How to Become an Appraiser in North Dakota
There are many reasons to choose a career in real estate appraisal, like the opportunity to have a flexible schedule, earn a good living, and do challenging work.
Do you want to know how to become an appraiser in North Dakota, or how to upgrade your current credential? McKissock Learning has all the North Dakota appraisal courses you need to build a thriving career.
North Dakota Appraiser License: Apprentice
How to become an appraiser in North Dakota
Your path to becoming a real estate appraiser begins at the trainee level. In North Dakota, trainee appraisers are called Apprentices. As an Apprentice, you’ll work under a Supervisor Appraiser to gain essential work experience. You will learn how to inspect properties, develop a professional opinion of value, and communicate your findings in a written appraisal report.
Follow these steps to become an Apprentice Appraiser in North Dakota:
Step 1: Complete the required education.
You’ll need to pass 79 hours of North Dakota pre-licensing education, including 75 hours of 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 North Dakota (4 hours)
Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Step 2: Connect with a Supervisor.
You must find a certified appraiser who will agree to act as your Supervisory Appraiser during your apprenticeship. You can start looking for a supervisor while completing the required courses in Step 1.
Step 3: Complete the ND Rules/Statute Exam.
Additionally, you’ll need to complete the North Dakota Supervisory/Apprentice Rules/Statue Examination. This is an open-book exam covering NDCC 43-23.3 (ND Appraiser Statute) and ND Administrative Code Title 101 (ND Rules & Regulations).
Step 4: Apply to be an Apprentice.
Lastly, apply to become an Apprentice Appraiser in North Dakota by submitting the following to the ND Appraiser Board:
- Application form (completed and notarized)
- Proof of high school diploma or GED (official transcript)
- Apprentice Appraiser Education Tracking Form
- Supervisory/Apprentice Registration Form
- Fingerprints for criminal background check
- Application fee
Important: Double-check all steps and requirements with your state board. Contact the North Dakota Real Estate Appraiser Qualifications and Ethics Board at 701.222.1051 for more information.
After I become an Apprentice Appraiser, what’s next?
After your Apprentice Appraiser application has been approved by the Board, you can start working as a paid apprentice under your supervisor. You will need to work under direct supervision for at least 6 months and log a specified number of experience hours.
Meanwhile, you’ll also need to complete additional licensing and certification courses and pass a national examination to become a licensed or certified real property appraiser in North Dakota.
Go to the “Licensed,” “Certified Residential,” and “Certified General” tabs at the top of this page to view the requirements for each classification level.
North Dakota Trainee Appraiser (79 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education:
79 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hrs.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hrs.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Supervisor/Trainee Course – 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 North Dakota
How old do you have to be to become an appraiser in North Dakota?
You must be at least 18 years old to become an apprentice, licensed, or certified real property appraiser in North Dakota. Additionally, you must have a high school education or equivalent and submit to a criminal history records check.
Which North Dakota appraisal license requires the least schooling?
The Licensed Appraiser credential requires the least amount of education and training. You do not need any college-level education to become a Licensed Real Property Appraiser in North Dakota. You only need a high school diploma or equivalent.
Also, the number of appraisal qualifying education hours and work experience hours needed for this license is lower compared to the other two classifications, Certified Residential and Certified General.
Go to the “Licensed” tab at the top of this page for more info.
How long does it take to become an appraiser in North Dakota?
It’s possible to complete the first step, becoming an Apprentice Appraiser (sometimes called a Trainee Appraiser), in just a few weeks. The full process to become a licensed or certified real property appraiser in North Dakota can be done in a little over 6 months, 12 months, or 18 months—depending on which credential you wish to obtain.
Go to the “Licensed,” “Certified Residential,” and “Certified General” tabs at the top of this page to see the requirements for each credential.
Helpful resources
North Dakota Appraiser License: Licensed
How to become a Licensed Appraiser in North Dakota
In North Dakota, Licensed Residential Appraisers (also called home appraisers) can appraise non-complex 1–4 unit residential properties that have a transaction value of up to $1 million and complex 1–4 unit residential properties that have a transaction value of up to $250,000. Additionally, they may appraise non-complex, non-residential properties with a transaction value of up to $250,000.
To become a Licensed Real Estate Appraiser in North Dakota, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete 154 hours of North Dakota appraisal education (includes trainee/apprentice education)
- Complete 1,000 hours of acceptable real property 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 sit for the national exam to become a North Dakota Licensed Appraiser by submitting the following to the ND Appraiser Board:
- Application (completed and notarized)
- Proof of high school diploma or GED (official transcript)
- Licensed Appraiser Education Tracking Form
- Completed Experience Log
- Fingerprints for criminal background check
- Application fee
Important: Double-check all steps and requirements with your state board. Contact the North Dakota Real Estate Appraiser Qualifications and Ethics Board at 701.222.1051 for more information.
