Continuing education certification procedure

Sole assessors and county directors

• The primary emphasis of the applicant's studies should be on topics related to assessment administration or real property valuation. If at least half of the applicant's education within any given CE year has been related to these topics, credit for supplemental training will be approved.
• Courses or seminars which are not directly related to assessment administration or real property valuation should be shown to enhance the applicant's ability to perform the duties of their position in order to be eligible for continuing education credits. This type of supplemental training will be reviewed and a determination made on an individual basis.
• In order to be eligible for continuing education credit, a conference, course or seminar should be a minimum of two hours in length. Business meetings or user group sessions are typically not eligible for continuing education credits. Sessions must be educational rather than informational.
• It is strongly recommended that prior approval for continuing education courses is secured by submitting a completed application for review (RP-3042) as much in advance as is possible. ORPTS will review the application, and respond within ten business days of receipt. Completed applications may be faxed to the number shown on the top of the form.
• In circumstances where it is impossible to obtain prior approval for continuing education credit, the applicant may request a review following the completion of a course. In this case, a completed application form (RP-3042), including a detailed course outline, should be submitted to Educational Services no more than sixty days after completion of the course or seminar.
• Proof that the attendance requirements of the sponsoring organization have been satisfied must be submitted in order for our office to award continuing education credits for an approved session.
• Applicants are eligible for reimbursement of all actual and necessary expenses for courses that are credited toward continuing education requirements. Tuition fees will be reimbursed at a rate that is usual and reasonable for that type of training. If a particular course has a tuition fee which is excessive, we reserve the right to approve the session for continuing education credit, and to make adjustments to the amount of tuition which is reimbursed. Courses which are not credited toward CE requirements will not be reimbursed.
• A person may request not to receive continuing education credit for any course that they attend. The person, therefore, will not be eligible to receive reimbursement. However, ORPTS will keep a record of the course on the person's education transcript.
• An applicant may appeal the decision. An informal committee consisting of a county director, an assessor, and an ORPTS staff member will review any appeal. A final determination will be made and then communicated to the applicant.
• Rules allow ORPTS to reimburse a percentage of the expenses when funds are insufficient to cover all expenses.

This procedure is established pursuant to Articles 3 and Section 310 of the Real Property Tax Law.

Questions?

Email: Educational Services