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Q & A about the new USPAP requirements for NH Assessor's

Who has to take USPAP to recertify?

When does the new requirement go into effect?

Where can I find a USPAP course for Assessors?

What rule requires USPAP for recertification?

Is this a one-time requirement?

Should I take the 1 day or 2 day USPAP course?

Do Appraisers have to take USPAP?


Who has to take USPAP to recertify?

DRA Certified Property Assessors and DRA Certified Property Assessor Supervisors are now required to attend a Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) course as part of their recertification requirements.

When does the new requirement go into effect?

It is already in effect. The New Hampshire Assessing Standards Board rules began requiring Assessors and Supervisors to attend a USPAP course as part of their recertification requirements starting with those recertifying in 2007.

Where can I find a USPAP course for Assessors?

Check our website for the next USPAP offering. The national USPAP courses are national courses embracing all valuation disciplines. Instructors usually try to tailor their presentations to their audience, so "stacking the deck" is often possible by filling the seats with others from your discipline. (Get other assessors to take the same course you are!)

What rule requires USPAP for recertification?

This requirement is found in NHASB's rule 305.1(a)(1), and 305.1(b) which read:

Asb 305.01 Continuing Education Requirements.
    (a) DRA certified property assessors and DRA certified property assessor supervisors shall document that he or she has, over the previous 5 years, completed:

(1) A total of 50 hours of approved continuing education, as defined in Asb 301.01(a), with the following exceptions:

a. Any person requesting re-certification after January 1, 2006 shall have completed 10 hours of approved continuing education;
b. Any person requesting re-certification after January 1, 2007 shall have completed 20 hours of approved continuing education which includes a uniform standards of professional appraisal practice course or workshop;
c. Any person requesting re-certification after January 1, 2008 shall have completed 30 hours of approved continuing education which includes a uniform standards of professional appraisal practice course or workshop; and
d. Any person requesting re-certification after January 1, 2009 shall have completed 40 hours of approved continuing education which includes a uniform standards of professional appraisal practice course or workshop.

    (b) After January 1, 2010, a uniform standards of professional appraisal practice course or workshop shall be required and be included as part of the continuing education hours.

Is this a one-time requirement?

No. It is clear from 305.1(b) that the NHASB's intent is to have all DRA certified Assessors and Assessor Supervisors become familiar and stay current with nationally accepted professional appraisal practices and standards. The requirement is ongoing with the 5-year recertification cycles.

Should I take the 1 day or 2 day USPAP course?

There are 2 versions of the Appraisal Foundation's National USPAP Course - a 7-hour, 1-day, USPAP update seminar and a 15-hour, 2-day USPAP course with an exam.

The 1-day update seminars are offerred more often and focus on changes that have occurred in USPAP. This course would be a waste of time for those who are not already familiar with USPAP. When asked this question of one official at DRA, they suggested that the 1-day course would be inadequate for someone who had not already taken the 2-day one. NH Assessors and Supervisors should consider the 2-day USPAP course a pre-requisite.

The 2-day course is an introductory course, and should be taken before attempting the 1-day update.

Do Appraisers have to take USPAP?

All appraisers certified or licensed by the New Hampshire Real Estate Appraisal Board (NHREAB) have to take the 1-day USPAP update every two years.

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