- Date
- April 29, 2025
- Time
- 8:30AM - 4:30PM (CST)
- Sponsor
- Louisiana Chapter
- Location
- Livestream via Zoom
Any Street
- Instructor
- Randall Bell, PhD, MBA, MAI
Michael Tachovsky, PhD
- Full Price
- $200.00
- AI Price
- $180.00
Course Description
The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) establishes a framework that appraisers use when developing an opinion of value. The valuation process is a systematic procedure an appraiser follows to provide answers to a client’s questions about real property value. [1] It is a model that can be adapted to a wide variety of issues related to value, mass value, review, litigation support or consulting assignments.
The goal of the valuation process is to deliver well-researched and supportable conclusions. The Critical Thinking & Junk Science course includes both principles and case studies for the appraisal professional. The three approaches to value (cost, income and sales comparison), coupled with complex issues set forth in USPAP AO-9 (cost, use and risk effects) established a solid valuation framework.
Critical Thinking and Junk Science expands an appraiser’s professional skill set by focusing upon five topics within the context of real estate valuation:
1. Epistemologies. The academic community has long identified research methods to collect and build credible knowledge and are discussed within the context of valuation.
2. Critical Thinking. Appraisers must employ an objective analysis that allows them to form credible opinions, especially when involving complex or “atypical” properties and conditions. [2]
3. Logical Fallacies. Appraisers should avoid invalid or faulty reasoning. USPAP sets forth guidance on a variety of issues, and the Appraisal Institute sets forth many established methodologies.
4. Cognitive Bias. Appraisers should avoid any systematic pattern of deviation from rationality or established standards and ethics of the appraisal profession.
5. Junk Science. Appraisers should avoid unproven or untested tactics or theories when presenting an opinion of value. These tactics are explored, along with how to rebut them.
Who Should Enroll
- Commercial and Residential Appraisers
State Approvals
| State | QE/CE | Course & Exam | Course Only | Exam Only | Delivery Format | Approval Format | Start Date | Expire Date | State Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA | CE | 7 | Synchronous | Livestream | 03/26/2025 | 03/26/2028 | A1075 (Louisiana Chapter) | ||
| TX | CE | 7 | Synchronous | Livestream | 04/15/2025 | 04/30/2027 | 52349 (Louisiana Chapter) |
Additional Course Offerings
| Sponsor | Date | Location | Format | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Chapter | April 29, 2025 | Baton Rouge, LA | Classroom | View Details | Register |
Event Information
Register by April 22, 2025, for Early Bird prices!
Early Bird - $180 (AI Price); $200(Full Price)
After November 1st - $205 (AI Price); $225 (Full Price)
Who Should Enroll
- Commercial and Residential Appraisers
Livestream Classroom-Live/Interactive Participation Guidelines :
Students must have computer, webcam & microphone capability to participate & receive continuing education credit. The platform will be interactive and live. The instructor must be able to physically see and interact with all students and students must be able see and interact with the instructor.
Photo ID Required to Complete Your Registration
If you have not already sent one in for a previously attended Louisiana Chapter offering ,a copy of a VALID photo ID (driver's license; passport; ID with photo & name) MUST be emailed to the Chapter Office at LouisianaChapter@appraisalinstitute.org as verification after you have registered for the offering. Only your name, expiration date, and photo are needed. Please feel free to redact any personal information before sending.
Registrants will not be sent the ZOOM log-in link unless their DL/Photo ID is received in advance. Please email for confirmation of previous submission and/or email as follows: In the subject line of your email type "DL - [enter your last name] Critical Thinking April 2025" before submitting. ID's should be submitted to/confirmed previous receipt by the Chapter Office immediately upon completing this online registration.
Requirements for FULLContinuing Education Credit
Only those students who provide the photo identification and “properly attend” the program in its entirety (face being visible at ALL times during class presentation and like mannerisms as if the class was held in-person) will receive full CE credit and a certificate of completion. Attendance will be taken at various times throughout the event.
You do not need a paid account with ZOOM to participate. You will receive a separate email from the Chapter Office with log-in/access information. If you are using your iPad/iPhone/smartphone, please download the ZOOM app prior to offering.
Please check your webcam privacy settings on your computer.
If you are not familiar with Zoom, please review a few video tutorials HERE prior to the meeting.
If you have a Lenovo laptop, you must have the Lenovo Vantage App installed on your computer for the webcam to work.
It is important to note that the AI educational programs that may be offered by Livestream (virtual) delivery *ARE NOT* approved in every state. Some states DO NOT allow livestream (virtual) education. ALL participants MUST check state approvals prior to registering for any chapter offered Appraisal Institute program.
Check state approvals before registering to make sure the states you are licensed have approved the seminar and allow Livestream (Virtual) education as well as classroom education.
Contact the chapter with questions regarding participation guidelines: LouisianaChapter@appraisalinstitute.org
Seminar Schedule
*Login Access:
4/29/25: 8:00 a.m. CDT
4/29/25: 7:00 a.m. MDT
4/29/25: 6:00 a.m. PDT
4/29/25: 9:00 a.m. EDT
Welcome, Roll Call& Class:
4/29/25: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CDT
4/29/25: 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. MDT
4/29/25: 6:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. PDT
4/29/25: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. EDT
**Lunch: One Hour
Classroom Hours
7 Hours
CE Credit Approvals
Appraisal Institute: 35 points
LA Appraisal Board: 7 Hours
TX Appraisal Board: 7 Hours
Attendance Policy
The Appraisal Institute and AQB, require full attendance (100%) at the Seminar. If the attendance roster reflects less than 100%, it could/will show up on the roster submission to the states.
Tuition Includes
Seminar materials
Instructors/Developers
Randall Bell, PhD, MAI, MBA of Dana Point, CA
Michael Tachovsky, PhD of Dana Point, CA