How to Become an Appraiser in Hawaii
Are you looking to become an appraiser in Hawaii or advance your career by upgrading your current license? Here’s a detailed overview of the state licensing requirements.
Whether you’re a newcomer or you’re reaching for a higher license level, McKissock Learning provides all the appraisal courses and support you need to achieve your goals.

Hawaii Appraiser License: Trainee
How to become an appraiser in Hawaii
To become an appraiser in Hawaii, the first thing you’ll need to do is get your Real Estate Appraiser Trainee license. Then, you can start working and getting paid to evaluate properties under the guidance of an experienced Supervising Appraiser. Gaining on-the-job appraisal experience as a Trainee is a required step toward becoming a fully licensed or certified appraiser.
Follow these steps to become a Real Estate Appraiser Trainee in Hawaii:
Step 1: Complete 79 hours of required appraiser education, including three AQB Basic Qualifying Education courses (75 hours) and a Supervisor/Trainee orientation course (4 hours).
Step 2: Find a Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser who will agree to act as your Supervising Appraiser during your time as a Trainee.
Step 3: Complete and submit your application and fingerprint background check to the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division of the Hawaii DCCA.
You do not need any college education or prior experience to become a Trainee.
Important: Confirm all steps and requirements with the Hawaii appraiser regulatory agency. For more information, contact the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Professional and Vocational Licensing Division at 808.586.3000.
Hawaii Real Estate Appraiser Trainee (79 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
As of 1/1/2015, an individual must register with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs as a Trainee before that individual may accumulate experience hours towards licensure or certification.
Required Education:
79 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Supervisor/Trainee Course for Hawaii – 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
Governing Agency
FAQs about how to become an appraiser in Hawaii
How long does it take to become an appraiser in Hawaii?
The first step, becoming a Real Estate Appraiser Trainee, 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 choose to pursue.
On top of that, you’ll also need to complete some additional licensing and certification courses and pass a national appraisal exam to become a State Licensed, Certified Residential, or Certified General Appraiser in Hawaii.
Go to the “Licensed,” “Certified Residential,” and “Certified General” tabs at the top of this page to view the specific requirements for each license type.
Can you be a real estate appraiser part-time in Hawaii?
Yes. While most appraisers choose this as their full-time career, you may decide to launch a part-time appraisal career if you prefer. Or you could start out part-time, then transition to full-time when you’re ready. When first starting out, many appraisers choose to keep their existing job while completing their appraisal education and training on the side.
Appraisers often cite the ability to have a flexible schedule and be their own boss among the top reasons they enjoy their career.
Helpful resources:
Hawaii Appraiser License: State Licensed
How to become a State Licensed Appraiser in Hawaii
Hawaii State Licensed Appraisers (sometimes called home appraisers or Licensed Residential Appraisers) are allowed to appraise non-complex 1-4 residential units with a transaction value less than $1,000,000 and complex 1-4 residential units with a transaction value less than $250,000.
Follow these steps to become a State Licensed Appraiser in Hawaii:
Step 1: Complete 154 total hours of required appraiser education (75 hours in addition to the 79 hours needed to become a Trainee).
Step 2: Gain 1,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no less than 6 months.
Step 3: Submit your application, licensing fee, and proof of education and experience to the Hawaii DCCA.
Step 4: Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Licensed Residential Appraisers.
You do not need any college education to become a State Licensed Appraiser.
Important: Confirm all steps and requirements with the Hawaii appraiser regulatory agency. For more information, contact the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Professional and Vocational Licensing Division at 808.586.3000.
Hawaii 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 – 15 hours
Supervisor/Trainee Course for Hawaii – 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
Governing Agency
FAQs about getting your Hawaii appraisal license
How much do home appraisers make in Hawaii?
According to Salary.com, residential real estate appraisers in Hawaii typically make between $54,050 and $108,890 per year, depending on experience level.1,2 The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the mean annual wage of Hawaii property appraisers and assessors as $74,820.3 Glassdoor gives a higher number, estimating that Hawaii home appraisers make an average salary of $113,394 per year.4
Appraisal income can vary depending on several factors, such as location, license level, years of experience, advanced skills or certifications, and number of hours worked per week.
