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.
Vermont Appraiser License: Trainee
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 87 hours of Vermont appraisal pre-licensing education, including four 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)
- Valuation Bias & Fair Housing Course (8 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 (87 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education through 12/31/2025:
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
Required Education on or after January 1, 2026:
87 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours
Valuation Bias & Fair Housing Laws & Regulations – 8 hours
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Supervisor/Trainee Course – 4 hours
2026 AQB Criteria – Effective 1/1/2026
Appraisers will be required to complete a course that meets the content requirements of the Valuation Bias & Fair Housing Laws and Regulations Outline. State implementation timelines and regulatory updates may vary. Students should contact their regulatory board directly to confirm that the course is required or if they have questions.
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 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 or a couple of months. 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 $60,896, according to McKissock’s 2025 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. For an overview of the specific courses and credit hours needed, check out our page on Vermont Appraiser Continuing Education Requirements. Online CE courses are permitted.
Helpful resources
Vermont Appraiser License: Licensed Residential
How to become a Licensed Residential Appraiser in Vermont
In Vermont, Licensed Residential Appraisers (also called home appraisers) can appraise non-complex residential properties having 1–4 units and a transaction value up to $1,000,000. They can also appraise complex residential properties having 1–4 units and a transaction value up to $250,000.
To become a Licensed Residential Appraiser in Vermont, you must:
- Complete 162 hours of appraisal qualifying education courses (includes trainee courses)
- Complete 1,000 hours of acceptable work experience in no less than 6 months
- Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Licensed Residential Appraisers
Apply to become a Licensed Residential Appraiser by submitting the following items to the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation for Real Estate Appraisers:
- Online application and fee
- Course completion certificates
- Statement of Appraiser form
- Experience Narrative Form
- Vermont Appraiser Experience Log
- Fingerprint background check
- Successful completion of the Licensed Residential Real Property Appraiser Examination
Important: Double-check all requirements with your state regulatory agency. Contact the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation at 802.828.1505 for more information.
Vermont Licensed Residential Appraiser (162 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education through 12/31/2025:
154 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.
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.
Required Education on or after January 1, 2026:
162 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations – 8 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.
2026 AQB Criteria – Effective 1/1/2026
Appraisers will be required to complete a course that meets the content requirements of the Valuation Bias & Fair Housing Laws and Regulations Outline. State implementation timelines and regulatory updates may vary. Students should contact their regulatory board directly to confirm that the course is required or if they have questions
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 Residential Appraiser in Vermont
Do I need a college degree to become a Licensed Residential Appraiser in Vermont?
No. In the state of Vermont, you do not need any college education to obtain the Licensed Residential Appraiser classification.
How much do home appraisers make in Vermont?
According to Salary.com, the typical salary for residential real estate appraisers in Vermont ranges from $50,365 to $101,505, with experienced appraisers earning more.1,2 The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the mean annual wage of Vermont property appraisers and assessors as $52,410.3 Glassdoor gives a higher number, estimating that Vermont home appraisers make an average salary of $103,312 per year.4
The main factors that influence an appraiser’s income are license level, years of experience, location, hours worked per week, and advanced skills or certifications.
What is the highest level of appraiser?
The highest level of real estate appraiser is the Certified General classification. Also known as commercial appraisers, Certified General Appraisers can appraise all types of real property. They typically earn more money than home appraisers because they:
- Have more advanced skills and experience
- Can accept a wider range of assignments
- Can charge higher fees for their work
Go to the “Certified General” tab at the top of this page to learn how to upgrade your license to Certified General Appraiser in Vermont.
Helpful resources
Sources cited
- Appraiser (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Vermont (Salary.com)
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Vermont (Salary.com)
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in Vermont (Glassdoor)
Vermont Appraiser License: Certified Residential
How to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Vermont
In the state of Vermont, Certified Residential Appraisers (also called home appraisers) can appraise all 1–4 unit residential properties, without regard to transaction value or complexity. They can also appraise non-residential properties with a transaction value up to $250,000, without regard to complexity.
