CGA Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the CGA exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 CGA Exam Format at a Glance
📚 CGA Topics to Study (21)
✍️ Sample CGA Questions & Answers
1. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Tenant Relations & Retention, what should a CGA professional prioritize?
Safety and ethics always take priority in Tenant Relations & Retention. When standard procedures don't adequately address a unique situation, consulting with experienced colleagues or supervisors ensures both safety and professional standards are maintained.
2. What is the purpose of adjusting for depreciation in the cost approach?
The cost approach begins by estimating the cost to construct a new building. Since most properties are not new, depreciation must be subtracted to reflect the loss in value due to age, physical wear and tear, outdated design, or external factors. This adjustment ensures the estimated value accurately reflects the property's current condition, utility, and remaining economic life.
3. What is the primary goal of the sales comparison approach in real estate appraisal?
The sales comparison approach, also known as the market data approach, estimates a property's value by analyzing recent sales of similar properties (comparables) in the same or similar market. The appraiser makes adjustments to the sale prices of these comparables to account for differences between them and the subject property. This process ultimately derives an indicated value for the subject property based on market evidence.
4. What is a 'fee simple' interest in real estate?
Fee simple is the highest form of real property ownership, giving the owner the most complete bundle of rights subject only to government powers (police power, eminent domain, taxation, escheat) and any encumbrances.
5. Which of the following best describes the 'Jurisdictional Exception Rule' under USPAP?
The Jurisdictional Exception Rule allows compliance with law or regulation to supersede a specific USPAP requirement when they conflict.
6. Which type of market conditions is most likely to affect the use of the sales comparison approach?
The sales comparison approach works best in stable, balanced markets where there is a sufficient supply of similar properties and consistent demand. This environment leads to a good number of recent, reliable comparable sales, allowing appraisers to make accurate adjustments. In highly fluctuating or volatile markets, recent sales data can quickly become outdated, making it challenging to determine current market value accurately.