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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. 

Charleston, West Virginia downtown skyline on the river at dusk.

West Virginia Appraiser License: Apprentice

Total Hours Required: 82 hrs
Mandatory Hours: —
Elective Hours: —
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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

No online limitations.

Roster

Roster Required: yes
Roster Process: Rosters are mailed on the 15th and last day of every month. Rosters will be submitted on alternative days upon customer request. Please note there is a $10 fee for any rush submissions.
Roster Sent Every 15 days

Governing Agency

West Virginia Real Estate Appraisal Board
Website: https://appraiserboard.wv.gov/
Phone: 3045583919
Fax: 3045583983
Address: 405 Capitol Street, Suite 906, Charleston, WV 25301
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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. 

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