Which programs include a final, proctored exam? How much time is allowed to take an exam? How many questions are there?

Programs With Final Exams (includes exam hours and number of questions) 

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If there is an exam for a program, am I required to take it?

You are required to complete and pass the exam if you are taking this class to meet

• State qualifying education requirements
• Qualifying education requirements for an Appraisal Institute designation

You may be required to complete and pass an exam if you are taking this class to meet 

• Appraisal Institute professional development program requirements.
• State continuing education requirements.  Most states do not require an exam for CE credit, but please confirm this with your state licensing board.

You are not required to complete and pass an exam if you are taking this class to meet the continuing education requirements of an Appraisal Institute designation.

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What format is used for exam questions?

Exams are multiple choice.

 

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Where do I take an exam?

1. Classroom. If you’re taking a course in the classroom, the exam will be proctored at the conclusion of the course.

2. Pearson VUE Testing Center. Testing center locations in your area can be found at http://www.pearsonvue.com/ai/

3. Home or work. A limited selection of exams may be taken from your home or office via Pearson OnVUE online testing.

Note. ALL exams are proctored, regardless of the location.

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How do I schedule the exam?

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Which exams are available for me to take online from home or work via Pearson OnVUE online testing?

OnVUE online testing is available to a limited number of exams. Access the most current availability at http://www.pearsonvue.com/ai/

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How many days do I have to schedule and take the exam?

The exam must be scheduled within 60 days and taken within 90 days of completing the online course material.

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My internet connection is sometimes “spotty”—either extremely slow or I lose the connection entirely. How can I enhance my online testing experience?

1. Limit household internet connections while testing. All household internet connections compete for bandwidth, including online gaming, streaming services, online learning, etc.

2. Use a wired internet connection. Direct wire connections provide better connectivity than wi-fi. While wi-fi can be used, it is not as reliable as a wired internet connection direct to your computer.

3. Ensure your computer meets or exceeds the system requirements and run a system check on the computer you plan to use to take the exam. This will provide a good indication of how your system will perform during the exam.

• Perform a system check by downloading the OnVUE online proctoring software and testing compatibility at https://home.pearsonvue.com/Test-takers/Resources.aspx#system-test
• Check system requirements (i.e., functioning computer that meets or exceeds requirements, webcam, strong internet connection, etc.) at https://home.pearsonvue.com/op/OnVUE-technical-requirements
• Chrome is the recommended browser; Internet Explorer is NOT supported. 

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What will happen at the testing center?

• When you arrive at the testing center, you will need to present two forms of identification. Make sure your ID has a photograph and is not expired. For example, if you have an expired driver's license, you will be turned away.
• In addition, your palm vein pattern will be recorded. Palm vein recognition scans the veins inside your hand and creates a digital template representing your unique vein pattern. Palm vein recognition offers a form of positive identification that is more accurate than older identity verification technologies like digital fingerprinting. For additional information regarding this form of identification and details on how this information is stored, please visit Pearson’s website at https://home.pearsonvue.com/Documents/Deliver-your-exam/palm-vein.aspx.
• You will also be required to lock up your personal belongings—including wallets and watches—in a locker outside the testing room.
• Laptops, cellular phones, tablets, iPads, wearable technology (smart watch, Apple Watch, Google Glass, etc.), and other devices that can store data or connect to the Internet are NOT permitted during the exam. In addition, all watches, wallets, bags, and purses must be removed and stored out of reach prior to taking the exam.
• You will be required to check in and out with a proctor if you need to leave the testing room. Upon returning to the testing room, your palm will be rescanned and verified.

Pearson VUE handles examinations for many different groups, some of which have much tighter security than our students are used to. You will need to follow the same rules as the other examinees.

If you have not taken an exam through Pearson VUE before and are concerned about the format, you might want to view their demo at http://www.pearsonvue.com/demo/. The demo gives you a "guided tour" explaining how the exam works.

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What can I expect with online OnVUE testing (from my home or office)?

Before you take the exam, you need to do a bit of preparation:

• Make sure you have a functioning home computer with a webcam and strong internet connection.
• Run a system check to test the compatibility of the OnVUE application.
• Roommates or pets? Make sure your space is free from noise or distractions.
• Clear the room of any preparation materials or unauthorized items to avoid exam violations.

On exam day:

• You will take photos of your government-issued ID and your testing environment, as well as a headshot.
• Your photos will be reviewed and your exam will be queued up. Most candidates will start their exam within 15 minutes of their appointment time.
• If your pictures don’t pass review, you will be joined by a greeter as soon as possible to help you troubleshoot.
• You will be monitored by a VUE-certified proctor via webcam and microphone throughout your test to ensure the integrity and security of your exam experience.

IMPORTANT. Begin the check-in process 30 minutes BEFORE your scheduled exam time. While these tasks are easy, they can take up to 30 minutes to complete.

