How to Become an Appraiser in Georgia
Becoming a property appraiser offers a path to owning your own business, enjoying a flexible schedule, and having greater control over your earning potential. If you’re already a licensed appraiser, upgrading your credential offers you more opportunities to grow your business.
No matter where you are in your journey, whether you’re exploring how to become an appraiser in Georgia or you’re ready to take the next step in your career, McKissock has the appraisal courses you need to meet state requirements and build a solid foundation of knowledge and skill.
Georgia Appraiser License: State Trainee
How to become an appraiser in Georgia
To become an appraiser in Georgia, you must start by earning the State Trainee Appraiser classification from the Georgia Real Estate Appraisers Board (GREAB). You must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED.
Follow these steps to become a Trainee Appraiser in Georgia:
Step 1: Complete 94 hours of required appraisal education, which includes 90 hours of Georgia qualifying education courses (as outlined by the GREAB) and a 4-hour Supervisory/Trainee Course.
Step 2: Connect with a Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser who will act as your Supervisory Appraiser during your Trainee period.
Step 3: Submit your application, fee, and a copy of your criminal history or or Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) Report to the GREAB. If the report indicates any criminal conviction, additional documentation may be required.
Once you receive your State Trainee credential, you can begin working with your supervisor to gain on-the-job experience and training.
Important: Confirm all steps and requirements with the Georgia appraisal licensing board. For more information, contact the Georgia Real Estate Appraisers Board (GREAB) at 404.656.3916.
What does a Georgia real estate appraiser do?
Real estate appraisers determine the fair market value of a property. Appraisers assess the physical elements of a property, such as its location, square footage, building materials, and amenities and research nearby comparable properties, tax information, and other external factors that can determine value. By looking at both the property and the comparable information, experienced appraisers can provide clear, unbiased, and comprehensive reports to support their valuations.
Appraisers need a range of abilities to succeed, including:
- The ability to discern facts from opinions
- The ability to assess market trends
- Strong analytical skills
Lenders often require appraisals to ensure the mortgage request aligns with the market value of the property. Also, homeowners needing to refinance or secure a home equity line of credit, couples seeking to split property during a divorce, and individuals needing to plan their estates also rely on appraisals.
As you learn how to become an appraiser in Georgia, you will work closely with your supervisor to gain practical experience of how to assess property, conduct research, and write reports.
Georgia Trainee Appraiser (94 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education:
94 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hrs.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hrs.
Residential Report Writing and Case Studies – 15 hrs
15-hr Nat’l USPAP Update or Equivalent.
AQB 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
Rosters are sent electronically each business day.
Governing Agency
FAQs about how to become an appraiser in Georgia
How long does it take to become an appraiser in Georgia?
The first step, becoming a Trainee Appraiser, can be done in as little as a few weeks or months. To help accelerate the process, McKissock offers both livestream courses for interactive learning and self-paced courses that you can access whenever your schedule allows.
Once you’ve obtained your Trainee credential, you can begin working and earning money under your supervisor while logging your required appraisal experience. This process will take at least 6 months, 12 months, or 18 months to complete—depending on which license level you decide to pursue.
On top of that, you’ll also need to complete some additional licensing and certification courses and pass a national exam to become a State Licensed, Certified Residential, or Certified General Appraiser in Georgia.
Go to the “Licensed Appraiser,” “Certified Residential,” and “Certified General” tabs at the top of this page to learn the specific requirements for each license level.
What type of appraiser makes the most money?
Generally, the higher your license level, the more you can earn. The highest license level is the Certified General classification. Also known as commercial appraisers, Certified General Appraisers typically earn the most money.
According to Salary.com, Georgia commercial appraisers earn as high as $150,402 per year.1 For comparison, top-earning home appraisers in Georgia make up to $114,045 per year. 2
Helpful resources:
- Georgia Licensing Information
- Guide: Is an Appraisal Career Right for You?
- FAQ: How do I find a supervisory appraiser?
Sources cited:
Georgia Appraiser License: State Licensed
How to become a State Licensed Appraiser in Georgia
In Georgia, a State Licensed Appraiser (also called a home appraiser or Licensed Residential Appraiser) is permitted to appraise:
- Non-complex 1-4 residential units with a transactional value of less than $1 million
- Complex 1-4 residential units with a transaction value of less than $400,000
- Vacant or unimproved land for which the highest and best use is for 1-4 family purposes
To become a State Licensed Appraiser in Georgia, you must:
- Complete 154 total hours of required appraisal education (includes the 94 hours to become a Trainee, plus an additional 60 hours)
- Gain 1,000 hours of supervised appraisal experience in no less than 6 months
- Submit your application, fee, and proof of coursework completion and appraisal experience to the GREAB
- Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Licensed Residential Appraisers
You must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED.
Important: Confirm all steps and requirements with the Georgia appraisal licensing board. For more information, contact the Georgia Real Estate Appraisers Board (GREAB) at 404.656.3916.
Georgia 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.
15-hr Nat’l USPAP Update or Equivalent.
AQB 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
Roster
Rosters are sent electronically each business day.
