How to Become an Appraiser in Michigan
Are you looking to earn or upgrade your real estate appraisal license in Michigan? No matter where you are in your career—whether you’re asking how to become an appraiser in Michigan or looking to advance to a higher license level—McKissock Learning has the appraisal classes and professional development resources you need to achieve your goals.
Michigan Appraiser License: Limited
How to become an appraiser in Michigan
Your journey to become an appraiser begins at the trainee level. In Michigan, appraiser trainees are called Limited Appraisers. As a Limited Appraiser, you’ll work under a Certified Supervisory Appraiser to complete your on-the-job training. Your supervisor will show you how to evaluate properties, conduct market analysis, and produce appraisal reports.
Here’s an overview of the steps to earn your Limited Appraiser license:
Step 1: Complete the required education.
You’ll need to pass 79 hours of Michigan Limited Appraiser education, which includes three AQB Basic Qualifying Education courses and a 4-hour Supervisor/Trainee course:
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hours)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hours)
- 15-Hour National USPAP Course or equivalent (15 hours)
- Supervisor/Trainee Course for Michigan (4 hours)
Step 2: Connect with a Supervisory Appraiser.
Additionally, you’ll need to find a Certified Supervisory Appraiser and arrange for them to oversee your appraisal training. It’s a good idea to start looking for a supervisor while taking your required pre-licensing education.
Step 3: Apply for your Limited Appraiser license.
Finally, apply for your Limited Appraiser credential by submitting the following to the Michigan State Board of Real Estate Appraisers:
- Limited Appraiser application form
- Education completion certificates
- Application fee
- Fingerprints for background check
Important: Double-check all licensing requirements with the Michigan state board. Contact the Michigan State Board of Real Estate Appraisers at 517.241.0199 for more information.
Michigan Limited Appraiser (79 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
A student enrollment agreement is required upon completion of all courses (except non-credit courses). This enrollment agreement can be found in the documents section of each course. Please click on this link for the course catalog: Course Catalog
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 Michigan – 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
Effective 3/29/2023 – Rosters are submitted for licensed students to CE Broker (Michigan’s official CE tracking system) each business day. Unlicensed students – rosters will be emailed to the board.
Students no longer need their education posted to their account to renew. For their renewal they will be asked to check an attestation box, if they have completed their education. Please refer them to their renewal section with the state.
Anyone who completed education prior to 3/29/2023 may self report their own education to CE Broker if they would like it to show on their CE Broker account. If a student is audited or have to do a re-licensure, they will need to provide their certificates upon request of the board.
Governing Agency
FAQs about how to become an appraiser in Michigan
Once I get my Limited Appraiser license, then what?
Once you’ve earned the Limited Appraiser credential, you can start working and earning money under your supervisor. In addition to logging your required work experience hours, you must also take additional licensing and certification courses and pass a national exam to become a fully licensed or certified real estate appraiser in the state of Michigan.
How long does it take to become an appraiser in Michigan?
You can become a Limited Appraiser in as little as a few weeks. The entire process to become a licensed or certified appraiser can be done in a little over 6–18 months, depending on which license level you decide to pursue.
Go to the “Licensed,” “Certified Residential,” and “Certified General” tabs at the top of this page to read the specific requirements for each license level.
Can I work part-time as an appraiser in Michigan?
Yes. While most appraisers choose this as their full-time career, you can also choose to launch a part-time appraisal career if that schedule works best for you. It’s common for new appraisers to keep their existing job while completing their appraisal education and training, then transition to full-time when they’re ready.
Many appraisers cite the opportunity to have a flexible schedule and be their own boss among the top reasons they enjoy their career.
