All course numbers have a prefix which denotes the course provider.

002 denotes the Illinois Property Assessment Institute (IPAI)
003 denotes the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO)
117 denotes the Appraisal Foundation (IF)

All courses have examinations unless noted as “Seminar” in the course title.

Over the years, several course titles have been changed. When determining whether you have taken a course or not, please refer to the course numbers, not the course titles.  Course numbers have not changed. It is also important to read the “Special Notes” associated with each course to determine if there are restrictions associated with the course. Not all courses listed are offered every year.

#002-101              Valuation of Mobile Homes (Seminar)

Topics for this session include history, trends, how to distinguish between manufactured homes, modular homes, panelized homes and pre-cut or kit homes, financing and Internet sources for research and information. All three approaches to value will be discussed and examples given. Considerable time will be spent on developing replacement cost new from the marketplace, comparing to cost manuals and calculating indexes. Depreciation and gross rent multipliers will be extracted from actual market data. Actual sales will be used to compare to cost manual value estimates and the workshop will conclude with two sections on questions and answers from assessors/appraisers and potential owners of manufactured homes.

#002-102              Collection, Interpretation & Model Building of Income & Expense Data (Seminar)

The purpose of this workshop is to assist appraisers in the collection and interpretation of income and expense data for the construction of income models for establishing market value. This workshop will concentrate on the following areas: review of the income approach, forms and methods of data gathering and additional data sources, templates for storing and use of data, review of reconstructing income and expense statements, data analysis, interpretation and model building, extraction and development of capitalization rates, testing the income models, and data write-ups and documentation. Special Note: Students who have successfully completed course 019-935, Collection, Interpretation and Model Building of Income and Expense Data, offered in Cook County are not eligible for credit for this course.

#002-110              Introduction to the Sales Comparison Approach to Market Value
#002-779              Introduction to the Sales Comparison Approach to Market Value (Seminar)

Students will understand the underlying concepts that pertain to determining the value of real estate using market-extracted data. Key areas of study include: the mechanics of markets, the foundational economic principles that drive purchasing habits and value, the concept of neighborhoods, and the factors that influence value and determine comparability, as well as, the computational aspects of the sales comparison approach. Special Note: Students may receive continuing education credit for either the exam course (#002-110) or the seminar course (#002-779), but not both.

#002-125              Introduction to Income-Producing Properties
#002-130              Introduction to Income-Producing Properties (Seminar)

This course introduces students to basic income producing property appraisal terms and procedures. This course builds upon basic appraisal theory and shows how the three approaches to value are applied in real life situations. The course starts with an overview of the market forces that influence buyers and sellers in income property. With this basic understanding in place, the course concentrates on the application of all three approaches to value for income property. Case studies demonstrating practical use of the appraisal methods in an assessment office are used extensively. This course is an introductory course and is appropriate for assessment officials with little or no exposure to commercial assessments. Special Note: Students may receive continuing education credit for either the exam course (#002-125) or the seminar course (#002-130), but not both.

#002-126              Commercial Construction (Seminar)

This course will familiarize students with various types of commercial property, building classes, and how construction quality grade specifications determine value. The various steps involved in basic commercial construction, from site preparation through completion of the building, will be illustrated with slides of the construction of a commercial building. Working with and collecting information from blueprints basics will also be covered. When practical, a field trip will be part of this course.

#002-127              Case Studies in the Appeal Process (Seminar)

This course reviews not only the legal framework governing the Illinois property tax system, but also identifies the fundamental requirements and principles assessment officials need in order to properly implement a fair assessment system. Areas of study include the sources of law which administer the property tax, an overview of the property tax system concentrating on the avenues of appeal available to taxpayers, and the burdens of proof required to prevail at various levels of appeal. Case studies provide the primary educational vehicle by which the course is presented.

