Temporary Allowance of Courses by Synchronous Distance Education Update

The Division has received inquiries concerning the allowance of granting continuing education (CE) and appraiser qualifying education (QE) credits by synchronous electronic means for courses currently approved for in-person only classroom delivery method.

On September 21, 2020, the Appraisal Qualifications Board (AQB) extended the allowance of continuing education courses to be approved and taught synchronously to December 31, 2021.

Extended Allowance of Continuing Education

In addition, any approved classroom qualifying education offering will be allowed to be converted to a synchronous platform in the same manner as continuing education. The examination required for qualifying education under Section III of the Generic Education Criteria, E.7 will remain in place and effect as written.

For reference, E.7 states: “In addition to the generic requirements described in III.D., distance education courses intended for use as qualifying education must include a written, closed-book final examination (proctored by an official approved by the college or university, or by the sponsoring organization). The term “written” as used herein refers to an exam that might be written on paper, or administered electronically on a computer workstation or other device. Oral exams are not acceptable. The testing must be in compliance with the examination requirements of this section.”

Therefore, The Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) is allowing both CE and QE offerings that were originally designed to be presented in a traditional classroom setting to be offered remotely via synchronous distance education, without the delivery mechanism approval set forth in Section III.D.3 of the Criteria, subject to the following:

1. The educational offering under consideration is currently approved for traditional classroom presentation;

2. The platform utilized for distance education is live and interactive;

3. The instructor verifies photo identification of the students; and

4. The instructor maintains an attendance roster, which includes verifying 100% classroom attendance by, for example, taking attendance at various established times during the course.

The AQB has also extended this relief to the 7 hour USPAP course.

Offering Synchronous CE and QE Distance Education

To offer synchronous CE and QE distance education pursuant to this temporary allowance by the AQB, you must notify the Division and provide the necessary information and an acknowledgement of your compliance with the above-referenced parameters by emailing a completed Appraiser Synchronous Distance Education Course Record and Attestation (referenced below) form to: martha.torres-recinos@state.co.us

Appraiser Synchronous Distance Education Course Record and Attestation

For appraiser continuing education (CE) and qualifying education (QE) course approval pursuant to the Appraiser Qualifications Board’s (AQB), temporary allowance of CE and QE courses by synchronous distance education, please complete the attestation attached prior to offering any courses pursuant to the temporary allowance and return it by email to the Division of Real Estate at: martha.torres-recinos@state.co.us

• Appraiser Synchronous Distance Education Course Record and Attestation