Posted by: Kaplan Real Estate Education
Updated: January 29, 2019
While many appraisers enjoy the benefits of self-employment, positions with firms such as appraisal companies, financial institutions, and county assessor’s offices are just a few of the many opportunities for employment and on-the-job training. If you are a real estate professional, you’ll find your knowledge of real property appraisal a decided advantage. You’ll possess new insights and skills—making you more valuable to clients—and also fulfill mandated continuing education requirements.
We offer a complete portfolio of courses to meet practically all of your requirements, at every stage of your appraisal career. Whether you’re just starting your career as an appraiser or working toward your Certified Residential Real Property designation, Kaplan has courses to help you advance in your career.
There are four levels of licensure that a professional appraiser can achieve. While the Appraisal Foundation is the national source of Appraisal Standards and Appraiser Qualifications, each state may have different regulations to follow. Check with your state board for additional information.
Here is a summary of different appraisal license levels.
Depending on the state, the name of the first level of appraisal licensure could be Apprentice Appraiser, Beginning Appraiser, Registered Appraiser, or Trainee Real Property Appraiser. Certain states do not formally register the first license level. This level is not required to have previous appraisal experience and may only perform appraisal duties under the direct supervision of a Certified Appraiser. This is the first step in your career as an appraiser.
Depending on the state, the name of the second level of appraisal licensure could be simply Licensed Appraiser or Licensed Residential Real Property Appraiser. This level is able to perform unsupervised appraisals of non-complex, one- to four-unit residential properties with a transaction value less than $1 million and complex one- to four-unit residential properties with a transaction value less than $250,000. This is the next step in the progression of your career as an appraiser. Learn how to get there here.
Depending on the state, the name of the third level of appraisal licensure could be Certified Residential Appraiser or Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser. This level is able to perform unsupervised appraisals of one to four-unit residential properties without regard to transaction value or complexity. This is the most sought-after level of appraisal licensing for residential appraisers. Learn about how to become one here.
Depending on the state, the name of the fourth level of appraisal licensure could be Certified General Appraiser or Certified General Real Property Appraiser. This level is able to appraise all types of properties. Appraisers who wish to appraise commercial properties unsupervised must attain this level of licensing. This is the highest level of licensing available in the appraisal profession.
We offer appraisal licensing education in the first three levels of licensure. To learn more about becoming a licensed appraiser or upgrading your current licensure in your state, simply select your state from the list on the Appraisal Education landing page.
