(1) Implementation of accreditation requirements. The rules in this chapter implement the provisions of chapter 36.21 RCW dealing with the accreditation of persons responsible for valuing real property for purposes of taxation. To the extent practical, these rules coordinate accreditation requirements with the requirements for certified and licensed real estate appraisers under chapter 18.140 RCW. The purpose of these rules is to promote uniformity and consistency throughout the state in the education and experience qualifications and maintain minimum standards of competence and conduct of persons responsible for valuing real property for purposes of taxation.

(2) Accreditation required for persons valuing real property for purposes of taxation. Any person responsible for valuing real property for purposes of taxation must be an accredited appraiser. This requirement includes persons acting as assistants or deputies to a county assessor who determine real property values or review appraisals prepared by others. This requirement does not apply to persons working in the county assessor's office who do not exercise appraisal judgment with respect to real property.

(3) Definitions. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the following definitions apply throughout chapter 458-10 WAC:

(a) "Accreditation" means the act or process by which persons are authorized by the department to assess real property for purposes of taxation and includes the status of being accredited.

(b) "Accredited appraiser" means a person who has successfully completed and fulfilled all requirements imposed by the department for accreditation and who has a currently valid accreditation certificate.

(c) "Appraisal" means the act or process of estimating the value of real property; an estimate of value of real property; or of or pertaining to appraising real property and related functions.

(d) "Assessment" means the act or process of estimating the value of real property for purposes of taxation only; an estimate of value of real property for purposes of taxation only; or of or pertaining to assessing real property and related functions.

(e) "Classroom hour" means a minimum of fifty minutes out of each sixty-minute hour spent attending an approved course.

(f) "Department" means the department of revenue.

(g) "IAAO" means the International Association of Assessing Officers.

(h) "Real property" means an identified parcel or tract of land, including any improvements, and includes one or more defined interests, benefits, or rights inherent in the ownership of real estate.

(i) "Transactions involving real property" means any of the following:

(i) The sale, lease, purchase, investment in, or exchange of real property, including interests in property or the financing thereof;

(ii) The refinancing of real property or interests in real property; or

(iii) The use of real property or interests in property as security for a loan or investment, including mortgage-backed securities.