EstatePass
Entry-Level License — 2026

Trainee Appraiser — How to Get Started in Real Estate Appraisal

The trainee appraiser license is your first step into the real estate appraisal profession. With just 75 hours of education and no prior experience required, you can begin building your career under the guidance of a certified supervisor.

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Trainee Appraiser Requirements

75 hrs

Education

Qualifying courses

0 hrs

Experience

No prior experience

Varies

Exam

State-dependent

Required

Supervision

Certified supervisor

75-Hour Education Requirement

Complete these AQB-approved courses to qualify for your trainee license

30h

Basic Appraisal Principles

Real property concepts, legal considerations, value influences, and economic principles of real estate.

30h

Basic Appraisal Procedures

Overview of the appraisal process, approaches to value, property description, data collection, and report writing basics.

15h

15-Hour National USPAP Course

Ethics rules, competency requirements, scope of work, and reporting standards under the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

How Trainee Compares to Other Levels

See how the trainee level stacks up against higher appraiser credentials

LevelEducationExperienceProperty Scope
Trainee75 hrs0 hrsAs permitted by supervisor
Licensed Residential150 hrs1,000 hrsNon-complex residential up to $1M
Certified Residential200 hrs1,500 hrsAll residential, no value limit
Certified General300 hrs3,000 hrsAll property types incl. commercial

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements to become a trainee appraiser?
To become a trainee appraiser, you need to complete 75 hours of qualifying education covering basic appraisal principles, USPAP, and the appraisal process. No prior experience is required, but you must find a certified appraiser willing to supervise your work.
How long does it take to complete trainee appraiser education?
Most trainee appraiser education programs can be completed in 2-4 weeks if studied full-time. Many programs are available online and allow self-paced learning, so you can fit them around your schedule. The 75 hours include courses in Basic Appraisal Principles, Basic Appraisal Procedures, and the 15-Hour National USPAP Course.
Can a trainee appraiser work independently?
No. A trainee appraiser must always work under the direct supervision of a certified appraiser (either Certified Residential or Certified General). The supervisor must review and sign all appraisal reports. The supervisor is responsible for the quality of the trainee's work.
How do I find a supervising appraiser?
You can find a supervising appraiser by networking at local appraisal association meetings, contacting appraisal management companies (AMCs), reaching out to appraisal firms directly, or checking your state's appraiser registry for certified appraisers in your area. Many states also allow you to use the license lookup tool to find potential supervisors.
What is the career path after being a trainee appraiser?
After gaining experience as a trainee, you can advance to Licensed Residential Appraiser (requires 1,000 hours over 6+ months), then Certified Residential Appraiser (1,500 hours over 12+ months plus an associate degree), and ultimately Certified General Appraiser (3,000 hours over 18+ months plus a bachelor's degree). Each level unlocks more property types and higher-value assignments.

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Appraiser Exam Prep

Overview of all license levels

Free Practice Exam

Practice with instant scoring

License Lookup

Find supervisors in your state

Exam Topics

All 6 AQB content areas

Start Your Appraisal Career Today

Practice with free questions covering all AQB exam content areas while you complete your 75 hours of education.

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