Well I got the not good news today from AQS...I did not pass the Appraisal certification test. I'm not totally surprised but I am disappointed. Between being very tired and the oral test being very awkward I didn't feel very good about the whole thing. On the other hand I still feel confident about my knowledge of quilts, their history and valuing them.
It leaves me a quandary of what to do next. The personal property and fine arts appraiser I've worked with says I should just get certified as a general appraiser. I could still focus on textiles. On the other hand I could continue with what I've been doing without any certification at all.
On the other hand (I still have a hand left no?) my husband felt so bad about being out of town for most of the year prior to the test that he has offered to take me to the International Quilt Festival in Ireland a year from June. I know he is doing it because he feels guilty but I'm taking him up on it anyways!
34 comments:
Onwards and upwards, just move forward!
Thinking of Ireland with DH as well!
awww! drats! Ireland will help! ;-)
hugs!!
So sorry to here the news - Ireland sounds wonderful though.
totally sucks. woohoo for Ireland though!
I am sorry about you not passing the test. That's tough when you work so hard for something and then don't get the desired result. I'd take DH up on Ireland in a heartbeat!! Go for it!
Boy, I know how hard it is to take a test when tired. Been there, done that. Any chance you can re-take it in the future. Maybe get to the test site a day or 2 early and rest up?
Boy, Ireland in June sounds heavenly. Say hello to my ancestors for me!
Total bummer, so sorry. But at least you have a very sweet husband!
Oh Sio. Not good news. Great about Ireland though.
Sorry to hear the news..I think you should take it again but go a few days early be rested and give it your all.
Ireland sounds like the perfect trip right now! go and have fun!
Kathie
I think you knew it, when you came back you said it had been awkward and you'd had a bad feeling about it. I think it's not a true indication of your skill!! I am disappointed for you, BUT I know you know your stuff so I would just do the general certification and definitely take up the Ireland offer.
Oh, I'm sorry you didn't pass the exam; you were concerned about how you felt before taking it, right? I hope you can take it again and wow, Ireland! I wish I had a guilty husband lol!!
I would take the general certification, and maybe continue as you were with appraising quilts. Keep thinking about Ireland, and how much you are appreciated by hubby!
There are a lot of problems with the AQS program. Not certifying you is one of those. So, I'll suggest to you what I plan to do for myself. After taking the skills courses, I felt there must be another professional organization that's a better fit for me. I'm looking into more courses with other organizations that certify appraisers, and when I find the one I like best, that's when I'll start considering testing and becoming certified.
Sorry to hear about your not so good news, but sometimes when one door closes another opens in an unexpected place! Maybe just sit with it for a while and continue doing what you are doing.
I think the offer of going to Ireland is just what the doctor ordered, go for it!!!! an offer like that doesn't come around too often!!!!
(((((Hugs)))))
As you posted, this is not the end of the road for you... there are so many other options for you. The right path for you will present itself, I'm very sure...
Ireland... how lovely... would love to visit sometime...
This could be a win-win situation for you. The experience of going to Ireland might help you make the perfect decision. It can't hurt, right?
(((HUGS)))
Lynn
Sorry to hear about your certification news... As a fellow MS sufferer and quilter who happens to live in Ireland, look me up while you are over here...you can appraise my Dear Jane for me and an antique quilt I bought years ago on ebay! And have a free place to stay on the Shannon River :)
So sorry for the bad news but everything happens for a reason, right? Maybe this was to get you over to Ireland! I would love to visit there someday. Kudo's to your husband!
*hugs*
Debbie K
Sorry to hear that, maybe you'll be able to think about it after your amazing trip, what a consolation!
Drat, but congrats! I agree with sewkalico... you clearly know your stuff, and enjoy Ireland!
You go girl. Well you did yuor best and thats all you can go. You will find out what you need to do and you will do it. Follow your heart. Plus have fun in Ireland. LOL
Sorry you didn't pass the test but I'm sure you learned a lot in the process. And I'm sure that Ireland will definetly help get over it. Hugs
I'm sorry to hear about the test results. I know you worked hard.
My husband and I are planning a trip to Ireland this year for our 30th anniversary and I trying to put it off until next year so I can go to the Festival. I'm not sure he thinks it is as good an idea as I do.
:)
I say go for general appraisal. You have too much to offer not to....and Ireland is nice icing on the cake!
Jan at iquiltforfun.blogspot.com
sorry to hear about your results, but don't give up, persistence pays off you know!
There are a lot of AQS certified appraisers that did not pass on the first try. Many take the classes several times and retest each time. Don't give up, after all the time you have invested. It's all a learning experience.
The general certification sunds like a good plan, the Ireland trip also sounds fun. If having the AQS certification is important to you personally then I'd go ahead and retake it otherwise if the general certification allows you to do what you want then I wouldn't retake the AQS.
I wonder what test i could fail to get a trip to Ireland?
That is disappointing news, but I'm glad you have confidence in your knowledge, if not in yourself as a test subject:) It would be knee-knocking to be in front of that panel!!
Fantastic condolence trip, wow!
i'm holding my two hands in front of me, palms up (like a scale) and weighing the results - my right hand has the AQS test results and my left hand has your knowledge and know-how and kindness and fortitude and overall goodness (and trip to Ireland) - i'd say the scales are tipped toward the left, wouldn't you?!?
Left, for sure.
Oh, Whoah!!!!!! I'M SO JEALOUS!!!! ;D wow wow wow wow - Would I just *love* to go to the Ireland International, and even better for my hubby to want to go with me!!
sorry - surfed here from Willy's Wonky blog. Hello :)
Sorry to see that you didn't make it but I want echo Lynn's sentiment-- there are a number of AQS Certified Appraisers who didn't pass the first time. So I say if at 1st...try, try again. AQS certification carries a lot of weight and credibility and it is achievable!
Unless you want to be a general personal property appraiser, I say hang in there baby. And have fun in Ireland.
Bummer about the closed door, but lovely window opened to Ireland! I liked Willy Wonka's suggestion of finding another program to help you follow your heart to your dream. Your husband is a complete doll!
In stitches,
Teresa :o)
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