How to Become an Appraiser in Colorado
There are several benefits to becoming an appraiser in Colorado, including a flexible schedule, high income potential, and the opportunity to own your own business. If you are interested in joining the appraisal profession, or you want to take the next step in your career by upgrading your license, McKissock Learning has the qualifying education appraiser classes and resources you need to reach your goals.
Colorado Appraiser License: Licensed
How to become an appraiser in Colorado
To become a real estate appraiser in Colorado, start by completing the education, experience, and exam requirements to become a Licensed Appraiser. Note that there is no Trainee Appraiser designation in Colorado.
Colorado Licensed Appraisers (sometimes called home appraisers or Licensed Residential Appraisers) are permitted to appraise non-complex, 1-4 unit residential properties having a transaction value below $1 million and complex 1-4 unit residential properties having a transaction value of less than $400,000.
Requirements to become a Licensed Appraiser in Colorado:
Step 1: Complete 150 hours of Colorado qualifying appraiser education.
See detailed list of courses below under “Required Education.”
Step 2: Connect with a Supervisory Appraiser and gain experience.
While you’re completing your required education, you will also need to find a Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser to act as your Supervisory Appraiser. Under their supervision, you will need to log a minimum of 1,000 hours of experience in no less than 6 months.
Step 3: Complete your background check and licensing application.
After you complete your appraiser education and experience, you will need to submit your fingerprints to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation for a background check. Then, you will submit your application to become a Licensed Appraiser, including proof of education and experience, to the Colorado Division of Real Estate.
Step 4: Pass the national exam to become a Licensed Appraiser.
Once your application is approved, you will receive your Letter of Exam Eligibility. Then you can schedule and sit for the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination for Licensed Residential Appraisers.
Important: Double-check all steps and requirements with the Colorado licensing board. For more information, contact the Colorado Division of Real Estate at 303.894.2166.
Colorado Licensed Appraiser (150 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
A student enrollment agreement is required upon completion of all courses (except non-credit courses). This enrollment agreement can be found in the documents section of each course. Please click on this link for the course catalog: Course Catalog
Required Education:
150 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.
Experience: 1,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in not less than 6 months.
College Education: No college-level education required.
Online Limitations
Roster
Governing Agency
FAQs about how to become an appraiser in Colorado
What does a Colorado real estate appraiser do?
Real estate appraisers estimate the market value of a property by inspecting and documenting square footage, quality and condition, and amenities. They also research the local real estate market and comparable properties to determine an accurate valuation and write an appraisal report of their findings.
Should I get my Colorado appraiser license?
Appraisers in Colorado have an excellent opportunity to build a successful career in real estate with lower start-up costs and less risk than many other professions. Even during slower times in the real estate market, appraisers still provide property valuations during estate planning, divorce settlements, or tax assessments. If you’re looking for a real estate career that’s challenging, flexible, and relatively stable, consider becoming an appraiser.
How long does it take to become a Colorado real estate appraiser?
There’s not a set amount of time it takes to become a Licensed Appraiser, though it will take at least 6 months. You don’t need any college education or prior experience to earn the Licensed Appraiser designation. However, you will need to complete 150 hours of qualifying education, earn 1,000 hours of practical experience in no less than 6 months, and pass the national appraiser exam.
To help you achieve your career goals on a timeline that works best for you, McKissock offers both livestream and on-demand, self-paced appraisal courses that you can complete when and how it’s convenient for you.
How much do residential appraisers make in Colorado?
According to Salary.com, the typical salary for residential real estate appraisers in Colorado ranges from $52,629 to $106,038, with experienced appraisers earning more.1,2 The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the mean annual wage of Colorado property appraisers and assessors as $72,110.3 Glassdoor gives a much higher number, estimating that Colorado home appraisers make an average salary of $112,184 per year.4
The main factors that influence an appraiser’s income are license level, years of experience, location, hours worked per week, and advanced skills or certifications.
