How to Become an Appraiser in Ohio
If you want to own your own business, have a more flexible schedule, and gain more control over your earning potential, becoming an Ohio real estate appraiser is a great option. And if you’re already an appraiser, upgrading your license can help you diversify your business and increase your current income.
Whether you’re just exploring how to become an appraiser in Ohio or ready to take the next step, McKissock Learning has the appraisal classes you need to meet your goals.
Ohio Appraiser License: Registered Assistant
How to become an appraiser in Ohio
If you want to become an appraiser in Ohio, the first step is to become a Trainee, also called a Registered Appraiser Assistant. During this stage, you’ll work with a Certified Supervisory Appraiser learning how to evaluate properties, research market information and comparable sales, and develop appraisal reports.
Follow these steps to become a Registered Appraiser Assistant in Ohio:
Step 1: Complete 87 hours of required appraisal education, which includes:
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hours)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hours)
- 15-Hour National USPAP Course or equivalent (15 hours)
- Valuation Bias & Fair Housing Course (8 hours)
- Appraiser Trainee/Supervisory Appraiser Course for Ohio (4 hours)
Step 2: Find a Certified Supervisory Appraiser who will agree to guide you through the training process. It’s a good idea to begin your search for a supervisor while you are completing your required education to ensure you have one lined up.
Step 3: Once you’ve completed the steps above, you can submit your Registered Appraiser Assistant application to the Ohio Department of Commerce. You must also complete and pass a criminal background check as part of the application process.
After you receive your credential, you can begin working under your supervisor to gain experience and hands-on learning while earning a paycheck.
Important: Confirm all steps and requirements with the Ohio licensing board. For more information, contact the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing at 614.466.4100.
Ohio Registered Appraiser Assistant (87 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education 12/31/2025:
82 Hours
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Ohio Fair Housing Course – 3 hours
AQB Supervisor/Trainee Course – 4 hours
Required Education January 1, 2026:
87 Hours
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Valuation Bias & Fair Housing Laws & Regulations – 8 hours
AQB Supervisor/Trainee Course – 4 hours
AQB Supervisor/Trainee Course Requirement: Both the Trainee Appraiser and Supervisory Appraiser shall be required to complete a course that, at minimum, complies with the specifications for course content established by the AQB. The course must be completed by the Trainee Appraiser prior to obtaining a Trainee Appraiser credential, and completed by the Supervisory Appraiser prior to supervising a Trainee Appraiser.
Pursuant to Ohio House Bill 238, the term lengths for Ohio appraiser credentials, which are subject to renewal, will be increasing from one year to two years starting on April 9, 2025. This change affects all existing Ohio appraiser licenses, certificates, and registrations. Please see the following link (HB 238 – Appraiser Renewals) to the Division’s website, which describes in greater detail how the Division will be implementing this statutory change.
Applicants who are seeking to obtain a new Ohio appraiser license, certificate, or registration are also affected by this change. Any person who is issued a new Ohio appraiser credential on April 8, 2025, or earlier, will initially receive a credential valid for one year and will be eligible to receive a credential with a two-year term starting in 2026. For those applicants who receive a new Ohio appraiser credential on or after April 9, 2025, they will receive a credential with a two-year term upon initial issuance.
Experience: N/A
College Education: N/A
Online Limitations
Roster
Governing Agency
FAQs about how to become an appraiser in Ohio
What does an Ohio real estate appraiser do?
An appraiser determines the value of the property by performing a comprehensive on-site inspection, assessing the condition of the interior and exterior, amenities, lot size, property square footage, and other property-specific details. However, the on-site inspection is only a portion of the project. An appraiser also conducts research into the local real estate market and recent comparable sales to provide the most accurate opinion of value possible. Once they have their on-site inspection and off-site research complete, they’ll use the information to draft their appraisal report.
Should I become an appraiser in Ohio?
Ohio real estate appraisers have the opportunity to build a successful, stable career. Even when the market is in a downturn, appraisers are still necessary to provide property valuations for estate planning, divorces, or tax assessments. If you’re looking for a challenging, steady career with the opportunity to be your own boss and have a flexible schedule while also earning a good income, consider becoming an appraiser.
How long does it take to become an appraiser in Ohio?
