The Appraiser Qualification Board issued the Second Exposure Draft of Proposed Interpretation and Revision to the Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria with the goal to promote and maintain a high level of public trust in appraisal practice by establishing minimum education, experience and examination requirements for real property appraisers.

“In 2006, the AQB issued an Interpretation to the Criteria, addressing continuing education for appraisers returning from active military duty. Based on recent events such as Hurricane Sandy, the AQB has recognized that appraisers impacted by a state- or federally-declared disaster may be similarly situated,” the board wrote. “Therefore, the AQB is exposing a revision to the previously adopted Interpretation (that will apply to the current, or 2008 Criteria), as well as a revision to the already adopted Criteria (that becomes effective on Jan. 1, 2015).”

The board reported that comments to the First Exposure Draft were generally favorable in allowing relief to disaster victims. The comments also suggested that the AQB may want to consider expanding the Interpretation beyond military duty and federal disasters, to such things as state declared disasters, personal accidents, personal illness and educational or charitable mission trips to name a few.

With that in mind, the board launched the second exposure draft. For the full rundown of changes, check out The Appraisal Foundation’s website. The AQB is open to written comments on the new exposure draft. All interested parties are encouraged to comment in writing to the AQB before the deadline of April 30, 2013. Respondents should be assured that each member of the AQB will thoroughly read and consider all additional comments. Comments are also invited at the AQB public meeting in Charlotte, N.C., on May 3, 2013.