How to Become an Appraiser in Virginia
Do you want to know how become an appraiser in Virginia or how to take your career to the next level? Learn the requirements to earn or upgrade your Virginia appraisal license. McKissock Learning makes the process easier by providing the appraisal courses and support you need on an easy-to-use platform.
Virginia Appraiser License: Trainee
How to become an appraiser in Virginia
To become a real estate appraiser in Virginia, the first thing you’ll need to do is earn your Trainee Appraiser license. As a Trainee, you’ll work under the direct supervision of a Certified Supervisory Appraiser to gain hands-on appraisal experience and learn how to perform on-site property inspections, research market data, and write appraisal reports.
Follow these steps to become a Trainee Appraiser in Virginia:
Step 1: Complete 79 hours of required appraisal education, including three AQB Basic Qualifying Education courses (75 hours) and a Supervisor-Trainee orientation course.
Step 2: Connect with a Certified Supervisory Appraiser who will supervise your on-the-job training.
Step 3: Submit your application and background check to the Virginia Real Estate Appraiser Board.
Important: Verify all steps and requirements with the Virginia licensing board. For more information, contact the Real Estate Appraiser Board of the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) at 804.367.2039.
Virginia 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 Virginia
What’s the role of a Virginia real estate appraiser?
Real estate appraisers in Virginia 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 Virginia appraiser license?
Becoming an appraiser in Virginia can be a smart career choice. It’s low-risk and affordable. Your services are always needed, even during slow real estate markets, especially for things like estate planning or divorce settlements. This gives you the freedom to control your income and set your own schedule.
If you’re looking for a flexible career with good income potential and the option to be your own boss, consider becoming a real estate appraiser.
How long does it take to become an appraiser in Virginia?
The first step—obtaining your Trainee Appraiser credential—can be completed in as little as a few weeks or months. At that point, you can begin working and earning money under your supervisor. The full process to become a Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, or Certified General Appraiser will require at least an another 6 months, 12 months, or 18 months, respectively.
McKissock provides livestream courses for interactive learning, as well as self-paced options that you can access at your convenience!
Helpful resources:
Virginia Appraiser License: Licensed Residential
How to become a Licensed Residential Appraiser in Virginia
In the state of Virginia, a Licensed Residential Appraiser (also called a home appraiser) is permitted 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 Residential Appraiser in Virginia:
Step 1: Complete 154 total hours of required education (75 hours in addition to the 79 hours to become a Trainee).
Step 2: Gain 1,000 hours of supervised appraisal experience in no less than 6 months.
Step 3: Apply for your Licensed Residential Appraiser credential by submitting your application package, including proof of coursework completion and supervised appraisal experience, to the Virginia Real Estate Appraiser Board.
Step 4: Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Licensed Residential Appraisers.
Important: Verify all steps and requirements with the Virginia licensing board. For more information, contact the Real Estate Appraiser Board of the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) at 804.367.2039.
Virginia Licensed Residential 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
- 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
FAQs about becoming a Licensed Residential Appraiser in Virginia
How much do home appraisers make in VA?
According to Salary.com, the salary for residential real estate appraisers in Virginia typically falls between $51,877 and $104,513, with experienced appraisers earning more.1,2 The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the mean annual wage of Virginia property appraisers and assessors as $68,880.3 Glassdoor gives a much higher number, estimating that Virginia home appraisers make an average salary of $133,627 per year.4
Appraisal income is influenced by factors like license level, years of experience, location, hours worked per week, and advanced skills or professional 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 appraise a wider variety of properties
- 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 Virginia.
Once I have my Virginia appraiser license, then what?
After becoming a licensed or certified appraiser, you will need to maintain your credential with Continuing Education (CE). In Virginia, this means you’ll need to complete 28 hours of approved appraisal CE courses every 2 years, including the 7-hour USPAP course. These CE courses can be taken online.
Helpful resources:
- Virginia Licensing Information
- Real Estate Appraiser Exam Prep
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade
Sources cited:
- Appraiser (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Virginia (Salary.com)
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Virginia (Salary.com)
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in Virginia (Glassdoor)
Virginia Appraiser License: Certified Residential
How to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Virginia
As a Virginia Certified Residential Appraiser (also called a home appraiser), you can appraise any home with 1-4 units, no matter the value or complexity. You may also assess empty land fit for 1-4 family use.
Follow these steps to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Virginia:
Step 1: Complete 204 total hours of required education (125 hours in addition to the 79 hours to become a Trainee).
Step 2: Gain 1,500 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no less than 12 months.
Step 3: Apply for your Certified Residential Appraiser credential by submitting your application package, including proof of coursework completion and supervised appraisal experience, to the Virginia Real Estate Appraiser Board.
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 Residential 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 Virginia licensing board. For more information, contact the Real Estate Appraiser Board of the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) at 804.367.2039.
Virginia 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
- 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 or Finance – 15 hours
- Advanced Residential Applications and Case Studies 15 hours
- Appraisal Subject Matter Electives 20 hours
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified Residential Appraiser in Virginia
How much do Certified Residential Appraisers make in VA?
The salary for upper-level residential real estate appraisers in Virginia typically ranges from $71,890 to $104,513, according to Salary.com.1 Glassdoor estimates that Virginia home appraisers make an average salary of $133,627 per year.2
Certified Residential Appraisers usually earn more than Licensed Residential Appraisers because they have more advanced knowledge and training. They are allowed to perform complex appraisals, luxury home appraisals, and other assignments for which they can earn more money per appraisal.
Do I need a degree to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Virginia?
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 level education to upgrade your license to Certified Residential. If not, then you must have at least some college credits or CLEP exams. See above to review all your options for meeting the college education requirement.
Helpful resources:
- Virginia Licensing Information
- Real Estate Appraiser Exam Prep
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade
Sources cited:
Virginia Appraiser License: Certified General
How to become a Certified General Appraiser in Virginia
A Virginia Certified General Appraiser (also called a commercial appraiser) can appraise any type of property, from single-family homes to commercial spaces—including strip malls, hotels, airports, farmland, industrial facilities, and much more.
Follow these steps to become a Certified General Appraiser in Virginia:
Step 1: Complete 304 total hours of required education (225 hours in addition to 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 property.
Step 3: Apply for your Certified General Appraiser credential by submitting your application package, including proof of coursework completion and supervised appraisal experience, to the Virginia Real Estate Appraiser Board.
Step 4: Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified General Appraisers.
You must also have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in any field of study.
Important: Verify all steps and requirements with the Virginia licensing board. For more information, contact the Real Estate Appraiser Board of the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) at 804.367.2039.
Virginia 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
- Statistics, Modeling and Finance – 15 hours
- General Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach – 30 hours
- General Appraiser Sales Comparison Approach – 30 hours
- General Appraiser Income Approach – 60 hours
- General Appraiser Report Writing and Case Studies – 30 hours
- Appraisal Subject Matter Electives – 30 hours
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified General Appraiser in Virginia
Do I need a college degree to be a Certified General Appraiser in VA?
Yes, you must hold a bachelor’s degree (in any field) from an accredited college or university to become a Certified General Appraiser in Virginia.
How much do commercial appraisers make in Virginia?
According to Salary.com, the average salary for Virginia commercial real estate appraisers ranges from $45,555 to $138,346, depending on job level.1,2 Glassdoor estimates that commercial appraisers in Virginia make an average salary of $131,492 per year.3
A commercial appraiser’s salary can vary widely based on their experience level, location, specialization (e.g., hospitality, commercial/industrial, agricultural), and number of hours worked per week.