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How to Become an Appraiser in Washington 

A career in real estate appraisal offers many advantages, such as the opportunity to earn a good living, have a flexible schedule, be your own boss, and do challenging work.  

Do you want to know how to become an appraiser in Washington State, or how to upgrade your classification? No matter where you’re at along your career path, McKissock Learning offers all the appraisal courses and resources you need to thrive. 

An aerial view of Newport Shores neighborhood along the shores of Lake Washington in Bellevue

Washington Appraiser License: Trainee

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

Your path to becoming a real estate appraiser in Washington State begins as an Appraiser Trainee. As a State-Registered Trainee, you’ll work under a supervising appraiser to gain valuable on-the-job experience. Your supervisor will oversee your work as you practice inspecting properties, analyzing market data, and developing appraisal reports.  

Follow these steps to become a State-Registered Real Estate Appraiser Trainee in Washington State:  

Step 1: Complete the required education. 

You’ll need to take and pass 79 hours of Washington appraisal education, including three AQB basic qualifying education courses and a Supervisor/Trainee course: 

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

Step 2: Connect with a supervisor. 

You must find a certified real estate appraiser who will serve as your Supervising Appraiser. Your supervisor will manage your training and take responsibility for your appraisal reports during your stint as a Trainee. Step 1 and Step 2 can be done simultaneously.  

Step 3: Apply for your Trainee license. 

Apply for your State-Registered Appraiser Trainee license with the Washington State Department of Licensing. Your application package should include: 

  • Real Estate Appraiser Trainee Registration Application 
  • Course completion certificates 
  • License fee 

Important: Verify all requirements with the Washington State licensing board. For more info, contact the Real Estate Appraiser Department of Licensing (DOL) at 360.664.6504. 

Next steps after submitting your application 

Allow at least 2 weeks for the DOL to process your application. Next, you should receive an invitation from your supervisor, which you’ll need to accept before you can begin training. The DOL will notify both you and your supervisor once you’re approved to begin your experience training. 

While working as a Trainee, you’ll need to keep an experience log to document your appraisal assignments. On top of that, you must also complete additional licensing and certification courses and then pass a national exam to become either a State Licensed, Certified Residential, or Certified General Real Estate Appraiser in Washington State. 

Go to the “State Licensed,” “Certified Residential,” and “Certified General” tabs at the top of this page to learn the requirements for obtaining each classification. 

Washington 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 Washington – 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

Washington State Department of Licensing, Appraisers
Website: http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/appraisers/
Phone: 3606646504
Fax: 3605860998
Address: PO Box 9048, Olympia, WA 98504
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FAQs about how to become an appraiser in Washington State 

How long can I be an Appraiser Trainee in Washington? 

Your initial Trainee license will expire two years after being issued. You can renew up to two times, if necessary. Therefore, you can remain a Trainee for up to six years total. You must complete 28 hours of approved continuing education (CE) courses, including the 7-Hour National USPAP Update course, for each renewal. 

How much do Appraiser Trainees make?  

The nationwide average annual income for Appraiser Trainees is $53,218, according to McKissock’s 2023 Appraisal Salary Guide. Once you become a fully licensed or certified real estate appraiser, you can expect a pay bump. 

Can I work for myself as an appraiser in Washington?  

Yes. Once you are fully licensed or certified, you can begin performing appraisals independently (without a supervisor). At that point, you may choose to start your own appraisal business so that you can be your own boss and control your schedule. Alternatively, you may decide to work as a full-time employee for a bank, government agency, or large appraisal firm. 

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