Recent USPAP Instructor's Class in Raleigh, NC

[Bob Ipock]

Last week end one of The USAP Instructor Classes was held In Raleigh, NC.

I was talking to someone today was told that 33 people took the exam (or re-took it), 9 were not eleigble to take the exam and I believe 7 were re-taking the exam from a previous failure. I hope I am geeting these numbers correct.

In all fairness I want to commend the two NCAB members who took the exam....because I was told by a reliable source that they paid for the course themselves. I think this was an honest and ethical thing to do. Since they were eligigble to take the exam (dueto having teaching experience) and if they pass will be able to teach and make money from it........they have done the right thing. At the same time I don't think appraisal board members in any state should be allowed to teach courses or c/e classes. However, if it is legal to do so, that would be a personal ethical decision.

Since I am outspoken and critical mmuch of time I wanted to be able to say something positive. I hope all 11 board and staff members that took the class learned something and will benefit from it. I certainly wish the two that the exam best of luck.

Good luck to any and all of you appraisers that will be taking this class and exam.

 

[David C. Johnson]

<span style='color:darkblue'>Bob,

Thanks for the update. I would imagine Jack O. Horton was one of the "test takers." Good for him!

Who was the other one?

BTW: I have to agree with your analysis regarding board members teaching classes. Even if they recuse themselves from sitting in judgment against a previous student, that limits their efficacy as board members somewhat.

Also, these teachers have a competitive advantage over other teachers in that a whole class (i.e., as in a whole "demographic") of appraisers are likely show up to use the opportunity to kiss up to the instructor board member as insurance in case they do appear in front of the Board in the future -- or currently.

dcj</span>

 

[Tom Hildebrandt]

David

The other board member taking the exam was our newest board member, Charles Hinnant, GAA. Charles is a very knowledgeable appraiser. He has been a long time instructor for the North Carolina Appraisal section. He has actually written several course approved by the state (Land use guidelines and how to measure a residence). He was a major participant in the committee that developed the guidelines used by the Real Estate commission for measuring residential homes. In short, he brings a lot of experience to the NCAB.

My understanding was the the new Deputy Director also was eligible to take the test. Whether he actually took the test or not, I do not know. Nor do I know who paid for for his participation.

Regards

Tom Hildebrandt GAA

 

[David C. Johnson]

<span style='color:darkblue'>Tom,

Thanks for the Update to the Update.

I note that I had misidentified Charles Hinnant as having the RAA (NAR's Residential Accredited Appraiser designation) as opposed to the GAA (NAR's General Accredited Appraiser designation) in my recent post:

http://www.appraisersforum.com/forums/view...p?p=26891#26891

Thanks for the correction.

I also note when reading the NCAB newsletter, the APPRAISEREPORT, that among his long history of "Community Service," which included an apparent affiliation with the U.S. Armed Sevices, he was (or is) a Fireman.

His experience facing formidable adversarial forces will certainly be invaluable to the people of NC and the Country when dealing with the current NCAB -- where I am more than convinced the "arsonist fireman" (cited in that post) continues to be represented in significant number.

dcj</span>

 

[Tom Hildebrandt]

For those who are curious

Neither Charles Hinnant, GAA or Jack Horton of the NCAB passed the instructors test.

I know that both these individuals are disappointed, but as all who have taken the test know, it is one tough test, particularly if you are not used to being tested. We have some excellent folks who are knowledgeable, well regarded posters on this forum who did not make the cut also. I hope that all these folks give it another shot.

I also heard from several folks, including fellow forumite Bob Ipock, that the tests scores continue to drop, fewer folks are passing.

Regards

Tom Hildebrandt GAA

 

[Bob Ipock]

I agree Tom. I hope anyone who did not make it on the first try will take it agian.

In my humble opinion the test showed how well one could learn, process and then be tested on NEW information. History, concepts and procedures...not just rules, standards and advisory opinions.

This class was not about what is inside the covers of a USPAP book. Some people who did not pass figured that since they had taught USPAP for umpteen years...they would pass with flying colors.

I had no intention of calling these fellows were dummies and as usual, I refrain from naming names. At the same time, the fact remains that appraisal board members nationwide should be held to a higher level of compentcy, ethics, knowledge and experience. After all, they get to decide if the rest of us are "doing it right". They should be the most proficient of all appraisers.