To perform an assignment for which an appraiser initially lacks the knowledge and experience to complete competently, the appraiser must

• A. Refuse the assignment outright
• B. Disclose to the client, prior to agreeing to perform the assignment, the lack of knowledge or experience
• C. Complete the assignment using hypothetical conditions
• D. Hire an assistant

Answer: (B)

Appraisers must not take on assignments they cannot competently perform and must be transparent about any lack of knowledge or experience before agreeing to work. Disclosing to the client prior to agreeing to perform gives the client the information needed to decide how to proceed—whether to approve the engagement with a plan to obtain the necessary competence, to involve an expert, or to decline. This protects the client from being misled about the appraiser’s capabilities and aligns with the ethical requirement to perform work competently.

Refusing the assignment outright isn’t always required if there’s a clear plan to address the lack of competence and the client agrees to it. Completing the assignment using hypothetical conditions isn’t an appropriate substitute for actual competence, and hiring an assistant doesn’t by itself satisfy the disclosure obligation or guarantee competence unless it’s part of an approved plan disclosed to the client.