Helpful resources
Michigan Appraiser License: State Licensed
How to become a State Licensed Appraiser in Michigan
In Michigan, State Licensed Appraisers (also known as home appraisers or Licensed Residential Appraisers) are permitted to:
- Appraise any real property involving non-federally related transactions
- Appraise federally related transactions involving:
- Non-complex 1–4 family residential properties with transaction values up to $1,000,000
- Complex 1–4 family residential properties with transaction values below $250,000
- All other types of property with transaction values below $250,000
- Assist a Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser in appraising residential properties over $1,000,000 or complex non-residential properties over $250,000
The requirements you’ll need to fulfill to become a State Licensed Appraiser in Michigan are as follows:
- Complete 154 hours of Michigan appraisal education (includes trainee courses)
- Complete 1,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no less than 6 months
- Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Licensed Residential Appraisers
To apply for your Michigan State Licensed Appraiser credential, here’s what you’ll need to submit to the Michigan State Board of Real Estate Appraisers:
- State Licensed Appraiser application form
- Appraisal education completion certificates
- Appraisal log documenting your work experience
- Application fee
Important: Double-check all licensing requirements with the Michigan state board. Contact the Michigan State Board of Real Estate Appraisers at 517.241.0199 for more information.
Michigan State Licensed Appraiser (154 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
A student enrollment agreement is required upon completion of all courses (except non-credit courses). This enrollment agreement can be found in the documents section of each course. Please click on this link for the course catalog: Course Catalog
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 Michigan – 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
Effective 3/29/2023 – Rosters are submitted for licensed students to CE Broker (Michigan’s official CE tracking system) each business day. Unlicensed students – rosters will be emailed to the board.
Students no longer need their education posted to their account to renew. For their renewal they will be asked to check an attestation box, if they have completed their education. Please refer them to their renewal section with the state.
Anyone who completed education prior to 3/29/2023 may self report their own education to CE Broker if they would like it to show on their CE Broker account. If a student is audited or have to do a re-licensure, they will need to provide their certificates upon request of the board.
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Licensed Appraiser in Michigan
Do I need a college degree to become a State Licensed Appraiser in Michigan?
No. You do not need any college-level education to earn the State Licensed credential.
How much do residential appraisers make in Michigan?
The average residential real estate appraiser salary in Michigan ranges from $51,314 to $103,877, according to Salary.com.1,2 The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the mean annual wage of Michigan property appraisers and assessors as $64,880.3 Glassdoor gives a much higher number, estimating that Michigan residential real estate appraisers earn an average salary of $124,249 per year.4
Appraisal income can vary widely based on factors such as license level, years of experience, location, and specialized skills or certifications.
What are the continuing education requirements for appraisers in Michigan?
According to Michigan CE requirements, you must take 28 continuing education (CE) hours every 2 years to renew your Michigan appraisal license. This includes the 7-Hour National USPAP Update course, the 2-Hour Michigan Appraisal Law course, and 19 elective hours. All CE courses may be taken online.
Helpful resources
Sources cited
- Appraiser (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Michigan (Salary.com)
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Michigan (Salary.com)
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in Michigan (Glassdoor)
Michigan Appraiser License: Certified Residential
How to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Michigan
In Michigan, Certified Residential Appraisers (or home appraisers) can appraise 1–4 family residential properties of any type or value, including appraisals for federally related transactions.
Here’s what you’ll need to do to earn your Certified Residential Appraiser license in the state of Michigan:
- Complete 204 hours of Michigan appraisal education (includes trainee courses)
- Complete 1,500 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no less than 12 months
- Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified Residential Appraisers
- Meet one of the following college education requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher
- Associate degree in a focused field of study, such as Business, 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 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.
Apply for your Certified Residential license by submitting the following items to the Michigan State Board of Real Estate Appraisers:
- Certified Residential Appraiser application form
- Education completion certificates
- Appraisal log documenting your work experience
- Application fee
Important: Double-check all licensing requirements with the Michigan state board. Contact the Michigan State Board of Real Estate Appraisers at 517.241.0199 for more information.
Michigan Certified Residential Appraiser (204 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
A student enrollment agreement is required upon completion of all courses (except non-credit courses). This enrollment agreement can be found in the documents section of each course. Please click on this link for the course catalog: Course Catalog
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 Michigan – 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
Effective 3/29/2023 – Rosters are submitted for licensed students to CE Broker (Michigan’s official CE tracking system) each business day. Unlicensed students – rosters will be emailed to the board.
