How to Become an Appraiser in New Jersey
Do you want to know how to become an appraiser in New Jersey or upgrade to a higher license level? Learn the steps you need to take. When you’re ready to start your qualifying education, Mckissock Learning provides all the appraisal courses and support you need to achieve your career goals.
New Jersey Appraiser License: Trainee
How to become an appraiser in New Jersey
To become a real estate appraiser, typically the first thing you’ll do is obtain your Trainee Appraiser license. However, note that the Trainee Appraiser program is voluntary in the state of New Jersey. As a Trainee, you will assess residential properties under the guidance of a Certified Supervisory Appraiser, gaining the on-the-job experience required to become a fully licensed or certified appraiser.
Follow these steps to become a Trainee Appraiser in New Jersey:
Step 1: Complete 87 hours of qualifying education, including four AQB Basic Qualifying Education courses (83 hours) plus a Supervisor-Trainee orientation course (4 hours).
Step 2: Find a Certified Supervisory Appraiser who will agree to oversee your on-the-job training during your stint as a Trainee.
Step 3: Submit your application and background check to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
Important: Confirm all steps and requirements with the New Jersey appraiser licensing board. For more information, contact the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs State Real Estate Appraiser Board at 973.504.6480.
New Jersey Trainee Appraiser (87 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Required Education Through 12/31/25:
79 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Supervisor/Trainee Course for New Jersey – 4 hours
Required Education on or after January 1, 2026:
87 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations – 8 hours
Supervisor/Trainee Course – 4 hours
2026 AQB Criteria – Effective 1/1/2026
Appraisers will be required to complete a course that meets the content requirements of the Valuation Bias & Fair Housing Laws and Regulations Outline. State implementation timelines and regulatory updates may vary. Students should contact their regulatory board directly to confirm that the course is required or if they have questions
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
Governing Agency
FAQs about how to become an appraiser in New Jersey
Should I get my New Jersey appraiser license?
Starting an appraisal business in New Jersey is relatively affordable and low-risk, compared to other small businesses. There’s a general demand for appraisers, as many existing appraisers are nearing retirement age. Plus, appraisers have several opportunities to buffer their income against ups and downs in the housing market, such as offering divorce and estate appraisals or other services that are not likely to be impacted by real estate market fluctuations.
If you’re looking for a flexible, stable, challenging career with the opportunity to be your own boss and have greater control over your income, consider getting your New Jersey appraiser license.
How long does it take to become a real estate appraiser in NJ?
The first step—becoming a Trainee Appraiser—can be completed in as little as a few weeks or months. The full process to become a Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, or Certified General Appraiser will require (at minimum) an additional 6 months, 12 months, or 18 months, respectively.
Get going by completing the 87 hours of state-required education to become a Trainee, while simultaneously searching for a Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser to act as your supervisor. Once you’re done, just submit your application and go through a background check for approval.
McKissock offers both livestream courses for interactive learning and self-paced courses that you can access 24/7 to fit your schedule.
Helpful resources:
New Jersey Appraiser License: Licensed Residential
How to become a Licensed Residential Appraiser in New Jersey
In the state of New Jersey, a Licensed Residential Appraiser (also called a home appraiser) may appraise:
- Non-complex 1-4 residential units with a transactional value of less than $1 million
- Complex 1-4 residential units with a transaction value less than $400,000
- Vacant or unimproved land with a transaction value of less than $1 million for which the highest and best use is for 1-4 family purposes
Follow these steps to become a Licensed Residential Appraiser in New Jersey:
Step 1: Complete 162 total hours of appraiser qualifying education (an additional 75 hours on top of the 87 required to become a Trainee).
Step 2: Acquire 1,000 hours of supervised appraisal experience in no less than 6 months.
Step 3: Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Licensed Residential Appraisers.
Step 4: Apply for your Licensed Residential Appraiser credential by submitting your application package, including proof of coursework completion and supervised experience, to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
Important: Confirm all steps and requirements with the New Jersey appraiser licensing board. For more information, contact the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs State Real Estate Appraiser Board at 973.504.6480.
New Jersey Licensed Residential Appraiser (162 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Required Education through 12/31/25:
154 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Supervisor/Trainee Course for New Jersey – 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.
Required Education on or after January 1, 2026:
162 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations – 8 hours
Supervisor/Trainee Course – 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.
2026 AQB Criteria – Effective 1/1/2026
Appraisers will be required to complete a course that meets the content requirements of the Valuation Bias & Fair Housing Laws and Regulations Outline. State implementation timelines and regulatory updates may vary. Students should contact their regulatory board directly to confirm that the course is required or if they have questions.
Experience: 1,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in not less than 6 months.
College Education: No college-level education required.
FAQs about becoming a Licensed Residential Appraiser in New Jersey
How much do home appraisers make in NJ?
According to Salary.com, the salary for residential real estate appraisers in New Jersey typically ranges from $56,688 to $114,204, with experienced appraisers earning the most.1,2 The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the mean annual wage of New Jersey property appraisers and assessors as $90,940.3 Glassdoor gives a much higher number, estimating that New Jersey home appraisers make an average salary of $139,841 per year.4
The biggest factors that influence an appraiser’s income are license level, years of experience, location, hours worked per week, and advanced skills or professional certifications.
