About the Assessor

Assessors in Iowa are:

• Appointed to six-year terms by the Conference Board. The Conference Board consists of the County Board of Supervisors, the mayor of each incorporated city, and a representative from each school district in the county.
• Required to pass an examination instituted by the Iowa Department of Revenue in order to be eligible for appointment. This examination consists of mass appraisal theory, assessment law, taxation, credits and exemptions, and many other categories the assessor must be knowledgeable in.
• Subject to continuing education requirements, which must be met to be reappointed to a new term.
• Subject to the approval of the Director of the Iowa Department of Revenue for appointment or reappointment.
• Overseen by the Iowa Department of Revenue to ensure that assessment procedures are performed in accordance with the Iowa Code.

Deputy Assessors also must pass a State examination as well as successfully complete 90 hours of classroom instruction of which at least 60 hours are tested.