How to Become an Appraiser in South Carolina
In South Carolina, if you’re looking to earn or upgrade your South Carolina appraisal license, it’s crucial to understand the state’s requirements. Whether you’re asking how to become an appraiser in South Carolina or you’re ready to take your career to the next level, McKissock Learning offers the appraisal courses and support you need to achieve your goals in a way that works for you!
South Carolina Appraiser License: Appraiser Apprentice
How to become an appraiser in South Carolina
Your path to become an appraiser in South Carolina begins at the Trainee level. In South Carolina, Trainees are called Appraiser Apprentices. As an Apprentice, you will gain hands-on experience evaluating residential properties under the guidance of a Certified Supervisory Appraiser. Your supervisor will teach you how to inspect properties, conduct market research, and develop appraisal reports.
Follow these steps to become an Appraiser Apprentice in South Carolina:
Step 1: Complete 79 hours of qualifying education, including three AQB Basic Qualifying Education courses (75 hours) and a South Carolina Supervisor-Trainee course (4 hours).
Step 2: Find a Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser who will act as your supervisor during your apprenticeship.
Step 3: Submit your application and background check to the South Carolina Appraisers Board.
You must also be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or certificate of equivalency.
Important: Verify all steps and requirements with the South Carolina licensing board. For more information, contact the South Carolina Real Estate Appraisers Board at 803.896.4630.
South Carolina Appraiser Apprentice (79 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education:
79 Hours:
Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hours) (QE-1)
Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hours) (QE-2)
15-hour National USPAP Course or Equivalent (QE-3)
Supervisor/Trainee Course for South Carolina (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 South Carolina
Should I get my South Carolina appraiser license?
Are you looking for a flexible, steady, well-paying career in real estate? Becoming an appraiser in South Carolina gives you the opportunity to own your own business without excessive start-up costs or high risks. Even when the real estate market slows down, you’ll see a need for appraisers to provide valuations for estate planning or settling a divorce. This offers you more control over your income and schedule.
How long does it take to become an appraiser in SC?
Ready to become an appraiser in South Carolina? The first step—becoming an Appraiser Apprentice—can be completed in as little as a few weeks or months. The full process to become a Licensed, Certified Residential, or Certified General Appraiser can be completed in a little over 6 months, 12 months, or 18 months, respectively.
McKissock Learning offers both livestream courses and on-demand, self-paced options. Learn at your own pace, as it fits your schedule!
How much do Apprentice Appraisers make?
The average annual income for Trainee Appraisers nationwide is $53,218, according to McKissock’s 2023 Appraisal Salary Guide. Generally, the higher your license level, the more you can earn. You can expect a pay bump once you advance beyond the Trainee/Apprentice level to Licensed, Certified Residential, or Certified General Appraiser.
Helpful resources:
South Carolina Appraiser License: Licensed Appraiser
How to become a Licensed Appraiser in South Carolina
In South Carolina, a Licensed Appraiser (also known as a home appraiser or Licensed Residential Appraiser) is able to 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 $250,000
- 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 Appraiser in South Carolina:
Step 1: Complete 154 total hours of required education (75 hours on top of the 79 hours acquired to become a Trainee).
Step 2: Complete 1,000 hours of supervised appraisal experience, completed in no fewer than 6 months.
Step 3: Submit your application package to the South Carolina Appraisers Board, including proof of coursework completion and supervised experience.
Step 4: Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Licensed Residential Appraisers.
You must also be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or certificate of equivalency.
Important: Verify all steps and requirements with the South Carolina licensing board. For more information, contact the South Carolina Real Estate Appraisers Board at 803.896.4630.
South Carolina Licensed Appraiser (154 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education:
154 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours (QE-1)
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours (QE-2)
15-hour National USPAP Course or Equivalent (QE-3)
Supervisor/Trainee Course for South Carolina (4 hours)
Residential Market Analysis & Highest and Best Use – 15 hours (QE-4)
Residential Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach – 15 hours (QE-5)
Residential Sales Comparison and Income Approaches – 30 hours (QE-6)
Residential Report Writing and Case Studies – 15 hours (QE-7)
Experience: 1,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in not less than 6 months.
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College Education: No college-level education required.
Online Limitations
Roster
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Licensed Appraiser in South Carolina
How much do home appraisers make in SC?
According to Salary.com, the typical salary for residential real estate appraisers in South Carolina ranges from $48,826 to $98,365, with experienced appraisers earning more.1,2 The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the mean annual wage of South Carolina property appraisers and assessors as $59,960.3 Glassdoor gives a higher number, estimating that South Carolina home appraisers make an average salary of $120,297 per year.4
Factors that influence an appraiser’s income include license level, years of experience, location, number of hours worked per week, and advanced skills or certifications.
Once I have my South Carolina appraiser license, then what?