#002-128              Market Factors in Residential Valuation
#002-859              Market Factors in Residential Valuation (Seminar)

This course concentrates on the various influences on the valuation of residential property. Topics covered in this course include: graphing, concepts and types of markets, deed types, editing procedures, matching property characteristics to sales, factoring, trending, market derivatives and the cost approach, cost tables, depreciation, market derivatives and the sales comparison approach, time adjustments, and simple linear regression. This course is an intermediate course. Special Note: Students may receive continuing education credit for either the exam course (#002-128) or the seminar course (#002-859), but not both.

#002-131              Illinois Freedom of Information Act
#002-132              Illinois Freedom of Information Act (Seminar)

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) remains an active battleground as a balance is sought between the public’s right to know vs. personal privacy.  This course will provide an in-depth look at Illinois FOIA. Topics will include specifics about who must comply, types of records considered “public records”, and what is exempt from disclosure to name a few.  Students will discuss recent court cases to show how the courts have weighed personal privacy and the public’s right to know.  The course will conclude by looking at case studies of issues relevant to today’s assessment office. Special Note: Students may receive continuing education credit for either the exam course (#002-131) or the seminar course (#002-132), but not both.

#002-133              Residential Factor Analysis Using Statistical Software (Seminar)

This is a hands-on computer class which uses a generic statistical software package, NCSS (Number Cruncher Statistical Software) to analyze an actual set of sales data. This course begins with an overview of basic appraisal models and sales ratio analysis of those models using the statistical software. Topics covered include factor definitions, model building, data analysis, ratio statistics, graphics, stratification and factoring techniques. The goal is to enable the assessment professional to fine tune existing appraisal models and improve uniformity within the jurisdiction. Recommended Prerequisite: A familiarity with sales ratio statistics, as well as, an understanding of the use of a computer.

#002-201              Budgeting for the Assessment Office

This course begins with a detailed review of the property tax system in order to provide an understanding of the environment in which budgeting exists. This is followed by an overview of the different types of budgets, a discussion of the budgeting process, a survey of different types of budgets, a discussion of how to effectively present a budget to the oversight authority, and a case study using an actual township budget. Special Note: Students that have received credit for courses #002-600, #002-608, #002-702, and #002-707 are ineligible for credit for this course.

#002-250              Basic Assessment Practices, Option 2

This course is a combination of the Option 1 course, Basic Assessment Practices and Introduction to Mass Appraisal Techniques.  It covers issues that are specific to the Illinois property tax system and would not be covered in IAAO curriculum. Special Notes: Basic Option 1 (#002-251) and Basic Option 2 (#002-250) are not interchangeable.

#002-251              Basic Assessment Practices, Option 1

This course will introduce students to the Illinois property tax system.  Included are hands-on exercises with the Illinois Property Tax Code and the responsibilities of assessment officials.  Participants will cover the basics of office management and learn where to find further assistance from public and private sources. Special Note: Basic Option 1 (#002-251) and Basic Option 2 (#002-250) are not interchangeable. 

#002-252              Property Valuation

This is an introductory course on the three approaches to value: cost, sales comparison and income.  Emphasis will be placed on understanding the duties required of assessment officials, such as discovering and listing property. 

#002-253              Introduction to Mass Appraisal Techniques

This course will focus on mass appraisal techniques such as sales ratio studies and will include an explanation of multipliers.  Exemptions granted to Illinois property owners will be discussed, as well as other special assessment issues.

#002-249              CIAO Option 3 Qualifying Course

This course is a home-study course comprised of four courses: Illinois Department of Revenue courses Introduction to Residential Assessments and Introduction to Commercial Assessments and the Illinois Property Assessment Institute courses Property Valuation and Introduction to Mass Appraisal Techniques. It is designed for appraisers who hold a certified Illinois appraisal license.

#002-255              Practical Math for Assessing Officials
#002-778              Practical Math for Assessing Officials (Seminar)

This course focuses on basic mathematical functions that assessment official’s use regularly. Topics covered in this course include: mathematical symbols, decimals, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, round of numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, review of basic algebra, review of basic geometry, and ratios. This is an introductory course. Special Note:  Students that have received credit for this course in the home-study format are ineligible for continuing education credit for the classroom format of this course. Special Note: Students may receive continuing education credit for either the exam course (#002-255) or the seminar course (#002-778), but not both.

