Appraiser License Requirements by State
Look up education hours, experience requirements, and regulatory agencies for all 50 states and DC. Filter by license level to see exactly what you need.
All states follow AQB (Appraiser Qualifications Board) minimum criteria. Some states exceed minimum requirements. Data shown uses AQB minimums as defaults with state-specific enhancements noted. Always verify current requirements with your state's regulatory agency.
Showing 51 of 51 jurisdictions
AQB Minimum Requirements
The Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) sets the federal minimum requirements. All states must meet or exceed these criteria.
| License Level | Education | Experience | Min. Time | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trainee | 75 hrs | None | N/A | Must work under supervision of Certified appraiser |
| Licensed | 150 hrs | 1,000 hrs | 6 months | Non-complex 1-4 unit residential up to $1M |
| Cert. Residential | 200 hrs | 1,500 hrs | 12 months | All 1-4 unit residential, any value |
| Cert. General | 300 hrs | 3,000 hrs | 18 months | All property types, any value |
Understanding Appraiser License Levels
Education Requirements
Qualifying education must be completed through AQB-approved providers. Courses cover topics including Basic Appraisal Principles, Basic Appraisal Procedures, USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice), Residential or General Market Analysis, and Site Valuation. Higher license levels require additional specialized coursework in income capitalization, advanced market analysis, and highest & best use analysis.
Experience Requirements
Experience must be gained under the supervision of a Certified Residential or Certified General appraiser. All experience hours must be documented in an experience log and verified by your supervisor. The AQB also requires minimum time periods: Licensed requires at least 6 months, Certified Residential at least 12 months, and Certified General at least 18 months, regardless of how quickly you accumulate hours.
Choosing the Right License Level
Your license level determines which properties you can appraise. Trainee Appraisers work under direct supervision and cannot sign appraisal reports independently. Licensed Residential Appraisers can independently appraise non-complex 1-4 unit residential properties with a transaction value up to $1,000,000. Certified Residential Appraisers can appraise all 1-4 unit residential properties regardless of value or complexity. Certified General Appraisers can appraise all property types including commercial, industrial, agricultural, and residential properties of any value. If you plan to appraise for FHA/VA or other federally related transactions, you must meet the applicable federal threshold requirements.
State Appraiser Regulatory Agencies
Direct links to the top 10 state appraiser boards. Verify your specific requirements with your state agency.
California
Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers (BREA)
Texas
TX Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board
Florida
FL Real Estate Appraisal Board
New York
DOS Division of Licensing Services
Arizona
Board of Appraisal
Illinois
IDFPR
Georgia
GREC
North Carolina
Appraisal Board
Ohio
Division of Real Estate
Pennsylvania
State Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers
Frequently Asked Questions
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