exam is what you're going to see on the national test.

 

[Trenton]

can anyone point me toward a bare bones basics intro on calculating time value of money problems? going to be taking the test soon. i have a cheap walmart calculator that does financial stuff, not an hp12c but should work enough for the exam questions, just need to bone up

thanks

 

[Sid Holderly]

A HP 10BII or a TI BAII Plus can give all the functions needed for the test without having to do reverse polish notation. I think they are more straight forward.
But, do they allow the calculator in the room for the test?

I do not remember any difficult problems. You just have to decipher what they want. Turn word problems into math problems. Question 5 may run off of the answer of question 2, etc.
KNow your conversions " , ', CF, CY and measurments lengths rod, pole, furlong, chains, as there will be at least on tricky question using old measurments. Know how to divide up a section and where to find a small tract in a section (E NE SE Section16-Township 27-Range 3) and state its acreage.