Review Theory—General is the fundamental review course that all reviewers should have in their education background. It is a required course for individuals pursuing the Appraisal Institute General Review Designation.* Participants embark on an in-depth journey of the seven steps that are outlined through the review process, which is at the core of this course. To be a reviewer, an appraiser must learn how to develop opinions of completeness, accuracy, adequacy, relevance, and reasonableness relative to the work under review. These opinions must be refined through tests of reasonableness in order to develop opinions of appropriateness and credibility. By taking this course, participants may gain invaluable confidence on the fundamentals of review.

Please note: Designated Members and Candidates for Designation will receive the discounted AI Price for Advanced Education courses: Review Theory-General and Review Case Studies-General. All others will receive the Full Price.

Upon completion of the course, participants should be able to:

• Define review.
• Distinguish between appraisal and review.
• Evaluate the necessary knowledge and skills required to complete reviews.
• Distinguish between trivial and material errors.
• Identify types of review assignments and the process employed in the reviewer’s scope of work.
• Recognize regulatory compliance issues for review appraisers.
• Identify the steps necessary to effectively communicate the review.

The Review Theory - General course is required for individuals pursuing the Appraisal Institute General Review Designation (AI-GRS – Appraisal Institute General Review Specialist ). For more information regarding the requirements for the review designation, please click here.

If you are currently designated, click here for more information on the alternative path.

If you are currently a candidate for designation, or wish to become a candidate, click here for the specific designation requirements.

• The Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal, 5th ed.
• The Appraisal of Real Estate, 14th ed.
• Appraising the Appraisal: The Art of Appraisal Review, 2nd ed.
• Capitalization Theory and Techniques Study Guide
• The Appraiser’s Workbook
• Market Analysis for Real Estate: Concepts and Applications in Valuation and Highest and Best Use
• Subdivision Valuation
• Scope of Work
• USPAP

You must be familiar with basic calculator operation when the course begins. Answers to problems in the course material are shown using the HP-12C.

• Free Review: Using a Financial Calculator; Formulas, Symbols, Math Review, and Sample Problems; and Financial Calculator Practice Exercises

• For additional help with the HP-12C calculator, take our online seminar, Using Your HP12-C Financial Calculator.

Participants must sign a waiver at the beginning of the course stating that they have the prerequisites. If they do not, they will not hold the Appraisal Institute responsible and will not expect to receive special attention during the course.