How to Become an Appraiser in Iowa
Becoming a real estate appraiser gives you the opportunity to be your own boss, have a flexible schedule, and gain more control over your income. If you’re already an appraiser, advancing to the next certification level can help you diversify your business and earn more.
No matter what stage you’re at—whether you’re asking how to become an appraiser in Iowa or looking to upgrade to a higher license level—McKissock Learning offers the appraisal classes and support you need to succeed.
Iowa Appraiser License: Associate
How to become an appraiser in Iowa
To launch a real estate appraisal career in Iowa, the first thing you’ll need to do is become an Associate Appraiser (sometimes called a Trainee). With this designation, you’ll be able to appraise properties under the mentorship of a Certified Supervisory Appraiser. You will learn how to evaluate properties, conduct market research, identify relevant comparable sales, and produce appraisal reports. As an Associate, you can earn income while also gaining the appraisal experience you need to become a Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser in the state of Iowa.
Follow these steps to become an Associate Appraiser in Iowa:
Step 1: Complete 79 hours of required Iowa appraiser education. Each course you take provides you with a solid foundation of appraisal basics and USPAP standards, which are essential for maintaining appraisal standards. You’ll find the course breakdown below.
Step 2: Find a Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser who will act as your Supervisory Appraiser and oversee your on-the-job training. (Note: You will both need to take the Supervisor/Trainee Appraiser Course for Iowa.)
Here’s what your supervisor will help you with during your time together:
- Training: Teaching you appraisal techniques and methodologies.
- Guidance: Offering advice on complex appraisal tasks and situations.
- Review: Checking your work for accuracy and compliance with standards.
- Experience: Providing opportunities to gain the necessary experience hours required for licensing.
- Feedback: Giving constructive criticism to help you improve your skills.
The Iowa DIAL provides a List of Potential Supervisors on their website under Helpful Links & Tools.
Step 3: Apply for your Associate Appraiser license with the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing. You will have to pass a background check and pay an application fee. Review application instructions.
Once your application is approved, your Associate Appraiser registration number will be issued via email. At that point, you may begin working under your Certified Supervisory Appraiser. You will need to keep a log of your supervised appraisal experience.
Important: Confirm all steps and requirements with the Iowa appraiser licensing board. For more information, contact the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) at 515.725.9025.
Iowa Associate Appraiser (79 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education through 12/31/25:
79 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Supervisor/Trainee Course – 4 hours
Required Education on or after January 1, 2026:
87 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours
Valuation Bias & Fair Housing Laws & Regulations – 8 hours
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
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.
Experience: N/A
College Education: N/A
Online Limitations
Roster
Governing Agency
FAQs about how to become an appraiser in Iowa
How much do appraisers make in Iowa?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Iowa is among the top five highest-paying states for property appraisers and assessors, with an annual mean wage of $96,620 for this occupation (2023).1
Salary.com states that residential real estate appraisers in Iowa typically earn between $49,498 and $99,720, and commercial appraisers in Iowa typically earn between $43,466 and $132,002, depending on experience level.2-5
Glassdoor lists the average salary for Iowa residential appraisers as $140,246 per year and the average salary for Iowa commercial appraisers as $99,321 per year.6,7
Appraisal annual earnings can vary widely due to factors like license level, location, years of experience, number of hours worked per week, area of specialization, and advanced skills or professional certifications.
How long does it take to become an appraiser in Iowa?
Generally, it takes about 1 to 2 years to become a Certified Appraiser in the state of Iowa. The first step—becoming an Associate Appraiser—can be done in as little as a few weeks or months. Then, you’ll need to work under a Certified Supervisory Appraiser for at least 12 or 18 months, complete some additional licensing and certification courses, and pass an exam to become a Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser.
Go to the “Certified Residential” and “Certified General” tabs at the top of this page to learn the specific requirements for each license level.
To help accelerate the process, McKissock offers online appraisal courses in flexible learning formats to suit your schedule and learning preferences. Learn at your own pace, from the comfort of home!
Helpful resources:
- Iowa Licensing Information
- Guide: Is an Appraisal Career Right for You?
- FAQ: How do I find a supervisory appraiser?
- FAQ: How much money can I make as an appraiser?
