How to Become an Appraiser in Idaho
If you want to become a real estate appraiser in Idaho or upgrade your current license, you’ll need to fulfill certain education, experience, and exam requirements set by the state. Review the requirements for each license level, and get started today!
McKissock Learning offers flexible, convenient appraisal classes taught by experts in the profession.

Idaho Appraiser License: Trainee
How to become an appraiser in Idaho
The first step to becoming an appraiser in Idaho is to become an Appraiser Trainee. With your Trainee license, you can assess residential properties under the supervision of an experienced Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser. This offers you the ability to earn an income while gaining the on-the-job appraisal experience required to become a Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, or Certified General Appraiser.
Follow these steps to become an Appraiser Trainee in Idaho:
Step 1: Complete 79 hours of required Idaho appraiser education. The courses, broken down by hours and title below, will ensure you have a grasp on the foundations of appraising, from both a technical and business standpoint.
Step 2: Find a Certified Supervisory Appraiser who will oversee your on-the-job training. (Note: You will both need to take the Supervisor/Trainee Appraiser Course for Idaho.)
Step 3: Submit your application and background check to the Real Estate Appraiser Board of the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL).
Check out the Idaho State Jurisprudence Exam. You’ll need to take this before becoming licensed!
Something else Idaho appraisers need to fill out as part of their licensing is a Surety Bond. This acts like insurance, protecting clients if the appraiser breaks the law or acts unethically.
Important: Confirm all steps and requirements with your state regulatory agency.For more information, contact the Idaho Real Estate Appraiser Board at 208.334.3233.
Idaho Trainee Appraiser (79 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education:
79 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hrs.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hrs.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
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
Governing Agency
FAQs about how to become an appraiser in Idaho
How long does it take to become an appraiser in Idaho?
The first step—becoming a Trainee Appraiser—can be done in as little as a few weeks or months. Then, you must work under a Certified Supervisory Appraiser (as a paid Trainee) for at least 6–18 months, depending on which license level you want to obtain.
Go to the “Licensed,” “Certified Residential,” and “Certified General” tabs at the top of this page to learn the specific requirements for each level.
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!
What type of appraiser makes the most money?
Typically, the higher your license level, the more you can earn. The highest license level is the Certified General credential. Certified General Appraisers, also called commercial appraisers, usually earn the most money.
According to Salary.com, Idaho commercial appraisers earn as high as $145,114 per year.1 For comparison, Idaho residential appraisers earn as high as $110,035 per year. 2
Helpful resources:
- Idaho Licensing Information
- Guide: Is an Appraisal Career Right for You?
- FAQ: How do I find a supervisory appraiser?
Sources cited:
Idaho Appraiser License: Licensed Residential
How to become a Licensed Residential Appraiser in Idaho
In Idaho, Licensed Residential Appraisers (also called home appraisers) can assess homes with up to four units, farmland worth up to $1,000,000, and non-complex commercial properties with a transaction value under $250,000. They may also handle appraisals for federal transactions.
Follow these steps to become a Licensed Residential Appraiser in Idaho:
Step 1: Complete 154 total hours of required education (75 hours on top of the 79 hours to become a Trainee). These additional hours are divided into specific categories:
- Appraisal Subject Matter: This includes courses related to appraisal methods, standards, and practices.
- Federal and State Laws: Training on current federal and state regulations affecting appraisal practices.
- Ethics and Standards: Education on professional ethics and appraisal standards.
Step 2: Complete 1,000 hours of supervised appraisal experience in no less than 6 months.
Step 3: Submit your application and fee, along with your course completion certificates and appraisal experience log, to the Real Estate Appraiser Board of the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL).
Please note that the Board will not process any incomplete forms, so double-check each detail!
Step 4: Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Licensed Residential Appraisers.
Important: Confirm all steps and requirements with your state regulatory agency. For more information, contact the Idaho Real Estate Appraiser Board at 208.334.3233.
Idaho Licensed Residential Appraiser (154 hours) – AQB recommended course order
FAQs about becoming a Licensed Residential Appraiser in Idaho
Once I have my Idaho appraiser license, then what?
After becoming a licensed or certified appraiser, you will need to maintain your credential with Continuing Education (CE). In Idaho, this means you must take 30 hours of approved appraisal CE courses every 24 months, including the 7-hour USPAP Update course. These courses may be taken online.
