Question 1

What are the requirements to become a trainee appraiser?

EstatePass Inc. · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

How long does it take to complete trainee appraiser education?

EstatePass Inc. · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Can a trainee appraiser work independently?

EstatePass Inc. · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

How do I find a supervising appraiser?

EstatePass Inc. · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What is the career path after being a trainee appraiser?

EstatePass Inc. · Accepted Answer

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.

Level	Education	Experience	Property Scope
Trainee	75 hrs	0 hrs	As permitted by supervisor
Licensed Residential	150 hrs	1,000 hrs	Non-complex residential 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

Trainee Appraiser — How to Get Started in Real Estate Appraisal

Trainee Appraiser Requirements

75-Hour Education Requirement

How Trainee Compares to Other Levels

Frequently Asked Questions

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Plan Your Path to Licensed Residential