Below is a link to an informative video from a recent test-taker describing the OnVUE experience:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2E7w_EMUGw

For detailed FAQs on online testing with OnVUE, including what to do prior to testing, acceptable testing locations, what to do on testing day or in the event of technical difficulties, click on the following link:
https://home.pearsonvue.com/Test-takers/Resources.aspx?ot=collapse544

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May I use a laptop to take an OnVUE exam (from my home or office)?

Yes. However, please note that you may NOT use a separate monitor; ensure your laptop screen size and clarity will meet your needs during the exam.

Tip. A zoom feature is available that is not overtly obvious. For example, you can enlarge an exhibit for easier viewing by pressing the CTRL and + buttons simultaneously on a PC, or Command and + on a Mac. Each time this shortcut is invoked, the zoom increases 25%. The converse also is true: Hit CTRL and – on a PC or Command and – on a Mac to decrease the zoom by 25% each time the command is invoked.

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May I use a headset during an OnVUE exam?

You may use a headset to communicate with the proctor, if needed, during exam check-in, but you may NOT use the headset during the exam; you’ll need to unplug it and remove it from your desk for the duration of the exam.

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May I use two monitors to take an OnVUE exam?

No. Only one functioning monitor is permitted. If you have more than one monitor on your desktop during exam check-in, the proctor will ask you to unplug the secondary monitor and power source. The preferred option is to remove the secondary monitor from your desk prior to exam day.

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Are cell phones allowed during an exam?

Classroom and Pearson VUE testing center:  No, cell phones are not allowed during the exam. They must be silenced and stored out of reach for the duration of the exam.

Pearson OnVUE online testing (from your home or office): Cell phone use is permitted only while checking in for your exam, and/or if you experience a technical issue. Any other cell phone use, including but not limited to actively taking a call and having a conversation with a third party who is not a Pearson VUE proctor, texting, accessing apps, etc., may result in your exam being revoked/terminated.

• Storing your phone while taking an OnVUE exam
  • Keep your mobile phone in the room where you are testing, but just out of arm’s reach, as it may not be kept in your immediate testing workspace.  
  • If you need to access your phone during the exam you may reach for it, but do not leave the webcam’s view entirely. The proctor must be able to see you access the phone. 
• Incoming calls while taking an OnVUE exam
  • If your phone rings during your exam, limit your interaction to seeing who the caller is.  
  • If a proctor is contacting you, the OnVUE number will always show as 617-379-0635 and/or caller ID may identify the number as Pearson VUE. If this number or contact appears, please answer the call, as a proctor may be trying to reach you.  
  • Any mobile phone use other than engaging with a proctor is strictly prohibited and will result in your exam being revoked. If your phone rings and the call is not from a Pearson VUE proctor, do not answer it.   
• Outbound calls while taking an OnVUE exam 
  • You may not make outbound calls for any reason.  
  • To reach Pearson VUE support, please use the chat feature on your program page: https://home.pearsonvue.com/Test-takers/OnVUE-online-proctoring/View-all.aspx  
• Silencing your phone while taking an OnVUE exam
  • If you need to silence your phone after the exam has begun, first alert a proctor, then wait for their acknowledgement to ensure they understand you are accessing your phone only to silence any notifications.    
  • Once you have silenced your phone, move it back to a place where you won’t have immediate access to it. 
• Other notifications while taking an OnVUE exam
  • Pearson VUE will not text you during your exam. If you receive a text notification, ignore the notification, and continue testing.   
  • If an alarm sounds on your phone, first alert a proctor, then wait for their acknowledgement to ensure they understand you are accessing your phone only to silence the alarm.  
  • Once you have silenced the alarm or notification, move your phone back to a place where you won’t have immediate access to it. 

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Can I use a calculator? What calculators are allowed?

You may take one financial calculator into the exam provided you clear the memory banks before hand. The allowed calculators are: HP 10b, HP 10bii, HP 12c, HP 17bii, HP 17ii+, HP 19bii calculators or Texas Instruments (TI) BA II PLUS. You will not be permitted to use any other type of calculator. We recommend the HP 12c. While other allowed calculators may be used during the exam, our online course materials and instructors only support the HP 12c.

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Can I bring scratch paper or notes into the exam?

No. Other than a cleared calculator, you may not bring anything into the exam.

Pearson VUE testing center: You will receive an erasable, laminated noteboard and pen at the testing center on which you can write notes. You can turn in the note boards for a clean one at any time throughout the exam.

Pearson ONVUE online testing (from your home or office): A whiteboard feature is available during the exam that allows you to enter notes or draw shapes. It is available anytime during the exam by clicking the eraser icon at the top of the screen. You may erase the working space at any time to start something new. Below is a sample:

Classroom: You may write on your paper exam. Your exam must be turned in to the proctor at the end of the exam.

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May I re-schedule my exam? If so, is there a fee?