How much do home appraisers make in Idaho?
According to Salary.com, the salary for residential real estate appraisers in Idaho typically ranges from $48,257 to $97,219, depending on experience level.1,2 The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the mean annual wage of Idaho property appraisers and assessors as $62,470.3 Glassdoor gives a higher number, estimating that Idaho home appraisers make $111,146 per year, on average.4
Factors that influence a real estate appraiser’s earnings include license level, location, years of experience, number of hours worked per week, and advanced skills or professional certifications.
Helpful resources:
Sources cited:
- Appraiser (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Idaho (Salary.com)
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Idaho (Salary.com)
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in Idaho (Glassdoor)
Idaho Appraiser License: Certified Residential
How to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Idaho
In Idaho, Certified Residential Appraisers (also called home appraisers) are allowed to appraise residential properties with 1-4 units, regardless of complexity or transaction value. They can also appraise vacant or unimproved land suitable for 1-4 family units.
Follow these steps to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Idaho:
Step 1: Complete 204 total hours of required education (125 hours on top of the 79 hours to become a Trainee).
Step 2: Gain 1,500 of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer than 12 months.
Step 3: Submit your application and fee, along with your course completion certificates and appraisal experience log, to the Real Estate Appraiser Board of the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL).
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 degree from an accredited college or university in a focused field of study, such as economics or real estate
- 30 hours of college credit in specified topics
- 30 semester units of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations in 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: Confirm all steps and requirements with your state regulatory agency. For more information, contact the Idaho Real Estate Appraiser Board at 208.334.3233.
Idaho 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 – 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
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified Residential Appraiser in Idaho
How much do Certified Residential Appraisers make in Idaho?
While salary may vary due to factors like location and experience, the salary for upper-level residential real estate appraisers in Idaho typically falls between $66,873 and $97,219 but can be as high as $110,035, according to Salary.com.1 Glassdoor estimates that Idaho residential appraisers make an average salary of $111,146 per year.2
Certified Residential Appraisers tend to earn more than Licensed Residential Appraisers because they have more advanced skills and experience and fewer limits on their license. They are allowed to do complex appraisals, luxury appraisals, and other assignments for which they can charge more money per appraisal.
Do I need a degree to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Idaho?
No, not necessarily. If you have been a Licensed Residential Appraiser in good standing for at least 5 years, you do not need any college-level education to upgrade to Certified Residential. Otherwise, you must have at least some college credits or CLEP exams covering specified topics. See above for more details on how to fulfill the college education requirement.
Helpful resources:
- Idaho Licensing Information
- Real Estate Appraiser Exam Prep
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade
Sources cited:
Idaho Appraiser License: Certified General
How to become a Certified General Appraiser in Idaho
In the state of Idaho, Certified General Appraisers (or commercial appraisers) have no limits or restrictions on their license. They can appraise all types of real property, including single-family homes, apartments, farmland, factories, and commercial spaces. Upgrading your license to the Certified General classification opens the door to more appraisal opportunities and higher income potential.
Follow these steps to become a Certified General Appraiser in Idaho:
Step 1: Complete 304 total hours of required education (225 hours on top of the 79 hours to become a Trainee).
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.
Step 3: Submit your application and fee, along with your course completion certificates and appraisal experience log, to the Real Estate Appraiser Board of the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL).
Step 4: Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified General Appraisers.
You must also have a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
Important: Confirm all steps and requirements with your state regulatory agency. For more information, contact the Idaho Real Estate Appraiser Board at 208.334.3233.
Idaho 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 – 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 Idaho
Do I need a college degree to be a Certified General Appraiser in Idaho?
Yes, a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university is required to earn your Certified General Appraiser license.
How much do Certified General Appraisers make in Idaho?
According to Salary.com, the average salary for Idaho commercial real estate appraisers usually ranges from $42,376 to $128,691, and some earn as high as $145,114 per year.1,2 Glassdoor lists the average salary for commercial appraisers in Idaho as $91,176 per year.3
A commercial appraiser’s salary can vary a lot due to their experience level, location, specialization (e.g., hospitality, commercial/industrial, agricultural), and how many hours they work per week. Experience level, in particular, has a significant impact on salary and income.