To become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Vermont, you must:
- Complete 204 hours of appraisal qualifying education (includes trainee courses)
- Complete 1,500 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer 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 from an accredited college or university
- Associate degree from an accredited community college, college, or university in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, 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 Licensed Residential Appraisers who have been licensed for a minimum of 5 years and have been in good standing for the past 5 years.
Apply to become a Certified Residential Appraiser by submitting the following items to the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation for Real Estate Appraisers:
- Online application and fee
- Course completion certificates
- Statement of Appraiser form
- Experience Narrative Form
- Vermont Appraiser Experience Log
- Fingerprint background check
- Successful completion of the Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser Examination
Important: Double-check all requirements with your state regulatory agency. Contact the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation at 802.828.1505 for more information.
Vermont 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 for Vermont – 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.
Required Education on or after January 1, 2026
204 Hours
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations – 8 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 – 12 hours
2026 AQB Criteria – Effective 1/1/2026
Appraisers will be required to complete a course that meets the content requirements of the Valuation Bias & Fair Housing Laws and Regulations Outline. State implementation timelines and regulatory updates may vary. Students should contact their regulatory board directly to confirm that the course is required or if they have questions
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 Vermont
How much do Certified Residential Appraisers make in Vermont?
The average salary range for upper-level residential real estate appraisers in Vermont falls between $69,817 and $101,505, according to Salary.com.1 Glassdoor estimates that Vermont home appraisers make an average salary of $103,349 per year.2
Certified Residential Appraisers tend to earn more than Licensed Residential Appraisers because they have more advanced skills and experience. They are allowed to do complex appraisals, luxury home appraisals, and other assignments for which they can charge higher fees.
Do I need a degree to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Vermont?
No, not necessarily. If you have been a Licensed Residential 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 read about alternative options for meeting the college education prerequisite.
What are the continuing education requirements for appraisers in Vermont?
Vermont licensed and certified appraisers are required to take 28 continuing education (CE) hours every 24 months. For an overview of the specific courses and credit hours needed, check out our page on Vermont Appraiser Continuing Education Requirements. All CE courses may be completed online.
Helpful resources
- Vermont Licensing Information
- Real Estate Appraiser Exam Prep
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade
Sources cited
Vermont Appraiser License: Certified General
How to become a Certified General Appraiser in Vermont
A Vermont Certified General Appraiser (also called a commercial appraiser) can appraise all types of real property, without regard to transaction value or complexity. This includes both residential and commercial properties—such as hotels, shopping malls, office buildings, apartment buildings, and farmland, to name a few examples.
To become a Certified General Appraiser in Vermont, you must:
- Complete 304 hours of appraisal qualifying education (includes trainee courses)
- Complete 3,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer 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 become a Certified General Appraiser by submitting the following items to the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation for Real Estate Appraisers:
- Online application and fee
- Course completion certificates
- Statement of Appraiser form
- Experience Narrative Form
- Vermont Appraiser Experience Log
- Fingerprint background check
- Successful completion of the Certified General Real Property Appraiser Examination
Important: Double-check all requirements with your state regulatory agency. Contact the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation at 802.828.1505 for more information.
Vermont Certified General Appraiser (304 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education through 12/31/2025:
304 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.
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.
Required Education on or after January 1, 2026:
304 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations – 8 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 – 22 hours.
2026 AQB Criteria – Effective 1/1/2026
Appraisers will be required to complete a course that meets the content requirements of the Valuation Bias & Fair Housing Laws and Regulations Outline. State implementation timelines and regulatory updates may vary. Students should contact their regulatory board directly to confirm that the course is required or if they have questions
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 commercial appraiser in Vermont
Do I need a degree to become a Certified General Appraiser in Vermont?
Yes. To upgrade your appraisal license to Certified General, you need to have a bachelor’s degree or higher in any field.
How much do commercial appraisers make in Vermont?
According to Salary.com, the average salary for Vermont commercial real estate appraisers ranges from $44,208 to $134,312, depending on job level.1,2 Glassdoor estimates that commercial appraisers in Vermont make an average salary of $97,211 per year.3
A Certified General Appraiser’s salary can vary widely based on their experience level, location, number of hours worked per week, and specialization (e.g., hospitality, commercial/industrial, agricultural).