#002-258              Neighborhood Analysis (Seminar)
#002-259              Neighborhood Analysis

Students will learn the characteristics of neighborhoods and how boundaries are determined and influence value.  Economic principles and their effect on neighborhoods will be addressed.  The various neighborhood valuation techniques and the appropriate methods for analyzing a neighborhood will also be addressed. Special Note: Students may receive continuing education credit for either the exam course (#002-259) or the seminar course (#002-258), but not both.

#002-425              Precision Data Collection (Seminar)

Accurate data collection is the foundation of a fair property valuation. This course covers the basics of data collection. Topics covered in this course include: general data collection issues, determining data needs, tools and equipment used, describing and coding characteristics, types of data, designing property record forms, actual data collection, elementary computerized considerations and pulling all of the information together. This course involves a field trip, weather permitting. This course is an introductory course.

#002-427              Evaluating Real Estate Appraisals
#002-430              Evaluating Real Estate Appraisals (Seminar)

The purpose of this course is to acquaint the student with the knowledge and tools required to make an accurate review of an appraisal. The Preamble and Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice are utilized as a guide to test proper appraisal methodology and reporting procedures. Various aspects of the three approaches to value are covered so that the student has a grasp of some of the less often utilized materials. The second day will deal primarily with case studies where the student can review reports in class with the instructor’s supervision. Special Note: Students may receive continuing education credit for either the exam course (#002-427) or the seminar course (#002-430), but not both.

#002-505              Real Estate Law (Seminar)
#002-994              Real Estate Law

This course is designed to familiarize assessing officials with the points of law regarding real property and real estate. An understanding of the basic legal principles involved with respect to real property is essential to the administration of the real property tax. This course presents a summary of those basic legal principles through lecture, discussion problems, and quizzes. Special Note: Students may receive continuing education credit for either the exam course (#002-994) or the seminar course (#002-505), but not both.

#002-602              Appeal Practice & Procedure (Seminar)

Students will review the timing and jurisdictional issues related to the appellate process.  Students will become familiar with the three common appeal types and develop an analysis framework for the two most common, uniformity and valuation; which is examined in detail and various analysis tools will be developed. The order of a Property Tax Appeal Board hearing will be discussed, as well as, burdens of proof, standards of review and a discussion of evidence.  How to introduce and examine a witness/expert at hearing and understanding the difference between testimony as a witness and as an expert witness will be addressed.  The course will conclude with a mock hearing. Special Note: Students that have received credit for the IPAI course entitled “Preparation & Analysis of Evidence for the Appeal Process” are not eligible to receive continuing education credit for this course. 

#002-604              Fundamentals of Sales Ratio Analysis
#002-777              Fundamentals of Sales Ratio Analysis (Seminar)

Sales ratio analysis is the fundamental tool assessment officials use to measure if their work is complying with Illinois statutes relative to the assessment of property. This course is designed to familiarize students with the basics of a sales ratio analysis. The course begins with an overview of mathematical concepts and procedures that are necessary to perform and understand a sales ratio analysis. Students will learn how to calculate the ratios, apply appropriated statistical procedures to determine the quality of the assessment and to identify recommendations to improve the current assessment quality. In addition, multipliers and standard deviation will be discussed. A case study will allow students to pull together all the formulas and skills that have been developed throughout the class. This is an introductory course. Special Note: Students may receive continuing education credit for either the exam course (#002-604) or the seminar course (#002-777), but not both.

#002-605              Word Processing Applications for the Assessment Office (Seminar)

This class focuses on the fundamentals of word processing – the computerized production of letters, reports, and other documents. Topics covered in this course include: managing files, producing and printing documents, editing documents with special features, spell and grammar check, help features, mail merge, and an introduction to graphics. This course is an introductory course. Recommended Prerequisites: A basic understanding of the operation of a personal computer
Special Notes: Students may receive credit for only one “Introductory” computer course during their career.

