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IMPORTANT: You must be a Qualified Active CEA Member to sign up/take the Professional Designation exam.
MORE PD FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS COMING SOON!
| Q: | About PD Exams?  |
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Examinations are held at least six (6) times per year with the dates and locations published in the CEA News. The CEO and CSEO exams are each divided into three (3) parts and graded independently. Each applicant is assigned a number so that in the grading process, the identity of the person taking the exam is not known to the grader.
Section I is the "Escrow Problem," consisting of 600 total points (450 points are required to pass) for which you are allowed 2 1/2 hours to complete. In this portion of the exam you are provided all the details of a sale escrow.
You will balance the file based on the information provided and answer multiple choice questions as to the preparation of the documents.
Section II of the test is the "Oral Interview," consisting of an average of 60 total points (an average of 40 points is required to pass) per interviewer, and will take between 10 and 20 minutes. You will meet with a panel of three (3) individuals who have successfully passed the CSEO exam. Playing the role of your "client," the panel will ask you, the Escrow Officer, a minimum of three (3) questions covering basic, everyday practices. The panel will grade you on your ability to communicate clearly, your familiarity with escrow terminology, your knowledge of good escrow practice and your composure.
Section III of the exam consists of 300 "True/False and Multiple Choice Questions." (150 True/ False questions for 150 total points and 150 Multiple Choice questions for 450 total points). A total of 450 points is required to pass. You will be allowed 2 1/2 hours to complete this section.
Exams are returned to Headquarters by the exam proctor. Applicants must attain a passing grade in each of the three exam segments. If an applicant fails one or more segments, he/she may re-take that portion or portions of the exam during a one (1) year period and successfully pass in order to qualify for the designation. There will be a fee for each re-take. (If you don't pass the re-take in the one (1) year period allowed, you must re-apply to take the entire exam and pay the appropriate exam fees.)
Applicants will be notified by mail of the results within three (3) weeks of the exam date. A congratulatory announcement will be forwarded to the applicant's employer and Regional association upon passing, unless otherwise requested by applicant. All PD plaques will be distributed to the candidate in accordance with Regional customs
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| Q: | How do I apply? |
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Applications for the PD exams, together with request for Verification of Employment forms, can be obtained from your local PD Chair, Regional President or CEA Headquarters.
A Request for Verification of Employment or letter of verification (on the employer's letterhead) from each of the employers for the qualifying time must accompany each application. The letters must be specific as to escrow job duties and time of employment (month, date and year).
In the event a previous employer is no longer in business, a notarized statement from an individual aware of the employment terms and responsibilities may be given.
The application must have the approval of the Professional Designation Chair of the Regional association (or the President in his/her absence). The approval of the application by the Regional association shall also constitute verification that the member is in good standing with the Regional association.
The application must be accompanied by a non-refundable check, payable to the California Escrow Association, to cover the exam fee.
All qualifications must be verified as of, or prior to, the date of application (not the date of the exam) and the candidate must be qualified as of the date of the application. No exceptions will be made.
Applications must be received by CEA no later than the first of the month preceding the month in which the requested exam is given. Upon approval of application, and typically two (2) weeks prior to testing date, the applicant (candidate) will be notified by a confirmation letter of the date, time and location of the examination.
Each exam is limited to 50 candidates, therefore, you should forward your completed application to the Regional association PD Chair for processing as soon as possible.
A candidate may notify CEA Headquarters, in writing, of a postponement of exam date. The candidate may re-apply to take the exam within one (1) year of the first scheduled exam date, and pay the current rescheduling fee, if applicable.
In the event a candidate fails to appear for an exam and fails to notify CEA Headquarters of postponement, or does not re-apply as set forth above, the candidate must re-apply and pay an additional application fee.
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