Mass Appraisal Basics

In person Monday, May 6 through Thursday, May 9 
8:00am - 5:00pm Central Time daily 

Hilton Garden Inn 
6350 Vinewood Lane North 
Maple Grove, MN 55311 

Online exam available to take independently following course conclusion on Thursday, May 9 through 11:59pm on Friday, May 10 

Description: This introductory 28-hour course plus 2-hour exam introduces participants to the concepts and procedures of ad valorem mass appraisal through lecture, problem solving, and case studies. Emphasis is on the practical application of mass appraisal techniques in the three approaches to value, statistics and sales ratio studies and is the fourth sequential course required for the Certified Minnesota Assessor level of licensure. Note: This class will be a 4-day format. The exam will ONLY be available online. Course participants will receive links to take a demo exam and familiarize themselves with the exam process the week prior to the course. The final exam will be available via the same links for course participants to take independently online on Thursday or Friday following the course. The course has a maximum capacity of 48 students.

Credits: This course is approved by the Minnesota State Board of Assessors for 28 hours of continuing education, 30 hours with exam. The exam is required to receive credit toward the Certified Minnesota Assessor level of licensure.

Class size: Mass Appraisal Basics will have a minimum of 32 and a maximum of 48 participants. 

Instructors:  Joy Kanne, SAMA, Mower County & Dave Parsons, SAMA, City Assessor, City of Marshall

Fee:  MAAO Member - $450, Non-Member - $555 

Scholarships: MAAO offers weeklong course scholarships to anyone that is interested in pursuing a career in the assessment field and demonstrates a financial need.  Courses eligible for a scholarship include Assessment Laws and Procedures (ALP), Appraisal Principles, Appraisal Procedures, and Mass Appraisal Basics.  More information and a scholarship application are available by clicking here. 

Payment: Credit card only 

Location: Hilton Garden Inn, 6350 Vinewood Lane North, Maple Grove, MN 55311 

Prerequisite: Six months work experience, Assessment Laws and Procedures, Basic Appraisal Principles, and Basic Appraisal Procedures are all recommended. 

Course Requirements:  Calculator with a power key and a square root key and handbook. Participants are expected to bring these items to the course. Registrants will receive an email containing a link to the handbook when it is available and no later than one week prior to the course. Please print it and bring it with you. 

Exam Requirements: The exam is online-only and can be taken independently between course conclusion on Thursday and midnight Central Time the following day. The exam may be taken from any geographic location with Internet access. Exam takers must have the following available during the exam:

• Calculator
• A reliable Internet connection
• Computer with webcam and microphone that is not connected to multiple monitors or a docking station - Please review complete requirements for ProctorFree, our online proctoring service, here
• Current version of Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari on a computer running Windows 7, 8, or 10 or Mac OS 10.11+ (El Capitan) or greater
• If accessing the course using a mobile device, it must be a large-screen device such as an iPhone 6+ or iPad
• It is highly recommended that your computer is plugged in to an AC outlet while taking the exam

Textbook: Course materials will be provided digitally prior to the course via the email address provided during registration. Participants are expected to bring their own hard copy of the handbook to the course. 

Hotel Group Rate: For your convenience, a block of hotel rooms has been reserved at the Hilton Garden Inn Minneapolis/Maple Grove for $129/night. Reservations are the responsibility of individual attendees and must be made by April 19, 2024, to ensure the group rate. Reserve by calling the hotel at 763-509-9500 and mentioning the MAAO room block or via this booking link.

Student Expectations: This course includes 28 hours of classroom instruction during which students will be expected to participate in discussions, group activities, and coursework that may include but is not limited to reading, homework, problem solving, etc. both during and outside classroom hours. There is also a 2 hour independently taken online exam at the end of the course the student should plan to review for. If alternative testing options are required, please contact [email protected] via email as soon as possible to discuss, and we will attempt to make reasonable accommodation. 

Food and Beverages: For student, instructor and employer convenience, lunch and a limited variety of refreshments and snacks are included in your registration fee for this course. 

ADA Policy: If you have a disability and may require some accommodation at any event, please notify us via email to [email protected] at least two weeks prior to the course, and we will attempt to make reasonable arrangements. 

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation requests received prior to 8:00am five business days prior to the start of the course will be issued a refund, less a $30 administration fee. Cancellation requests received after this time or registrants who fail to attend the course are responsible for the entire fee.  If a registrant is unable to attend the event, a substitute from the jurisdiction that paid the registration fee can attend at no additional charge. Please send written notification of this change or cancellation requests to [email protected]. Although it is not the policy of MAAO to cancel a course or seminar, MAAO reserves the right to do so and provide a full refund if the minimum enrollment level is not reached. Refunds will be issued within 30 days of the date of the course or conference.  

COVID Considerations: MAAO is following the current guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health. Each educational offering is subject to cancellation if mandated by the Governor or due to a change in COVID conditions. A 100% refund will be processed for any registrant due to a COVID-related cancellation. Attendance at any course is at risk for the employer and attendee. MAAO will not be held liable. 

Additional Information: Refer to MAAO's education FAQs and policies.