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Licensed Appraiser in Georgia
How much does a Licensed Appraiser make in Georgia?
According to Salary.com, residential real estate appraisers in Georgia typically make between $50,015 and $100,762 per year, depending on experience level.1,2 The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the mean annual wage of Georgia property appraisers and assessors as $64,290.3 Glassdoor gives a much higher number, listing the average salary of Georgia home appraisers as $130,083 per year.4
Several factors can impact your earning potential as a real estate appraiser, including:
- License level: Typically, the higher your credential, the more you can expect to earn. As a Trainee, your income will be more limited, but as a Licensed Appraiser or higher, you’ll have more freedom when you run your business.
- Location: Appraisers in higher cost-of-living areas or with a higher population tend to see a higher income than appraisers in lower COL areas or with fewer opportunities to get business.
- Experience: The longer you’re in the profession, the more money you are likely to earn as you build your reputation and your network.
What are the continuing education requirements for appraisers in GA?
After you become a licensed or certified appraiser, you will need to maintain your credential with Continuing Education (CE). In Georgia, your license must be renewed by the last day of your birth month each year. To renew, you must show proof of completing 14 hours of state-approved CE each period. Every two consecutive renewal periods, you must complete the 7-hour USPAP Update course.
Helpful resources:
Sources cited:
- Appraiser (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Georgia (Salary.com)
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Georgia (Salary.com)
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in Georgia (Glassdoor)
Georgia Appraiser License: Certified Residential
How to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Georgia
A Certified Residential Appraiser in Georgia is permitted to appraise all 1-4 unit residential properties, without regard to transaction value or complexity, as well as vacant or unimproved land for which the highest and best use is for 1-4 family purposes.
To become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Georgia, you must:
- Complete 204 total hours of required appraisal education (includes the 94 hours to become a Trainee, plus an additional 110 hours)
- Gain 1,500 hours of approved appraisal experience in no fewer than 12 months
- Submit your application, fee, and proof of coursework completion and appraisal experience to the GREAB
- Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified Residential Appraisers
You must also meet one of the following college education requirements:
- 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 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: Confirm all steps and requirements with the Georgia appraisal licensing board. For more information, contact the Georgia Real Estate Appraisers Board (GREAB) at 404.656.3916.
Georgia 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.
15-hr Nat’l USPAP Update or Equivalent.
AQB 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
Roster
Rosters are sent electronically each business day.
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified Residential Appraiser in Georgia
Why upgrade your Georgia appraiser license to Certified Residential?
Earning the Certified Residential credential allows you to appraise all residential properties, including single-family homes and multi-family homes up to four units, regardless of value or complexity. This means you can expand your appraisal practice to include luxury homes and other complex properties, such as green homes and oddball properties, for which you can charge higher fees.
How much does a Certified Residential Appraiser make in Georgia?
According to Salary.com, the annual salary for upper-level residential real estate appraisers in Georgia typically ranges from $63,910 to $100,762 but may be as high as $114,045.1 Glassdoor gives a higher number, estimating that Georgia residential appraisers make an average salary of $130,083 per year.2
Appraisal earnings can vary widely due to factors such as license level, location, years of experience, hours worked per week, and advanced skills or appraisal certifications.
Helpful resources:
- Georgia Licensing Information
- Real Estate Appraiser Exam Prep
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade
Sources cited:
Georgia Appraiser License: Certified General
How to become a Certified General Appraiser in Georgia
Certified General Appraiser is the highest credential level. Also called commercial appraisers, Certified General Appraisers are permitted to appraise all properties, including homes, businesses, industrial locations, vacant land, farms, apartment buildings, and more.
To become a Certified General Appraiser in Georgia, you must:
- Complete 304 total hours of required appraisal education (includes the 94 hours to become a Trainee, plus an additional 210 hours)
- Gain 3,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer than 18 months, including at least 1,500 hours in non-residential properties
- Submit your application, fee, and proof of coursework completion and appraisal experience to the GREAB Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified General Appraisers
- Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified General Appraisers
You must also hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in any field of study.
Important: Confirm all steps and requirements with the Georgia appraisal licensing board. For more information, contact the Georgia Real Estate Appraisers Board (GREAB) at 404.656.3916.
Georgia Certified General Appraiser (304 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Qualifying Education:
300 QE Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
15-hr Nat’l USPAP Update or Equivalent.
AQB 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
Roster
Rosters are sent electronically each business day.
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified General Appraiser in Georgia
Why upgrade your Georgia appraiser license to Certified General?
Certified General Appraisers have no limits on their credential, so they can appraise all types of properties. The more types of property you can appraise, the more opportunities you have to grow your business, diversify your income by offering additional services, and increase your income.
How much does a Certified General Appraiser make in Georgia?
According to Salary.com, commercial real estate appraisers in Georgia typically make between $43,920 and $133,381 but can earn as high as $150,402 per year.1,2 Glassdoor estimates that commercial appraisers in Georgia make $123,082 per year, on average.3
A Certified General Appraiser’s income is influenced by their location, years of experience, specialty area (e.g., commercial/industrial, agricultural, hospitality), and how many hours they work per week.