How to Get an Appraiser License in California

STEP 4: Examination Process (Upgrade and initial AL, AR, and AG ONLY) CA exam provider is AMP (Applied Measurement Professionals.  (AMP – CA National Exam Provider Website) (CA National Exam Candidate Handbook)

1. Admission to Examination Letter sent after the initial evaluation of the application.
2. Scheduling of the examination by applicant contacting the examination provider.
3. Payment of examination fee by applican (paid directly to the exam provider)

STEP 5: Submission of license issuance request including all of the following:

1. Application for Issuance of a license (Application)
2. Examination results showing successful completion
3. True and correct, unaltered and unredacted copies of the work samples that the Bureau requests for examination.

Additional Helpful Links and Resource Downloads:

• California Licensing Information
• Course Requirements by State
• How to Become an Appraiser eBook
• Appraisal Salary Guide
• How to Get Licensed Infographic

“USPAP Only” Renewal Application

To apply for renewal of a license after the first two years of the continuing education cycle, applicants must complete and submit all of the following (see list of forms on the Bureau’s website):

• Renewal Application (REA 3012)
• Proof of completion of the 7-hour National USPAP Update Course or its equivalent as determined by the AQB
• All appropriate fees (fees listed on application – see above link)

Full Continuing Education Renewal Application

To apply for renewal of a license at the end of the continuing education cycle (on time every four years), applicants must complete and submit all of the following (see list of forms on the Bureau’s website):

• Renewal Application (REA 3012)
• Continuing Education Attachment (REA 3017), documenting the required continuing education to renew, along with copies of official transcripts and/or course completion certificates, including:
• • The 7-hour National USPAP Update Course or its equivalent as determined by the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB)
  • The 4-hour course entitled Federal and State Laws and Regulation
  • A minimum of 38 hours additional approved continuing education
• All appropriate fees (fees listed on application – see above link)
• Consent to Service of Process (REA 3006), if the appraiser’s physical residence address is outside of California

Once the application is approved, a new certificate will be issued.

Licensees can submit most renewals online. The existing license must be current and in good standing. Licenses cannot be renewed if the expiration date is more than six months away. Online renewal is not available for licensees who live out of state or those whose license has been suspended, resigned, revoked, or have had their right to renew revoked. Those who are subject to Enforcement monitoring are also ineligible to use the online renewal. Go to the Online Renewal Application to renew online.

Late Renewals

• Licensees may renew a license within two years of the license’s expiration date. However, licenses renewed during the two-year grace period are considered late and are subject to additional fees and education requirements. Late renewal licensees must pay late renewal fees and submit proof of completion of seven additional hours of continuing education for each six-month period the application is received after the expiration of the continuing education cycle. Additional education required if late: 1 day to less than 6 months = 7 hours; 6 months to less than 12 months = 14 hours; 12 months to less than 18 months = 21 hours; 18 months to less than 24 months = 28 hours.
• A $125.00 late fee.

Applications are considered late if postmarked after the expiration date of the license or if any of the required continuing education is completed after the expiration date of the license.

NOTE: Appraisers whose licenses have expired cannot legally perform appraisals in federally related transactions until the license is renewed.

STEP 1: Hold a valid appriasal license and successfully complete the additional required qualifying education courses (see course requirements below by license level). Successful completion of qualifying education courses requires passing the course final examination for each course with a proctor. (Course Online Proctoring Policy and Requirements)

STEP 2: Complete and document all required experience hours for your upgrade level. (VIEW State requirements by license level)

STEP 3: Complete courses and maintain copies of transcripts for all college level requirements. (VIEW State requirements by license level)

STEP 4: Submit the Application package which includes:

1. Forms (Application) (Basic Education Attachment) (Request for Live Scan Service)
2. Fees (Licensing Fee Chart)
3. Education – completion certificates and/or official college transcripts
4. Experience (Log of Appraisal Experience)
5. Background information for criminal records check. (Fingerprint Locations)

STEP 5: Examination Process (Upgrade and initial AL, AR, and AG ONLY) California national exam provider is AMP (Applied Measurement Professionals.  (AMP – CA National Exam Provider Website) (CA National Exam Candidate Handbook)

1. Admission to Examination Letter sent after the initial evaluation of the application.
2. Scheduling of the examination by applicant contacting the examination provider.
3. Payment of examination fee by applican (paid directly to the exam provider)

STEP 6: Submission of license issuance request including all of the following:

1. Application for Issuance of a license (Application)
2. Examination results showing successful completion
3. True and correct, unaltered and unredacted copies of the work samples that the Bureau requests for examination.

Additional Helpful Links and Resource Dowloads:

• AQB – National Exam Content Outline
• AMP – CA National Exam Provider Website
• CA National Exam Candidate Handbook
• AQB Licensing Exam Information
• Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade eBook
• How to Upgrade Your License Infographic

*Continuing education requirements and process for license upgrade displayed in above renewal section.