Pearson VUE testing center:If you are unable to attend your scheduled examination, you must notify the Pearson VUE Testing Center 24 hours or more in advance. Rescheduling an exam less than 24 hours before it is scheduled will necessitate contacting the Appraisal Institute education delivery department at education@appraisalinstitute.org.

Pearson ONVUE online testing (from your home or office):You may reschedule an exam up to the scheduled starting time of your OnVUE online exam appointment.

Note:You may reschedule the exam at no charge directly through Pearson VUE ONE TIME ONLY from the date of your initial confirmation. There is a $95 fee each time you reschedule your exam subsequently. If you reschedule your exam more than once, you must initiate the process through the Appraisal Institute and pay the $95 fee before proceeding to reschedule the exam through Pearson.

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May I reschedule my exam across delivery modes (OnVUE vs. testing center)? If so, is there a fee?

Yes, you may reschedule your exam across delivery modes. However, you must first cancel your original appointment before rescheduling and changing delivery modes (Pearson testing center to Pearson OnVUE or vice-versa). Request the change through Pearson VUE at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled exam time to change delivery modes.

Note:You may reschedule the exam at no charge directly through Pearson VUE ONE TIME ONLY from the date of your initial confirmation. There is a $95 fee each time you reschedule your exam subsequently. If you reschedule your exam more than once, you must initiate the process through the Appraisal Institute and pay the $95 fee before proceeding to reschedule the exam through Pearson.

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Do I have to memorize all the symbols and formulas in the course material for the exam?

We don’t disclose exactly what is in an exam, but we do provide any necessary information for completion within the exam. For example, unless otherwise noted in the course material, you usually don't have to memorize symbols and formulas as they are provided within the exam.

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Are breaks allowed during an exam?

There are no scheduled breaks. AI exams are one, two, or three hours long.

Classroom and Pearson VUE testing center:  You may leave the exam room to use the washroom, but you may not take anything with you and the exam time will NOT be paused.

Pearson OnVUE online testing (from your home or office): There are no scheduled breaks; leaving the view of the webcam for any reason will result in your exam session being terminated and any exam results being invalidated. If not having a break is an issue for you, we suggest scheduling an exam at a Pearson VUE testing center.

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What happens if I do not pass the exam? Do you allow for re-exams?

If you don't pass the exam, you will receive an "exam critique" from the Appraisal Institute that will show the specific content areas you should study further. You will also receive detailed instructions if you are interested in re-taking the exam. A fee of $125 for Appraisal Institute Designated members, Candidates for Designation, Practicing Affiliates, and Affiliates and $165 for non-AI individuals will be required. You have up to 1 year from the date of completing the online material to re-take an exam.

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How do I study for the exam?

If you pay attention to the online materials, ask questions by email if you are not certain, and faithfully complete all quizzes and assignments, you will be in great shape for the exam. The course materials also will provide information on the number of exam questions, the topics covered, and the approximate percentage of the exam devoted to each course topic. In addition, we also have prepared a document outlining general study strategies that will assist you in taking any exam.

You can print out the course materials to study for the exam. You will have access to the course materials and printing until the official end date of the session, unless you purchase a 30-day extension. After the extension period, you may contact us directly at ol-help@appraisalinstitute.org if you require further access.

Note: You cannot print out the materials for the 15 Hour National USPAP course.

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What is the Appraisal Institute’s education and exam rounding policy?

• For all numerical problems, intermediate calculations are held internally in the calculator or software through problem completion, with rounding occurring only at the end. To get the same answer as shown in the course handbook and the exam, do not re-input any intermediate number. Rely on your calculator’s stack or storage registers to hold the number to the maximum digits allowed. If using an electronic spreadsheet, copy and paste the cell reference or contents.
• Occasionally the instructional materials will display intermediate results on a rounded basis for ease in instruction. However, calculations relying on those numbers will use the unrounded equivalents until problem completion. For example, while the handbook may show a number such as $135.67, the number that is actually stored in the calculator or Excel is $135.66666… So a rounded number is shown, but more decimals are stored. Note. Use of intermediate numbers as inputs in calculations may produce results that differ slightly from those shown due to the adopted rounding convention.
• The exam will not require a choice between two answers that differ only by a rounding decision.
• Term calculations. When using Excel or similar software, or a calculator other than the HP-12C, a problem that solves for term may result in a fractional answer instead of the whole number that the HP-12C always shows. The HP-12C rounds a fractional period to the next whole period to reflect the day the final payment is due; the others offer the advantage of alerting the user to the fact that the last payment is not equal to the others. If a problem such as this appears on the exam, the question will not require a choice between the HP-12C rounded solution and the fractional result as the correct answer. 

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What is the passing score for exams?

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Will I receive my exact score?

No, students only receive a pass or fail notice; they do not receive a letter grade or percentage.  

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When will I receive my exam results?

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What if I have a question that isn't answered in the FAQs?

If you have any questions or concerns about the Appraisal Institute exam process, please contact our Education Delivery department at 312-335-4207 or e-mail education@appraisalinstitute.org.

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