About the SME Opportunity

Help Support the AQB National Exam
The Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) is expanding its pool of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who support the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examinations.

SMEs bring real-world appraisal knowledge and professional judgment to the exam-development process. Their work helps the AQB and its examination provider keep the National Exam aligned with the knowledge and judgment expected of appraisers entering the profession. We are looking for professionals from different credential levels, career stages, practice settings, real property types, markets, and professional roles. Prior exam-development experience is not expected; selected SMEs receive training before performing assigned work.
How SMEs Contribute
Practice Analysis and Exam Framework
Help identify and evaluate the tasks and knowledge important to entry-level appraisal practice. SMEs may review practice-analysis results, discuss what newly qualified appraisers should know and be able to do, connect job tasks to required knowledge, and help organize that knowledge into the examination framework or blueprint.

Exam Content Development and Review
Help develop and maintain examination content. Depending on the assignment, SMEs may write new questions, review or revise existing questions, verify supporting references and keyed answers, or review assembled exam forms for accuracy, relevance, clarity, coverage, and appropriate difficulty.

Standard Setting
Help establish the professional judgments used when a passing standard is recommended. SMEs consider what a minimally qualified appraiser should know and be able to do at the credential level and evaluate examination questions from that perspective.
What Participation Looks Like
  • Selected SMEs are placed in a qualified pool and invited to assignments as examination needs arise; selection does not mean you will participate in every activity.
  • Participation may include secure independent or asynchronous work, live virtual meetings, or in-person meetings or workshops.
  • Serving as an AQB Subject Matter Expert is primarily a volunteer service to the appraisal profession. The AQB develops and maintains the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examinations as a service to state appraiser regulatory agencies, and SME participation is an important professional contribution to that work. Nominal compensation may be provided for certain assignments. Before you accept an assignment, the Foundation or PSI will provide the purpose, expected preparation and participation time, format, deadlines, travel expectations, and any applicable compensation or reimbursement information. You may decline a particular assignment without automatically losing your place in the SME pool.
  • Selected SMEs receive training before performing assigned work.
  • SMEs selected through this application cycle will serve a term ending December 31, 2029, subject to satisfactory performance and continued program needs. Participation may be ended before the conclusion of the term based on performance, failure to meet program requirements, changes in eligibility, or other program needs.
  • SME performance will be evaluated throughout the term and again at the conclusion of the term. Performance considerations may include the quality of work, availability, responsiveness, participation, professionalism, adherence to procedures, and timeliness.
  • At the end of the term, the Foundation will evaluate the SME pool based on performance and future program needs. High-performing SMEs who have demonstrated strong availability and responsiveness may be offered renewal for a subsequent term without reapplying. Other SMEs may be invited or permitted to reapply through the selection process in effect at that time.
What the AQB is Looking for in SMEs
Strong SMEs bring relevant professional knowledge and sound judgment. Depending on the work area, reviewers will also look for the ability to:
  • Apply professional knowledge and sound, independent judgment, including distinguishing entry-level or minimally qualified practice from advanced or specialized practice when the assignment requires it.
  • Analyze information, explain reasoning clearly, and support judgments with appropriate evidence or authoritative references.
  • Work constructively with others, communicate professionally, consider different perspectives, and be receptive to feedback.
  • Follow instructions, protect confidential examination information, meet deadlines, and learn and use required processes, tools, and technology after training.
Before You Apply
  • For each SME work area, tell us whether it is a preferred area, an area you are interested in, or one you would be willing to support if needed. These preferences help us understand where you would most like to contribute, but they do not limit where you may be considered or assigned if qualified.
  • Submit a short video of up to five minutes.
  • Selected SMEs receive training before performing assigned work. Selection for the SME pool does not guarantee a particular assignment.
Application Period
Applications may be submitted through November 15, 2026.

Questions may be sent to AQB@appraisalfoundation.org.
How Applications will be Evaluated
Applications will be evaluated through an application review followed, for applicants who advance, by a video review. Standardized scoring criteria and rubrics will be used for both reviews.
  • Application Review: Applicants' names and other identifying information are redacted, and reviewers score the application using an established rubric. The video is not considered during this review. Applicants who meet the established criteria and advance after the initial cut proceed to video review.
  • Video Review: For applicants who advance, the submitted video is evaluated using a separate standardized rubric. The video is used to assess observable factors such as communication, ability to explain reasoning, approach to collaboration, receptiveness to feedback, and professionalism.
All applicants must submit the complete application and video at the time of application. Submission of a video does not mean it will be reviewed unless the application advances to video review. After qualification is established, the Foundation may consider work-area fit and overall pool needs such as credential level, professional role, practice setting or specialty, geographic perspective, career stage, availability, and conflicts of interest.

Short Video
For applicants who advance to video review, the video is scored using a standardized rubric addressing communication, ability to explain reasoning, approach to collaboration, receptiveness to feedback, and professionalism.
How Often Opportunities May Arise
How Often Opportunities May Arise
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