Occupation AtlasTitle Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
O*NET · 23-2093.00
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance documents or details for a variety of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies.
Also called Abstract Clerk · Abstract Searcher · Abstract Writer · Abstractor · Advisory Title Officer · Commercial Examiner · Commercial Title Assistant · Commercial Title Examiner
22 more
Data Abstractor · Examiner · Foreclosure Specialist · Land Examiner · Land Title Examiner · Lease Examiner · Legal Instruments Examiner · Lien Searcher · Record Searcher · Settlement Processor · Title Abstractor · Title Agent · Title Checker · Title Clerk · Title Closer · Title Examiner · Title Inspector · Title Investigator · Title Officer · Title Processor · Title Searcher · Title Specialist
Compare with another occupationCompare with Court, Municipal, and License Clerks
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
CEIConventional · Enterprising · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional6.74
- E Enterprising3.44
- I Investigative2.63
- R Realistic2.44
- S Social2.34
- A Artistic1.11
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (27%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (24%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (42%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Time ManagementImportance 3.4Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- WritingbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- Service OrientationImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
Show the other 23
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- PersuasionImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- InstructingImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- NegotiationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.5Level 0.6
- ProgrammingImportance 1.3Level —
- Technology DesignImportance 1.3Level —
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
14 core · 3 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Prepare and issue title commitments and title insurance policies, based on information compiled from title searches.Importance 4.8
- Examine documentation such as mortgages, liens, judgments, easements, plat books, maps, contracts, and agreements to verify factors such as properties' legal descriptions, ownership, or restrictions.Importance 4.7
- Examine individual titles to determine if restrictions, such as delinquent taxes, will affect titles and limit property use.Importance 4.7
- Prepare reports describing any title encumbrances encountered during searching activities and outlining actions needed to clear titles.Importance 4.7
- Prepare lists of all legal instruments applying to a specific piece of land and the buildings on it.Importance 4.6
- Copy or summarize recorded documents, such as mortgages, trust deeds, and contracts, that affect property titles.Importance 4.6
- Read search requests to ascertain types of title evidence required and to obtain descriptions of properties and names of involved parties.Importance 4.5
- Verify accuracy and completeness of land-related documents accepted for registration, preparing rejection notices when documents are not acceptable.Importance 4.5
- Confer with realtors, lending institution personnel, buyers, sellers, contractors, surveyors, and courthouse personnel to exchange title-related information or to resolve problems.Importance 4.5
- Enter into record-keeping systems appropriate data needed to create new title records or to update existing ones.Importance 4.5
- Direct activities of workers who search records and examine titles, assigning, scheduling, and evaluating work, and providing technical guidance as necessary.Importance 4.5
- Obtain maps or drawings delineating properties from company title plants, county surveyors, or assessors' offices.Importance 4.5
Show the other 5
- Retrieve and examine real estate closing files for accuracy and to ensure that information included is recorded and executed according to regulations.Importance 4.5
- Summarize pertinent legal or insurance details, or sections of statutes or case law from reference books for use in examinations or as proofs or ready reference.Importance 4.2
- Prepare real estate closing statements, using knowledge and expertise in real estate procedures.Importance 4.4
- Determine whether land-related documents can be registered under the relevant legislation, such as the Land Titles Act.Importance 4.4
- Assess fees related to registration of property-related documents.Importance 4.2
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- AdministrativeImportance 3.8Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- English LanguageImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.3Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.2Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Production and ProcessingImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- MathematicsImportance 2.8Level 2.9
Show all 33
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.5Level 2.6
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.4Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.2Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- GeographyImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.8Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Communications and MediaImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- DesignImportance 1.4Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.4Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.3Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- PsychologyImportance 1.3Level —
- TransportationImportance 1.3Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.2Level —
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.2Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.1Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.1Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.1Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.0Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.0Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.0Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Near VisionImportance 3.8Level 3.9
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- Information OrderingImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
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- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Category FlexibilityImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Selective AttentionImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Far VisionImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- MemorizationImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Number FacilityImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- OriginalityImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.9Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.8Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.3Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.7Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Getting InformationImportance 4.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.3Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Processing InformationImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.9Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
Show all 41
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.8Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.5Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.0Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.9Level 2.7
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.4Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.9
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.6Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.3Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.3Level 0.4Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
23 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (3)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
Hot (7; 3 more marked hot above)
- Adobe Acrobat
- Google Workspace software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- Salesforce software
Other tools (13)
- Contact management software
- Data Trace Title IQ
- File management software
- First American Data Tree Parcel IQ
- GATORS ANYWHERE
- Geographic information system GIS databases
- Landtitle USA
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Property Insight TitlePoint
- PropertyInfo SureClose
- RamQuest Total Solution
- SoftPro real estate closing and title software
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Court, Municipal, and License Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Reading Comprehension −0.7, Complex Problem Solving −0.5
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Monitoring −0.6, Instructing +0.5
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Correspondence Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Writing +0.7, Mathematics +0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
Average difference 0.2 points · Social Perceptiveness +0.6, Negotiation +0.5
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis +0.9, Critical Thinking −0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Service Orientation +0.7, Active Learning −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +1.3, Reading Comprehension −0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Financial Resources −0.8, Writing +0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.