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Appraisal

Real estate appraisers determine the market value of properties for purchases, refinances, and other transactions. The path starts as a Trainee Appraiser, progressing to Licensed, Certified Residential, and Certified General levels. It's a stable career with growing demand.

Avg Salary

$40,000 – $100,000+

Time to License

3 – 6 months (trainee level)

Licensing Requirements

  1. 1Complete required qualifying education hours (75+ hours for trainee)
  2. 2Find a supervising appraiser
  3. 3Accumulate experience hours under supervision
  4. 4Pass the appropriate licensing exam
  5. 5Apply for state credential

Browse Appraisal Schools by State

Select your state to see approved schools and compare pricing.

ALAlabamaAKAlaskaAZArizonaARArkansasCACaliforniaCOColoradoCTConnecticutDEDelawareFLFloridaGAGeorgiaHIHawaiiIDIdahoILIllinoisINIndianaIAIowaKSKansasKYKentuckyLALouisianaMEMaineMDMarylandMAMassachusettsMIMichiganMNMinnesotaMSMississippiMOMissouriMTMontanaNENebraskaNVNevadaNHNew HampshireNJNew JerseyNMNew MexicoNYNew YorkNCNorth CarolinaNDNorth DakotaOHOhioOKOklahomaOROregonPAPennsylvaniaRIRhode IslandSCSouth CarolinaSDSouth DakotaTNTennesseeTXTexasUTUtahVTVermontVAVirginiaWAWashingtonWVWest VirginiaWIWisconsinWYWyoming

Top Appraisal Schools

Nationwide leaders in appraisal education.

#1

McKissock Learning

Online

$299 – $599

4.7(5,600 reviews)

The premier name in appraisal education. McKissock offers courses for every credential level from trainee to certified general.

✓ Industry leader✓ All credential levels✓ CE packages
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#2

Hondros Education Group

Online / In-Person

$249 – $499

4.5(2,300 reviews)

Strong regional appraisal school with both online and classroom options and excellent career support.

✓ Hands-on training✓ Career placement✓ Regional expertise
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#3

Appraisal Institute

Online / In-Person

$349 – $799

4.8(3,100 reviews)

The gold standard in appraisal education. Offers qualifying education plus professional designation courses.

✓ Professional designation✓ Networking✓ Premium education
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become an appraiser?

Start by completing 75 hours of qualifying education, then find a supervising appraiser to work under while gaining experience. You can work as a trainee while building toward higher credentials.

What are the different appraiser levels?

There are four levels: Trainee (75 hours education), Licensed Residential (150 hours + 1,000 experience hours), Certified Residential (200 hours + 1,500 experience hours), and Certified General (300 hours + 3,000 experience hours).

Is there demand for appraisers?

Yes! The appraisal industry faces a significant shortage of new appraisers. Many current appraisers are nearing retirement, creating excellent opportunities for newcomers.

Can I do this part-time?

Yes. Many trainee appraisers start part-time while working another job or completing their education. The flexibility increases as you gain experience.