How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser

Becoming a real estate appraiser involves education, training, and licensure requirements that vary slightly depending on your country or state. In the U.S., the process is regulated by the Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) and implemented by each state's appraiser licensing board.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for becoming a real estate appraiser in the United States:

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✅ Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Have a high school diploma or GED.

• Be legally eligible to work in the U.S.

• Pass a background check (including fingerprinting in many states).

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✅ Step 2: Complete Required Education

Types of Appraisers and Their Education Requirements:

Core subjects include:

• Basic Appraisal Principles

• Basic Appraisal Procedures

• National USPAP Course (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice)

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✅ Step 3: Find a Supervisory Appraiser

To become a Trainee Appraiser, you must work under a Certified Appraiser for a set number of hours (often 1,000–3,000 hours depending on your target level). This is called your experience requirement and usually takes 6 months to 2+ years.

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✅ Step 4: Accumulate Experience Hours

The number of required hours depends on the level you're pursuing:

• Licensed Residential: ~1,000 hours over 6 months

• Certified Residential: ~1,500 hours over 12 months

• Certified General: ~3,000 hours over 18 months (with at least 1,500 hours in non-residential appraisals)

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✅ Step 5: Pass the National Exam

Each level (except Trainee) requires you to pass a nationally recognized exam, typically administered by Pearson VUE or similar.

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✅ Step 6: Apply for a State License or Certification

• Submit your experience log, education transcripts, and exam results.

• Pay application and license fees.

• Comply with your state's continuing education requirements.

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Optional: Join Professional Organizations

• Appraisal Institute

• American Society of Appraisers

• National Association of Realtors (Appraisal Section)

Here are several reputable online course providers that offer real estate appraisal education to help you become a licensed appraiser:

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🏆 1. McKissock Learning

McKissock is a leading provider of appraisal education, offering:

• Qualifying Education (QE) for Trainee, Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, and Certified General Appraisers

• Continuing Education (CE) and USPAP courses

• Self-paced online classes, live webinars, and professional development tools

• Membership options with access to a full course library and exclusive resources

McKissock is approved in all 50 U.S. states and is highly rated for its course quality and flexibility.

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🎓 2. Appraisal Institute

The Appraisal Institute offers:

• Discounted online packages for various career stages

• Courses such as Basic Appraisal Principles, Basic Appraisal Procedures, and 15-Hour USPAP

• Continuing Education and license upgrade courses

Their courses are designed to be convenient and cost-effective, allowing you to take them wherever and whenever it fits your schedule.

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💻 3. VanEd (Van Education Center)

VanEd provides:

• AQB-approved online appraisal courses

• Qualifying Education, Continuing Education, and exam prep

• Instructor support via phone, email, live chat, or online Q&A

• A free trial enrollment to explore courses before committing

VanEd's courses are designed to be affordable and efficient, helping you satisfy state education requirements and pass the appraisal exam.

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📚 4. The CE Shop

The CE Shop offers:

• Affordable online courses for starting or advancing your appraisal career

• Qualifying Education, USPAP, and Continuing Education courses

• Self-paced learning to fit your schedule

Their courses are designed to help you start or advance your appraisal career with flexibility and convenience.

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📖 5. Appraiser eLearning

Appraiser eLearning specializes in:

• Self-paced Continuing Education (CE) courses

• Engaging, media-rich content created by leading industry instructors

• Courses that allow you to learn on your time

Their courses are designed to be engaging and relevant, allowing you to take them at your convenience.

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📍 6. Gold Coast Schools (Florida)

Gold Coast Schools, in partnership with McKissock, offers:

• Real estate appraiser courses online for obtaining and renewing a Trainee or State Certified Appraisal license

• Classroom and livestream classes in Florida

• Flexible learning options, including self-paced online courses

They provide top-quality appraisal courses in Florida to help launch, maintain, and advance your career.

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📘 7. Appraisal Course Associates

Appraisal Course Associates offers a free Appraisal Fundamentals Course, which is:

• A complete, detailed, USPAP-compliant, and up-to-date online how-to course for the personal property appraiser

This course is a great starting point for those interested in personal property appraisal.

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✅ Next Steps

1. Determine your state’s specific requirements for appraisal licensure.

2. Choose a course provider that offers approved education in your state.

3. Enroll in the necessary courses for your desired appraisal level.

4. Complete the required education and experience hours.

5. Pass the national exam and apply for your state license.