How to Become an Appraiser in Arkansas
Ready to launch a career as a real estate appraiser? The appraisal profession offers many benefits, including the opportunity to be your own boss, earn a good living, and do challenging work.
Whether you’re looking for information on how to become an appraiser in Arkansas or how to upgrade your current license, McKissock Learning has the appraisal courses and resources you need to achieve your goals.
Arkansas Appraiser License: Registered Apprentice
How to become an appraiser in Arkansas
Your path to become an appraiser in Arkansas begins at the Trainee level. In Arkansas, Trainees are called Registered Apprentice Appraisers. Once you earn this credential, you can start appraising properties under the guidance of a Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser acting as your supervisor. This is a hands-on way to learn the ropes and gain necessary work experience while earning an income along the way.
Follow these steps to become a Registered Apprentice Appraiser in Arkansas:
Step 1: Complete 79 hours of required Arkansas appraiser education, including three AQB Basic Qualifying Education courses (75 hours) and a Supervisor/Trainee orientation course (4 hours).
Step 2: Connect with a Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser who will serve as your supervisor.
Step 3: Complete and submit your application and background check to the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board.
Important: Verify all steps and requirements with the Arkansas licensing board. For more information, contact the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board at 501.296.1843.
Arkansas Registered Apprentice Appraiser (79 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education:
79 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hrs.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hrs.
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 Registered Apprentice.
Experience: N/A
College Education: N/A
Online Limitations
The Arkansas Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board requires providers to have pre-approved proctors. Please see the attached list of approved locations:Arkansas Appraisal – Approved Proctor List
Roster
Governing Agency
Website: https://labor.arkansas.gov/licensing/appraiser-licensing-and-certification-board/
FAQs about how to become an appraiser in Arkansas
What does an Arkansas real estate appraiser do?
A real estate appraiser conducts a thorough analysis of a property to provide a professional estimation of value, taking into account factors such as its size, condition, and the dynamics of the local market. They compare it with similar properties to ensure accuracy, and develop a report detailing their findings. This provides an objective assessment of the property’s worth, without bias toward buyers or sellers.
Should I get my Arkansas appraiser license?
Launching an appraisal business in Arkansas comes with minimal startup expenses and low risk compared to other professions. Even during market ups and downs, there’s a consistent need for appraisers, particularly for services like divorce and estate appraisals. Being an appraiser grants you the option to be your own boss and set your own schedule while also earning a steady income.
How long does it take to become an appraiser in Arkansas?
The first step—becoming a Registered Apprentice Appraiser—can be completed in as little as a few weeks or months. At that point, you can start working and earning money under your supervisor. The full process to become a Licensed, Certified Residential, or Certified General Appraiser in Arkansas will require at least an additional 6 months, 12 months, or 18 months, respectively.
McKissock Learning helps you kick-start your appraisal career by allowing you to complete your qualifying education courses on your time, in the comfort of your own home! We offer two options for online learning: livestream and on-demand (self-paced).
Helpful resources:
Arkansas Appraiser License: State Licensed
How to become a State Licensed Appraiser in Arkansas
In Arkansas, State Licensed Appraisers (sometimes called Licensed Residential Appraisers or home appraisers) can provide appraisals of non-complex, 1-4 residential units having a transaction value below $1,000,000 and complex 1-4 residential units having a transaction value below $400,000.
Follow these steps to become a State Licensed Appraiser in Arkansas:
Step 1: Complete 154 total hours of required Arkansas appraiser education (includes 79 hours of core education to become an Apprentice).
Step 2: Gain 1,000 hours of supervised appraisal experience in a minimum of 6 months.
Step 3: Complete and submit your Appraiser Licensure/Certification Examination Application to the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board.
Step 4: Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Licensed Residential Appraisers.
No college level education is required.
Important: Verify all steps and requirements with the Arkansas licensing board. For more information, contact the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board at 501.296.1843.
Arkansas State Licensed Appraiser (154 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education:
154 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent (must be completed in a classroom) – 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.
Experience: 1,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in not less than 6 months.
College Education: No college-level education required.
Online Limitations
The Arkansas Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board requires providers to have pre-approved proctors. Please see the attached list of approved locations:Arkansas Appraisal – Approved Proctor List
Roster
Governing Agency
Website: https://labor.arkansas.gov/licensing/appraiser-licensing-and-certification-board/
FAQs about becoming a Licensed Appraiser in Arkansas
How much do home appraisers make in Arkansas?
According to Salary.com, the typical salary for residential real estate appraisers in Arkansas ranges from $47,119 to $94,927, with upper-level appraisers earning the most.1,2 The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the mean annual wage of Arkansas property appraisers and assessors as $43,730.3 Glassdoor gives a much higher number, estimating that Arkansas home appraisers make an average yearly salary of $146,160.4
An appraiser’s annual income can vary widely due to various factors, especially their license level, years of experience, location, advanced skills or professional certifications, and how many hours they work per week.
