subject: How to Become an Appraiser for Real Estate [print this page] How to Become an Appraiser for Real Estate
Becoming an appraiser is a great option for people that have good people skills, like to work outside, have good computer skills and are detail oriented. This article will discuss what most states require to become an appraiser.
If you are interested in becoming a real estate appraiser it is important to check into your current state laws to see the exact requirements for your area, but there are some basics that most states adhere to.
Education:
While some states require some college education to become licensed, not all of them do. The main educational requirement is to go through some type of appraisal course. Appraisal courses can be taken online or in a classroom, depending on your state laws and your preference. A classroom course can take a couple of months to complete, while an online course can be completed in as little as thirty days.
State Exam:
Every state requires that an exam be taken to make sure that you are adequately prepared to enter the appraisal business. There is a national exam that many states use, but there are some states, such as California, that have their own exam that you must pass. When you have applied for a license through the state and given them proof of your education, they will give you "permission" to take the exam and usually you have one year to pass the test.
Trainee Hours:
After you have completed your education and passed the state exam, you can become a trainee. This means that you can work under another appraiser and begin to gain appraisal experience. In order to get your official license, you need to complete 2000 hours of appraisal experience, depending on the state, under the supervision of another licensed appraiser. For many new trainees this can be the most frustrating part of the process, if they are unable to find someone to supervise them.
When these stipulations are met, in most states you become eligible to receive your official license and work independently. It is at this point that you begin to solicit your own business. This comes through appraisal management companies, attorneys, accountants or through the private sector.
