How to Become an Appraiser in Montana
A career in real estate appraisal offers many benefits, including a flexible schedule, good pay, and the opportunity to do challenging work. Do you want to know how to become an appraiser in Montana, or how to advance to the next license level?
No matter what stage you’re at in your career, McKissock Learning has all the Montana appraisal courses and resources you need to succeed.
Montana Appraiser License: Trainee
How to become an appraiser in Montana
Your journey to become an appraiser begins at the trainee level. As a Trainee Appraiser, you’ll work under the supervision of a Mentor Appraiser for a minimum of 6 months to gain relevant work experience. Your mentor will guide you as you learn the ropes of the appraisal profession and show you how to evaluate properties, analyze market data, and write appraisal reports.
Here are the steps to become a Trainee Appraiser in Montana:
Step 1: Complete the required education.
You must pass 79 hours of Montana Trainee Appraiser education, which includes three AQB Basic Qualifying Education courses plus a mandatory Supervisor/Trainee course:
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hours)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hours)
- 15-Hour National USPAP Course (15 hours)
- Supervisor/Trainee Course for Montana (4 hours)
Step 2: Connect with a mentor.
You’ll need to find a board-approved appraisal mentor (also called a Mentor Appraiser or Supervisory Appraiser) and arrange for them to oversee your training and sign off on your work experience. To save time, begin searching for a mentor while completing the necessary education in Step 1.
Step 3: Apply for your Trainee license.
Apply for your Trainee Appraiser license with the Montana Board of Real Estate Appraisers. Your application package should include the following:
- Trainee application form
- Official license verification from states and jurisdictions in which you hold or have ever held a professional license of any kind
- Education course certificates
- Fingerprint background check
- Noncriminal Justice Applicants Rights form
- Application fee
Important: Double-check all requirements and instructions with your state licensing board. For more information, contact the Montana Board of Real Estate Appraisers at 406.444.6880.
After you become a Trainee Appraiser, what’s next?
Once you are a licensed Trainee, you can start working and earning money under your Mentor Appraiser. In addition to logging a specified amount of appraisal experience hours, you must also complete additional licensing and certification courses and pass a national exam to become a Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, or Certified General Real Property Appraiser in Montana.
Once you are fully licensed or certified, you can begin working as an independent appraiser (without supervision). Many appraisers choose to start their own appraisal business and work for themselves. Alternatively, you may decide to work as a full-time employee for a bank, government agency, or large appraisal firm.
Go to the “Licensed,” “Certified Residential,” and “Certified General” tabs at the top of this page to view the requirements for each license level.
Montana 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 Montana – 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 Montana
How much does a home appraiser make in Montana?
According to Salary.com, the average salary range for residential real estate appraisers in Montana is $48,558 to $98,299, with experienced appraisers earning more.1,2 The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the mean annual wage of property appraisers and assessors in Montana as $54,650.3 Glassdoor estimates that Montana home appraisers make an average yearly salary of $83,812.4
Yearly income can vary greatly depending on an appraiser’s license level, location, years of experience, number of hours worked per week, and advanced skills or specializations.
How long does it take to become an appraiser in Montana?
The first step, becoming a Trainee Appraiser, can be done in as little as a few weeks. Then, you must work under the supervision of a Mentor Appraiser for at least 6 months, 12 months, or 18 months—depending on which license level you choose to pursue. It’s possible to become a Licensed Residential Appraiser in just a little over 6 months.
Which Montana appraisal license requires the least schooling?
The Licensed Residential appraisal certification requires the least amount of education, experience, and time. To become a Licensed Residential Real Property Appraiser in Montana, you don’t need any college-level education.
Also, the amount of required appraisal courses is lower compared to the other two license levels (Certified Residential and Certified General). The amount of required work experience is lower, too, and can be completed in as little as 6 months.
Go to the “Licensed” tab at the top of this page for more details.
Helpful resources
- Montana Licensing Information
- AQB Appraiser Qualification Criteria
- Is an Appraisal Career Right for You?
Sources cited
- Appraiser (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Montana (Salary.com)
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Montana (Salary.com)
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in Montana (Glassdoor)
Montana Appraiser License: Licensed Residential
How to become a Licensed Residential Appraiser in Montana
In the state of Montana, Licensed Residential Appraisers (or home appraisers) can appraise properties in federally related transactions of non-complex 1–4 residential units with a transaction value under $1,000,000. They may also appraise any other real estate with a transaction value under $250,000.
In federally related transactions, Licensed Appraisers may not appraise real estate wherein a development analysis/appraisal is needed.
To become a Licensed Appraiser in Montana, you must:
- Be of good moral character
- Complete 154 hours of Montana appraisal education (includes trainee education)
- 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
- No college education is required
Apply to take the examination to become a Licensed Residential Real Property Appraiser by submitting the following items to the state board:
- Licensed Appraiser application form
- Official license verification from states and jurisdictions in which you hold or have ever held a professional license of any kind
- Fingerprint background check
- Noncriminal Justice Applicants Rights form
- Experience log showing necessary hours
- Education log and course certificates
- Application fee
Important: Double-check all requirements and instructions with your state licensing board. For more information, contact the Montana Board of Real Estate Appraisers at 406.444.6880.
