Certified Residential Appraiser — Requirements & Exam Guide
The Certified Residential Appraiser credential unlocks appraisal of all 1-4 unit residential properties with no value limit or complexity restriction. Requires 200 hours of education, an associate degree, and 1,500 hours of experience over at least 12 months.
Certified Residential Requirements
200 hrs
Education
+ associate degree
1,500 hrs
Experience
Over 12+ months
125 Q
Exam
75% to pass
No limit
Property Scope
All residential
200-Hour Education Requirement
Complete these AQB-approved courses plus an associate degree
Basic Appraisal Principles
Real property concepts, legal considerations, value influences, and economic principles.
Basic Appraisal Procedures
Appraisal process overview, approaches to value, property description, and data collection.
15-Hour National USPAP Course
Ethics, competency, scope of work, and reporting standards under USPAP.
Residential Market Analysis & Highest/Best Use
Supply/demand analysis, market trends, comparable selection, and highest & best use.
Residential Site Valuation & Cost Approach
Site valuation methods, cost approach mechanics, depreciation analysis.
Residential Sales Comparison & Income Approaches
Paired sales analysis, adjustment techniques, income capitalization for residential.
Residential Report Writing & Case Studies
URAR forms, narrative reports, compliance requirements, and practical case studies.
Statistics, Modeling & Finance
Statistical analysis, regression modeling, financial calculations for advanced residential appraisal.
Advanced Residential Applications
Complex property analysis, condemnation, conservation easements, and special-purpose residential.
Appraisal Subject Matter Electives
Additional AQB-approved courses in specialized residential appraisal topics.
College Degree Requirement
Associate degree or higher from an accredited institution, OR 21 semester hours in: English composition, economics, finance, mathematics, statistics, computer science, and business or real estate law.
Compare Appraiser License Levels
See where Certified Residential fits among all credential levels
| Level | Education | Experience | Property Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trainee | 75 hrs | 0 hrs | As permitted by supervisor |
| Licensed Residential | 150 hrs | 1,000 hrs | Non-complex up to $1M |
| Certified Residential | 200 hrs | 1,500 hrs | All residential, no value limit |
| Certified General | 300 hrs | 3,000 hrs | All property types incl. commercial |
Frequently Asked Questions
What can a Certified Residential Appraiser appraise?
Do I need a college degree to become a Certified Residential Appraiser?
How many experience hours do I need for Certified Residential?
What is the difference between Certified Residential and Certified General?
Is the Certified Residential Appraiser exam harder than the Licensed exam?
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