How to Become an Appraiser in Tennessee
Do you want to know how to become an appraiser in Tennessee or how to upgrade your current appraiser license? Here’s how to meet the state requirements. Once you’re ready to get started, McKissock Learning provides the appraisal courses and support you need to achieve your goals on a timeline that works for you.
Tennessee Appraiser License: Registered Trainee
How to become an appraiser in Tennessee
To become a real estate appraiser in Tennessee, the first thing you’ll need to do is get your Registered Trainee license. As a Trainee Appraiser, you’ll work under the direct supervision of a certified appraiser to gain mandatory on-the-job appraisal experience. You will learn the nuts and bolts of the job, including how to inspect properties, research market trends, select comparable sales, and write appraisal reports.
Follow these steps to become a Registered Trainee Appraiser in Tennessee:
Step 1: Complete 79 hours of Trainee education, including 75 hours of AQB Basic Qualifying Education and a 4-hour Supervisor-Trainee orientation course.
Step 2: Connect with a Certified Supervisory Appraiser who will agree to oversee your on-the-job training.
Step 3: Submit your application and background check to the Tennessee Real Estate Appraiser Commission.
Important: Verify all steps and requirements with the Tennessee appraiser licensing board. For more information, contact the Tennessee Real Estate Appraiser Commission at 615.741.1831.
Tennessee Registered 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 – 4 hours
Governing Agency
FAQs about how to become an appraiser in Tennessee
What’s the role of a Tennessee real estate appraiser?
Real estate appraisers in Tennessee evaluate properties without bias to buyers or sellers, considering factors like size and condition. They also research local markets to determine insights from comparable properties and use their findings to draw up appraisal reports outlining their professional opinion of the property’s value.
Should I get my Tennessee appraiser license?
Becoming an appraiser in Tennessee can be a great career move, whether you’re looking for a flexible schedule or want to own your own business. You’ll likely find a steady demand for appraisers, especially for tasks like estate planning or divorce settlements, even when the real estate market is slow. This allows control over your income and flexibility in your schedule.
How long does it take to become an appraiser in TN?
The first step, becoming a Registered Trainee, can be done in as little as a few weeks or months. Complete the 79 hours of required qualifying education at your own pace and connect with a Certified Supervisory Appraiser. Next, simply submit your application and go through a background check for approval to obtain your Registered Trainee license.
At that point, you can begin working and earning money under your supervisor while gaining the required appraisal experience and completing some additional qualifying education courses to become fully licensed or certified. This will take at least 6 months, 12 months, or 18 months to complete—depending on which license level you decide to pursue.
Go to the “Licensed Residential,” “Certified Residential,” and “Certified General” tabs at the top of this page to learn the specific requirements for each license level.
To help expedite the process, McKissock offers both livestream courses for interactive learning and self-paced courses that you can access whenever your schedule allows.
Helpful resources:
Tennessee Appraiser License: State Licensed
How to become a State Licensed Appraiser in Tennessee
In Tennessee, a State Licensed Appraiser (sometimes called a home appraiser or Licensed Residential 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 $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 State Licensed Real Estate Appraiser in Tennessee:
Step 1: Complete 154 total hours of appraiser education (75 hours on top of the 79 hours to become a Trainee).
Step 2: Acquire 1,000 hours of supervised appraisal experience in no less than 6 months.
Step 3: Apply for your State Licensed Real Estate Appraiser credential by submitting your application package, including proof of coursework completion and supervised experience, to the Tennessee Real Estate Appraiser Commission.
Step 4: Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Licensed Residential Appraisers.
Important: Verify all steps and requirements with the Tennessee appraiser licensing board. For more information, contact the Tennessee Real Estate Appraiser Commission at 615.741.1831.
Tennessee State Licensed Appraiser (154 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 – 4 hours
- Residential Market Analysis and Highest And Best Use – 15 hours (classroom only)
- Residential Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach – 15 hours (classroom only)
- Residential Sales Comparison and Income Approaches – 30 hours (classroom only)
- Residential Report Writing and Case Studies – 15 hours (classroom only)
FAQs about becoming a Licensed Appraiser in Tennessee
Once I have my Tennessee appraiser license, then what?
After becoming a licensed or certified appraiser, you will need to maintain your credential with Continuing Education (CE). In Tennessee, this means you must take 28 hours of approved appraisal CE courses within your 2-year license renewal period, including the 7-hour USPAP course. These courses may be taken online.
How much do home appraisers make in TN?
According to Salary.com, the salary for residential real estate appraisers in Tennessee typically ranges from $47,895 to $96,490, depending on job level.1,2 The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the mean annual wage of Tennessee property appraisers and assessors as $73,140.3 Glassdoor gives a much higher number, estimating that Tennessee home appraisers make $122,545 per year, on average.4
Significant factors that impact a real estate appraiser’s income are license level, years of experience, location, number of hours worked per week, and advanced skills or certifications.