Helpful resources:
- Colorado Licensing Information
- Guide: Is an Appraisal Career Right for You?
- FAQ: How do I find a supervisory appraiser?
Sources cited:
- Appraiser (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Colorado (Salary.com)
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Colorado (Salary.com)
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in Colorado (Glassdoor)
Colorado Appraiser License: Certified Residential
How to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Colorado
In Colorado, a Certified Residential Appraiser can appraise any 1-4 unit residential property without regard to complexity or transaction value. This also includes appraising vacant or unimproved land used for 1-4 family purposes or for which the highest and best use is for 1-4 family purposes, but does not include land requiring subdivision analysis.
Requirements to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Colorado:
- Complete 200 hours of qualifying education (150 of which was earned to become a Licensed Appraiser)
- Complete 1,500 of approved appraisal experience in no fewer than 12 months
- Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified Residential Appraisers
- Meet one of the following college education criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in any field
- Associate degree from an accredited college or university in a focused field of study, such as Economics or Real Estate
- Successfully complete 30 hours of college credit in specified topics
- Complete at least 30 semester units of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations that cover specified topics
- Any combination of college credit or CLEP credit in 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: Double-check all steps and requirements with the Colorado licensing board. For more information, contact the Colorado Division of Real Estate at 303.894.2166.
Colorado Certified Residential Appraiser (200 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
A student enrollment agreement is required upon completion of all courses (except non-credit courses). This enrollment agreement can be found in the documents section of each course. Please click on this link for the course catalog: Course Catalog
Required Education:
200 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.
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
NOTE: Potential students are advised to check with all appropriate Colorado Regulatory Agencies to confirm completion of the program/course offered by McKissock will satisfy initial or renewal licensing or certification requirements of that agency.
Roster
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified Residential Appraiser in Colorado
Why become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Colorado?
Having the Certified Residential Appraiser credential lets you take on assignments for all types of residential property below four units. This allows you to take on more assignments to increase your income and grow your business.
How much do Certified Residential Appraisers earn in Colorado?
While salary depends on a variety of factors, including location and experience, most upper-level residential real estate appraisers in Colorado earn between $72,937 and $106,038, according to Salary.com.1 Glassdoor lists the average salary of Colorado home appraisers as $112,184 per year.2
Helpful resources:
- Colorado Licensing Information
- Real Estate Appraiser Exam Prep
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade
Sources cited:
Colorado Appraiser License: Certified General
How to become a Certified General Appraiser in Colorado
Certified General Appraisers (or commercial appraisers) in Colorado are permitted to appraise all types of property, including single family homes, multi-family properties, vacant land, industrial property, and commercial property.
Requirements to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Colorado:
- Complete 300 hours of required education (this includes the 150 required hours to become a Licensed Appraiser)
- Complete 3,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer than 18 months, 1,500 of which must be non-residential property
- Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified General Appraisers
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or from an accredited college or university
Important: Double-check all steps and requirements with the Colorado licensing board. For more information, contact the Colorado Division of Real Estate at 303.894.2166.
Colorado Certified General Appraiser (300 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
A student enrollment agreement is required upon completion of all courses (except non-credit courses). This enrollment agreement can be found in the documents section of each course. Please click on this link for the course catalog: Course Catalog
Required Education:
300 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 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
Governing Agency
FAQs about how to become a Certified General Appraiser in Colorado
Do I need a college degree to be a Certified General Appraiser?
Yes, you must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in any field from an accredited college or university.
How much do commercial appraisers make in Colorado?
According to Salary.com, the most commercial real estate appraisers in Colorado earn between $46,207 and $140,350, depending on job level.1,2 Glassdoor estimates that commercial appraisers in Colorado make an average salary of $117,296 per year.3
A Certified General Appraiser’s salary can vary significantly based on factors like experience level, location, number of hours worked per week, and specialization (e.g., hospitality, commercial/industrial, agricultural).