What happens if a Trainee Appraiser signs the letter of transmittal but not the certification?

The correct answer highlights that if a Trainee Appraiser has signed the letter of transmittal, it indicates their acknowledgment of the report's contents and their engagement in the appraisal process. However, the requirement to sign the certification is separate and distinct. The certification is a crucial part of the appraisal where the appraiser affirms their adherence to the professional standards and ethics of the appraisal profession.

Signing the certification solidifies the Trainee Appraiser's accountability for the conclusions drawn in the report. Even if they signed the letter of transmittal, this does not substitute the need for a signature on the certification. Therefore, it is imperative for the Trainee Appraiser to also sign the certification to ensure the integrity and validity of the appraisal report.

In contrast, other response options reflect misunderstandings or misapplications of the signature requirements. Choice A may imply that a signature on the transmittal is sufficient for the certification, which is misleading. Choice C suggests that the Supervisory Appraiser could sign for the Trainee, which does not align with the requirement for personal accountability in the appraisal process. Lastly, while choice D emphasizes the importance of both signatures, it does so in a way that overlooks the necessity of the Trainee Appraiser's personal signature