Helpful resources:
Sources cited:
- Appraiser (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Tennessee (Salary.com)
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Tennessee (Salary.com)
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in Tennessee (Glassdoor)
Tennessee Appraiser License: Certified Residential
How to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Tennessee
Tennessee Certified Residential Appraisers (also called home appraisers) can evaluate any residential property with 1-4 units, no matter the complexity or transactional value. They can also assess empty land fit for 1-4 family use.
Follow these steps to become a State Certified Residential Appraiser in Tennessee:
Step 1: Complete 204 total hours of appraiser education (125 hours on top of the 79 hours to become a Trainee).
Step 2: Acquire 1,500 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no less than 12 months.
Step 3: Apply for your State Certified Residential Appraiser credential by submitting your application package, including proof of coursework completion and supervised experience, to the Tennessee Real Estate Appraiser Commission.
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) exams that cover specified topics
- Any combination of college credit or CLEP credit in 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.
Important: Verify all steps and requirements with the Tennessee appraiser licensing board. For more information, contact the Tennessee Real Estate Appraiser Commission at 615.741.1831.
Tennessee Certified Residential Appraiser (204 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 – 4 hours
- Residential Market Analysis and Highest and Best Use – 15 hours (classroom only)
- Residential Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach – 15 hours (classroom only)
- Residential Sales Comparison and Income Approaches – 30 hours (classroom only)
- Residential Report Writing and Case Studies – 15 hours (classroom only)
- Statistics, Modeling, and Finance – 15 hours (classroom only)
- Advanced Residential Applications and Case Studies – 15 hours (classroom only)
- Appraisal Subject Matter Electives 20 hours (classroom only)
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified Residential Appraiser in Tennessee
How much do Certified Residential Appraisers make in Tennessee?
While salary may vary due to factors like location and experience, the salary range for upper-level residential real estate appraisers in Tennessee typically falls between $66,371 and $96,490, according to Salary.com.1 Glassdoor estimates that Tennessee home appraisers make an average salary of $122,545 per year.2
Certified Residential Appraisers tend to earn more than Licensed Appraisers because they have more advanced skills and experience. They are allowed to perform complex appraisals, luxury appraisals, and other assignments for which they can make more money.
Do I need a degree to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Tennessee?
No, not necessarily. If you have been a State Licensed Appraiser in good standing for at least 5 years, you do not need any college education to upgrade to Certified Residential. Otherwise, you must have at least some college credits or CLEP exams. See above to review the various options for meeting the college level education requirement.
Helpful resources:
- Tennessee Licensing Information
- Real Estate Appraiser Exam Prep
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade
Sources cited:
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Tennessee (Salary.com)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in Tennessee (Glassdoor)
Tennessee Appraiser License: Certified General
How to become a Certified General Appraiser in Tennessee
A Tennessee Certified General Appraiser (also called a commercial appraiser) can appraise any type of property, from single-family homes to commercial spaces. This includes everything from farmland to strip malls to airports—the sky’s the limit!
Follow these steps to become a State Certified General Appraiser in Tennessee:
Step 1: Complete 304 total hours of appraiser education (225 hours on top of the 79 hours 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: Apply for your State Certified General Appraiser credential by submitting your application package, including proof of coursework completion and supervised experience, to the Tennessee Real Estate Appraiser Commission.
Step 4: Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified General Appraisers.
You must also hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in any field of study.
Important: Verify all steps and requirements with the Tennessee appraiser licensing board. For more information, contact the Tennessee Real Estate Appraiser Commission at 615.741.1831.
Tennessee Certified General Appraiser (304 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 – 4 hours
- General Appraiser Market Analysis and Highest and Best Use – 30 hours (classroom only)
- Statistics, Modeling and Finance – 15 hours (classroom only)
- General Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach – 30 hours (classroom only)
- General Appraiser Sales Comparison Approach – 30 hours (classroom only)
- General Appraiser Income Approach – 60 hours (classroom only)
- General Appraiser Report Writing and Case Studies – 30 hours (classroom only)
- Appraisal Subject Matter Electives – 30 hours (classroom only)
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified General Appraiser in Tennessee
Do I need a college degree to be a Certified General Appraiser in TN?
Yes, a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university is necessary to become a Certified General Appraiser in Tennessee.
How much do Certified General Appraisers earn in TN?
According to Salary.com, the average salary for Tennessee commercial real estate appraisers ranges from $42,058 to $127,726, depending on job level.1,2 Glassdoor estimates that commercial appraisers in Tennessee make an average salary of $110,931 per year.3
A commercial appraiser’s salary can vary significantly due to their experience level, location, specialization (e.g., hospitality, commercial/industrial, agricultural), and how many hours they work per week.