How to Become an Appraiser in Illinois

Becoming a real estate appraiser in Illinois offers a rewarding and flexible career with strong income potential. Whether you’re starting from scratch or pursuing an upgrade, this guide outlines the steps to obtain your Illinois appraiser license.

Illinois Appraiser License Levels

  • Trainee Appraiser
  • Certified Residential Appraiser
  • Certified General Appraiser

Trainee Appraiser in Illinois

Your path begins as a Trainee Appraiser under the guidance of a certified supervisor.

Requirements

  • Education: 78 total hours, including:
    • Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours
    • Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours
    • 15-hour National USPAP Course or Equivalent
    • Supervisor/Trainee Course for Illinois – 3 hours
  • Experience: None required at this level.
  • College Education: Not required
  • Next Step: Secure a certified supervisor and apply through the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

Certified Residential Appraiser

Certified Residential Appraisers in Illinois can appraise residential properties up to four units without regard to transaction value or complexity.

Requirements

  • Education: 203 total hours, including:
    • Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours
    • Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours
    • 15-hour National USPAP Course or Equivalent
    • Supervisor/Trainee Course for Illinois – 3 hours
    • Residential Market Analysis & Highest and Best Use – 15 hours
    • Residential Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach – 15 hours
    • Residential Sales Comparison and Income Approaches – 30 hours
    • Residential Report Writing and Case Studies – 15 hours
    • Statistics, Modeling and Finance – 15 hours
    • Advanced Residential Applications and Case Studies – 15 hours
    • Appraisal Subject Matter Electives – 20 hours
  • Experience: 1,500 hours over a minimum of 12 months
  • College Education: One of the following:
    • Bachelor’s Degree (any field)
    • Associate’s Degree in a related field
    • 30 semester hours of specified coursework
    • Equivalent CLEP credit
    • Combination of coursework and CLEP credit meeting required topics
  • Exam: National Uniform Licensing Exam

Certified General Appraiser

This is the highest level, authorizing you to appraise all types of real estate—residential, commercial, and beyond.

Requirements

  • Education: 300+ hours (details vary by state, coming soon)
  • Experience: 3,000 hours in no less than 18 months (at least 1,500 hours in non-residential)
  • College Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher
  • Exam: Certified General Exam

Governing Agency

Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
idfpr.illinois.gov
Phone: (800) 560-6420
Address: Division of Professional Regulation, 320 West Washington Street, Springfield, IL 62786

Appraiser Salary in Illinois

  • Trainee: Paid hourly (varies based on agreement with supervisor)
  • Certified Residential: $60,000–$120,000+/year
  • Certified General: $90,000–$150,000+/year

FAQs

  • Do I need a degree? Not for Trainee. Required for Certified levels unless exempt.
  • Are online courses accepted? Yes, online courses are permitted in Illinois.
  • How long does it take to get licensed? The process can take 6–12 months depending on education and experience accumulation.
  • Where do I find a supervisor? Through schools, online directories, and professional appraiser networks.

Download Our Illinois Licensing Checklist (coming soon)

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