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Real property appraisal is the valuation of real estate.
Real Property Appraisal is the valuation of real estate. Appraisers specializing in real property may focus on various types of assets, including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, or vacant land. Depending on the level of credentialing, appraisers may also assess complex or high-value properties and provide litigation support or consulting services.
To become a real property appraiser, individuals must meet specific education, experience, and examination requirements set by the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) and obtain a credential issued by their state regulatory agency. The state’s requirements must not be less stringent than the AQB’s Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria (Criteria).
Per Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria (Criteria), there are four types of classifications you can acquire:
A Trainee Appraiser may appraise those properties that the Supervisory Appraiser is permitted by their current credential and is competent to appraise.
A Licensed Residential Appraiser may appraise non-complex one-to-four residential units having a transaction value less than $1,000,000 and complex one-to-four residential units having a transaction value less than $400,000.
A Certified Residential Appraiser may appraise one-to-four residential units without regard to value or complexity.
A Certified General Appraiser may appraise all types of real property.
Becoming a real property appraiser can open the door to a rewarding career. To qualify, you’ll need to meet specific requirements for education, experience, and a licensing exam. Begin by learning exactly what those requirements are; with clear information in hand, you’ll be ready to move ahead with confidence.
While the Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria (Criteria) lays the framework, your state’s rules will define your actual path. Working closely with your state licensing agency — right from the start — will save you time and frustration as you move forward.
Read the Criteria. This booklet contains the minimum requirements to become a real property appraiser in the United States.
Contact your state regulatory agency to learn whether its requirements exceed the minimums in the Criteria.
Before you dive into education or experience, it’s important to know which classifications your state offers. Not every state offers every option. For example:
Tip: When you speak with your state licensing agency, confirm:
Your coursework falls into two categories, and the hours you must complete depend on the classification you plan to obtain:
a. Qualifying Education (QE)
Find qualifying education in the Required Core Curriculum of the Criteria (see Guide Note-1 for more guidance). You can view approved courses through the Course Approval Program and approved degrees through the Real Estate Degree Review Program.
However, ultimately, state regulatory agencies are responsible for approving education, and many have approval lists on their websites.
Some states require you to complete these courses before you start gaining experience. Others allow you to complete them while you are gaining experience. Always check your state’s timing requirements.
b. College-Level Education
Certified Residential and Certified General applicants have additional college-level education requirements.
No college degree or college coursework required.
Must meet one of several options:
Reminder: Not all states offer the Licensed Residential credential. Check with your state for available pathways.
Must have a bachelor’s degree (any field) from an accredited college or university.
In addition to education, you must gain practical appraisal experience following the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP®).
There are three main ways to gain experience:
Important:
Your state agency will explain which experience options are accepted, and how to document your progress.
After your education and experience are completed and verified by your state agency, you will become eligible to sit for the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination. Each credential has a different exam. Registration is coordinated through your state licensing agency, and they will guide you through the scheduling process.
You can find exam guides, preparation tips, and pass rates on the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination webpage.
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