The National Association of Land Title Examiners and Abstractors (NALTEA) recently held its Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA, during which it administered its first Abstractor Certification Exam, according to a press release issued Friday by the organization.  This initial exam, a test of general industry knowledge, provides for two levels of certification: the NALTEA Certified Abstractor (NCA) and the NALTEA Master Abstractor (NMA).  Participants must score at least 75% to attain the NCA designation.  Those who score 90% or greater earn NMA recognition.

In addition to the initial exam, continuing education will be required of NCAs, while NMAs will provide references and submit a commercial title search for verification of accuracy.  Roughly 63% of those sitting for the exam scored high enough to earn a passing grade.  Generally speaking, the more experienced abstractors scored higher.  "This would suggest to me that we have a pretty good test, a good indicator of industry knowledge," says Patrick Scott, member of NALTEA's Board of Directors.

This positive development is in keeping with NALTEA's primary objective of "establishing and maintaining uniform standards and practices for the profession of land records abstracting by setting forth guidelines for training, experience and ethical conduct."  NALTEA's Education Committee is now working to make the test available to its members at testing centers nationwide, and anticipates the development of state-specific exams which will supplement the general knowledge test.  Congratulations to the first NALTEA members to be recognized under the new certification guidelines:

Tina Beltran, NCA - Oklahoma Abstract Company of Lawton, Inc.

Robert Gallant, NMA - Independent Title Services, Inc.

Lynn Hammett, NMA - Capitol Title and Research Services, Inc.

Jeanne Johnson, NMA - Jeanne Johnson & Associates

Jill Kissell, NMA - A-1 Abstract & Research, LLC

Timothy Lunn, NCA

Mary Mitchel, NMA - AccuSearch Company

Vikki Moffitt, NCA - Southern Abstract Services, LLC

Edward Rainen, NCA - Rainen Law Office PC

Quanah Rhodes, NCA - Infotrack Information Services, Inc.

Patricia Roberts, NCA - Mid-Mississippi Abstract Co., LLC

Dave Vogeler, NCA - Abstract Title Consultants

Carol Walker, NCA - Walker and Walker

NALTEA was founded in June 2004 by a core group of concerned and dedicated title examiners and abstractors who shared the vision of an organization which would focus on issues unique to an all-too-often overlooked segment of the real estate industry.  Since its inception, NALTEA has made itself known as an able advocate of abstractors all across the nation and has stood staunchly against the online publication of land records.  The organization most recently voiced its opposition to the position of the American Land Title Association (ALTA) regarding the issue.

Pat also tells me that NALTEA will be represented at the Mortgage Bankers' Association conference at the end of the month, where they will promote the value of local knowledge to mortgage lenders and brokers.  Many thanks to Pat Scott and all of the dedicated people working tirelessly behind the scenes at NALTEA to improve the lot of abstractors and examiners all across the nation.