Once I earn my Arkansas appraiser license, then what?
After you earn your Arkansas appraisal license, you’ll need to maintain it. Do so by completing 28 hours of continuing education (CE) every 2 years, including the 7-hour National USPAP Update Course.
You also have the option to upgrade your license to Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser at any point, which is a great way to increase your earning potential. You will need to complete additional licensing and certification courses and gain additional work experience in order to upgrade. Go to the “Certified Residential” and “Certified General” tabs at the top of this page to learn the requirements for each classification.
Helpful resources:
- Arkansas Licensing Information
- Real Estate Appraiser Exam Prep
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade
Sources cited:
- Appraiser (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Arkansas (Salary.com)
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Arkansas (Salary.com)
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in Arkansas (Glassdoor)
Arkansas Appraiser License: Certified Residential
How to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Arkansas
Arkansas Certified Residential Appraisers (also called home appraisers) can evaluate any residential property with 1-4 units, regardless of its value or complexity. This includes vacant or unimproved land suitable for 1-4 family units.
Follow these steps to become a State Certified Residential Appraiser in Arkansas:
Step 1: Complete 204 total hours of required Arkansas appraiser education (includes 79 hours of core education to become an Apprentice).
Step 2: Gain 1,500 of acceptable appraisal experience in a minimum of 12 months.
Step 3: Complete and submit your Appraiser Licensure/Certification Examination Application to the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board.
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 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 Economics or Real Estate
- 30 hours of college credit in specified topics
- 30 semester units of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations in specified topics
- Any combination of college credit or CLEP credit in specified topics
- Exception: No college education is required for State 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 steps and requirements with the Arkansas licensing board. For more information, contact the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board at 501.296.1843.
Arkansas 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: 1,500 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in not less 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
The Arkansas Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board requires providers to have pre-approved proctors. Please see the attached list of approved locations:Arkansas Appraisal – Approved Proctor List
Roster
Governing Agency
Website: https://labor.arkansas.gov/licensing/appraiser-licensing-and-certification-board/
FAQs about becoming a Certified Residential Appraiser in Arkansas
Why become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Arkansas?
When you upgrade your license to Certified Residential Appraiser, you’ll have the ability to evaluate a wider variety of residential properties compared to a State Licensed Appraiser, including complex properties and luxury homes. This expands your chances to diversify your workload and earn more money per appraisal.
How much do Certified Residential Appraisers earn in Arkansas?
While salary depends on a variety of factors, including location and experience, upper-level residential real estate appraisers in Arkansas typically earn between $65,296 and $94,927 per year, according to Salary.com.1 Glassdoor gives a much higher number, estimating that Arkansas home appraisers make $146,160 per year, on average.2
Helpful resources:
- Arkansas Licensing Information
- Real Estate Appraiser Exam Prep
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade
Sources cited:
Arkansas Appraiser License: Certified General
How to become a Certified General Appraiser in Arkansas
In Arkansas, Certified General Appraisers (also called commercial appraisers) are permitted to appraise all real property. They can evaluate an unlimited range of properties, including single-family homes, apartment buildings, farmland, factories, and commercial spaces. This comprehensive certification offers diverse opportunities for appraisal work.
Follow these steps to become a State Certified General Appraiser in Arkansas:
Step 1: Complete 304 total hours of required Arkansas appraiser education (includes 79 hours of core education to become an Apprentice).
Step 2: Gain 3,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in a minimum of 18 months, with at least 1,500 hours in non-residential appraisal work.
Step 3: Complete and submit your Appraiser Licensure/Certification Examination Application to the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board.
Step 4: 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 steps and requirements with the Arkansas licensing board. For more information, contact the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board at 501.296.1843.
Arkansas 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 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
The Arkansas Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board requires providers to have pre-approved proctors. Please see the attached list of approved locations:Arkansas Appraisal – Approved Proctor List
Roster
Governing Agency
Website: https://labor.arkansas.gov/licensing/appraiser-licensing-and-certification-board/
FAQs about becoming a Certified General Appraiser in Arkansas
Do I need a college degree to be a Certified General Appraiser in Arkansas?
Yes, you will need a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in any field of study.
How much do commercial appraisers make in Arkansas?
According to Salary.com, the average salary for Arkansas commercial real estate appraisers typically ranges from $41,377 to $125,657, depending on job level.1,2 Glassdoor estimates that commercial appraisers in Arkansas make an average salary of $110,304 per year.3
A Certified General Appraiser’s salary can vary widely based their experience level, location, specialization (e.g., hospitality, commercial/industrial, agricultural), and number of hours worked per week.