WHAT IS PRACTICUM?
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A practicum offers an alternative pathway for aspiring appraisers to gain the necessary experience through structured, supervised programs in real-world environments. Created by the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) as an alternative to the traditional supervisor/trainee model, the practicum program allows students to fulfill their experience requirements while applying appraisal theory and methodology in a practical setting. This approach aligns with the Real Property Appraiser Qualifications Criteria, as outlined in AQB Guide Note 4, and meets the specific requirements of state credentialing jurisdictions.
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The program is managed by an education provider, who may be a certified residential appraiser, manager, or instructor, and is responsible for supervision and oversight. The number of participants in the program is determined by the guidelines outlined in AQB Guide Note 4. Upon successful completion of both the AQB-required qualifying education and the practicum program, participants receive a Certificate of Completion, which, along with the qualifying education, qualifies them to apply to their state for permission to take the National Uniform Licensing Examination to obtain the Licensed Residential Real Property Appraiser credential.
LEARN MORE ABOUT EFIRD ACADEMY'S
PAT - PRACTIUM PROGRAM
& TO JOIN THE WAIT LIST
Description of Practicum Activities
The PAT program is designed to provide practical experience in a controlled environment, applying appraisal theory and methodologies to conceptual learning. This is an experience-based program, with modules that build on foundational appraisal concepts. Participants will engage in the following activities, guided by the program manager or mentor:
Live interactive presentations: Real-time discussions and feedback on appraisal techniques.
Virtual learning sessions: Online sessions to cover theoretical concepts and methodologies.
Application exercises: Hands-on tasks to apply each concept learned.
Research exercises: Assignments that require students to perform effective market and property research.
Video recording library: Access to recorded sessions for review and reinforcement.
Case studies: Real-world scenarios where students apply their appraisal knowledge.
Participants will progress through each module based on the manager’s and mentor’s assessment of their proficiency. If students do not meet the required level of proficiency, they must repeat the module or complete remedial exercises to gain the necessary skills before advancing.
Delivery Methods and Techniques for Training
The PAT program uses a variety of methods to ensure students gain hands-on, practical experience, including:
Video tutorials: Pre-recorded instructional videos that demonstrate specific appraisal tasks.
Virtual classroom training: Interactive online classrooms that provide real-time instruction and feedback.
Site visits to properties: In-person visits to various types of properties for hands-on learning.
Educational seminars: Formal learning events focused on specific areas of appraisal.
In-classroom training: Traditional classroom-based instruction.
These methods help participants develop appraisal skills through examples, illustrations, data collection, and case studies. Each module is designed to build the participant's ability to perform credible appraisals.
Appraisal Reports Requirement
Upon completion of all educational modules, participants must complete a series of appraisal reports. These reports include:
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
INDIVIDUAL CONDOMINIUM UNITS
SMALL RESIDENTIAL INCOME PROPERTIES
VACANT LAND APPRAISALS
COMPLETION REPORTS
MANUFACTURED HOME APPRAISALS
Once all modules and reports have been completed and approved by the program manager, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion. This certificate serves as verification of the participant's readiness to pursue licensure.
Residential Site Visits and Training Objectives
Our program includes site visits to residential properties, during which participants learn to:
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Measure properties accurately.
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Identify construction components.
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Apply construction quality and condition ratings.
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Recognize deferred maintenance.
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Identify external influences on property value.
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Understand site and neighborhood boundaries.
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Interact appropriately with homeowners and industry professionals such as brokers, surveyors, and home inspectors.
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Collect photographs and exhibits for use in appraisal reports.
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Understand the relevant property characteristics that influence appraised value.
Program Manager/Instructor's Vision
The vision of our PAT - Practicum program is to ensure that highly skilled, well-trained real property appraisers enter the profession. The goal is to recruit and retain individuals who are committed to completing the program and obtaining licensure. This program also aims to address current and future workforce shortages, with a focus on recruiting participants from underserved areas to ensure equity in access to appraisal services across the state.
By promoting diversity and inclusion within the appraisal profession, the PAT program helps create a more balanced workforce in terms of ethnicity, gender, and other demographic factors. The program provides a sustainable solution for ensuring that all communities are served by well-trained, diverse appraisal professionals.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Practicum programs offer an approved, structured pathway to experience credit. These programs are approved either by the AQB’s Course Approval Program (CAP) or by individual state regulatory agencies. The AQB allows up to 100% of required experience hours to be gained through practicum programs, though students should confirm with their state’s regulatory body how practicum experience hours are counted toward licensure.
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Developers of practicum programs must adhere to AQB standards, including the guidelines provided in Guide Note 4 (GN-4), which specify that programs must include problem-solving tasks relevant to the credential category and ensure the completion of credible appraisals. Developers can submit their programs to the AQB for approval, and once approved, these programs may be implemented in multiple states.
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While the AQB does not provide grants for developing practicum programs, other funding options may be available through the Appraisal Subcommittee or state agencies.
SUPPORTING LINKS
​​Dear Melissa,
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A huge thank you for spending countless hours and opening up your home to train me on MPAT. Our PAT and future programs would not be possible without your continued support, guidance, and confidence. Your generosity and expertise mean the world to me, and I’m incredibly grateful for all you’ve done.
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Warm regards,
Linda and the Efird team