Sources cited:
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Appraiser (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Iowa (Salary.com)
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Iowa (Salary.com)
- Appraiser I (Commercial Real Estate) Salary in Iowa (Salary.com)
- Appraiser IV (Commercial Real Estate) Salary in Iowa (Salary.com)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in Iowa (Glassdoor)
- Commercial Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in Iowa (Glassdoor)
Iowa Appraiser License: Certified Residential
How to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Iowa
In Iowa, a Certified Residential Appraiser (or home appraiser) can evaluate residential properties with 1-4 units, regardless of complexity or transaction value. They can also assess vacant or unimproved land suitable for 1-4 family units.
Follow these steps to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Iowa:
Step 1: Complete 204 total hours of required appraisal education (125 hours in addition to the 79 hours to become an Associate).
Step 2: Acquire 1,500 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer than 12 months.
Step 3: Apply for your Certified Residential Appraiser license with the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing. Review application instructions.
Step 4: Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified Residential Appraisers.
You must also meet one of the following college education criteria:
- 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
Important: Confirm all steps and requirements with the Iowa appraiser licensing board. For more information, contact the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) at 515.725.9025.
Iowa Certified Residential Appraiser (204 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education through 12/31/25:
204 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 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 – 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
Experience: 1,500 hours in no fewer than 12 months.
College Education:
1) Bachelor’s Degree in any field of study;
2) Associate’s Degree in a focused field of study, such as business, economics, or real estate;
3) Successful completion of 30 college semester credit hours in specified topics;
4) Successful completion of College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)1 exams equivalent to a minimum of 30 semester credit hours in specified subject matter areas; or
5) Any combination of #3 and #4 above that includes all of the topics identified.
Online Limitations
Roster
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified Residential Appraiser in Iowa
How much do Certified Residential Appraisers make in Iowa?
While appraisal income depends on a variety of factors, including location and experience level, residential real estate appraisers in Iowa typically earn between $49,498 and $99,720 and some earn as high as $112,866 per year, according to Salary.com.1,2 Glassdoor gives a much higher number, estimating that Iowa residential appraisers make an average salary of $140,246 per year.3
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists Iowa as one of the top five highest-paying states for property appraisers and assessors, with an annual mean wage of $96,620 for this occupation (2023).4
What are the continuing education requirements for Iowa appraisers?
To maintain their license, Iowa real estate appraisers are required to take 28 continuing education (CE) hours every 2 years. This includes a mandatory 7-Hour National USPAP Update course and 21 hours of elective CE courses. All required credit hours can be taken online.
Helpful resources:
Sources cited:
- Appraiser (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Iowa (Salary.com)
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Iowa (Salary.com)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in Iowa (Glassdoor)
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Iowa Appraiser License: Certified General
How to become a Certified General Appraiser in Iowa
In the state of Iowa, Certified General Appraisers (or commercial appraisers) can assess all real property, without limits or restrictions. This means they can appraise all properties, including single-family homes, apartments, farmland, factories, and commercial buildings. Upgrading your license to Certified General Appraiser expands the opportunities available to you in your appraisal career.
Step 1: Complete 304 total hours of required appraisal education (225 hours in addition to the 79 hours to become an Associate).
Step 2: Acquire 3,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer than 18 months, including at least 1,500 hours in non-residential appraisal work.
Step 3: Apply for your Certified General Appraiser license with the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing. Review application instructions.
Step 4: Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified General Appraisers.
You must also hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
Important: Confirm all steps and requirements with the Iowa appraiser licensing board. For more information, contact the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) at 515.725.9025.
Iowa Certified General Appraiser (304 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education through 12/31/25:
304 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 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 – 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.
Experience: 3,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no less than 18 months. A minimum of 1,500 hours of the required experience must be in non-residential appraisal work.
College Education: Must have a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
Online Limitations
Roster
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified General Appraiser in Iowa
Do I need a college degree to be a Certified General Appraiser?
Yes, a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university is required to earn your Certified General Appraiser license in Iowa. Th degree can be in any field of study.
How much do Certified General Appraisers make in Iowa?
While appraisal income depends on a variety of factors, including location and experience level, commercial real estate appraisers in Iowa typically earn between $43,466 and $132,002 and some earn as high as $148,847 per year, according to Salary.com.1,2 Glassdoor estimates that Iowa commercial appraisers make an average salary of $99,321 per year.3
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists Iowa as one of the top five highest-paying states for property appraisers and assessors, with an annual mean wage of $96,620 for this occupation (2023).4
Helpful resources:
Sources cited:
- Appraiser I (Commercial Real Estate) Salary in Iowa (Salary.com)
- Appraiser IV (Commercial Real Estate) Salary in Iowa (Salary.com)
- Commercial Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in Iowa (Glassdoor)
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)