#002-611              The Economics of Markets (Seminar)
#002-612              The Economics of Markets

The academic discipline that drives all aspects of real estate valuation is economics. Economics is simply a structured and disciplined way of looking at the world that tries to explain how people chose, organize and use limited resources to produce other goods and services. Students will learn to recognize fundamental economic factors at work that will enable the to: understand what money is and how its manipulation can shift the direction of the economy and real estate values; appreciate the role the Federal Reserve plays in our everyday lives; identify and interpret those factors that explain and help predict economic activity and real estate values; learn the effects of inflation and employment have on the general economy; and how the worlds largest economy is managed to ensure continued, steady growth and prosperity. Special Note: Students may receive continuing education credit for either the exam course (#002-612) or the seminar course (#002-611), but not both.

#002-613              Legal Descriptions
#002-775              Legal Descriptions (Seminar)

Note: Students may receive continuing education credit for either the exam course (#002-613) or the seminar course (#002-775), but not both.

#002-614              Condominiums
#002-621              Condominiums (Seminar)

This course will provide students with the necessary information for developing accurate and defendable assessments for residential condominiums.  Students will discuss various valuation techniques concerning the mass appraisal of condominiums and will work problems relating to land valuation, common elements, and unit value.  This course will also familiarize students with the Illinois Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/1 et seq. and students will look in more detail at specific Sections of the Act.  In addition, the course distinguishes concepts and trends for additional, specialty forms of housing such as those found in Planned Unit Developments, row houses, and town homes. Special Note: Students may receive continuing education credit for either the exam course (#002-614) or the seminar course (#002-621), but not both.

#002-620              Analysis of Commercial Appraisal Reports
#002-625              Analysis of Commercial Appraisal Reports (Seminar)

This course begins with a review of the income approach to value. This course then concentrates on the types of commercial reports, the body of the report, the valuation of land, the cost approach to value, the income approach to value, and the sales comparison approach as it pertains to commercial reports. The remainder of the course consists of a comprehensive case study. Special Note: Students may receive continuing education credit for either the exam course (#002-620) or the seminar course (#002-625), but not both.

#002-657              Valuation of Residential Land
#002-849              Valuation of Residential Land (Seminar)

This course is intended to provide students with a comprehensive examination of the valuation of land.  The course is designed to provide assessment officials with a variety of options, or techniques, to facilitate land valuation. The course begins by discussing the theory and economics of land and land valuation through an examination of principles, definitions, supply and demand, and units of comparison.  The main body of the course is divided into two principle sections, mass appraisal of land and single-property appraisal of land.  Within each section, techniques for land valuation are presented that are both useful when sales are sufficient and when sales are scarce.  Finally, some related topics such as assemblage, plottage and zoning are discussed, as these processes or concepts can affect value in addition to simple market dynamics. The foundation of any successful assessment system lies in uniform and accurate land values.  This course will provide assessment officials with the knowledge and tools to facilitate that process by analyzing market dynamics and studying market behavior.  The course provides students with valuation methodologies that will successfully value land in areas with and without adequate sales information for individual properties or thousands of properties.  Special Note: Students may receive continuing education credit for either the exam course (#002-657) or the seminar course (#002-849), but not both.

#002-703              Real Estate Transfer Declarations
#002-705              Real Estate Transfer Declarations (Seminar)

This course will provide both the novice assessor and the seasoned professional with a review of the basic procedures that should be followed when Real Estate Transfer Declarations are received in their offices. Procedures covered include: most common editing techniques, purpose of edits, component parts of the RETD, relevance to the assessment office, and use of RETD’s in the appraisal process. Students will be exposed to a review of basic real estate concepts including the definition of market value and its origin, the concept of an arm’s length transaction, and it’s importance to statutory compliance for assessments. There will be a short review of the three approaches to value focusing on how the use of RETD’s is necessary to their development. The course will proceed into the realm of practical application and analysis. Topics covered include: file organization, posting data for ease of public access, stratification techniques, market analysis, and statistical analysis. Students will perform simple sales ratio studies including the development of ratios, coefficients of dispersion, and the price related differential. Statistical interpretation and application of the analytical results for reassessment purposes, job evaluation, and public awareness will conclude the course. Special Note: This course is also available in a home-study format. Students that have received credit for this course in the home-study format are ineligible for continuing education credit for the classroom format of this course. Students may receive continuing education credit for either the exam course (#002-703) or the seminar course (#002-705), but not both.

