How to Become an Appraiser in Alaska
If you want to find out how to become an appraiser in Alaska, or how to upgrade your current credential, learn the state requirements you’ll need to meet. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to level up your appraisal career, McKissock Learning offers the appraisal classes and resources you need, all on one easy-to-use platform.
Alaska Appraiser License: Trainee
How to become an appraiser in Alaska
Begin your journey to becoming an appraiser in Alaska by becoming a Registered Trainee. As a Trainee Appraiser, you will learn to assess residential properties under the guidance of a Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser. Supervised experience is not only required, but also helps you gain valuable hands-on experience and learn the ropes of the appraisal profession while also earning an income.
Steps to become a Registered Trainee Appraiser in Alaska
Step 1: Complete 79 hours of required 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 act as your supervisor during your stint as a Trainee.
Step 3: Submit your application and background check to the Alaska Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers.
Important: Verify all steps and requirements with the Alaska licensing board. For more information, contact the Alaska Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers at 907.269.7140.
After I become a Trainee Appraiser, then what?
Once you receive your Trainee Appraiser license, you can begin working and earning money under your supervisor. Meanwhile, you will continue your journey toward becoming a fully certified appraiser in Alaska. Along with acquiring your required work experience hours, you will also need to complete additional appraisal education and pass a national exam.
You must work under a supervisor for at least 12–18 months before applying for your Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser license, at which point you’ll be able to work independently (without a supervisor) and even start your own business.
Go to the “Certified Residential” and “Certified General” tabs at the top of this page to learn the requirements for earning each license type.
Alaska 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 – 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
Governing Agency
FAQs about how to become an appraiser in Alaska
Should I get my Alaska appraiser license?
Becoming an appraiser in Alaska comes with many advantages, like the opportunity to start your own business with low startup costs, enjoy a flexible schedule, and earn a good living. Even when the real estate market hits a rough patch, appraisers are still needed for things like estate planning, divorce settlements, and expert witness testimony. Plus, appraisers often earn an above-average income.
How long does it take to become an appraiser in Alaska?
The first step—becoming a Trainee Appraiser—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 Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser will require at least an additional 24 or 30 months, respectively.
To help expedite the process, McKissock offers two convenient options that can be completed online: livestream courses for interactive learning and on-demand courses for self-paced learning. Study on your own schedule, at your preferred pace with McKissock qualifying education course packages for Alaska appraisers.
Helpful resources:
Alaska Appraiser License: Certified Residential
How to become a Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser in Alaska
As a Certified Residential Appraiser (or home appraiser) in Alaska, you’re authorized to assess any residential property with 1-4 units, regardless of its complexity or transaction value. This includes vacant or unimproved land suitable for 1-4 family use.
Steps to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Alaska
Step 1: Complete 204 total hours of required education (including the initial 79 hours to become a Trainee).
Step 2: Gain 2,500 of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer than 24 months.
Step 3: Submit your application to sit for the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam, including proof of education and experience, to the Alaska Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers.
Step 4: Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination for Certified Residential Appraisers.
You must also hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
Important: Verify all steps and requirements with the Alaska licensing board. For more information, contact the Alaska Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers at 907.269.7140.
Alaska 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 – 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: 2,500 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in not less than 24 months.
College Education: Must have a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
Online Limitations
Roster
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified Residential Appraiser in Alaska
How much do home appraisers make in Alaska?
According to Salary.com, the annual salary for residential real estate appraisers in Alaska typically falls between $56,326 and $113,475, with experienced appraisers earning the most.1,2 The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the mean annual wage of Alaska property appraisers and assessors as $78,380.3 Glassdoor gives a higher number, listing the average salary for Alaska home appraisers as $111,842 per year.4
The main factors that influence an appraiser’s income are license level, years of experience, location, number of hours worked per week, and advanced skills or certifications.
What are the continuing education requirements for appraisers in Alaska?
You’ll need to maintain your Alaska appraisal license with continuing education. Each renewal cycle is 24 months, ending on June 30 of odd-numbered years. Prior to your renewal date, you’ll need 21 hours of approved elective coursework, plus the 7-hour National USPAP Update. If you are licensed for at least 6 months but below the 24-month amount prior to the renewal date, you’ll need at least 14 hours of continuing education.
Helpful resources:
Sources cited:
- Appraiser (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Alaska | Salary.com
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Alaska | Salary.com
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in Alaska (Glassdoor)
Alaska Appraiser License: Certified General
How to become a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser in Alaska
Certified General Appraisers (or commercial appraisers) in Alaska hold a versatile credential without exceptions or limitations. This means they’re qualified to appraise a wide array of properties, ranging from single-family homes and multi-family units to farmland, industrial sites, and commercial properties. It’s an all-encompassing certification that allows for diverse appraisal assignments.
Steps to become a Certified General Appraiser in Alaska
Step 1: Complete 304 total hours of required education (including the initial 79 hours to become a Trainee).
Step 2: Accumulate 3,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer than 30 months, with at least 1,500 hours in non-residential property.
Step 3: Submit your application to sit for the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam, including proof of education and experience, to the Alaska Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers.
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: Verify all steps and requirements with the Alaska licensing board. For more information, contact the Alaska Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers at 907.269.7140.
Alaska 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 – 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 30 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 Alaska
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 (also known as a commercial appraiser).
How much do Certified General Appraisers earn in Alaska?
According to Salary.com, the salary for Alaska commercial real estate appraisers typically falls between $49,461 and $150,209, depending on job level.1,2 Glassdoor estimates that commercial appraisers in Alaska make an average salary of $111,857 per year.3
A Certified General Appraiser’s salary can vary widely based on several factors, including experience level, location, number of hours worked per week, and specialization (e.g., hospitality, commercial/industrial, agricultural).