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How to Become an Appraiser in Texas

Whether you want to own your own business, have more control over your income, or enjoy a flexible schedule, obtaining your Texas appraiser license is a great option. And if you’re already an appraiser, upgrading your license can provide you with more opportunities to diversify your income, take on more challenging projects, and grow your existing business. No matter where you are in your career journey, whether you’re just starting out or well on your way, McKissock Learning will help you meet your education requirements.

 

TX Appraiser Trainee QE Requirements

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

Steps to Earn Your TX Appraisal License

The first step to become an appraiser in Texas is to be an Appraiser Trainee. During this stage, you’re learning how to evaluate properties, conduct research, and write reports.

Step 1: Complete the required education which includes:

Step 2: Pass the background check by submitting your fingerprints to the Texas Department of Security (DPS). If a background investigation is required, there could be a delay in processing the application.

Step 3: Choose a supervisory appraiser who will provide diligent supervision over all appraisal work. You can start seeking a supervisory appraiser while you are completing your qualifying education to ensure you have one lined up.

Step 4: Once you’ve met these requirements, you can submit your application to become an Appraiser Trainee either online or through the mail to the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (TALCB). This usually only takes about a week, but it can vary. You will also need to pay a licensing fee of $250 plus a $5 Texas Online Fee.

Once TALCB processes and approves your application, they will send your trainee license to you. After receiving your trainee credentials, you can begin working with your supervisor and earning an income as an appraiser.

What does a Texas real estate appraiser do?

An appraiser determines the current fair market value of a property. This is primarily used for a potential buyer or for a homeowner seeking to refinance their mortgage, though appraisers are also needed to determine a property’s value during estate planning, a divorce settlement, or a tax assessment.

An appraiser determines the value of the property by performing a comprehensive on-site inspection, including the condition of the interior and exterior, amenities, lot size, property square footage, and other property-specific details. However, the on-site inspection is only a portion of the project. An appraiser also conducts research into the current real estate market and comparable local properties to provide the most accurate value. Once they have their on-site inspection and off-site research complete, they’ll use the information to draft their appraisal report.

Texas Trainee Appraiser (75 hours) – AQB recommended course order

  • Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours
  • Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours
  • National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours

Online Info

Required Education: 
79 Hours.
   Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours 
   Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours 
   National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours 
   AQB 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

No online limitations.

Roster

Roster Required: yes

Governing Agency

Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (TALCB)
Phone: 5129363001
Fax: 5129369366
Address: 1700 North Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701

Good To Know

Texas appraisers have a distinct advantage over appraisers in other states because the housing market is stronger and more stable than it is in most other locations which means there’s a continued demand. While this is especially true in cities like Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston, even areas with lower populations have a need for real estate appraisers.