Becoming a Registered Appraiser Assistant is a quick process, especially compared to other career paths. You don’t need any college education to become a Registered Assistant. You just need to complete 87 hours of appraisal qualifying education (QE), find a supervisor, and submit your application and background check. This process can be done in as little as a few weeks or a couple of months.
With McKissock’s on-demand, self-paced courses, you can complete your QE on a timeline that works best for you. We also have livestream courses that can help you move through the information more quickly, while also allowing you to ask questions and engage with the instructor in real time.
Once you have your credential and begin working as a Registered Assistant under your Certified Supervisory Appraiser, the next steps to become a fully licensed or certified appraiser will require at least an additional 6–18 months, depending on which license level you choose to pursue.
Go to the “Licensed Residential,” “Certified Residential,” and “Certified General” tabs at the top of this page to learn the specific requirements for each classification.
Helpful resources:
Ohio Appraiser License: Licensed Residential
How to become a Licensed Residential Appraiser in Ohio
Are you ready to move up from Registered Assistant Appraiser to Licensed Residential Appraiser? Once you earn this credential, you can work on your own (without a supervisor) and even start your own business! In Ohio, Licensed Residential Appraisers (also called home appraisers) are allowed to appraise:
- Non-complex 1-4 residential units with a transaction value of less than $1 million
- Complex 1-4 residential units with a transaction value less than $400,000
- Vacant or unimproved land for which the highest and best use is for 1-4 family purposes
Note that if you want to be able to appraise luxury homes valued over $1 million, complex properties over $400,000, or non-residential properties (e.g., hotels, airports, industrial facilities), you will need to obtain the Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser credential.
To become a Licensed Residential Appraiser in Ohio, you must:
- Complete all the requirements to become a Registered Appraiser Assistant
- Complete 75 additional hours of qualifying education (162 hours total)
- Gain 1,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer than 6 months
- Submit your application and fee, along with proof of completing your required education and experience, to the Ohio Department of Commerce
- Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Licensed Residential Appraisers
You do not need any college-level education to obtain the Licensed Residential Appraiser credential.
Important: Confirm all steps and requirements with the Ohio appraiser licensing board. For more information, contact the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing at 614.466.4100.
Ohio Licensed Residential Appraiser (162 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education through 12/31/25:
157 Hours
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Ohio Fair Housing Course – 3 hours
AQB Supervisor/Trainee Course – 4 hours
Residential Market Analysis & Highest and Best Use – 15 hours.
Residential Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach – 15 hours.
Residential Sales Comparison and Income Approaches – 30 hours.
Residential Report Writing and Case Studies – 15 hours.
Required Education January 1, 2026:
162 Hours
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Valuation Bias & Fair Housing Laws & Regulations – 8 hours AQB Supervisor/Trainee Course – 4 hours
Residential Market Analysis & Highest and Best Use – 15 hours.
Residential Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach – 15 hours.
Residential Sales Comparison and Income Approaches – 30 hours.
Residential Report Writing and Case Studies – 15 hours.
Pursuant to Ohio House Bill 238, the term lengths for Ohio appraiser credentials, which are subject to renewal, will be increasing from one year to two years starting on April 9, 2025. This change affects all existing Ohio appraiser licenses, certificates, and registrations. Please see the following link (HB 238 – Appraiser Renewals) to the Division’s website, which describes in greater detail how the Division will be implementing this statutory change.
Applicants who are seeking to obtain a new Ohio appraiser license, certificate, or registration are also affected by this change. Any person who is issued a new Ohio appraiser credential on April 8, 2025, or earlier, will initially receive a credential valid for one year and will be eligible to receive a credential with a two-year term starting in 2026. For those applicants who receive a new Ohio appraiser credential on or after April 9, 2025, they will receive a credential with a two-year term upon initial issuance.
Experience: 1,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in not less than 6 months.
College Education: No college-level education required.
Online Limitations
Roster
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Licensed Residential Appraiser in Ohio
Do I have to go from Registered Assistant to Licensed Residential Appraiser?
Yes and no. You have to be a Registered Assistant Appraiser first, no matter what license or certification level you’re seeking. But from there, you can choose which classification you want to pursue. You can go one step at a time to build your credentials incrementally from Licensed Residential to Certified Residential to Certified General. Or, you can skip the Licensed Residential Appraiser credential and go straight to becoming a Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser.
