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How to Earn or Upgrade Your Iowa Appraiser License

Both education and experience are necessary to become an appraiser in Iowa (or to upgrade your license). McKissock Learning provides options that help you reach your goals, with courses created for new appraisers and those looking to take their career to the next level.

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Iowa Appraiser License: Associate

Total Hours Required: 79 hrs
Mandatory Hours:
Elective Hours:

In Iowa, becoming an Associate Appraiser is the first step in your career. You’ll be able to assess residential properties with the mentorship of an experienced Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser. As an associate, you’re able to earn income gaining both knowledge and experience. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements: 

Step 1: Complete 79 hours of required Iowa appraiser education. Each course you take provides you with a solid foundation of appraisal basics and USPAP standards, which are essential for maintaining appraisal standards. You’ll find the course breakdown below. 

Step 2: Secure a supervisor and ensure the work is appropriate for your supervisor’s licensure level (note: you will both need to take the Supervisor/Trainee Appraiser Course for Iowa).  

Here’s what your supervisor will help you with during your time together: 

  • Training: Teaching you appraisal techniques and methodologies. 
  • Guidance: Offering advice on complex appraisal tasks and situations. 
  • Review: Checking your work for accuracy and compliance with standards. 
  • Experience: Providing opportunities to gain the necessary experience hours required for licensing. 
  • Feedback: Giving constructive criticism to help you improve your skills. 

You can find a list of potential supervisors, complete with contact information, here. 

Step 3: Complete and submit your application and background check. Please note that your background check must be within the past 180 days of when you submit your paperwork. 

What does an Iowa real estate appraiser do?   

As an appraiser, you will evaluate properties, analyzing size, condition, and the local market. You then provide an unbiased (impartial to both buyer and seller) and accurate assessment of each property’s value through reports comparing the property to other homes in the area. 

Required courses to become an Appraiser Associate in Iowa 

  • Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours  
  • Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours  
  • National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours  
  • Supervisor/Trainee Course for Iowa – 4 hours  

Online Info

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 Iowa – 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

No online limitations.

Roster

Roster Required: yes

Governing Agency

Iowa Real Estate Appraiser Examining Board
Phone: 5157259025
Address: 200 E. Grand, Ste. 350, Des Moines, IA 50309

Good to Know: FAQs for how to become an appraiser in Iowa 

Should I get my Iowa appraiser license?   

Iowa appraisers encounter minimal cost and risk when starting their business, allowing for both a flexible schedule and dependable income. Appraisers are consistently required for tasks like estate settlements and divorce proceedings, even in a slow real estate market. 

How long does it take to become an appraiser in Iowa?   

To become an Associate Appraiser in Iowa, you’ll need to complete 79 hours of education while being mentored by a Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser. You can take courses while being mentored to save time, if you’d like.  Then, you’ll turn in your application and background check for approval.  

To make it easier to earn your license in a way that works for you, on your schedule, McKissock provides both livestreaming and self-paced courses. 

Helpful resources:   

Iowa Appraiser License: Certified Residential 

Total Hours Required: 204 hrs
Mandatory Hours:
Elective Hours:

How to become a real estate appraiser in IA: Certified Residential  

In Iowa, a Certified Residential Appraiser can evaluate residential properties with 1-4 units, regardless of complexity or value. You can also assess vacant or unimproved land suitable for 1-4 family units.  

To get your license, there are quite a few steps. Here’s what you need to know:  

Step 1: 204 hours of required education (including 79 Associate hours). 

Step 2: 1,500 of acceptable appraisal experience in a minimum of 12 months.   

Step 3: Make sure all course completion certifications and appraisal hours are logged and uploaded. 

Step 4: Submit your application, (make sure you’ve done the application checklist, as well)! 

Step 5: Wait for the board to build your “other” application (learn more here). While this is being built, you’ll pay the “other” fee, as well.  

Step 6: If asked, submit requested reports for your Standard ¾ Review. 

Step 7: Be interviewed by the WPR, or Work Product Review committee.  They’re there to ensure all appraisers meet the necessary standards. 

Step 8: Pay for and 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  

Iowa Certified Residential Appraiser (204 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 – 4 hours  
  • 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 or Finance – 15 hours  
  • Advanced Residential Applications and Case Studies 15 hours  
  • Appraisal Subject Matter Electives 20 hours  

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 Iowa – 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.
 

Online Limitations

No online limitations.

Roster

Roster Required: yes

Governing Agency

Iowa Real Estate Appraiser Examining Board
Phone: 5157259025
Address: 200 E. Grand, Ste. 350, Des Moines, IA 50309

Good to Know – FAQs to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Iowa 

Why become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Iowa 

Certified Residential Appraisers can assess most residential properties, each with up to four units, with no limit on complexity or value. This allows for both flexibility in schedule and more opportunities for income. 

How much do residential appraisers earn in Iowa?  

While salary depends on a variety of factors, including location and experience, the average residential appraiser in New York earns between $49,000 and $67,0001.