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How to Get Your Real Estate Appraisal License
The trainee-to-certified pathway explained by a real estate professional who has worked with appraisers throughout a 25-year career
I've worked with appraisers throughout my career in real estate -- over 25 years of transactions where the appraisal was often the make-or-break moment in the deal. I've never held an appraisal license myself, but I've spent thousands of hours on the other side of the process: reviewing appraisal reports, preparing CMAs that align with appraisal methodology, and coaching agents on how to support value during the appraisal process. This guide is informed by that experience and by extensive research into the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) standards that govern the profession.
Appraisal is the most structured licensing pathway in real estate. Unlike getting a real estate or home inspector license -- where you can go from zero to licensed in weeks or months -- the appraisal path is deliberately long. The AQB requires tiered education, supervised experience hours, and in many cases a college degree. You start as a trainee, work under a certified supervisor, and gradually earn the credentials to appraise higher-value and more complex properties independently.
The trade-off for that longer pathway is significant: appraisers are in high demand. The profession is aging rapidly, with a significant portion of current appraisers nearing retirement. This supply shortage is driving up fees and creating strong opportunities for new entrants. If you're willing to invest the time in education and mentorship, appraisal offers a stable, well-compensated career with the independence of self-employment.
Requirements at a Glance
The AQB sets national minimum standards. Each state can add requirements, but cannot go below these federal baselines:
Trainee Appraiser
79 hours qualifying education + USPAP
Licensed Residential
150 hours education + 1,000 experience hours
Certified Residential
200 hours + associate degree + 1,500 experience hours
Certified General
300 hours + bachelor's degree + 3,000 experience hours
USPAP Course
15-hour National USPAP Course (required at all levels)
Supervisor Required
Must work under a certified appraiser as trainee
The Tiered Licensing Pathway
Understanding the appraiser credential tiers is essential before you start. Each level determines what types of properties you can appraise:
Trainee Appraiser
Can perform appraisals only under direct supervision of a certified appraiser. Cannot sign reports independently. This is where everyone begins.
Licensed Residential Appraiser
Can appraise non-complex residential properties with a transaction value under $1,000,000 and complex residential properties under $250,000.
Certified Residential Appraiser
Can appraise residential properties of any value and complexity. This is the most common credential for full-time residential appraisers.
Certified General Appraiser
Can appraise all types of property, including commercial, industrial, and land. Required for any federally related transaction involving non-residential property.
Popular State Guides
While the AQB sets national minimums, each state administers its own appraiser licensing program and may add additional requirements. Click into your state for the full breakdown.
Florida
79-300 hours (varies by tier)
FREAB oversees all appraiser licensing
Texas
79-300 hours (varies by tier)
TALCB manages trainee and certified levels
California
79-300 hours (varies by tier)
BREA administers appraiser credentials
New York
79-300 hours (varies by tier)
DOS oversees appraisal licensing
Pennsylvania
79-300 hours (varies by tier)
State Real Estate Commission oversight
Related Licensing Guides
Appraisal is one of four professional licensing paths in the real estate industry. Many of the professionals I've worked with over 25 years have connections across all of these disciplines:
More Resources
- How to Pass Your Licensing Exam -- Study strategies for the national appraiser exam and state-specific tests.
- How to Earn After You're Licensed -- Finding a supervisor, building your appraisal business, and maximizing fee income.
- School Reviews -- Detailed, honest reviews of appraisal qualifying education providers and exam prep courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a real estate appraiser do?
A real estate appraiser provides an independent, unbiased opinion of a property's market value. Appraisals are required for most mortgage-financed transactions, refinances, estate settlements, tax appeals, and legal disputes. Appraisers inspect the property, research comparable sales, analyze market conditions, and produce a detailed report documenting their value conclusion.
What is the trainee-to-certified pathway?
Appraiser licensing follows a tiered system set by the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB). You begin as a Trainee Appraiser, working under a certified supervisor. After accumulating the required education and experience hours, you can advance to Licensed Residential Appraiser, then Certified Residential Appraiser, and ultimately Certified General Appraiser. Each tier expands the types and values of properties you can appraise.
How many hours of education are required?
Education requirements increase at each tier. Trainee Appraisers need a minimum of 79 hours of qualifying education. Licensed Residential Appraisers need 150 hours. Certified Residential Appraisers need 200 hours plus an associate degree (or equivalent). Certified General Appraisers need 300 hours plus a bachelor's degree (or equivalent). All tiers also require the 15-Hour USPAP course.
What are the supervisory appraiser requirements?
Trainee appraisers must work under a Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser who serves as their supervisor. The supervisor must have been certified for at least three years (in most states), must be in good standing, and is responsible for reviewing and co-signing the trainee's reports. Finding a willing supervisor can be one of the biggest challenges in entering the profession.
What is the income potential for a real estate appraiser?
Appraiser income varies by credential level, market, and volume. Trainee appraisers may earn $25,000-$40,000 while building experience. Licensed Residential Appraisers typically earn $45,000-$70,000. Certified Residential Appraisers commonly earn $60,000-$100,000+. Certified General Appraisers working in commercial can earn $80,000-$150,000+. Many experienced appraisers are self-employed and set their own fee schedules.
How long does it take to become a fully certified appraiser?
The full pathway from trainee to Certified Residential Appraiser typically takes 2-4 years. You need at least 1,500 hours of supervised experience accumulated over no fewer than 12 months. The Certified General Appraiser credential requires 3,000 hours over no fewer than 18 months. Most of that time is spent working alongside your supervisor, completing appraisal assignments and building competency.