How to Become an Appraiser in West Virginia
Interested in becoming a real estate appraiser? Looking to upgrade your license so you can diversify your business and grow your income? At every stage of your career—whether you’re asking how to become an appraiser in West Virginia or how to advance to the next license level—McKissock Learning offers the appraisal classes you need to achieve your goals.
West Virginia Appraiser License: Apprentice
How to become an appraiser in West Virginia
Your path to becoming an appraiser begins at the trainee level. In West Virginia, trainee appraisers are called Apprentices. As an Apprentice, you’ll work under a Supervisor Appraiser to gain the work experience needed to become a licensed or certified real estate appraiser. Your supervisor will teach you the practical application of appraisal principles through on-the-job training.
Steps to become an Apprentice Appraiser in WV
Step 1: Complete the required education.
You’ll need to pass 82 hours of West Virginia appraisal education, including 75 hours of AQB Basic Qualifying Education courses, a Supervisor/Trainee course, and an Appraisal Law course:
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hours)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hours)
- 15-Hour National USPAP Course or equivalent (15 hours)
- Supervisor/Trainee Course for West Virginia (4 hours)
- West Virginia Appraisal Law Course (3 hours)
Step 2: Find a supervisor.
You’ll need to find a Board Approved Supervisor and arrange for them to oversee your appraisal training. We recommend that you begin searching for a supervisor as early as possible. Steps 1 and 2 can be done at the same time.
Step 3: Apply for your Apprentice Permit.
Finally, apply for your Apprentice Permit by submitting the following items to the West Virginia Real Estate Appraiser Board:
- Apprentice Permit Application
- Apprentice Oath and Affidavit (signed and notarized)
- Board Approved Supervisor(s)
- Copy of high school diploma or equivalent
- Appraisal education completion certificates
- Criminal history background check
- Application fee
Important: Double-check all steps and requirements with the WV licensing board. For more info, contact the West Virginia Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board at 304.558.3919.
West Virginia Trainee Appraiser (82 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education:
82 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Supervisor/Trainee Course for West Virginia – 4 hours
*West Virginia Appraisal Law – 3 hours
*§190-2-11.5 Effective January 1, 2015, the applicant shall complete and pass a three (3) hour West Virginia law course, with exam, prior to obtaining the apprentice permit.
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 West Virginia
After I become an Apprentice Appraiser, then what?
Once you’ve obtained your Apprentice Permit, you can begin to work and earn money under your Supervisor Appraiser. Along with logging your on-the-job appraisal experience, you must also take additional licensing and certification courses and pass a national exam to become a licensed or certified real estate appraiser in West Virginia.
How long does it take to become an appraiser in WV?
You can fulfill the requirements to become an Apprentice in as little as a few weeks. The full process to become a licensed or certified real estate appraiser can be done in a little over six months, 12 months, or 18 months—depending on which license level you choose to pursue.
Go to the “Licensed Residential,” “Certified Residential,” and “Certified General” tabs at the top of this page to view the requirements for each license level.
What is the highest level of appraiser in WV?
The highest level of real estate appraiser is the Certified General classification. Also known as commercial appraisers, Certified General Appraisers are permitted to appraise any type of property in the state of West Virginia, from shopping malls to industrial facilities.
Helpful resources
West Virginia Appraiser License: Licensed Residential
How to become a Licensed Residential Appraiser in West Virginia
In the state of West Virginia, Licensed Residential Appraisers (also called home appraisers) can appraise properties in federally related transactions of non-complex 1–4 residential units with a transaction value under $1,000,000. They may also appraise any other real estate with a transaction value under $250,000.
In federally related transactions, Licensed Residential Appraisers may not appraise real estate wherein a development analysis/appraisal is necessary and utilized.