The Certified Residential and Certified General credentials do require more education and experience, as well as college education. Also, you will have to pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam that coordinates with your desired credential level.
How much do home appraisers make in Ohio?
According to Salary.com, residential real estate appraisers in Ohio typically earn between $50,584 and $101,908 per year, depending on experience level.1,2 The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the mean annual wage of Ohio property appraisers and assessors as $78,480.3 Glassdoor gives a much higher number, listing the average salary of Ohio home appraisers as $129,114 per year.4
An appraiser’s income can vary significantly due to factors like license level, location, years of experience, number of hours worked per week, and advanced skills or professional certifications. Generally, the higher your credential level, the more you can earn.
What are the continuing education requirements for appraisers in Ohio?
Once you have your appraisal license, you will need to maintain it with continuing education (CE). For an overview of the specific courses and credit hours needed, check out our page on Ohio Appraiser Continuing Education Requirements.
Helpful resources:
Sources cited:
- Appraiser (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Ohio (Salary.com)
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Ohio (Salary.com)
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in Ohio (Glassdoor)
Ohio Appraiser License: Certified Residential
How to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Ohio
In the state of Ohio, a Certified Residential Appraiser (also called a home appraiser) is permitted to appraise 1-4 unit residential properties without regard to transaction value or complexity, as well as vacant or unimproved land for which the highest and best use is for 1-4 family purposes.
Note that if you want to be able to appraise non-residential properties (e.g., hotels, airports, commercial buildings, industrial facilities), you will need to obtain the Certified General Appraiser credential.
To become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Ohio, you must:
- Complete all the requirements to become a Registered Appraiser Assistant
- Complete 117 additional hours of qualifying education (204 hours total)
- Gain 1,500 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer than 12 months
- Submit your application and fee, along with proof of completing your required education and experience, to the Ohio Department of Commerce
- Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified Residential Appraisers
You must also meet one of the following college education requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university
- Associate degree from an accredited community college, college, or university in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Real Estate
- 30 semester hours of college credit in specified topics
- 30 semester hours of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations in specified topics
- Any combination of college credit or CLEP credit that includes all the specified topics
- Exception: No college education is required for Licensed Residential Appraisers who have been licensed for a minimum of 5 years and have been in good standing for the past 5 years.
Important: Confirm all steps and requirements with the Ohio appraiser licensing board. For more information, contact the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing at 614.466.4100.
Ohio Certified Residential Appraiser (204 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education through 12/31/25:
207 Hours
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Ohio Fair Housing Course – 3 hours
AQB Supervisor/Trainee Course – 4 hours
Residential Market Analysis & Highest and Best Use – 15 hours.
Residential Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach – 15 hours.
Residential Sales Comparison and Income Approaches – 30 hours.
Residential Report Writing and Case Studies – 15 hours.
Statistics, Modeling and Finance – 15 hours.
Advanced Residential Applications and Case Studies – 15 hours.
Appraisal Subject Matter Electives – 20 hours.
Required Education on or after January 1, 2026
204 Hours
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations – 8 hours
Supervisor/Trainee Course – 4 hours Residential Market Analysis & Highest and Best Use – 15 hours.
Residential Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach – 15 hours.
Residential Sales Comparison and Income Approaches – 30 hours.
Residential Report Writing and Case Studies – 15 hours.
Statistics, Modeling and Finance – 15 hours.
Advanced Residential Applications and Case Studies – 15 hours.
Appraisal Subject Matter Electives – 12 hours
Pursuant to Ohio House Bill 238, the term lengths for Ohio appraiser credentials, which are subject to renewal, will be increasing from one year to two years starting on April 9, 2025. This change affects all existing Ohio appraiser licenses, certificates, and registrations. Please see the following link (HB 238 – Appraiser Renewals) to the Division’s website, which describes in greater detail how the Division will be implementing this statutory change.
Applicants who are seeking to obtain a new Ohio appraiser license, certificate, or registration are also affected by this change. Any person who is issued a new Ohio appraiser credential on April 8, 2025, or earlier, will initially receive a credential valid for one year and will be eligible to receive a credential with a two-year term starting in 2026. For those applicants who receive a new Ohio app
Online Limitations
Roster
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified Residential Appraiser in Ohio
Why become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Ohio?
