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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

Total Hours Required: 79 hrs
Mandatory Hours:
Elective Hours:

How to become an appraiser in New Jersey

To become a real estate appraiser in New Jersey, the first thing you’ll need to do is obtain your Trainee Appraiser license. 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 79 hours of qualifying education, including three AQB Basic Qualifying Education courses (75 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 (79 hours) – AQB recommended course order

  •   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

Governing Agency

New Jersey State Board of Real Estate Appraisers
Phone: 9735046480
Fax: 9735046458
Address: 124 Halsey St, 3rd Floor, Newark, NJ 07101

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 79 hours of the 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. 

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