Once I have my Hawaii appraisal license, then what?
After becoming a licensed or certified appraiser, you will need to maintain your credential with Continuing Education (CE). In Hawaii, this means you must take 28 hours of approved appraisal CE courses within your 2-year license renewal period, including the 7-hour USPAP Update course.
Helpful resources:
- Hawaii Licensing Information
- Real Estate Appraiser Exam Prep
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade
Sources cited:
- Appraiser (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Hawaii (Salary.com)
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Hawaii (Salary.com)
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in Hawaii (Glassdoor)
Hawaii Appraiser License: Certified Residential
How to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Hawaii
New appraisers in Hawaii can gain certification as a Certified Residential Appraiser, allowing them to assess a variety of residential properties with 1-4 units, regardless of complexity or value. This certification also extends to evaluating vacant or unimproved land suitable for 1-4 family units. To achieve this certification, follow these steps:
Step 1: Complete 204 total hours of required appraiser education (125 hours in addition to the 79 hours needed to become a Trainee).
Step 2: Gain 1,500 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no less than 12 months.
Step 3: Submit your application, licensing fee, and proof of education and experience to the Hawaii DCCA.
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’s 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 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 Hawaii appraiser regulatory agency. For more information, contact the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Professional and Vocational Licensing Division at 808.586.3000.
Hawaii 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 for Hawaii – 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 in no fewer 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
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified Residential Appraiser in Hawaii
Why become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Hawaii?
As a Certified Residential Appraiser, you have the power to evaluate a wide range of residential properties up to four units. Unlike with the State Licensed Appraiser credential, there are no limits on how complex or valuable these properties can be. This means more opportunities for you to diversify your residential appraisal business and take on higher-paying assignments, while also doing more interesting and challenging work.
How much do Certified Residential Appraisers earn in Hawaii?
According to Salary.com, the yearly salary for upper-level residential appraisers in Hawaii typically ranges from $74,901 to $108,890 but may be as high as $123,244.1 Glassdoor estimates that residential real estate appraisers in Hawaii make an average yearly salary of $113,394.2
Factors that impact a home appraiser’s income include license level, location, years of experience, hours worked per week, and advanced skills or professional certifications.
Helpful resources:
- Hawaii Licensing Information
- Real Estate Appraiser Exam Prep
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade
Sources cited:
Hawaii Appraiser License: Certified General
How to become a Certified General Appraiser in Hawaii
Upgrading your license to Certified General Appraiser opens the door to many more appraisal opportunities. In Hawaii, Certified General Appraisers (or commercial appraisers) can appraise all types of real property, without any limits or restrictions. This means they can appraise single-family homes, apartment buildings, farmland, factories, hotels, hospitals, and airports—to name a few!
Follow these steps to become a Certified General Appraiser in Hawaii:
Step 1: Complete 304 total hours of required appraiser education (225 hours in addition to the 79 hours needed to become a Trainee).
Step 2: Gain 3,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no less than 18 months, including 1,500 hours in non-residential property.
Step 3: Submit your application, licensing fee, and proof of education and experience to the Hawaii DCCA.
Step 4: Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified General Appraisers.
You must also hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
Important: Confirm all steps and requirements with the Hawaii appraiser regulatory agency. For more information, contact the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Professional and Vocational Licensing Division at 808.586.3000.
Hawaii 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 for Hawaii – 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
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified General Appraiser in Hawaii
Do I need a college degree to become a Certified General Appraiser in Hawaii?
Yes. To upgrade your Hawaii appraisal license to Certified General, you must have a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. The degree can be in any field of study.
How much do commercial appraisers make in Hawaii?
According to Salary.com, commercial real estate appraisers in Hawaii typically make between $47,463 and $144,140 but can earn as high as $162,534 per year.1,2 Glassdoor estimates that Hawaii commercial appraisers make an average salary of $97,978 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).