If a supervising appraiser makes changes to a trainee's appraisal report that the trainee disagrees with, what should the trainee do?

In situations where a supervising appraiser makes alterations to a trainee's appraisal report that the trainee does not agree with, the appropriate course of action is to refrain from signing the certification of the report. The certification statement is a declaration of the appraiser's beliefs and findings regarding the appraisal. By signing it, the appraiser is essentially vouching for the integrity and accuracy of the report's content.

If the trainee disagrees with changes made by the supervisor, signing the report would misrepresent their professional judgment and could lead to ethical and legal implications. It undermines the credibility of the appraisal process and could harm both the trainee's reputation and the overall trust in the appraisal profession.

Choosing to not sign the certification is a commitment to uphold professional integrity and responsibility. This choice ensures that the trainee does not take accountability for content in the report that does not reflect their personal assessments or ethical standards. It also opens up a necessary dialogue with the supervising appraiser about the trainee's concerns, fostering a more productive learning and professional environment.