Sitting The Certified General Exam

[Orlando Tragic]

Passed! Such a relief. Tons of conceptual questions this time around with less math. I would have preferred the math this time around. My brain is still mush, caffeine intake will be high today. Good luck to all, DM me if you have any question about the exam.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Passed! Such a relief.

Good for you. I studied for the CG in a 2 day prep class - Wed, Thur, due to instructor having a conflict on Friday. But he reserved our room for Friday for those who had traveled from a distance and we held our own 3rd day of prep for the test. It was a mix of CR and CG applicants. So after 3 full days, we tested on Saturday morning 8 - 11....I was the second person to finish but felt fairly confident which turned out. Yes I passed, but didn't learn so for another 10 days or so.
When I got to my truck, I realized I was shaking like a leaf. So made it as far as the next Denny's or some such - ironically only a half block or so away from the AALCB offices at the time. Slogged down a half pot of coffee before heading home. It is stressful and the older you get the more angst I have suffered. I would hate to test anything serious. Your worst is over but never stop learning.

 

[Orlando Tragic]

Good for you. I studied for the CG in a 2 day prep class - Wed, Thur, due to instructor having a conflict on Friday. But he reserved our room for Friday for those who had traveled from a distance and we held our own 3rd day of prep for the test. It was a mix of CR and CG applicants. So after 3 full days, we tested on Saturday morning 8 - 11....I was the second person to finish but felt fairly confident which turned out. Yes I passed, but didn't learn so for another 10 days or so.
When I got to my truck, I realized I was shaking like a leaf. So made it as far as the next Denny's or some such - ironically only a half block or so away from the AALCB offices at the time. Slogged down a half pot of coffee before heading home. It is stressful and the older you get the more angst I have suffered. I would hate to test anything serious. Your worst is over but never stop learning.

Next up, MAI. But I think I will take a deserved education vacation until next year. Happy holidays

 

[George Hatch]

I did extensive test prep in advance and it paid off with a pass on my first attempt. But even back then (1991) the cumulative pass rate including retests was no more than 60%. I knew a number of experienced commercial appraisers who couldn't pass that test even after repeated attempts. Others who had to revise their expectations and proceed with a CR license instead of a CG.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

ext up, MAI. But I think I will take a deserved education vacation until next year. Happy holidays

Go for it...the future in residential may be bleak but the general appraiser has a lot of opportunity outside the bank world, from large corporate tax departments, estates, court work, and any specialty you can think of. I met a man from Florida here who was a specialist in large Mall properties. Traveled all over the states for large fees. Anyone with aeronautical experience, etc. can become a specialist and escape Cookiecutterville.

 

[Orlando Tragic]

I did extensive test prep in advance and it paid off with a pass on my first attempt. But even back then (1991) the cumulative pass rate including retests was no more than 60%. I knew a number of experienced commercial appraisers who couldn't pass that test even after repeated attempts. Others who had to revise their expectations and proceed with a CR license instead of a CG.

That would be utterly disappointing if wanting to do CRE. This test was a beast. I couldn't think straight for the rest of my weekend after I got out, caffeine is bringing me back to normal

 

[Orlando Tragic]

Go for it...the future in residential may be bleak but the general appraiser has a lot of opportunity outside the bank world, from large corporate tax departments, estates, court work, and any specialty you can think of. I met a man from Florida here who was a specialist in large Mall properties. Traveled all over the states for large fees. Anyone with aeronautical experience, etc. can become a specialist and escape Cookiecutterville.

One of the partners at our firm specializes in FBO valuation. We have a steady stream of private clients and lenders. I am in a position now where I can help bring in more work so that puts me at a great position right now. The future is positive for general appraiser's for sure. Well, mostly

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

knew a number of experienced commercial appraisers who couldn't pass that test

The group I was in has a 50% FAIL rate for both CG and CRs....Many of the people had crammed their classes in before any significant experience, and then were really out of touch with the learning they had gotten 2 years or so earlier. They should have taken a basic course, then worked for a while so that the CA, IA, and adjustments made more sense to them in class. But hopefully they passed on their second try. Those who took the prep probably has a 75% or more pass rate.

 

[George Hatch]

One of the appraisers I knew who couldn't pass the test was the Chief Appraiser at the bank I was working for. He tried 3 times in California then retired to AZ.

No grandfathering (in our state, anyways).

 

[gregb]

Passed on first try in 1996. Biggest help was several AI income courses plus the prior four years working in an office with one MAI and to other CG's. Can only imagine if one were to take the exam now without having any prior income appraisal experience.