How to Become an Appraiser in California
Becoming a real estate appraiser gives you the opportunity to own your own business, enjoy a flexible schedule, and have more control over your earning potential. If you’re already an appraiser, upgrading your license to the next level can help you diversify your assignments and grow your business.
No matter where you are in your career—whether you’re asking how to become an appraiser in California or looking to upgrade—McKissock Learning has the qualifying education appraisal classes you need to reach your goals.
California Appraiser License: Trainee
How to become an appraiser in California
Your path to becoming an appraiser in California begins as a Trainee Appraiser. During the Trainee stage, you’ll work alongside a Certified Supervisory Appraiser who will teach you how to evaluate properties, complete market research, and write appraisal reports.
After working with your supervisor for at least 6–18 months (depending on which license level you pursue) to gain mandatory appraisal experience, you can apply for your Residential, Certified Residential, or Certified General license. Then, you can begin appraising properties independently (without a supervisor) and even start your own business.
Go to the “Residential,” “Certified Residential,” and “Certified General” tabs at the top of this page to view the requirements for each license level.
Follow these steps to become a Trainee Appraiser in California:
Step 1: Complete 159 hours of required education, which includes:
- California Required Core Curriculum for Trainee License (150 hours)
- Supervisor/Trainee Course for California (4 hours)
- Laws and Regulations for California Appraisers (4 hours)
- California Elimination of Bias and Cultural Competency for Appraisers (1 hour)
Step 2: Connect with a Supervisory Appraiser.
You’ll need to have a Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser agree to act as your Supervisory Appraiser as you gain experience. You can begin searching for a supervisor while you complete the required education in Step 1.
Step 3: Apply for your Trainee License with the California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers (BREA).
To apply for your Trainee Appraiser license, you’ll need to complete the initial application, the basic education attachment (REA 3002) to document your completed coursework, education certificates, and submit fingerprints for a background check.
Important: Confirm all steps and requirements with the California licensing board. Contact the California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers (BREA) at 916.552.9000 for more information.
California Trainee Appraiser (159 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education Through 12/31/2025:
159 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 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.
Supervisor/Trainee Course for California – 4 hours
Laws and Regulations for California Appraisers – 4 hours.
California Cultural Competency for Appraisers – 1 hour
Required Education on or after 1/1/2026:
167 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
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.
Supervisor/Trainee Course for California – 4 hours
Laws and Regulations for California Appraisers – 4 hours.
California Cultural Competency for Appraisers – 1 hour
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.
All education must be completed within the five (5) year period immediately preceding the date of application for a Trainee Appraiser credential. Please read this important information from the California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers to make sure your experience hours count.
Experience: N/A
College Education: N/A
Online Limitations
Roster
Governing Agency
FAQs about how to become an appraiser in California
How much does a property appraiser make in California?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage of California property appraisers and assessors is $90,310.1 Salary.com states that residential real estate appraisers in California typically earn between $57,050 and $114,933, and commercial appraisers in California typically earn between $50,097 and $152,140, depending on experience level.2-5
Glassdoor gives higher salary estimates for California property appraisers, listing the average salary of California home appraisers as $134,200 per year and the average salary of California commercial real estate appraisers as $126,642 per year.6,7
Appraisal income 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 certifications.
How long does it take to become a property appraiser in California?
The first step—becoming a Trainee Appraiser—can be done in as little as a couple of months. Then, you must work under a Certified Supervisory Appraiser (as a paid Trainee) for at least 6 months, 12 months, or 18 months, depending on which license level you want to obtain.
To help expedite the process, McKissock offers online appraisal courses in flexible learning formats to suit your needs and preferences. Learn on your own schedule, from the comfort of your home!
Helpful resources:
- California Licensing Information
- Guide: Is an Appraisal Career Right for You?
- FAQ: How do I find a supervisory appraiser?
