How to Become an Appraiser in Alabama
If you’re looking for a new career in property appraisal or aiming to level up your license in Alabama, first, learn the state requirements. Whether you’re asking how to become an appraiser in Alabama or how to upgrade your current license, McKissock Learning provides the appraisal courses and support you need to reach your career goals.
Alabama Appraiser License: Trainee
How to become an appraiser in Alabama
Get your start as an appraiser by becoming a Trainee. With this credential, you can start assessing residential properties with the guidance of a supervising appraiser (called a Supervisor or Mentor). Not only is it required, working under a mentor is a hands-on way to learn the ropes of the appraisal profession while earning money along the way.
Follow these steps to become an Trainee Real Property Appraiser in Alabama:
Step 1: Complete 79 hours of required Alabama appraiser education, including three AQB Basic Qualifying Education courses (75 hours) and a Supervisor-Trainee orientation course (4 hours).
Step 2: Find a Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser who will agree to serve as your Supervisor.
Step 3: Complete and submit your application and background check to the Alabama Real Estate Appraisers Board.
Important: Verify all licensing requirements with the Alabama licensing board. For more information, contact the Alabama Real Estate Appraisers Board at 334.242.8747.
Alabama Trainee Appraiser (79 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education:
79 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Supervisor/Trainee Course for Alabama – 4 hours
2015 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
Rosters are sent by email each business day.
Governing Agency
FAQs about how to become an appraiser in Alabama
What does an Alabama real estate appraiser do?
A real estate appraiser determines a property’s value after conducting a thorough analysis, taking into account factors such as the property’s size, condition, and the dynamics of the local market. They compare it with similar properties to ensure accuracy and craft a report detailing their findings. Their role is to provide an objective assessment of the property’s worth.
How long does it take to become an appraiser in Alabama?
The first step—obtaining your Appraiser Trainee credential—can be completed in as little as a few weeks or months. At that point, you can begin working and earning money under your supervisor. The full process to become a Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, or Certified General Appraiser will require at least an another 6 months, 12 months, or 18 months, respectively.
Complete your Appraiser Trainee education on a schedule that works for you. McKissock provides livestream and self-paced courses for flexible learning. Study when it suits you, at your own pace.
Helpful resources:
Alabama Appraiser License: State Registered
In addition to your 79 hours of required Trainee education, you’ll need to complete 1,000 hours of experience in a minimum of 12 months. In Alabama, a state-registered appraiser can assess
residential properties with up to four units, as well as land and commercial properties with values under $250,000. They’re not authorized for federally related transactions.
Here are the steps you must take:
Step 1: Complete 79 hours of required education.
Step 2: Accumulate at least 1,000 hours of supervised appraisal experience within a minimum of 12 months.
Step 3:Apply for your State Registered Appraiser credential, including submitting proof of coursework completion and supervised experience.
Step 4: Pass the State Licensed Appraiser exam of the National Uniform Certification and Licensing Exam.
Alabama State Registered Appraiser (79 hours) – AQB recommended course order
- Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours
- Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours
- National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
- Supervisor/Trainee Course for Alabama – 4 hours
Alabama Appraiser License: Licensed
How to become a Licensed Appraiser in Alabama
In Alabama, a Licensed Appraiser (sometimes called a Licensed Residential Appraiser or home appraiser) can evaluate homes with up to four units, farmland worth up to $1,000,000, and simple commercial properties valued under $250,000. They’re also authorized to complete appraisals for federal transactions.
Follow these steps to become a Licensed Real Property Appraiser in Alabama:
Step 1: Complete 154 total hours of required education (75 hours in addition to the 79 hours to become a Trainee).
Step2: Gain 1,000 hours of approved appraisal experience in no fewer than 6 months.
Step 3: Submit your application, including proof of education and experience, to the Alabama Real Estate Appraisers Board to receive your Approval and Admission letter to take the national examination.
Step 4: Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Licensed Residential Appraisers.
Important: Verify all licensing requirements with the Alabama licensing board. For more information, contact the Alabama Real Estate Appraisers Board at 334.242.8747.
Alabama Licensed Appraiser (154 hours) – AQB recommended course order
- Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
- Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
- National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours.
- Supervisor/Trainee Course for Alabama – 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.
FAQs about becoming a Licensed Appraiser in Alabama
How much do home appraisers make in Alabama?
According to Salary.com, the typical salary for residential real estate appraisers in Alabama ranges from $47,533 to $95,760, with upper-level appraisers earning the most.1,2 The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the mean annual wage of Alabama property appraisers and assessors as $59,820.3 Glassdoor gives a much higher number, estimating that Alabama home appraisers make an average salary of $133,281 per year.4
A real estate appraiser’s income is influenced by many factors, including license level, years of experience, location, number of hours worked per week, and advanced skills or certifications.
