Criteria / PAREA®

PAREA®

Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal

Overview

Why Aspiring Appraisers Choose PAREA®

How to Get Started

Pathways to Success Scholarship

States That Recognize PAREA®

For Program Developers

For State Regulators

Overview

Aspiring real estate appraisers must complete a specific amount of experience to earn a credential. One way to fulfill this experience requirement is through Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal (PAREA®)—a virtual training alternative to traditional in-the-field experience.

PAREA® is currently available for the Licensed Residential and Certified Residential credential levels, offering another approved pathway alongside the traditional supervisor/trainee and practicum models.

While PAREA® programs must be approved by the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB), they are developed and delivered by independent education providers. The Appraisal Foundation® (Foundation) does not create or deliver PAREA® programs; those interested in participating must enroll through an approved provider.

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Why Aspiring Appraisers Choose PAREA® 

PAREA® offers a modern, technology-based alternative to the traditional supervisor/trainee model for gaining required appraisal experience.

Participants choose PAREA® because it:

  • Provides a structured, AQB-approved pathway to earn experience credit toward the Licensed Residential and Certified Residential credentials.
  • Uses simulated training to replicate real-world appraisal experience, including developing Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP®)-compliant reports.

How PAREA® works:

Requires all participants to complete qualifying education before beginning:

  • 150 hours for the Licensed Residential module.
  • 200 hours (plus either a Licensed Residential credential or PAREA® completion) for the Certified Residential module.
  • Includes mentoring by certified appraisers in good standing who meet AQB standards.
  • Incorporates a variety of property types and assignments, with a minimum of three USPAP®-compliant reports per credential level.

Through PAREA®, participants may receive:

  • Full or partial experience credit, depending on the credential sought:
  1. Licensed Residential: up to 100% of required hours.
  2. Certified Residential: up to 100% (if completing the Certified Residential module).
  3. Certified General: partial credit may be granted, but no non-residential experience is awarded through PAREA®.
  • A certificate of completion only after all requirements are met, including mentor sign-off.

PAREA® programs are approved by the AQB but are delivered by independent education providers. The Foundation does not offer or operate PAREA® programs directly.

Learn more about getting started with PAREA® in the section below.

PAREA® Frequently Asked Questions →

Watch a Video About Appraisal Institute PAREA® →

Review the Criteria for PAREA® →

What PAREA® Graduates Have to Say

“Without PAREA®, I wouldn’t have been able to get my start in the appraisal profession—it's a crucial pathway for aspiring appraisers who need an alternative to traditional mentorship.”

Lisa P.

How to Get Started with PAREA® 

PAREA® is one pathway—approved by the AQB—for aspiring appraisers to gain experience credit toward licensure or certification.

To get started, you’ll need to research available PAREA® programs and contact the PAREA® provider directly. Each provider sets its own admissions process and may have additional requirements beyond those in the Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria (Criteria). We recommend working closely with your chosen provider to understand:

  • The program’s application steps
  • Any state-specific requirements
  • Technical or mentoring expectations

Before beginning a PAREA® program, you must complete all required qualifying education, as outlined in the Criteria.

Important: Always check directly with your State Appraiser Regulatory Agency to verify whether PAREA® is accepted as a pathway to gain experience in your state.

Once enrolled, participants will:

  • Complete USPAP®-compliant appraisal assignments
  • Receive virtual mentorship and guided instruction
  • Become eligible to take the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam
  • Potentially earn up to 100% of the required experience hours, depending on the credential level

Pathways to Success Scholarship

Applications are open.

The Pathways to Success Scholarship covers enrollment costs for a PAREA® Program. Administered by the Appraiser Development Initiative (ADI) through the Foundation’s Partner, the Appraisal Institute, this scholarship is open to all aspiring appraisers.

The Foundation is proud to fund $1.22 million over three years to support the scholarship.

Applications are rolling and processed on a quarterly basis.

Apply Here

States' Recognition of PAREA®

PAREA® is an alternative pathway to gain experience credit toward appraiser licensure, designed as an option for aspiring appraisers who may not have access to a traditional supervisor/trainee model. However, since it is not a required method of gaining experience, individual states are not obligated to recognize or accept it.

The Foundation does not have regulatory authority over the states, and states are not required to notify us of changes to their acceptance of PAREA®. That said, we aim to keep prospective appraisers and education providers informed by informally tracking state activity related to PAREA®.

As of January 2025, our internal records show that approximately 51 states and territories either currently recognize PAREA® or are in the process of establishing legislation or rules to do so.

Important: Always check directly with your State Appraiser Regulatory Agency to verify whether PAREA® is accepted as a pathway to gain experience in your state.

Adoption of PAREA® by Jurisdiction (1/16/25)

Information for Program Developers

Interested in offering a PAREA® program? Here’s what you need to know:

Step 1: Preliminary Design Review (optional, but encouraged)

  • Begin by completing the Preliminary Design Review Form.
  • While not required, submitting a preliminary design helps identify potential issues early and supports a smoother application process.
  • This can be done several times in accordance with feedback received from the AQB.

Step 2: Full Application Package

You are ready to fill out and submit your application once your program aligns with the Minimum Content Requirements for:

Submit the complete application using the PAREA® Provider Guide for instructions and requirements.

Tips

Applications are reviewed by AQB members. There may be several rounds of iterative feedback during this process. Approved programs must demonstrate:

  • Coverage of all required training topics
  • A structured mentorship program
  • Clear methods for ensuring participant competency

Submit your PAREA® Program

Submit Application

Information for State Regulators

If your state is considering recognition of PAREA®, we encourage you to review our PAREA® Handout for States for a summary of key requirements and implementation guidance.


All AQB-approved PAREA® programs are required to:

  • Align with the PAREA® section of the Criteria
  • Provide a comprehensive demonstration of the program to the AQB prior to approval
  • Comply with the PAREA® Implementation Policies
  • Meet the Minimum Content Requirements specific to the Licensed Residential and/or Certified Residential credential levels

These standards ensure that PAREA® programs are rigorous, consistent, and aligned with the public trust responsibilities of appraisers.

Considered PAREA®, But Chose Something Else?

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