Sources cited:
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Appraiser (Residential Real Estate) Salary in California (Salary.com)
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in California (Salary.com)
- Appraiser I (Commercial Real Estate) Salary in California (Salary.com)
- Appraiser IV (Commercial Real Estate) Salary in California (Salary.com)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in California (Glassdoor)
- Commercial Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in California (Glassdoor)
California Appraiser License: Residential
How to become a Licensed Residential Appraiser in California
In California, Residential Appraisers (also called home appraisers or Licensed Residential Appraisers) are permitted to appraise non-complex 1-4 family properties with a transaction value up to $1 million and non-residential properties with a transaction value up to $250,000.
Follow these steps to become a Residential Appraiser in California:
Step 1: Complete 159 total hours of required education (you would have completed this to get your Trainee License)
Step 2: Gain 1,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer than 6 months. Please read this important information from the California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers to make sure your experience hours count.
Step 3: Submit your upgrade application and fee, along with proof of education and experience, to the California BREA.
Step 4: Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Licensed Residential Appraisers.
Important: Confirm all steps and requirements with the California licensing board. Contact the California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers (BREA) at 916.552.9000 for more information.
Once I am a Licensed Residential Appraiser, then what?
After completing the required steps to obtain your license, you can start independently appraising properties. You can even start your own appraisal business! However, Licensed Residential Appraisers in California are limited to only appraising properties that meet these criteria:
- Non-complex 1-4 family property with a transactional value of up to $1 million
- Non-residential property with a transaction value up to $250,000
Also, once you have your license, you will need to maintain it with continuing education (CE). California’s current effective and expiration date term is 2 years. However, the CE cycle is a 4-year term which starts with the effective date of your licensure. You will need to complete 56 hours of CE during each 4-year cycle. This includes:
- 7-hour National USPAP Update Course every 2 years (twice per CE cycle)
- Federal and State Laws and Regulations once every 4 years
- Elimination of Bias and Cultural Competency once every 4 years
To meet the rest of the 56-hour requirement, you can take electives that will help you build skills and stay up-to-date on changes and advances in the profession.
California Licensed Residential Appraiser (159 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education:
159 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
15-hour Nat’l USPAP or Equivalent.
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.
Supervisor/Trainee Course for California – 4 hours
*Laws and Regulations for California Appraisers – 4 hours.
****California Elimination of Bias & Cultural Competency for Appraisers – 1 hour
*CCR 3543. Effective 1-1-17, the application shall complete the laws and regulations course as a prerequisite to licensure. This amendment will ensure new licensees understand the laws and regulations before practicing.
**For an applicant for initial or reciprocal license submitting a completed application that is received by the bureau on or after January 1, 2023, at least 1 hour of instruction in cultural competency.
Experience: 1,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in not less than 6 months. Please read this important information from the California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers to make sure your experience hours count.
College Education: No college-level education required.
Online Limitations
Roster
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Residential Appraiser in California
Do I need to go from Trainee Appraiser to Licensed Residential Appraiser?
No, this is not required. You need to start out as a Trainee Appraiser no matter what, but once you have your Trainee License, you can choose which license level you want to pursue from there: Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, or Certified General Appraiser.
The Certified Residential and Certified General credentials require more education and experience compared to the Licensed Residential credential. Becoming a Licensed Residential Appraiser is the quickest and least expensive way to get started in the profession. Many appraisers begin at the Licensed Residential level and then upgrade to Certified Residential or Certified General later in their career. Some stay at the Licensed Residential level for their entire career.
Do I need a degree to be a Residential Appraiser in California?
No, you do not need any college-level education to become a Licensed Residential Appraiser in California.
Helpful resources:
California Appraiser License: Certified Residential
How to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in California
In California, a Certified Residential Appraiser (also called a home appraiser) can appraise 1-4 unit residential properties without regard to transaction value or complexity and non-residential properties with a transaction value up to $250,000.
Follow these steps to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in California:
Step 1: Complete 209 total hours of required education (50 hours in addition to the 159 hours required for Trainee/Licensed)
Step 2: Gain 1,500 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer than 12 months. Please read this important information from the California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers to make sure your experience hours count.
Step 3: Submit your upgrade application and fee, along with proof of education and experience, to the California BREA.
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
- Exception: No college education is required for Licensed Residential Appraisers who have been licensed for a minimum of 5 years and have been in good standing for the past 5 years.