What are the continuing education requirements for Alabama appraisers?
After you earn your Licensed, Certified Residential, or Certified General Appraiser credential, you’ll need to complete 28 hours of approved Alabama appraisal continuing education (CE) courses every 2 years to renew your license. This must include the 7-hour USPAP Update course.
Helpful resources:
Sources cited:
- Appraiser (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Alabama (Salary.com)
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Alabama (Salary.com)
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in Alabama (Glassdoor)
Alabama Appraiser License: Certified Residential
How to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Alabama
In the state of Alabama, a Certified Residential Appraiser (also called a home appraiser) can appraise any residential property with 1-4 units, regardless of it’s complexity or transaction value. This includes vacant or unimproved land suitable for 1-4 family units.
Follow these steps to become a Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser in Alabama:
Step 1: Complete 204 total hours of required education (125 hours in addition to the 79 hours to become a Trainee).
Step 2: Gain 1,500 of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer than 12 months.
Step 3: Submit your application, including proof of education and experience, to the Alabama Real Estate Appraisers Board to receive your Approval and Admission letter to take the national examination.
Step 4: 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 from an accredited college or university in any field of study
- Associate Degree from an accredited college or university in a focused field of study, such as 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 Appraisers who have been licensed for a minimum of 5 years and have been in good standing for the past 5 years.
Important: Verify all licensing requirements with the Alabama licensing board. For more information, contact the Alabama Real Estate Appraisers Board at 334.242.8747.
Alabama Certified Residential Appraiser (204 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education:
204 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Supervisor/Trainee Course for Alabama – 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.
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.
6) A LICENSED RESIDENTIAL appraiser who has been licensed for a minimum of 5 years and in good standing for at least 5 years with no disciplinary actions that would affect the individual’s ability to appraise may upgrade to CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL without completing any college coursework.
Online Limitations
Roster
Rosters are sent by email each business day.
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified Residential Appraiser in Alabama
Why become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Alabama?
When you upgrade your credential to Certified Residential Appraiser, you’re able to appraise a wider variety of residential properties with up to four units, free from constraints on their complexity or value. This broadens your opportunities for increased earning potential on a flexible schedule.
How much do Certified Residential Appraisers earn in Alabama?
The salary range for upper-level residential real estate appraisers in Alabama typically falls between $65,870 and $95,760, according to Salary.com.1 Glassdoor gives a much higher number, estimating that Alabama home appraisers make an average salary of $133,281 per year.2
Certified Residential Appraisers tend to earn more than Licensed Appraisers because they have more advanced knowledge and skills. They are permitted to perform complex appraisals, luxury home appraisals, and other assignments for which they can charge higher fees.
Helpful resources:
- Alabama Licensing Information
- Real Estate Appraiser Exam Prep
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade
Sources cited:
Alabama Appraiser License: Certified General
How to become a Certified General Appraiser in Alabama
In the state of Alabama, Certified General Appraisers (or commercial appraisers) have no bounds or restrictions on their license. This means they’re permitted to appraise all types of real property. They have the skills needed to assess a variety of properties, from single-family homes and apartments to farmland, factories, and commercial spaces. It’s a comprehensive certification that opens the door to diverse appraisal jobs.
Follow these steps to become a Certified General Real Property Appraiser in Alabama:
Step 1: Complete 304 total hours of required education (225 hours in addition to the 79 hours to become a Trainee).
Step 2: Gain 3,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer than 18 months, with at least 1,500 hours in non-residential appraisal work.
Step 3: Submit your application, including proof of education and experience, to the Alabama Real Estate Appraisers Board to receive your Approval and Admission letter to take the national examination.
Step 4: Successfully pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified General Appraisers.
You must also hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Important: Verify all licensing requirements with the Alabama licensing board. For more information, contact the Alabama Real Estate Appraisers Board at 334.242.8747.
Alabama Certified General Appraiser (304 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education:
304 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Supervisor/Trainee Course for Alabama – 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.
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
Rosters are sent by email each business day.
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified General Appraiser in Alabama
Do I need a college degree to be a Certified General Appraiser?
Yes, you will need a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in any field of study to become a Certified General Appraiser in Alabama.
How much do commercial appraisers make in Alabama?
According to Salary.com, the annual salary for Alabama commercial real estate appraisers typically ranges from $41,740 to $126,760, depending on experience level.1,2 Glassdoor estimates that commercial appraisers in Alabama make an average yearly salary of $104,534.3
A Certified General Appraiser’s salary can vary widely based on their experience level, location, specialization (e.g., hospitality, commercial/industrial, agricultural), and how may hours they work per week.