According to USPAP, what role does the appraiser have in determining the scope of work?

The appraiser plays a critical role in determining the scope of work for an appraisal assignment. According to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), the appraiser must independently assess the requirements of the assignment and make decisions about the scope of work necessary to produce a credible appraisal. This includes understanding the client's needs and any relevant market conditions or data, but ultimately, it is the appraiser who must determine how to accomplish the appraisal in a manner that meets professional standards.

The scope of work is a central component of the appraisal process and involves considerations such as the type and extent of data to be collected, the analysis techniques to be employed, and the level of reporting to be provided. This autonomy allows the appraiser to tailor the appraisal approach to meet the specific context of the assignment, ensuring that the resulting appraisal is both credible and relevant.

While appraisers may consider client instructions and any standard practices in the industry, they are not confined to merely following directives or templates. The appraiser’s expertise is essential in this determination, making option C the correct choice, as it underscores the fundamental responsibility appraisers have to decide and execute the necessary scope of work for each specific assignment.