#002-776              Beyond Mapping: GIS in Local Government (Seminar)
#002-822              Beyond Mapping: GIS in Local Government

The class is broad in scope, attempting to give the students a sense for many of the issues surrounding GIS. This course presents topics ranging from traditional cartographic principles and map design to the role of relational database systems and the underlying geometric principles that support even the most casual use of GIS. Special Note: Students may receive continuing education credit for either the exam course (#002-822) or the seminar course (#002-776), but not both.

#002-818              The Income Approach: A Detailed Examination
#002-858              The Income Approach: A Detailed Examination (Seminar)

This course is intended to provide students with a thorough review of the income approach so that they become very comfortable with the mechanics of the overall process. This course covers each step of the income approach in great detail. The discussion focuses on the income approach from the point of view of what an assessment official needs to know to properly value income property. It also provides the necessary background information to analyze and reconstruct income and expense statements using property specific data, comparable/market data, and regional/national data. Special Note: Students may receive continuing education credit for either the exam course (#002-818) or the seminar course (#002-858), but not both.

#002-819              Public Relations for the Assessment Office (Seminar)

This course will help you develop the skills and abilities you need to work with the media — and other audiences — in your job as assessment officials.  You will learn the various elements of effective communication and develop those skills necessary for better day-to-day interaction with the public and your colleagues.  Through group interaction students will have the opportunity to practice their newly learned skills.

#002-821              The Income Approach: Assessing Real Property Investments
#002-829              The Income Approach: Assessing Real Property Investments (Seminar)

This course explains the importance of investing and reviews the alternatives available to investors, besides real estate, that competes for the investment dollar.  Compound interest tables and the six functions of a dollar will be discussed and the affects and power of compounding.  Additional topics include; what a capitalization rate represents (risk aspects) and introducing the key determinants or factors investors consider when analyzing real estate as an investment option; analysis on types of leases, tenant mix, terms of the leases and variations in risk across property type as a means of understanding how these factors affect the price paid by investors and concludes with by looking at the numerous techniques that are used to develop capitalization rates. Special Note: Students may receive continuing education credit for either the exam course (#002-821) or the seminar course (#002-829), but not both.

#002-850              Legal Implications of Employment Practices
#002-852              Legal Implications of Employment Practices (Seminar)

This course begins with a historical survey of the evolution of human resources. Several theories, principles, and definitions are covered to allow the student to achieve a level of competency in this important field. The course introduces several laws that affect employment in the assessment field and discusses the pitfalls that can be avoided, ensuring that legal challenges will be reduced to a minimum. Knowing the laws that affect good business practices and the consequences of not following these laws will enlighten the student as to the realities of the present-day job market. Special Note: Students may receive continuing education credit for either the exam course (#002-850) or the seminar course (#002-852), but not both.

#002-872              Real Estate Applications Using the HP-12C Calculator (Seminar)
#002-873              Real Estate Applications Using the HP-12C Calculator

This course is intended to give students a basic working knowledge of the HP-12C calculator. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to solve practical assessment and real estate problems. This course assumes you have a basic understanding of real estate and lending terminology. No prior use of the HP-12C in necessary. Students must bring a HP-12C with them to class. Special Note: All students must bring an HP-12C calculator with them to class. Students may receive continuing education credit for either the exam course (#002-873) or the seminar course (#002-872), but not both.

#002-920              Marshall & Swift Commercial Cost Approach (Seminar)

#002-921              Valuing Property affected by Environmental Laws & Regulations (Seminar)

Valuing contaminated commercial or industrial property will probably be one of the most interesting, and, perhaps, challenging moments that an assessing official or appraiser will ever have. This course will provide an introduction to the arguments that a contaminated property owner will make that it has a lower value than it would have were it clean, introduce examples of information the owner will use to support that argument and present the ways contamination has been addressed, not always successfully, in the three approaches to value. Environmental laws that affect value will first be reviewed. By the end of the course, students will be working with case studies based on actual cases in Illinois and from other states to gain a better understanding of how to deal with the issues presented by contaminated property.