North Dakota Licensed 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 – 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 North Dakota
How much do home appraisers make in North Dakota?
According to Salary.com, the average residential real estate appraiser salary in North Dakota ranges from $50,827 to $102,436 per year.1,2 The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the mean annual wage of North Dakota property appraisers and assessors as $77,610.3 Glassdoor gives a much higher estimate, listing $116,688 as the average yearly salary for North Dakota home appraisers.4
Appraisal earnings can vary significantly due to factors like license level, years of experience, hours worked per week, location, and advanced skills or specializations.
What are the continuing education requirements for North Dakota appraisers?
According to North Dakota CE requirements, all appraisers must complete 28 continuing education (CE) hours every 24 months. This includes the 7-Hour National USPAP Update course. Appraisers may take all of their continuing education courses online.
Helpful resources
Sources cited
- Appraiser (Residential Real Estate) Salary in North Dakota (Salary.com)
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in North Dakota (Salary.com)
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in North Dakota (Glassdoor)
North Dakota Appraiser License: Certified Residential
How to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in North Dakota
North Dakota Certified Residential Real Estate Appraisers (also called home appraisers) can appraise all 1–4 unit residential properties, without regard to complexity or transaction value. They may also appraise non-complex, non-residential properties with a transaction value of up to $250,000.
To become a Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser in North Dakota, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Complete 204 hours of North Dakota appraisal education (includes trainee/apprentice 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 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 to sit for the national exam to become a North Dakota Certified Residential Appraiser by submitting the following to the ND Appraiser Board:
- Application (completed and notarized)
- Official college transcript (if applicable)
- Certified Residential Appraiser Education Tracking Form
- Completed Experience Log
- Fingerprints for criminal background check
- Application fee
Important: Double-check all steps and requirements with your state board. Contact the North Dakota Real Estate Appraiser Qualifications and Ethics Board at 701-222-1051 for more information.
North Dakota 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 – 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
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified Residential Appraiser in North Dakota
Do I need a degree to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in North Dakota?
No, not necessarily. If you don’t have a college degree, you will need to have either 30 hours of college credit or CLEP exams in specified topics or 5 years of experience as a Licensed Appraiser. See above for more info on how to meet the college education requirement for the Certified Residential classification.
How much do Certified Residential appraisers make in North Dakota?
The average yearly salary for upper-level residential real estate appraisers in North Dakota ranges from $70,457 to $102,436, according to Salary.com.1 Glassdoor estimates that North Dakota residential appraisers make an average salary of $116,688 per year.2 Factors that impact appraisal earnings include license level, location, years of experience, and advanced skills or certifications.
How can I make more money as a real estate appraiser in North Dakota?
As a Certified Residential Appraiser, one way to increase your income potential is by completing advanced training such as professional certification programs. These programs can help you develop skills in a profitable niche (e.g., green home appraisals or luxury home appraisals). To further maximize your earning potential, upgrade your appraisal license to the highest classification: Certified General.
Helpful resources
- North Dakota Licensing Information
- Real Estate Appraiser Exam Prep
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade
Sources cited
North Dakota Appraiser License: Certified General
How to become a Certified General Appraiser in North Dakota
In the state of North Dakota, Certified General Real Estate Appraisers (also called commercial appraisers) can appraise all types of real estate, from strip malls to airports. This includes residential properties as well as commercial properties.
To become a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser in North Dakota, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Complete 304 hours of North Dakota appraisal education (includes trainee/apprentice education)
- Complete 3,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no less 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
Apply to sit for the national exam to become a North Dakota Certified General Appraiser by submitting the following to the ND Appraiser Board:
- Application (completed and notarized)
- Official college transcript
- Certified General Appraiser Education Tracking Form
- Completed Experience Log
- Fingerprints for criminal background check
- Application fee
Important: Double-check all steps and requirements with your state board. Contact the North Dakota Real Estate Appraiser Qualifications and Ethics Board at 701.222.1051 for more information.
North Dakota 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 – 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 Certified General Appraiser in North Dakota
Do I need a degree to become a commercial appraiser in North Dakota?
Yes. You need to hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (in any field) from an accredited college or university to become a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser.
How much does a Certified General Appraiser make in North Dakota?
According to Salary.com, the average commercial real estate appraiser salary in North Dakota ranges from $44,613 to $135,545, with experienced appraisers earning more.1,2 Glassdoor lists the average salary for North Dakota commercial appraisers as $89,512 per year.3
A commercial appraiser’s yearly income can vary widely due to factors like location, years of experience, specialty (e.g., agricultural, commercial/industrial, hospitality), and number of hours worked per week.
Helpful resources
- North Dakota Licensing Information
- Appraisal Salary Guide
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade