In order to become a licensed appraiser, most states require you to become an appraisal trainee and obtain a number of hours of experience before you can appraise on your own. Many states have different titles for trainees, such as apprentice appraiser or registered appraiser. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to become an appraiser.
How to become an appraiser
Step 1: Start with Your Pre-Licensing Courses
To become an appraiser, most states require you to first become an appraiser trainee, sometimes referred to as apprentice appraisers or registered appraisers.
To become a trainee, you must complete and pass 75 hours* of basic appraisal qualifying education (3 courses) – TAKE IN THIS ORDER:
1) Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hours)
2) Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hours)
3) National USPAP Course (15 hours)
No experience is required to start your qualifying education. In most states you can take your courses online and learn at your own pace. You can purchase these courses at McKissock.com.
*Note that in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, and Wisconsin, you are required to take more than 75 hours of qualifying education courses for your initial license.
Step 2: Apply for Your Trainee License
Once you have completed your coursework you can apply for your trainee license. You will need to find a certified appraiser to gain supervised training experience before applying for your license.
1) Submit your application and fees to the state board
2) Submit your fingerprints and background check information
3) Receive your license from your state’s board
Steps and license levels vary from state to state. Be sure to check your state’s specific licensing requirements to know exactly what you need to do in your state. You can also view detailed information on How to Get an Appraiser License for your state by clicking on your state in the table below:
Real property appraiser qualification criteria
Be sure to check your state’s specific licensing requirements to know exactly what you need to do in your state.
Step 3: Gain Work Experience
Learn the business and grow your understanding of the appraisal process from a certified appraisal supervisor. Once you have completed your coursework and applied for your license you can begin your training with your supervisory appraiser.
The certified appraiser supervisor and the trainee must document any completed work, which will be submitted and reviewed by the state regulatory board when the trainee applies for another license. The number of required experience hours can vary by state.
It is important that you check your state specific licensing requirements to know how many hours of experience you will need.