§ 93E-1-3.1.  Prohibited use of title; permissible use of title.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to assume or use the title "registered trainee", "licensed real estate appraiser", "certified real estate appraiser", or any title, designation, or abbreviation likely to create the impression of registration, licensure, or certification as a real estate appraiser, unless the person is registered, licensed, or certified by the Appraisal Board in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter. The Board may adopt for the exclusive use of persons licensed or certified under the provisions of this Chapter, a seal, symbol, or other mark identifying the user as a licensed or certified real estate appraiser.

(b) Any person certified as a real estate appraiser by an appraisal trade organization shall retain the right to use the term "certified" or any similar term in identifying the person to the public, provided that:

(1) In each instance wherein the term is used, the name of the certifying organization or body is prominently and conspicuously displayed immediately adjacent to the term; and

(2) The use of the term does not create the impression of certification by the State.

This subsection does not entitle any person certified only by a trade organization to conduct an appraisal that requires a State registration, license, or certification.

(c) The term "registered trainee", "licensed real estate appraiser", "certified real estate appraiser", or any similar term shall not be used following or immediately in connection with the name of a partnership, association, corporation, or other firm or group, or in a manner that might create the impression of registration, licensure, or certification as a real estate appraiser under this Chapter. (1995, c. 482, s. 3; 2001-399, s. 1; 2007-506, s. 3.)