How to Become an Appraiser in California

Becoming a real estate appraiser in California offers a flexible career path, potential for self-employment, and strong income opportunities. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to upgrade your license, this guide walks you through the process of becoming an appraiser in California, step-by-step.

California Appraiser License Levels

  • Trainee Appraiser
  • Licensed Residential Appraiser
  • Certified Residential Appraiser
  • Certified General Appraiser

Trainee Appraiser in California

Your journey starts as a Trainee Appraiser under the supervision of a certified appraiser.

Requirements

  • Education: 159 hours total, including:
    • Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours
    • Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours
    • 15-hour National USPAP Course or equivalent
    • Residential Market Analysis & Highest and Best Use – 15 hours
    • Residential Site Valuation and Cost Approach – 15 hours
    • Residential Sales Comparison and Income Approaches – 30 hours
    • Residential Report Writing and Case Studies – 15 hours
    • Supervisor/Trainee Course for California – 4 hours
    • Laws and Regulations for California Appraisers – 4 hours
    • Elimination of Bias and Cultural Competency – 1 hour
  • Experience: None required to become a trainee.
  • Next Step: Find a certified supervisor and apply to the California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers (BREA).

Licensed Residential Appraiser

Licensed Residential Appraisers can independently appraise non-complex 1–4 unit residential properties (up to $1 million).

Requirements

  • Education: 159 hours (same as Trainee)
  • Experience: 1,000 hours over at least 6 months
  • Exam: National Uniform Licensing Exam
  • College Requirement: None
  • Continuing Education: 56 hours every 4 years
    • USPAP Update every 2 years
    • CA Laws and Regulations – once every 4 years
    • Bias & Cultural Competency – once every 4 years

Certified Residential Appraiser

Certified Residential Appraisers can appraise any 1–4 unit residential properties without transaction value or complexity limits.

Requirements

  • Education: 209 total hours
  • Experience: 1,500 hours over 12+ months
  • Exam: Certified Residential Exam
  • College Education: One of the following:
    • Bachelor’s Degree (any field)
    • Associate Degree in business/economics/real estate
    • 30 college semester hours in required topics
    • Or CLEP credit covering those topics
    • 5-year licensed appraisers in good standing may be exempt

Certified General Appraiser

This is the highest level, allowing you to appraise all property types including commercial, industrial, and agricultural.

Requirements

  • Education: 309 hours total
  • Experience: 3,000 hours over 18+ months, with at least 1,500 hours in non-residential appraisals
  • Exam: Certified General Exam
  • College Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher

Governing Agency

California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers (BREA)
brea.ca.gov
Phone: (916) 552-9000
Address: 3075 Prospect Park Drive, Suite 190, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

Appraiser Salary in California

  • Trainee: Paid hourly during training
  • Licensed Residential: $57,000–$115,000/year
  • Certified Residential: Up to $134,000/year
  • Certified General: $126,000–$152,000/year

FAQs

  • How long does it take? As little as 8 months, depending on your pace and license level.
  • Do I need a degree? Only for Certified levels (with exceptions).
  • Are online courses allowed? Yes, California permits online education.
  • How do I find a supervisor? Through networking, schools, and professional groups.

Download Our California Licensing Checklist (coming soon)

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