After becoming a licensed or certified appraiser, you will need to maintain your credential with Continuing Education (CE). In South Carolina, this means completing 28 hours of approved appraisal CE courses within your 2-year license renewal period, including the 7-hour USPAP course.
Helpful resources:
Sources cited:
- Appraiser (Residential Real Estate) Salary in South Carolina (Salary.com)
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in South Carolina (Salary.com)
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in South Carolina (Glassdoor)
South Carolina Appraiser License: Certified Residential
How to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in South Carolina
A Certified Residential Appraiser in South Carolina can evaluate any residential property with 1-4 units, regardless of its complexity or value. This includes evaluating vacant or unimproved land suitable for 1-4 family use.
Follow these steps to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in South Carolina:
Step 1: Complete 204 hours of required education (125 hours on top of the 79 hours acquired to become a Trainee).
Step 2: Complete 1,500 of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer than 12 months.
Step 3: Submit your application package to the South Carolina Appraisers Board, including proof of coursework completion and supervised experience.
Step 4: Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified Residential Appraisers.
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 Appraisers who have been licensed for a minimum of 5 years and have been in good standing for the past 5 years.
Important: Verify all steps and requirements with the South Carolina licensing board. For more information, contact the South Carolina Real Estate Appraisers Board at 803.896.4630.
South Carolina Certified Residential Appraiser (204 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education:
204 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours (QE-1)
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours (QE-2)
15-hour National USPAP Course or Equivalent (QE-3)
Supervisor/Trainee Course for South Carolina (4 hours)
Residential Market Analysis & Highest and Best Use – 15 hours (QE-4)
Residential Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach – 15 hours (QE-5)
Residential Sales Comparison and Income Approaches – 30 hours (QE-6)
Residential Report Writing and Case Studies – 15 hours (QE-7)
Statistics, Modeling and Finance – 15 hours (QE-8)
Advanced Residential Applications and Case Studies – 15 hours (QE-9)
Appraisal Subject Matter Electives – 20 hours (QE-E)
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 South Carolina
How much do Certified Residential Appraisers make in SC?
The salary for upper-level residential real estate appraisers in South Carolina typically ranges from $67,662 to $98,365, according to Salary.com.1 Glassdoor gives a higher estimate, stating that South Carolina residential appraisers make an average salary of $120,297 per year.2
Certified Residential Appraisers tend to earn more than Licensed Appraisers because they have greater skills and experience. Furthermore, they are permitted to perform a wider variety of appraisal assignments, including complex appraisals, luxury home appraisals, and other assignments for which they can charge higher fees.
Helpful resources:
- South Carolina Licensing Information
- Real Estate Appraiser Exam Prep
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade
Sources cited:
South Carolina Appraiser License: Certified General
How to become a Certified General Appraiser in South Carolina
In South Carolina, Certified General Appraisers (or commercial appraisers) have no limitations on the properties they can assess. They are permitted to appraise all single-family homes, multi-family units, farms, industrial spaces, and commercial properties. The sky’s the limit!
Follow these steps to become a Certified General Appraiser in South Carolina:
Step 1: Complete 304 total hours of required education (225 hours on top of the 79 hours acquired to become a Trainee).
Step 2: Complete 3,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer than 18 months, including 1,500 hours in non-residential appraisal work.
Step 3: Submit your application package to the South Carolina Appraisers Board, including proof of coursework completion and supervised experience.
Step 4: Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified General Appraisers.
You must also have a Bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited college or university.
Important: Verify all steps and requirements with the South Carolina licensing board. For more information, contact the South Carolina Real Estate Appraisers Board at 803.896.4630.
South Carolina Certified General Appraiser (304 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education:
304 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours (QE-1)
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours (QE-2)
15-hour National USPAP Course or Equivalent (QE-3)
Supervisor/Trainee Course for South Carolina (4 hours)
General Appraiser Market Analysis & Highest and Best Use – 30 hours (QE-10)
General Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach – 30 hours (QE-12)
General Appraiser Sales Comparison Approach – 30 hours (QE-11)
General Appraiser Report Writing and Case Studies – 30 hours (QE-14)
Statistics, Modeling and Finance – 15 hours (QE-8)
General Appraiser Income Approach – 60 hours (QE-13)
Appraisal Subject Matter Electives – 30 hours (QE-E)
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 South Carolina
Do I need a college degree to be a Certified General Appraiser in SC?
Yes. A Bachelor’s degree in any field of study from an accredited college or university is required to become a Certified General Appraiser in South Carolina.
How much do Certified General Appraisers make in SC?
According to Salary.com, the average salary for South Carolina commercial real estate appraisers ranges from $42,875 to $130,208, depending on job level.1,2 Glassdoor estimates that commercial appraisers in South Carolina make an average salary of $101,835 per year.3
A Certified General Appraiser’s salary can vary significantly according to their experience level, location, number of hours worked per week, and specialty area (e.g., hospitality, commercial/industrial, agricultural).