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How to Become an Appraiser in New Mexico 

Becoming a real estate appraiser gives you the ability to be your own boss, have a flexible schedule, and earn a good living. If you’re already an appraiser, upgrading your license can help you diversify your business and grow your income.  

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New Mexico Appraiser License: Trainee

Total Hours Required: 79 hrs
Mandatory Hours: —
Elective Hours: —
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How to become an appraiser in New Mexico 

To become an appraiser in New Mexico, the first thing you’ll need to do is become a registered Trainee Appraiser. As a Trainee, you’ll work under a Supervisor Appraiser to complete your required on-the-job training. Your supervisor will guide you as you learn how to evaluate properties, develop a professional opinion of value, and communicate your findings in the form of an appraisal report. 

Steps to become a Trainee Appraiser in New Mexico 

Step 1: Complete the required education. 

You’ll need to complete and pass 79 hours of New Mexico qualifying education, which includes 75 hours of AQB Basic Qualifying Education courses and a mandatory 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 New Mexico (4 hours) 

Step 2: Connect with a Supervisor. 

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 as soon as possible. Steps 1 and 2 can be done at the same time.  

Step 3: Apply for Trainee registration. 

Finally, apply for your Trainee Appraiser registration by submitting the following items to the New Mexico Real Estate Appraiser Board: 

  • Trainee application 
  • Education completion certificates 
  • Supervisor declaration 
  • Fingerprints for criminal background check 
  • Required fees 

Important: Verify all steps and requirements with your state board. For more information, contact the New Mexico Real Estate Appraiser Board at 505.476.4622. 

After I become a Trainee, what’s next? 

Once you’re officially registered as a Trainee Real Estate Appraiser, you can start working and earning money under your supervisor. You must work as a Trainee for at least 6 months to gain the required appraisal experience. Meanwhile, you’ll also need to complete additional licensing and certification courses and pass a national exam to become a licensed or certified real estate appraiser in New Mexico. 

New Mexico 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 New Mexico – 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

Effective February 3, 2019 all qualifying education may be completed through distance education.

Roster

Roster Required: yes

Governing Agency

New Mexico Real Estate Appraisers Board
Website: http://www.rld.state.nm.us/boards/Real_Estate_Appraisers.aspx
Phone: 5054764860
Fax: 5054764665
Address: 2550 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505
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FAQs about how to become an appraiser in New Mexico 

How old do you have to be to become an appraiser in New Mexico? 

You must be at least 18 years old (the age of majority) to become a real estate appraiser in New Mexico. This is also the minimum age to register as a Trainee. 

What is an average day like in the life of a real estate appraiser? 

As an appraiser, your typical work week will include a mix of office work and fieldwork. Up to half of your time may be spent on-the-go visiting properties. The rest of your time will be spent in the office (or at home) doing research and writing reports.  

If you choose to work for yourself as an independent fee appraiser, you will have complete control over your daily schedule. For example, you might choose to go on site visits in the morning, then spend a couple hours doing research and analysis back at the office, take the afternoon off to pick up your children and chaperone after-school activities, then type up your appraisal reports in the evening to ensure you meet deadlines.  

How long does it take to become an appraiser in New Mexico? 

The first step, becoming a registered Trainee Appraiser, can be completed in as little as a few weeks. The full process to attain a real estate appraiser license or certificate in New Mexico can be done in a little over 6 months, 12 months, or 18 months—depending on which credential you decide to pursue. 

Go to the “Licensed Residential,” “Certified Residential,” and “Certified General” tabs at the top of this page to read the requirements for each license level. 

Which New Mexico appraisal license requires the least schooling? 

The Licensed Residential appraisal classification requires the least amount of education and experience. In New Mexico, you do not need any college education to become a Licensed Residential Real Estate Appraiser.  

Also, the number of appraisal qualifying education hours needed for this license is lower compared to the other two credential levels, Certified Residential and Certified General.  

Go to the “Licensed Residential” tab at the top of this page for more info. 

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