CGA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CGA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Tenant Relations & Retention for CGA professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
2. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Market Analysis & Valuation, what should a CGA professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
3. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Lease Negotiation & Terms for CGA professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
4. When an appraiser uses an extraordinary assumption, USPAP requires them to: → State the assumption and note it could alter the value conclusion if found false
5. What is the purpose of adjusting for depreciation in the cost approach? → To adjust for physical wear and age-related factors.
6. In Tenant Relations & Retention, what is the FIRST step a CGA professional should take when encountering a new case or situation? → Conduct a comprehensive assessment and gather all relevant information
7. What is the primary purpose of 'limiting conditions' in an appraisal report? → To disclose assumptions made where actual facts were unavailable or unverified
8. Which of the following is an example of a financially infeasible highest and best use? → Building a luxury hotel in a low-demand market.
9. Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Tenant Relations & Retention? → Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances
10. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Regulatory & Fair Housing Compliance, what should a CGA professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
11. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Property Evaluation & Analysis for CGA professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
12. In appraisal reporting, 'reconciliation' refers to: → Weighing the results of different valuation approaches to arrive at a final value opinion
13. A Restricted Appraisal Report under USPAP is appropriate when: → The intended users are limited to the client only
14. Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Market Analysis & Valuation? → Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances
15. What is the importance of determining net operating income (NOI) in the income approach? → To determine the value of the property based on its income potential.
16. When an appraiser signs a report as a 'supervisory appraiser,' they are: → Accepting responsibility for the work performed by a trainee under their supervision
17. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Lease Negotiation & Terms, what should a CGA professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
18. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Property Maintenance & Operations for CGA professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
19. Which governmental power allows the state to take private property for public use with just compensation? → Eminent domain
20. Which depreciation method is commonly used in the cost approach to real estate appraisal? → Physical deterioration, functional obsolescence, and economic obsolescence methods.
21. A 'hypothetical condition' in an appraisal report is defined as a condition that: → Is known to be contrary to existing fact but is assumed for purposes of analysis
22. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Marketing & Advertising Strategies, what should a CGA professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
23. In Property Maintenance & Operations, what is the FIRST step a CGA professional should take when encountering a new case or situation? → Conduct a comprehensive assessment and gather all relevant information
24. What is the primary purpose of conducting a market analysis in appraising real estate? → To determine the value of a property based on supply and demand.
25. What is the PRIMARY purpose of continuing education requirements in Marketing & Advertising Strategies for CGA professionals? → Maintaining current knowledge and competency as the field evolves
26. Which element is NOT required in a USPAP-compliant appraisal report? → The client's Social Security Number or tax ID
27. When an appraiser performs a 'field review,' they are required to: → Physically inspect at minimum the exterior of the subject property and comparable sales
28. Which type of deed provides the greatest protection to a buyer by including all six common law covenants? → General warranty deed
29. Which of the following best defines 'bias' as it relates to appraisal ethics? → A preference or inclination that inhibits impartial judgment
30. In Regulatory & Fair Housing Compliance, what is the FIRST step a CGA professional should take when encountering a new case or situation? → Conduct a comprehensive assessment and gather all relevant information