To become a State Licensed Residential Appraiser in West Virginia, you must:
- Complete 157 hours of appraisal qualifying education (includes trainee education)
- Complete 1,000 hours of acceptable work experience in no fewer than 6 months
- Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Licensed Residential Appraisers
How to apply for the WV Licensed Residential Appraiser credential
Step 1: Submit Part 1 of license upgrade application
Apply to sit for the national exam by submitting the following items to the West Virginia Real Estate Appraiser Board:
- Application for WV License Upgrade—Part 1
- Appraisal experience logs
- Appraisal education completion certificates
- Criminal history background check
- Application fee
Step 2: Pass the national appraiser exam
Once Part 1 of your application is approved, you’ll need to take and pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Licensed Residential Appraisers.
Step 3: Submit Part 2 of license upgrade application
After you receive proof of passing the national examination, apply to obtain your license by submitting the following to the WV Real Estate Appraiser Board:
- Application for WV License Upgrade—Part 2
- Original National Examination Certificate
- Applicant Oath and Affidavit (signed and notarized)
- Application fee
- License fee
Important: Double-check all steps and requirements with the WV licensing board. For more info, contact the West Virginia Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board at 304.558.3919.
West Virginia Licensed Residential Appraiser (157 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education:
157 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Supervisor/Trainee Course for West Virginia – 4 hours
*West Virginia Appraisal Law – 3 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.
*§190-2-11.5 Effective January 1, 2015, the applicant shall complete and pass a three (3) hour West Virginia law course, with exam, prior to obtaining the apprentice permit.
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 West Virginia
How much do home appraisers make in WV?
According to Salary.com, the average residential real estate appraiser salary in West Virginia ranges from $46,322 to $93,341, with experienced appraisers earning the most.1,2 The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the mean annual wage of WV property appraisers and assessors as $45,820.3 Glassdoor gives a much higher number, estimating that West Virginia residential appraisers earn an average salary of $118,357 per year.4
Factors that influence an appraiser’s income include years of experience, license level, location, number of hours worked per week, and advanced skills or specialties.
What are the continuing education requirements for appraisers in WV?
West Virginia real estate appraisers must renew their appraisal license once a year. To renew, they must complete 14 continuing education (CE) hours every 12 months, including a 7-Hour National USPAP Update course. In addition to that, they must also complete a three-hour West Virginia law course every four years.
Do I need a degree to become a Licensed Residential Appraiser in WV?
No, you do not need any college education to become a Licensed Residential Appraiser in the state of West Virginia. You only need to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Helpful resources
Sources cited
- Appraiser (Residential Real Estate) Salary in West Virginia (Salary.com)
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in West Virginia (Salary.com)
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in West Virginia (Glassdoor)
West Virginia Appraiser License: Certified Residential
How to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in West Virginia
In West Virginia, a Certified Residential Appraiser (also called a home appraiser) can appraise any property which a Licensed Residential Appraiser is permitted to appraise. They may also appraise 1–4 residential units without regard to transaction value or complexity.
In federally related transactions, a Certified Residential Appraiser may not appraise real estate wherein a development analysis/appraisal is necessary and utilized.
To become a State Certified Residential Appraiser in West Virginia, you must:
- Complete 207 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 credentialed for a minimum of five years and have been in good standing for the past five years.
How to apply for the WV Certified Residential Appraiser credential
Step 1: Submit Part 1 of license upgrade application
Apply to sit for the national exam by submitting the following items to the West Virginia Real Estate Appraiser Board:
- Application for WV License Upgrade—Part 1
- Appraisal experience logs
- Appraisal education completion certificates
- Official college transcript (if applicable)
- Criminal history background check
- Application fee
Step 2: Pass the national appraiser exam
After Part 1 of your application is approved, you’ll need to schedule and sit for the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified Residential Appraisers.
