CVA Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is a supplement in repair cost estimation? → An adjustment for discovered additional damage
2. Which action demonstrates ethical behavior in an appraisal? → Disclosing all known vehicle facts
3. When appraising a classic car, which document most significantly increases the vehicle's appraised value? → Documented provenance including original title chain and factory build sheet
4. How should appraisers handle mistakes in their reports? → Correct and disclose mistakes immediately
5. Which feature tends to retain value better over time? → Advanced safety features
6. Which appraiser behavior constitutes a USPAP ethics violation? → Accepting a contingency fee tied to achieving a minimum appraised value
7. What does the term 'curtain airbag deployment' indicate on a vehicle history or inspection report? → The vehicle was involved in a moderate-to-severe side impact collision
8. When should an appraiser disclose a prior relationship with a client? → At the beginning of the engagement
9. How many characters does a standard North American VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) contain? → 17
10. What is 'actual cash value' (ACV) as used in total loss insurance claims? → The fair market value of the vehicle immediately before the loss
11. An appraiser checks the automatic transmission fluid and finds it contains metallic particles. What does this finding most likely indicate? → Internal mechanical damage within the transmission
12. What does 'hidden damage' refer to? → Damage not immediately visible
13. What is a conflict of interest in vehicle appraisal? → Personal gain influencing valuation
14. A 1969 Camaro Z/28 is listed for sale. Which document would a CVA use to verify its factory authenticity? → A Protect-O-Plate or dealer invoice from the original sale
15. A CVA inspector finds overspray on rubber door seals during an inspection. This most likely indicates: → Prior collision repair and repainting
16. Which condition correctly defines a 'mechanical total' for appraisal purposes? → A vehicle whose repair cost equals or exceeds its appraised value
17. What is the goal of damage assessment? → Identify and document damage extent
18. A vehicle owner disputes the insurance company's total loss settlement. What right do most state insurance regulations give the owner? → The right to an independent appraisal or appraisal umpire process
19. An appraiser notes 'deferred maintenance' on an inspection report. Which example best illustrates this? → Overdue oil changes evidenced by black, sludgy oil
20. When is the cost approach best used for vehicle valuation? → For custom-built or rare vehicles
21. What must appraisers avoid to remain unbiased? → Accepting gifts or bribes
22. Which ethical principle requires keeping client information private? → Confidentiality
23. What does 'prior unibody repair' mean in the context of a vehicle condition report? → The vehicle's integrated body-frame structure was previously straightened or welded
24. Which certification adds credibility to a vehicle appraisal report? → Certified Vehicle Appraiser (CVA)
25. Which symptom is the most reliable indicator of worn turbocharger seals during a vehicle appraisal inspection? → Higher than normal oil consumption accompanied by blue exhaust smoke at idle
26. What is the standard formula used to calculate whether a vehicle should be declared a total loss? → Repair Cost + Salvage Value ≥ ACV = Total Loss
27. Which industry standard guide do CVA appraisers most commonly reference when assigning condition grades for auction vehicles? → NAAA Universal Condition Grading Scale
28. An appraiser finds a crack in the exhaust manifold during inspection. What is the primary concern this defect raises? → Safety hazard from exhaust gases entering the cabin and risk of catalytic converter damage
29. Which factor is LEAST relevant when an appraiser evaluates the condition and value impact of a used vehicle's engine? → The current oil viscosity grade in the crankcase
30. What is the primary risk a CVA faces when appraising a vehicle claimed to be a rare factory option car without documentation? → Overvaluing the vehicle due to unverified factory options that may not be authentic