Yes, this is what I began to realize as I wrote the questions. I tried to use only the terms found in the county indexes and by my clients. But there is no real consistency in either source. My clients use different terms for their similar products and the local counties use different terms in indexing the documents.

In reading your reply, I realized that even the names of the recording offices and their officers are going to vary quite a bit. What is a prothonotary?  From the context of your message, I assume it is probably synonimous with what we call a county clerk. But if I had been asked a question regarding a protonotary I would have failed in the answer. Would I really need to know?

I am not certain a national test can be devised or is even neccessary. I believe certification is a good idea, but I find it difficult to imagine a generalized national test to determine expertise that does not translate nationally.

In my view it is an abstractors experience that qualifies. Certification should be a process that verifies this experience. We are tested every day by our clients and insurers and they are scoring us on the speed and accuracy of our work. Why not just ask them for the scores?

David Bloys
Davick Services
www.davickservices.com