#002-922              Analyzing the Appraisal of Fuel Stations & Convenience Stores (Seminar)

Students will become familiar with the market dynamics that shape the design and operation of retail fuel stations and attached convenience stores and carwash facilities. Key to understanding the contributory factors shaping market value are the students’ familiarity with industry trends, property functionality, forces of competition, and the retail business operation of petroleum-dispensing stores.

#002-949              Assessment of Oil & Coal (Seminar)

This course addresses the responsibilities of the assessment official in valuing oil and coal. Oil and coal schedules are reviewed, and the methods used to calculate oil and coal are also covered. An underground and surface tour of an active mine are conducted. Students should bring “work clothing” with them to class. Special Note: Student who took the IPAI Oil & Gas course will receive continuing education credit for this course.

#002-954              Residential Construction (Seminar)

This course will familiarize students with basic house types, quality grades, construction terminology and how construction quality grade specifications, techniques and materials determine quality. The various residential construction phases from site preparation through completion of the building will be illustrated with slides of the construction of a residential building. The advantage and disadvantage of certain building materials will also be discussed and many building products will be available for examination. When practical, a field trip will be part of this course.

#002-957              Sales Ratio Analysis Using Spreadsheet Software (Seminar)

This course takes advantage of the math functions and graphing capabilities of Microsoft Excel. During the course, students will build a sales ratio template for use in their own office. Even though the course uses Microsoft Excel, the concepts demonstrated are quite applicable to other spreadsheet programs. This course introduces the student to sales ratio studies and spreadsheet programs. It is not intended to be an exhaustive treatment of either subject. Recommended Prerequisite: A general working knowledge of a personal computer and basic spreadsheet function. Special Notes: Students that have received credit for the IPAI course entitled “Sales Ratio Analysis with Lotus 1-2-3” are not eligible to receive continuing education credit for this course.   

#002-996              Cadastral Mapping (Seminar)
#002-997              Cadastral Mapping

This course gives students an overview of cadastral mapping techniques, which will prepare assessment officials to create a map to an aerial photo base. It is recommended that students have a basic understanding of land records, legal descriptions, and mapping, prior to attending class. Special Note: Students that have received credit for the IPAI course entitled “Sidwell Cadastral Mapping Workshop”, course (#002-996), are not eligible for credit for this course. Special Note: Students may receive continuing education credit for either the exam course (#002-125) or the seminar course (#002-996), but not both.

#002-TBA              Manufactured Home Parks & Communities

Purpose of this workshop is to provide some guidance and suggestions on the process of data analysis and valuation of manufactured home parks or communities. Information from various sources and areas of the U.S. are used to help establish some processes and procedures.

#002-TBA              Defending Assessments at Appeals Hearings

#002-TBA              Marshall & Swift Residential Cost Approach

#003-101              Fundamentals of Real Property Appraisal (IAAO 101)

A basic appraisal course for assessors, course 101 emphasizes the theory and techniques of the cost and sales comparison approached to value. Students review terminology, basic appraisal and economic principles, general principles of land valuation, the assessment function, and the mass appraisal process.

#003-102              Income Approach to Valuation (IAAO 102)

A continuation of introductory course 101, this course emphasizes advanced concepts in the income approach to value. Application of the compound interest tables in appraisal practice is taught. Comparison of the various capitalization methods and techniques is covered by lecture and problem solving. This course presents in detail the contemporary methods of mortgage equity and discounted cash flow analysis.

#117-101              Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)

This course focuses on the requirements for ethical behavior and competent performance by appraisers that are set forth in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). The course emphasizes the role of the appraiser and the impartiality associated with this role. The special responsibilities of the appraiser with regard to impartiality are explored in detail. A score of 76% is needed to pass this course. Special Note: Students may receive credit for this course once every 5 years.