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How to Become an Appraiser in Massachusetts

There are many reasons to choose a career in real estate appraisal, including the opportunity to earn a good living, have a flexible schedule, and do challenging work. Do you want to learn how to become a real estate appraiser in Massachusetts, or how to upgrade your current license? McKissock Learning has all the Massachusetts appraisal courses you need to launch and grow your career. 

Massachusetts State House Exterior View on Beacon Street Boston

Massachusetts Appraiser License: Trainee

Total Hours Required: 79 hrs
Mandatory Hours: —
Elective Hours: —
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How to become a real estate appraiser in Massachusetts

The first step to become an appraiser in Massachusetts is to get your Appraisal Trainee license. You’ll need to work as a Trainee for at least 6 months to gain applicable work experience under the guidance of a Supervising Appraiser. You will learn how to evaluate real property, conduct market research, and write appraisal reports. You’ll need to work as a Trainee for at least 6 months to gain applicable work experience under the guidance of a Supervising Appraiser. You will learn how to evaluate real property, conduct market research, and write appraisal reports. 

Here’s an overview of the steps you’ll need to take to become an Appraisal Trainee:

Step 1: Complete the required education.

You must pass 79 hours of Massachusetts trainee appraiser education, including three AQB Basic Qualifying Education courses and a Supervisor/Trainee course:

  • Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hours)
  • Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hours)
  • 15-hour National USPAP Course (15 hours)
  • Supervisor/Trainee Course for Massachusetts (4 hours)

Step 2: Connect with a supervisor.

You’ll need to arrange for a qualified Supervising Appraiser to oversee your on-the-job training during your time as a Trainee. You can begin looking for a supervisor while completing your trainee qualifying education.

Step 3: Apply for your Trainee license.

Apply for your Appraisal Trainee license with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Appraisers. Your application package should include the following:

  • Appraisal Trainee license application
  • Supervisor Trainee Report Form
  • Primary Education Certificates of Completion
  • Fingerprints for background check
  • Professional photo
  • Application fee

Important: Double-check all requirements with your state licensing board. For additional information, contact the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Appraisers at 617.701.8671.

Once you become a Trainee, then what?

As an Appraisal Trainee, you will work and earn money under your Supervising Appraiser. Meanwhile, you will continue your journey toward becoming a fully licensed or certified appraiser in Massachusetts. Along with logging your required work experience hours, you’ll need to complete additional appraisal qualifying education and pass a national appraiser examination.

Once you’ve earned your state-licensed or state-certified real estate appraiser credential, you’ll be permitted to work independently (without a supervisor). Many appraisers choose to work for themselves. However, you may also choose to take a salaried position at a bank, government agency, or large appraisal firm.

Navigate to the “Licensed,” “Certified Residential,” and “Certified General” tabs at the top of this page to view the licensing requirements for each level.

Massachusetts Trainee Appraiser (79 hours) – AQB recommended course order

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 Massachusetts – 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.  This requirement was retained in the 2018 Criteria.

Experience: N/A

College Education: N/A

Online Limitations

No online limitations.

Roster

Roster Required: yes

Governing Agency

Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Appraisers
Website: http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/ra/
Phone: 6177273055
Fax: 6177270139
Address: 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA 02118
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FAQs about how to become a real estate appraiser in Massachusetts

How long does it take to become a real estate appraiser in Massachusetts?

The first step, obtaining your Appraisal Trainee license, can be done in as little as a few weeks. Then, you must work under the supervision of a state-certified appraiser for at least 6–18 months, depending on which license level you choose to pursue.

How long can you be an Appraisal Trainee in Massachusetts?

You can be an Appraisal Trainee in Massachusetts for a maximum of 10 years. According to Massachusetts General Laws Part I, Title XVI, Chapter 112, Section 181, real estate appraisal trainees can renew their Trainee license no more than 4 times after the original 2-year license term. You must work as a Trainee for a minimum of 6 months before you can advance to a higher license level.

How much do Trainee Appraisers make?

The average yearly income for Trainee Appraisers is $53,218, according to the 2023 Appraisal Salary Guide by McKissock Learning. Once you become a fully licensed or certified real estate appraiser, you can expect a significant pay jump. The annual mean wage of all property appraisers and assessors in Massachusetts is $87,080, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.1

Helpful resources

Source cited

  1. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)