Real Estate Appraiser License
Explore the Pathway to Real Estate Appraiser Licenses
Explore the levels of real estate appraiser licensing, from the initial Trainee Appraiser to the Certified General Appraiser level. This guide outlines the education, experience, and examination requirements for each stage, helping you understand the pathway to achieving your appraisal career goals.
Explore Real Estate Appraiser Licensing Levels
This guide outlines education, experience, and exam requirements across appraisal licensing stages.
Trainee Appraiser Overview
Understand the initial steps and qualifications to begin your appraisal career.
Licensed Residential Appraiser
Advance beyond trainee status and appraise residential properties independently.
Certified Residential Appraiser
Gain insights into education and experience needed for residential licensing.
Certified General Appraiser
Discover requirements to advance to certified residential appraiser status.
Real Estate Licensing Levels Explained
Explore the requirements and milestones for each real estate appraiser license.
Trainee Appraiser
The starting point for your appraisal career. Trainees work under a certified supervisor to gain hands-on experience.
- 75 hours of qualifying education
- A 4-hour Supervisor-Trainee course
- No college degree required
- No exam required at this level
- Supervised field experience is required
Licensed Residential Appraiser
Can appraise non-complex residential properties (1–4 units) with value limits.
- 150 hours of education (including Trainee-level courses)
- 1,000 hours of supervised experience
- Pass the national Licensed Residential Appraiser exam
- No college degree required (some states vary)
Certified Residential Appraiser
Qualified to appraise any 1–4 unit residential property, regardless of value or complexity.
- 200 hours of education
- 1,500 hours of experience over at least 12 months
- Bachelor’s degree or an alternative college-level education path
- Pass the Certified Residential exam
Certified General Appraiser
The highest level. Can appraise all types of real estate, including commercial properties.
- 300 hours of education
- 3,000 hours of experience over at least 18 months
- 1,500 of those hours must be in non-residential appraisals
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Pass the Certified General exam
These are minimum AQB standards. Your state may have additional or slightly different requirements. Always check with your state’s licensing board before applying.