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 become an appraiser in California begins as a Trainee. As a trainee, you’ll work with a Certified Supervisory Appraiser who will teach you how to evaluate properties, complete property research, and write reports. To get your Trainee License, you’ll need to complete the following steps:
Step 1: Complete the required education
- 150 hours of qualifying California appraiser education
- Supervisory/Trainee Appraisers Course – 6 hours
- Laws and Regulations for California Appraisers – 4 hours
- California Elimination of Bias and Cultural Competency – 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 your required education.
Step 3: Apply for your Trainee License
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.
Before applying, be sure to read this statement from the California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers to ensure your experience hours count!
What does a California real estate appraiser do?
Real estate appraisers provide an estimation of a property’s value based on comprehensive on-site observations including square footage, quality and condition, and other specific details. They also research the local real estate market and comparable properties to write an appraisal report sharing their findings and the valuation of the property.
Required courses to become a trainee appraiser in California
- 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 Sales Comparison and Income Approaches – 30 hours
- Residential Report Writing and Case Studies – 15 hours
- Supervisor/Trainee Course for California –6 hours
- Laws and Regulations for California Appraisers – 4 hours
- California Elimination of Bias and Cultural Competency for Appraisers – 1 hour
Online Info
Required Education:
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 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.
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. 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
Good to Know: FAQs for how to become an appraiser in California
Should I get my California appraiser license?
Becoming an appraiser in California gives you an excellent opportunity to build a successful career with lower start-up costs and less risk than many other professions. Even when there is a downturn in the real estate market, appraisers are still needed to provide property valuations during estate planning, divorce settlements, or tax assessments.
How long does it take to become a California real estate appraiser?
There’s not a set timeline to earn your Trainee Appraiser license. You don’t need college credits or prior experience, but you will need to complete 161 hours of required education.
McKissock offers on-demand, self-paced courses that you can complete when and how it’s convenient for you so you can set the pace that works best for you. We also offer livestreaming courses that let you engage with the instructor, ask questions, and keep you on track without getting overwhelmed.
While you compete your courses, you can also use this time to find a supervisory appraiser. Once these steps are done, you can begin the application process and background check. While times vary, it usually takes two to four weeks from the time you apply for your license until you get it.
Helpful resources:
California Appraiser License: Licensed Residential
How to become a Licensed Residential Appraiser in California
Once you have your Trainee Appraiser License, you can begin working to become a Licensed Residential Appraiser. Once you have this credential, you’ll be able to work independently and even open your own business.
The steps to becoming a Residential Licensed Appraiser include:
- Step 1: Complete the 159 required hours of coursework (you would have completed this to get your Trainee License)
- Step 2: Complete 1,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no less than six months
- Step 3: Apply with the state board to sit for the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam to take the Licensed Residential Appraiser Exam.
- Step 4: Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam
- Step 5: Apply for your Licensed Residential Appraiser credential with the state board including your examination results showing a successful completion.
Once I am a Licensed Residential Appraiser, then what?
After completing the required steps and earning 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 two years. However, the CE cycle is a four-year term which starts with the effective date of your licensure. You will need to complete 56 hours of CE during each four year cycle. This includes:
- 7-hour National USPAP Update Course every two years (twice per CE cycle)
- Federal and State Laws and Regulations once every four years
- Elimination of Bias and Cultural Competency once every four 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 Courses: 0 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 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 and Cultural Competency for Appraisers – 1 hour
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
Good to know: FAQs to become a Residential Appraiser in California
Do I need to go from Trainee Appraiser to Licensed Residential Appraiser?
Yes and no. You need to be a Trainee Appraiser no matter what, but once you have your Trainee License, you can simply continue earning qualifying and required education and experience to go straight to being a Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser.
Both certifications require more education and experience, plus college credits. Also, you will need to pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam that coordinates with your desired licensing or certification level.
How much do California real estate appraisers earn?
The average residential appraiser in Ohio earns between $56,641 and $76,8841. However, several factors determine your income, including:
- Licensing: A Trainee will likely make significantly less than a Licensed or Certified Residential Appraiser.
- Location: Appraisers in higher-population areas like San Francisco or Los Angeles are likely to earn more because there is a larger client base and higher property values
- Experience: When you become an appraiser in California, you won’t have the diverse income streams or robust network that an experienced appraiser has, which can reduce their earning potential.
California Appraiser License: Certified Residential
How to become an appraiser in California: Certified Residential
In California, a Certified Residential Appraiser can appraise any 1-4 unit residential property without regard to transaction value and non-residential property with a transaction value up to $250,000.
To upgrade to this credential, you’ll need to fulfill the 211 hours of required and qualifying education, gain at least 1,500 total hours of experience, and pass the National Uniformed Licensing and Certification Examination for Certified Residential Appraisers.
Certified Residential Appraisers must also fulfill one of the following college education requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in any field of study
- Associate’s Degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to:
- Business administration
- Accounting
- Finance
- Real estate
- Economics
- Successfully complete 30 hours of college credit that cover each of the following topics and are three units each:
- English composition
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Finance
- Algebra, geometry, or higher math
- Statistics
- Computer science
- Business law or real estate law
- Two 3-hour electives in any of the above topics or accounting, geography, agricultural economics, business management, or real estate
- Complete at least 30 semester units of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations that cover the topics outlined above
- Any combination of college credit or CLEP credit to meet the topics outlined above
If you have been a Licensed Residential Appraiser for at least five years and have no record of adverse, final and non-appealable disciplinary action, you can apply for a Certified Residential credential without meeting college credit requirements.
California Certified Residential Appraiser (211 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* – 6 hours
- Laws and Regulations for California Appraisers* – 4 hours.
- California Elimination of Bias & Cultural Competency* for Appraisers – 1 hour
- Residential Market Analysis and 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 courses to become a Trainee Appraiser
** Required courses to become a Licensed Residential Appraiser
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
Good To Know: FAQs to become 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 without limits on your license. In California, where property values are often well over $1 million, this allows you to take on more assignments and grow your business more quickly.
California Appraiser License: Certified General
Certified General Appraisers in California have no limits on their license and are permitted to appraise all types of property, including single family properties, multi-family properties, commercial and industrial properties, and vacant lands.
To earn your Certified General Appraiser credential, you must complete 311 hours of required education (this includes the 161 required hours to become a Trainee) and gain 3,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience, 1,500 of which must be non-residential property. You must also pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified General Appraisers and hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Basic Appraisal Principles* – 30 hours
- Basic Appraisal Procedures* – 30 hours
- National USPAP Course* – 15 hour
- Supervisor/Trainee Course* – 6 hours
- General Appraiser Market Analysis and Highest and Best Use – 30 hours
- Statistics, Modeling and Finance – 15 hours
- General Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach – 30 hours
- General Appraiser Sales Comparison Approach – 30 hours
- General Appraiser Income Approach – 60 hours
- General Appraiser Report Writing and Case Studies – 30 hours
- Appraisal Subject Matter Electives – 30 hours
California Certified General Appraiser (309 hours) – AQB recommended course order
- Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours
- Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours
- National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hour
- 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
- General Appraiser Market Analysis and Highest and Best Use – 30 hours
- Statistics, Modeling and Finance – 15 hours
- General Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach – 30 hours
- General Appraiser Sales Comparison Approach – 30 hours
- General Appraiser Income Approach – 60 hours
- General Appraiser Report Writing and Case Studies – 30 hours
- Appraisal Subject Matter Electives – 30 hours
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
Good To Know- Frequently asked questions to become a Certified General Appraiser in California
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.
How much do Certified General Appraisers earn in California?
Certified General Appraisers’ median salary is around $126,2892
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