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Appraiser License Levels Explained
Trainee Appraiser
Must work under direct supervision of a Certified appraiser. Cannot sign appraisal reports independently.
Licensed Residential Appraiser
Non-complex 1-4 unit residential properties with transaction value up to $1,000,000.
Certified Residential Appraiser
All 1-4 unit residential properties regardless of value or complexity.
Certified General Appraiser
All property types including commercial, industrial, agricultural, and residential — any value.
Career Path Progression
Most appraisers start as Trainee Appraisers, working under the supervision of a Certified appraiser to gain hands-on experience. Once you accumulate enough supervised hours and complete additional education, you can upgrade to a Licensed Residential credential and begin signing reports independently for standard residential properties. Many appraisers then advance to Certified Residential to remove the value cap and handle complex properties. Those who want the broadest scope — including commercial, industrial, and agricultural properties — pursue the Certified General credential, which requires a bachelor's degree and the most education and experience hours. Each step up the ladder opens more property types, higher fees, and greater career flexibility.