Important: Confirm all steps and requirements with the California licensing board. Contact the California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers (BREA) at 916.552.9000 for more information.
California Certified Residential Appraiser (209 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education:
209 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
15-hour Nat’l USPAP or Equivalent.
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.
Supervisor/Trainee Course for California – 4 hours
*Laws and Regulations for California Appraisers – 4 hours.
***California Elimination of Bias & Cultural Competency for Appraisers – 1 hour
* CCR 3543. Effective 1-1-17, the application shall complete the laws and regulations course as a prerequisite to licensure. This amendment will ensure new licensees understand the laws and regulations before practicing.
**For an applicant for initial or reciprocal license submitting a completed application that is received by the bureau on or after January 1, 2023, at least 1 hour of instruction in cultural competency.
Experience: 1,500 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in not less than 12 months. Please read this important information from the California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers to make sure your experience hours count.
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
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified Residential Appraiser in California
Why become a Certified Residential Appraiser in California?
Becoming a Certified Residential Appraiser allows you to appraise all types of residential property, including luxury homes and other complex residential properties. In California, where property values are often well over $1 million, this allows you to take on more assignments and grow your appraisal business more quickly.
How much do Certified Residential Appraisers make in California?
According to Salary.com, the yearly salary for upper-level residential real estate appraisers in California typically ranges from $79,058 to $114,933 but may be as high as $130,084.1 Glassdoor gives a higher number, estimating that California residential appraisers make an average salary of $134,200 per year.2
Appraisal earnings can vary widely due to license level, location, years of experience, hours worked per week, and advanced skills or professional certifications.
Helpful resources:
- California Licensing Information
- Real Estate Appraiser Exam Prep
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade
Sources cited:
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in California (Salary.com)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in California (Glassdoor)
California Appraiser License: Certified General
How to become a Certified General Appraiser in California
In the state of California, Certified General Appraisers (also called commercial appraisers) have no limits on their license and are permitted to appraise all real estate. This includes everything from single-family properties to multi-family properties, commercial and industrial properties, farmland, and more. The sky’s the limit!
Follow these steps to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in California:
Step 1: Complete 309 total hours of required education (150 hours in addition to the 159 hours required for Trainee/Licensed).
Step 2: Gain 3,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer than 18 months, including at least 1,500 hours in non-residential property. Please read this important information from the California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers to make sure your experience hours count.
Step 3: Submit your upgrade application and fee, along with proof of education and experience, to the California BREA.
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: Confirm all steps and requirements with the California licensing board. Contact the California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers (BREA) at 916.552.9000 for more information.
California Certified General Appraiser (309 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education:
309 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
15-hour Nat’l USPAP or Equivalent.
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.
Supervisor/Trainee Course for California – 4 hours
*Laws and Regulations for California Appraisers – 4 hours.
**California Elimination of Bias & Cultural Competency for Appraisers – 1 hour
* CCR 3543. Effective 1-1-17, the application shall complete the laws and regulations course as a prerequisite to licensure. This amendment will ensure new licensees understand the laws and regulations before practicing.
**For an applicant for initial or reciprocal license submitting a completed application that is received by the bureau on or after January 1, 2023, at least 1 hour of instruction in cultural competency.
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. Please read this important information from the California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers to make sure your experience hours count.
College Education: Must have a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
Online Limitations
Roster
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified General Appraiser in California
Do I need a college degree to be a Certified General Appraiser in California?
Yes, you will need a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university to earn your Certified General Appraiser license. The degree can be in any field of study.
How much do commercial appraisers make in California?
According to Salary.com, commercial real estate appraisers in California typically make between $50,097 and $152,140 but can earn as high as $171,555 per year.1,2 Glassdoor estimates that commercial appraisers in California make an average salary of $126,642 per year.3
Commercial appraisal income can vary widely due to experience level, location, number of hours worked per week, and specialty area (e.g., commercial/industrial, agricultural, hospitality).
Helpful resources:
Sources cited:
- Appraiser I (Commercial Real Estate) Salary in California (Salary.com)
- Appraiser IV (Commercial Real Estate) Salary in California (Salary.com)
- Commercial Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in California (Glassdoor)