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How to Become an Appraiser in Washington DC 

There are many reasons to choose a career in real estate appraisal. Appraisers cite the opportunity to have a flexible schedule, earn a good living, and do challenging work among the top reasons they enjoy their career.  

Do you want to know how to become an appraiser in Washington DC or how to upgrade your current license? Here’s a breakdown of Washington DC appraiser license requirements. McKissock Learning has the Washington DC appraisal courses you need to achieve your career goals. 

Capitol Hill, District of Columbia, in Springtime

Washington DC Appraiser License: Trainee

Total Hours Required: 79 hrs
Mandatory Hours: —
Elective Hours: —
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How to become an appraiser in DC 

Your path to become an appraiser in Washington DC begins as a Trainee Appraiser. At the trainee level, you’ll work under a Certified Supervisory Appraiser to learn the ropes and gain the work experience you need to become a licensed or certified appraiser. You will learn how to evaluate properties, conduct market research, and complete appraisal reports.  

Earn your Appraiser Trainee license

Here’s an overview of the steps you’ll need to follow to get your Trainee license:  

Step 1: Complete the required education. 

You’ll need to pass 79 hours of Washington DC trainee appraiser education, which includes three Basic Qualifying Education courses plus a required Supervisor/Trainee course: 

  • Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hours) 
  • Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hours) 
  • 15-hour National USPAP Course or equivalent (15 hours) 
  • Supervisor/Trainee Course (4 hours) 

Step 2: Connect with a Supervisory Appraiser. 

You’ll need to find a Certified Supervisory Appraiser who will agree to supervise your on-the-job training. You can start looking for a supervisor while taking your pre-licensing courses. 

Step 3: Apply for your Trainee license. 

To apply for your Trainee Appraiser license, submit the following to the DC Board of Real Estate Appraisers (DCBREA): 

  • Appraiser Trainee license application 
  • Education completion certificates 
  • Government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license) 
  • Application fee 

Important: Verify all requirements with the Washington DC licensing board. For additional information, contact DCBREA at 202.442.4320. 

Next steps to become a licensed or certified appraiser in Washington DC 

Once you have your Trainee Appraiser license, you can begin working under your supervisor to log your required work experience hours. Meanwhile, you will also need to complete additional appraisal education and pass a national exam to become a fully licensed or certified appraiser in DC.  

You’ll need to work with a supervisor for at least 6–18 months before you can apply for your Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, or Certified General Appraiser license. At that point, you’ll be permitted to work independently (without a supervisor) and even start your own appraisal business. 

Navigate to the “Licensed Residential,” “Certified Residential,” and “Certified General” tabs at the top of this page to see the requirements for earning those licenses. 

Washington DC 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 (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
Roster Process: Rosters are only required for QE, they are mailed the last day of the Month.
Roster Sent Every 15 days

Governing Agency

DC Real Estate Appraisers Board
Website: https://dlcp.dc.gov/realestateappraisers
Phone: 2024424320
Fax: 2026984329
Address: 1100 4th Street SW, Suite E500, Washington, DC 20024
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Good to Know: FAQs about how to become an appraiser in DC 

How long does it take to become an appraiser in Washington DC? 

The first step—becoming a Trainee Appraiser—can be done in as little as a few weeks. At that point, you can begin working and earning money under a supervisor appraiser. The full process to become a licensed or certified appraiser can be done in about 6 months to a year and a half, depending on which license level you pursue. 

How much do Trainee Appraisers make? 

The nationwide average annual income for Trainee Appraisers was $53,218 in 2022, according to McKissock’s 2023 Appraisal Salary Guide. Once you become a licensed or certified appraiser, you can expect to earn significantly more. The average income for appraisers across all license levels was $102,620 in 2022.  

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