Students no longer need their education posted to their account to renew. For their renewal they will be asked to check an attestation box, if they have completed their education. Please refer them to their renewal section with the state.
Anyone who completed education prior to 3/29/2023 may self report their own education to CE Broker if they would like it to show on their CE Broker account. If a student is audited or have to do a re-licensure, they will need to provide their certificates upon request of the board.
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified Residential Appraiser in Michigan
Do I need a college degree to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Michigan?
No, not necessarily. If you don’t have a college degree, you will need to have either some college credits or 5 years of experience as a State Licensed Appraiser. See above for more information on how to meet the college-level education prerequisite for the Certified Residential Appraiser credential.
How much do Certified Residential appraisers make in Michigan?
The average yearly salary for upper-level residential real estate appraisers in Michigan ranges from $72,514 to $103,877, according to Salary.com.1 Glassdoor estimates that Michigan residential appraisers make an average salary of $124,249 per year.2 Many factors influence how much an appraiser can earn, including license level, years of experience, location, and advanced skills.
How can I earn more money as a real estate appraiser in Michigan?
As a Certified Residential Appraiser, one way to increase your earning potential is by acquiring professional certifications (e.g., luxury or green home appraiser certification). To fully maximize your salary potential, consider upgrading your appraisal license to the highest level: Certified General Appraiser.
Helpful resources
- Michigan Licensing Information
- Real Estate Appraiser Exam Prep
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade
Sources cited
Michigan Appraiser License: Certified General
How to become a Certified General Appraiser in Michigan
In Michigan, a Certified General Appraiser (or commercial appraiser) can appraise real property of any type or value, including appraisals for federally related transactions. This includes both residential and commercial properties—such as shopping malls, nursing homes, restaurants, hotels, and farmland, to name a few.
Here’s what you’ll need to do to become a Certified General Appraiser in the state of Michigan:
- Complete 304 hours of Michigan appraisal education (includes trainee courses)
- Complete 3,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no less than 18 months, including at least 1,500 hours in non residential appraisals
- Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified General Appraisers
- Have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university
When you’re ready to apply for your Michigan Certified General Appraiser license, your application package should include the following items:
- Certified General Appraiser application form
- Education completion certificates
- Appraisal logs documenting your work experience
- Application fee
Important: Double-check all licensing requirements with the Michigan state board. Contact the Michigan State Board of Real Estate Appraisers at 517.241.0199 for more information.
Michigan Certified General Appraiser (304 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
A student enrollment agreement is required upon completion of all courses (except non-credit courses). This enrollment agreement can be found in the documents section of each course. Please click on this link for the course catalog: Course Catalog
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 Michigan – 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
Effective 3/29/2023 – Rosters are submitted for licensed students to CE Broker (Michigan’s official CE tracking system) each business day. Unlicensed students – rosters will be emailed to the board.
Students no longer need their education posted to their account to renew. For their renewal they will be asked to check an attestation box, if they have completed their education. Please refer them to their renewal section with the state.
Anyone who completed education prior to 3/29/2023 may self report their own education to CE Broker if they would like it to show on their CE Broker account. If a student is audited or have to do a re-licensure, they will need to provide their certificates upon request of the board.
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified General Appraiser in Michigan
Do I need a college degree to become a Certified General Appraiser in Michigan?
Yes, you must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in any field to upgrade your appraisal license to Certified General.
How much do commercial appraisers make in Michigan?
The average commercial real estate appraiser salary in Michigan ranges from $44,361 to $132,793, according to Salary.com.1,2 Glassdoor estimates that Michigan commercial appraisers make an average annual salary of $103,295.3
A commercial appraiser’s income can vary based on years of experience, location, and specialty (e.g., hospitality, commercial/industrial, agricultural).