Montana 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 Montana – 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 Montana
How can I make more money as a home appraiser in Montana?
One of the best ways to increase your appraisal income is to upgrade your license. Certified Residential Appraisers typically earn more than Licensed Residential Appraisers because they can perform a wider variety of assignments for which they can charge higher fees, such as complex property appraisals, green home appraisals, and luxury home appraisals.
Certified General Appraisers typically earn the most money compared to all other license levels. They can appraise any type of real property, including commercial buildings.
Do I need a degree to become a Licensed Appraiser in Montana?
No. You do not need any college education to become a Licensed Residential Appraiser in Montana. However, if you wish to upgrade your license to Certified Residential or Certified General, you may need some college education or a degree to attain those higher credentials.
Go to the “Certified Residential” and “Certified General” tabs for more information.
Helpful resources
Montana Appraiser License: Certified Residential
How to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Montana
In Montana, Certified Residential Appraisers (or home appraisers) can appraise 1–4 family residential properties of any transaction value or complexity, including appraisals for federally related transactions. They may also appraise any other real estate with a transaction value under $250,000.
However, in federally related transactions, Certified Residential Appraisers may not appraise real estate wherein a development analysis/appraisal is necessary and utilized.
To become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Montana, you must:
- Be of good moral character
- Complete 204 hours of Montana appraisal education (includes trainee education)
- 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 Licensed Residential Appraisers who have been licensed for a minimum of 5 years and have been in good standing for the past 5 years.
Apply to take the exam to become a Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser by submitting the following items to the state board:
- Certified Residential Appraiser application form
- Official license verification from states and jurisdictions in which you hold or have ever held a professional license of any kind
- Fingerprint background check
- Noncriminal Justice Applicants Rights form
- Experience log showing necessary hours
- Education log and course certificates
- Official college transcript (if applicable)
- Application fee
Important: Double-check all requirements and instructions with your state licensing board. For more information, contact the Montana Board of Real Estate Appraisers at 406.444.6880.
Montana 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 Montana – 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 Montana
Do I need a degree to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Montana?
No, you don’t necessarily need a college degree. For instance, you do not need any college education to become a Certified Residential Appraiser if you’ve been a Licensed Residential Appraiser for at least 5 years and are in good standing. See above to review all options for meeting the higher education requirement.
How much do Certified Residential Appraisers make in Montana?
The average annual salary range for upper-level residential real estate appraisers in Montana typically falls between $68,620 and $98,299, according to Salary.com.1 Glassdoor lists the average salary for Montana residential appraisers as $83,852 per year.2
Certified Residential Appraisers usually earn more than Licensed Residential Appraisers because they can appraise complex and high-value residential properties, including oddball properties, green homes, and luxury homes.
What are the continuing education requirements for appraisers in Montana?
Montana CE requirements state that real estate appraisers must take 28 continuing education (CE) hours every 2 years to renew their license, including the 7-Hour National USPAP Update course or its AQB-approved equivalent.
Helpful resources
- Montana Licensing Information
- Real Estate Appraiser Exam Prep
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade
Sources cited
Montana Appraiser License: Certified General
How to become a Certified General Appraiser in Montana
In Montana, a Certified General Appraiser (or commercial appraiser) can appraise any real property. There is no limit to property type, purpose, transaction value, or complexity. This includes everything from single-family homes to office buildings, strip malls, nursing homes, industrial facilities, farmland, and more.
To become a Certified General Appraiser in Montana, you must:
- Be of good moral character
- Complete 304 hours of Montana 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
- Have a bachelor’s degree or higher in any field
Apply to take the examination to become a Certified General Real Property Appraiser by submitting the following items to the state board:
- Certified General Appraiser application form
- Official license verification from states and jurisdictions in which you hold or have ever held a professional license of any kind
- Fingerprint background check
- Noncriminal Justice Applicants Rights form
- Experience log showing necessary hours
- Education log and course certificates
- Official college transcript
- Application fee
Important: Double-check all requirements and instructions with your state licensing board. For more information, contact the Montana Board of Real Estate Appraisers at 406.444.6880.
Montana 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 Montana – 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 Montana
How much does a commercial appraiser make in Montana?
The average commercial real estate appraiser salary in Montana ranges from $41,979 to $125,663, according to Salary.com.1,2 Glassdoor estimates that commercial appraisers in Montana make an average salary of $76,241 per year.3 Factors that affect a commercial appraiser’s income include location, years of experience, and area of specialization (e.g., agricultural, commercial/industrial, hospitality).
How can I earn more money as a real estate appraiser in Montana?
Upgrading your license to Certified General Appraiser is one of the best ways to grow your appraisal income. You can further maximize your earning potential by gaining experience, taking appraisal CE courses to hone your knowledge and skills, appraising higher-value properties, using technology to streamline your process, and more.
Do I need a college degree to become a Certified General Appraiser in Montana?
Yes, you must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in any field before you can earn the Certified General credential.