Becoming a Certified Residential Appraiser means you have fewer limitations on your license compared to the Licensed Residential credential. Upgrading to Certified Residential will open up more opportunities to take on a wider variety of appraisal assignments, including luxury properties, green homes, and other complex properties. With this credential, you can increase your earning potential and grow your appraisal business more quickly.
How much to Certified Residential Appraisers make in Ohio?
While annual earnings vary based on factors like location and experience, the typical salary range for upper-level residential real estate appraisers in Ohio falls between $70,099 and $101,908 and can go up to $115,342 per year, according to Salary.com.1 Glassdoor estimates that Ohio residential appraisers make an average salary of $129,114 per year.2
Do I need a degree to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Ohio?
No, not necessarily. If you have been a Licensed Residential Appraiser in good standing for at least 5 years, you do not need any college-level education to upgrade to Certified Residential. Otherwise, you must have at least some college credits or CLEP exams. The various options for meeting the college education requirement are outlined above.
Helpful resources:
Sources cited:
Ohio Appraiser License: Certified General
How to become a Certified General Appraiser in Ohio
In Ohio, Certified General Appraisers (also called commercial appraisers) are permitted to appraise all types of property. This includes single-family homes, multi-family properties, vacant land, farms, and commercial property—including strip malls, airports, hotels, nursing homes, and much more!
To become a Certified General Appraiser in Ohio, you must:
- Complete all the requirements to become a Registered Appraiser Assistant
- Complete 217 additional hours of qualifying education (304 hours total)
- Gain 3,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer than 18 months, including at least 1,500 hours of non-residential appraisal experience
- Submit your application and fee, along with proof of completing your required education and experience, to the Ohio Department of Commerce
- Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified General Appraisers
You must also have a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
Important: Confirm all steps and requirements with the Ohio appraiser licensing board. For more information, contact the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing at 614.466.4100.
Ohio Certified General Appraiser (304 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education Through 12/31/25:
307 Hours
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Ohio Fair Housing Course – 3 hours
AQB Supervisor/Trainee Course – 4 hours
General Appraiser Market Analysis & Highest and Best Use – 30 hours.
General Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach – 30 hours.
General Appraiser Sales Comparison Approach – 30 hours.
General Appraiser Report Writing and Case Studies – 30 hours.
Statistics, Modeling and Finance – 15 hours.
General Appraiser Income Approach – 60 hours.
Appraisal Subject Matter Electives – 30 hours.
Required Education on or after January 1, 2026:
304 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations – 8 hours
Supervisor/Trainee Course– 4 hours
General Appraiser Market Analysis & Highest and Best Use – 30 hours.
General Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach – 30 hours.
General Appraiser Sales Comparison Approach – 30 hours.
General Appraiser Report Writing and Case Studies – 30 hours.
Statistics, Modeling and Finance – 15 hours.
General Appraiser Income Approach – 60 hours.
Appraisal Subject Matter Electives – 22 hours.
Pursuant to Ohio House Bill 238, the term lengths for Ohio appraiser credentials, which are subject to renewal, will be increasing from one year to two years starting on April 9, 2025. This change affects all existing Ohio appraiser licenses, certificates, and registrations. Please see the following link (HB 238 – Appraiser Renewals) to the Division’s website, which describes in greater detail how the Division will be implementing this statutory change.
Applicants who are seeking to obtain a new Ohio appraiser license, certificate, or registration are also affected by this change. Any person who is issued a new Ohio appraiser credential on April 8, 2025, or earlier, will initially receive a credential valid for one year and will be eligible to receive a credential with a two-year term starting in 2026. For those applicants who receive a new Ohio appraiser credential on or after April 9, 2025, they will receive a credential with a two-year term upon initial issuance.
Experience: 3,000 hours of acceptabl
Online Limitations
Roster
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified General Appraiser in Ohio
Do I need a college degree to be a Certified General Appraiser?
Yes, you will need a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. The degree can be in any field of study.
How much do Certified General Appraisers make in Ohio?
According to Salary.com, commercial real estate appraisers in Ohio typically earn between $44,420 and $134,898, depending on experience level.1,2 Glassdoor estimates that Ohio commercial appraisers earn $99,633 per year, on average.3
A Certified General Appraiser’s income is influenced by various factors, such as location, years of experience, specialty area (e.g., commercial/industrial, agricultural, hospitality), and number of hours worked per week.