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 Appraiser License: Trainee
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
Roster
Governing Agency
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
- Massachusetts Licensing Information
- FAQ: How much can you make as an appraiser?
- Is an Appraisal Career Right for You?
Source cited
Massachusetts Appraiser License: State Licensed
How to become a State Licensed Appraiser in Massachusetts
In the state of Massachusetts, State Licensed Real Estate Appraisers (also called home appraisers) can appraise non-complex 1–4 unit residential properties having a transaction value under $1 million and complex 1–4 unit residential properties having a transaction value under $250,000.
Here are the requirements to become a State Licensed Appraiser in Massachusetts:
- Hold a valid appraisal trainee license
- Complete 154 hours of Massachusetts appraisal education (includes trainee education)
- Complete 1,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer than 6 months
- Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Licensed Residential Appraisers
- No college-level education is required
Apply to become a Massachusetts State Licensed Real Estate Appraiser by submitting the following forms and fee to your state licensing board:
- License application
- Primary Education Certificates of Completion
- Signed Experience Reporting Form
- Signed Experience Affidavit from Supervisor
- 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.
Massachusetts State Licensed Real Estate 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 Massachusetts – 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 becoming a Licensed Appraiser in Massachusetts
How much do residential real estate appraisers make in Massachusetts?
According to Salary.com, the average residential real estate appraiser salary in Massachusetts ranges from $56,565 to $114,507.1,2 The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the mean annual wage of Massachusetts property appraisers and assessors as $87,080.3 Glassdoor gives a much higher number, estimating that Massachusetts residential real estate appraisers make an average salary of $122,303 per year.4
Appraisal income can vary widely depending on license level, years of experience, location, area of specialization, and additional skills or certifications.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Appraisers in Massachusetts?
You must take 28 continuing education (CE) hours every 2 years to renew your Massachusetts appraisal license. This includes the 7-Hour National USPAP Update course, which must be completed for each new edition of USPAP.
Helpful resources
Sources cited
- Appraiser (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Massachusetts (Salary.com)
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Massachusetts (Salary.com)
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in Massachusetts (Glassdoor)
Massachusetts Appraiser License: Certified Residential
How to become a State Certified Residential Appraiser in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, State Certified Residential Appraisers (or home appraisers) can appraise all 1–4 family residential properties, regardless of transaction value or complexity.
To become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Massachusetts, you must:
- Hold a valid appraisal license
- Complete 204 hours of Massachusetts appraisal education (includes trainee education)
- Complete 1,500 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer than 12 months
- Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified Residential Appraisers
- Meet one of the following higher education requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher
- Associate degree in a field related to 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-level education is required for State Licensed appraisers who have been licensed for at least 5 years and in good standing with no disciplinary actions filed against them in the last 5 years.
Apply to become a Massachusetts State Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser by submitting the following forms and fee to your state licensing board:
- License application
- Primary Education Certificates of Completion
- Signed Experience Reporting Form
- Signed Experience Affidavit from Supervisor
- 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.
Massachusetts State 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 Massachusetts – 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 Massachusetts
How much do Certified Residential Real Estate Appraisers earn in Massachusetts?
The average yearly salary for upper-level residential real estate appraisers ranges between $79,935 and $114,507, according to Salary.com.1 Glassdoor estimates that Massachusetts residential real estate appraisers make an average salary of $122,303 per year.2
Appraisal income varies based on license level, location, years of experience, and advanced skills or professional certifications (e.g., luxury or green home appraiser certification).
How can I earn more money as a home appraiser?
One of the best ways to increase your income potential is by upgrading your appraisal license. On average, Certified Residential Appraisers make more money than Licensed Appraisers. This is because state-certified appraisers have more advanced knowledge and skills, and they are allowed to appraise complex properties, including green homes and luxury homes. Thus, they can charge higher fees and accept a larger variety of appraisal assignments.
What are the continuing education requirements for State Certified Residential Real Estate Appraisers in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts continuing education requirements stipulate that appraisers must complete 28 CE hours every 2 years to renew their license. This includes the 7-Hour National USPAP Update course, which must be completed for each new edition of USPAP.
Helpful resources
- Massachusetts Licensing Information
- Real Estate Appraiser Exam Prep
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade
Sources cited
Massachusetts Appraiser License: Certified General
How to become a State Certified General Appraiser in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, a State Certified General Real Estate Appraiser (or commercial appraiser) can appraise all types of real property. This includes both commercial and residential properties. There is no limit to property type, transaction value, or complexity.
To become a State Certified General Appraiser in Massachusetts, you must:
- Hold a valid appraisal license
- Have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Complete 304 hours of Massachusetts appraisal education (includes trainee education)
- Complete 3,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer than 18 months, including at least 1,500 hours in non-residential appraisal work
- Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified General Appraisers
Apply to become a Massachusetts State Certified General Real Estate Appraiser by submitting the following forms and fee to your state licensing board:
- License application
- Primary Education Certificates of Completion
- Signed Experience Reporting Form
- Signed Experience Affidavit from Supervisor
- 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.
Massachusetts State 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 Massachusetts – 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 commercial real estate appraiser in Massachusetts
How much do Certified General Appraisers make in Massachusetts?
Salary.com says the average salary range for commercial real estate appraisers in Massachusetts is between $48,901 and $146,382, depending on experience level.1,2 Glassdoor estimates that commercial appraisers in Massachusetts make an average salary of $108,446 per year.3 Factors that influence a commercial appraiser’s income include years of experience, location, and area of specialization (e.g., hospitality, commercial/industrial, agricultural).
Do I need a college degree to become a Certified General Appraiser in Massachusetts?
Yes, you need a bachelor’s degree or higher in any field to upgrade your license to State Certified General Real Estate Appraiser.