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How to Become an Appraiser in Vermont 

Considering a career as a real estate appraiser? The appraisal profession offers many benefits, including the opportunity to be your own boss, earn a good living, and do interesting work.  

Whether you’re looking for information on how to become an appraiser in Vermont or how to upgrade your current license, McKissock Learning offers the appraisal courses you need to achieve your career goals. 

Montpelier town skyline at autumn in Vermont

Vermont Appraiser License: Trainee

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

How to become an appraiser in Vermont 

To become a real estate appraiser in Vermont, the first thing you’ll need to do is get your Trainee license. As a Trainee Appraiser, you’ll work under the direct supervision of a certified appraiser for at least 6 months 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 produce appraisal reports. 

Here’s an overview of the steps you’ll need to take to become a Trainee Appraiser:  

Step 1: Complete the required education. 

You’ll need to pass 79 hours of Vermont appraisal pre-licensing education, including three AQB Basic Qualifying Education courses and a Supervisor/Trainee orientation course: 

  • Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hours) 
  • Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hours) 
  • 15-Hour National USPAP Course (15 hours) 
  • Supervisor/Trainee Course for Vermont (4 hours) 

Step 2: Find a supervisor. 

You must find a supervising appraiser who will oversee your training and take responsibility for your work during your stint as a Trainee. Your supervisor must be a Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser who is in good standing. You are allowed to have more than one supervising appraiser. 

To save time, we recommend searching for your supervisor(s) while completing the required appraisal courses in Step 1. 

Step 3: Apply for your Trainee license. 

Apply to become a Trainee Appraiser by submitting the following items to the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation for Real Estate Appraisers: 

  • Online application and fee 
  • Course completion certificates 
  • Supervising appraiser 
  • Fingerprint background check 

Important: Double-check all requirements with your state regulatory agency. Contact the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation at 802.828.1505 for more information. 

Next steps after becoming a Trainee Appraiser 

Once you’re a licensed Trainee, you can begin working and earning money under your supervising appraiser. In addition to logging a specified amount of appraisal experience, you’ll need to take some licensing and certification courses and pass a national exam to become a fully licensed or certified real estate appraiser in Vermont.  

You’ll need to work as a Trainee for a minimum of 6–18 months before you can apply for your Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, or Certified General Appraiser license.  

After that, you can work independently (without a supervising appraiser). You might choose to start your own appraisal business and work for yourself as an independent fee appraiser. Or you could find a full-time job at a bank, government agency, or large appraisal firm. 

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. 

Vermont 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 Vermont – 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

Vermont Office of Professional Regulation
Phone: 8028283228
Fax: 8028282484
Address: National Life Building, Montpelier, VT 05620

FAQs about how to become an appraiser in Vermont 

How long does it take to become an appraiser in Vermont? 

The first step—becoming a Trainee Appraiser—can be completed in as little as a few weeks. The full process to become a Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, or Certified General Appraiser can be completed in a little over 6 months, 12 months, or 18 months, respectively. 

How much do Trainee Appraisers make? 

The average annual income for Trainee Appraisers 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 level to Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, or Certified General Appraiser. 

Which Vermont appraisal license requires the least schooling? 

The Licensed Residential Appraiser classification requires the least amount of schooling and experience. You don’t need any college education to become a Licensed Appraiser in Vermont. Also, the number of appraisal courses needed to obtain this classification is lower compared to the other two license classifications (Certified Residential and Certified General). The number of required appraisal experience hours is lower, too. 

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

What are the continuing education requirements for Trainee Appraisers in Vermont? 

Vermont continuing education requirements stipulate that Trainee Appraisers are required to take 14 CE hours every 12 months. A mandatory 7-Hour USPAP course is due every 2 years. Online CE courses are permitted. 

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