Step 3: Submit Part 2 of license upgrade application
When you receive proof of passing the national appraiser exam, apply to obtain your new license by submitting the following to the WV Real Estate Appraiser Board:
- Application for WV License Upgrade—Part 2
- Original National Examination Certificate
- Applicant Oath and Affidavit (signed and notarized)
- Application fee
- License fee
Important: Double-check all steps and requirements with the WV licensing board. For more info, contact the West Virginia Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board at 304.558.3919.
West Virginia Certified Residential Appraiser (207 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education:
207 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Supervisor/Trainee Course for West Virginia – 4 hours
*West Virginia Appraisal Law – 3 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.
*§190-2-6.3.b Effective January 1, 2015, an applicant shall complete and pass a three (3) hour West Virginia law course by an examination approved by the board.
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 West Virginia
How much do Certified Residential Appraisers make in West Virginia?
Most upper-level residential real estate appraisers in West Virginia make between $64,202 and $93,341, according to Salary.com.1 Glassdoor lists the average salary for West Virginia residential real estate appraisers as $118,357 per year.2
Certified Residential Appraisers typically make more money compared to Licensed Residential Appraisers. This is because they have more education and training under their belt, and because they’re allowed to perform a larger variety of appraisals for which they can charge higher fees, like complex appraisals and green home appraisals.
Do I need a degree to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in West Virginia?
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 your license to Certified Residential Appraiser. If not, you must have either a college degree or at least 30 hours of college credits or CLEP exams in specified topics. See above for more details.
Helpful resources
- West Virginia Licensing Information
- Real Estate Appraiser Exam Prep
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade
Sources cited
West Virginia Appraiser License: Certified General
How to become a Certified General Appraiser in West Virginia
In the state of West Virginia, a Certified General Appraiser (or commercial appraiser) can appraise any type of property for any purpose, with no limit to transaction value or complexity. This encompasses all types of residential and commercial properties—including farmland, industrial facilities, retail buildings, nursing homes, airports, and more.
To become a State Certified General Appraiser in West Virginia, you must:
- Complete 307 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 assignments
- Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified General Appraisers
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in any field
How to apply for the WV Certified Residential Appraiser credential
Step 1: Submit Part 1 of license upgrade application
Apply to sit for the national exam by submitting the following items to the West Virginia Real Estate Appraiser Board:
- Application for WV License Upgrade—Part 1
- Appraisal experience logs
- Appraisal education completion certificates
- Official college transcript
- Criminal history background check
- Application fee
Step 2: Pass the national appraiser exam
After Part 1 of your application is approved, you’ll need to schedule and pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified General Appraisers.
Step 3: Submit Part 2 of license upgrade application
When you receive proof of passing the national examination, apply to obtain your new license by submitting the following to the WV Real Estate Appraiser Board:
- Application for WV License Upgrade—Part 2
- Original National Examination Certificate
- Applicant Oath and Affidavit (signed and notarized)
- Application fee
- License fee
Important: Double-check all steps and requirements with the WV licensing board. For more info, contact the West Virginia Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board at 304.558.3919.
West Virginia Certified General Appraiser (307 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Required Education:
307 Hours.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
National USPAP Course or Equivalent – 15 hours
Supervisor/Trainee Course for West Virginia – 4 hours
*West Virginia Appraisal Law – 3 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.
*§190-2-6.3.b Effective January 1, 2015, an applicant shall complete and pass a three (3) hour West Virginia law course by an examination approved by the board.
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 West Virginia
Do I need a degree to become a Certified General Appraiser in WV?
Yes. To become a Certified General Appraiser in the state of West Virginia, you must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in any field from an accredited college or university.
How much do commercial appraisers make in WV?
According to Salary.com, most West Virginia commercial real estate appraisers earn somewhere between $40,664 and $123,528, depending on experience level.1,2 Glassdoor estimates that commercial appraisers in West Virginia make an average salary of $94,378 per year.3
Commercial appraisal income can vary a lot due to factors like location, years of experience, number of hours worked per week, and area of specialization (e.g., agricultural, commercial/industrial, hospitality).