Once I have my New Jersey appraiser license, then what?
After becoming a licensed or certified appraiser, you will need to maintain your credential with Continuing Education (CE). In New Jersey, this means you must take 28 hours of approved appraisal CE courses within your 2-year license renewal period. For an overview of the specific courses and credit hours needed, check out our page on New Jersey Appraiser Continuing Education Requirements.
Helpful resources:
Sources cited:
- Appraiser (Residential Real Estate) Salary in New Jersey (Salary.com)
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in New Jersey (Salary.com)
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in New Jersey (Glassdoor)
New Jersey Appraiser License: Certified Residential
How to become a real estate appraiser in New Jersey: Certified Residential
In New Jersey, a Certified Residential Appraiser (also called a home appraiser) can evaluate any home with 1-4 units, no matter how complex or valuable. This also includes assessing empty land fit for 1-4 family use.
To become a Certified Residential Appraiser in New Jersey complete the following:
Step 1: Complete 204 total hours of appraiser qualifying education (an additional 117 hours on top of the 87 required to become a Trainee).
Step 2: Acquire 1,500 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no less than 12 months.
Step 3: Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified Residential Appraisers.
Step 4: Apply for your Certified Residential Appraiser credential by submitting your application package, including proof of coursework completion and supervised experience, to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
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
- 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.
Important: Confirm all steps and requirements with the New Jersey appraiser licensing board. For more information, contact the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs State Real Estate Appraiser Board at 973.504.6480.
New Jersey Certified Residential Appraiser (204 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Required Education through 12/31/25:
204 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Supervisor/Trainee Course for New Jersey – 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.
Required Education on or after January 1, 2026
204 Hours
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations – 8 hours
Supervisor/Trainee Course – 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 – 12 hours
2026 AQB Criteria – Effective 1/1/2026
Appraisers will be required to complete a course that meets the content requirements of the Valuation Bias & Fair Housing Laws and Regulations Outline. State implementation timelines and regulatory updates may vary. Students should contact their regulatory board directly to confirm that the course is required or if they have questions.
Experience: 1,500 hours in no fewer than 12 months.
College Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree in any field of study;
- Associate’s Degree in a focused field of study, such as business, economics, or real estate;
- Successful completion of 30 college semester credit hours in specified topics;
- 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
- Any combination of #3 and #4 above that includes all of the topics identified.
- 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.
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified Residential Appraiser in New Jersey
How much do Certified Residential Appraisers make in NJ?
The salary for upper-level residential real estate appraisers in New Jersey typically ranges from $78,556 to $114,204, according to Salary.com.1 Glassdoor estimates that New Jersey home appraisers make an average salary of $139,841 per year.2
Certified Residential Appraisers tend to earn more than Licensed Residential Appraisers because they have more advanced skills and experience. They are allowed to do complex appraisals, luxury home appraisals, and other assignments for which they can earn higher fees.
Do I need a college degree to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in NJ?
No, not necessarily. If you have been a Licensed Residential Appraiser in good standing for at least 5 years, you do not need any college education to upgrade to Certified Residential. If not, you must have at least some college credits or CLEP exams. See above to read about alternative options for meeting the college education requirement.
Helpful resources:
- New Jersey Licensing Information
- Real Estate Appraiser Exam Prep
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade
Sources cited:
New Jersey Appraiser License: Certified General
How to become a Certified General Appraiser in New Jersey
As a Certified General Appraiser (or commercial appraiser) in New Jersey, you’re free to appraise any type of property, from single-family homes to commercial spaces. This includes everything from strip malls to airports.
Follow these steps to become a Certified General Appraiser in New Jersey:
Step 1: Complete 304 total hours of required education (an additional 217 hours on top of the 87 required to become a Trainee).
Step 2: Gain 3,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no less than 18 months, with at least 1,500 hours in non-residential appraisal work.
Step 3: Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified General Appraisers.
You must also have a Bachelor’s degree in any field of study from an accredited college or university.
New Jersey Certified General Appraiser (304 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Required Education through 12/31/25:
304 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Supervisor/Trainee Course for New Jersey – 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.
Required Education on or after January 1, 2026:
304 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations – 8 hours
Supervisor/Trainee Course– 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 – 22 hours.
2026 AQB Criteria – Effective 1/1/2026
Appraisers will be required to complete a course that meets the content requirements of the Valuation Bias & Fair Housing Laws and Regulations Outline. State implementation timelines and regulatory updates may vary. Students should contact their regulatory board directly to confirm that the course is required or if they have questions.
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.
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified General Appraiser in New Jersey
Do I need a college degree to be a Certified General Appraiser?
Yes, you must hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in any field of study to become a Certified General Appraiser in New Jersey.
How much do Certified General Appraisers make in New Jersey?
According to Salary.com, the salary for New Jersey commercial real estate appraisers typically ranges from $49,779 to $151,174, depending on job level.1,2 Glassdoor estimates that commercial appraisers in New Jersey make an average salary of $120,851 per year.3
A Certified General Appraiser’s salary can vary significantly based on their experience level, location, number of hours worked per week, and specialization (e.g., hospitality, commercial/industrial, agricultural).