How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in Arkansas (2026)
Arkansas appraisers work in one of the South's fastest-growing real estate markets — Northwest Arkansas's Walmart-fueled tech corridor, Little Rock's diverse metro, and a statewide market with rising demand. Certified General Appraisers in Fayetteville and Bentonville can earn $80K–$120K+.
Registered Apprentice Education
$1,079 – $1,205
Time to Licensed Appraiser
7 – 18 months
NW Arkansas CG Salary
$80K – $120K+
Exam Fee
$225 (Pearson VUE)
Arkansas Appraisers Are Regulated by the AALCB
The Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (AALCB), under the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, issues four credential levels under AQB minimum standards. Arkansas calls the entry credential "Registered Apprentice Appraiser". Exam: Pearson VUE ($225). CE: 28 hours every 24 months. Apply online at apps.lnpweb.com.
Arkansas licenses renew annually by June 30, but CE (28 hrs) is required only on a 2-year cycle — specifically due by June 30 of even years. Verify the current renewal fee and schedule at labor.arkansas.gov.
Top Arkansas Appraiser Schools at a Glance
Two schools offer AALCB-approved qualifying education for Arkansas appraisers. McKissock Learning covers all four credential levels — Registered Apprentice through Certified General — with prices browser-verified in March 2026. The CE Shop offers a comprehensive Registered Apprentice package with live-online USPAP included.
1. McKissock LearningFull Service
McKissock is Arkansas's most complete appraisal school, covering all four AALCB credential levels — Registered Apprentice, Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, and Certified General. Self-paced online access with 6-month or 1-year subscription options. A summer livestream package (Sat/Sun) is available for the Registered Apprentice level. 46,000+ verified reviews.
From $1,079
AR Registered Apprentice Basic Package (83 hrs)
2. The CE ShopTop-Rated UX
The CE Shop's modern, mobile-friendly platform includes a comprehensive Arkansas Registered Apprentice package with live-online USPAP and proctored exam bundled in. Note: CE Shop covers the Registered Apprentice level only — use McKissock for Licensed, Certified Residential, or Certified General upgrade coursework.
From $1,205
AR Registered Apprentice Standard Package (87 hrs)
Best Arkansas Appraisal Licensing Courses
All 2 schools are Arkansas AALCB-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
McKissock Learning
Full ServiceStarting at
$1079
- All 4 AR credential levels: Registered Apprentice, Licensed, Certified Residential, Certified General
- Livestream option: AR Trainee Livestream Package – Summer '26 (Sat/Sun)
- AQB-approved; accepted by AALCB
- 46,000+ verified student reviews
Available Packages (8)
AR Registered Apprentice Basic Package (83 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- 15-Hour National USPAP Course
- 8-Hour Valuation Bias & Fair Housing
- 6-month course access
- AQB-approved; AALCB-accepted
The CE Shop
Top-Rated UXStarting at
$1205
- Modern mobile-friendly learning platform
- Live-online USPAP included (no separate scheduling required)
- Proctored exam included in package
- Registered Apprentice level only (Licensed/Certified: use McKissock)
Available Packages (1)
AR Registered Apprentice Standard Package (87 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- 4-Hour AQB Supervisory/Apprentice Course
- 15-Hour National USPAP Live-Online
- 8-Hour Valuation Bias & Fair Housing
- USPAP manuals + proctored exam included
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
What Is an Arkansas Appraiser License?
An Arkansas appraiser license is issued by the Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (AALCB) and required to perform real property appraisals for federally related transactions. Arkansas offers four AQB-compliant credential levels. The entry credential is the Registered Apprentice Appraiser — 87 hours of qualifying education, no experience required, no exam required, must work under a Certified Sponsoring Appraiser. All credentials renew annually by June 30, with CE required on a 2-year cycle.
Registered Apprentice Appraiser
87 hrs (standard AQB)
Under sponsoring appraiser; cannot sign reports independently
State Licensed Appraiser
158 hrs total (71-hr upgrade)
Non-complex 1–4 unit residential properties
Certified Residential Appraiser
200 hrs total (125 from Apprentice / 50 from Licensed)
All 1–4 unit residential; no value or complexity limit
Certified General Appraiser
300 hrs total
Commercial, industrial, all property types
Arkansas Appraiser Credential Levels (2026)
| Credential | QE Hours | Experience | Degree | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Registered Apprentice Appraiser Entry level · No exam · Work under sponsor | 87 hrs (standard AQB) (incl. 15-hr USPAP + 4-hr Supervisory course) | None (under sponsoring appraiser) | None | |
State Licensed Appraiser First independent credential | 158 hrs total (71-hr upgrade) | 1,000 hrs / min. 6 months | None | |
Certified Residential Appraiser All residential; no restrictions | 200 hrs total (125 from Apprentice / 50 from Licensed) | 1,500 hrs / min. 12 months | Bachelor's or qualifying alternative | |
Certified General Appraiser All property types · highest earnings | 300 hrs total | 3,000 hrs / 18 mo (1,500 non-res) | Bachelor's required |
* Exam (Pearson VUE NULCE, $225) required for State Licensed, Certified Residential, and Certified General. Registered Apprentice is exam-exempt. Source: AALCB / AQB, effective Jan 1, 2026. Verify current application fees at labor.arkansas.gov.
How Much Do Arkansas Appraisers Earn?
Registered Apprentice / Entry
$30K – $45K
Working under sponsoring appraiser
Licensed / Cert. Residential
$52K – $76K
AR state average (Salary.com / ZipRecruiter 2025)
NW Arkansas CG Appraiser
$80K – $120K+
Fayetteville/Bentonville commercial & luxury
Typical Residential Fee
$300 – $550
Per residential appraisal in Arkansas
Arkansas Median Home Price
~$205,000
Zillow / Redfin (Arkansas, 2025 estimate)
Top Arkansas Appraisal Markets
Income Disclaimer: Salary figures are estimates based on publicly available data and vary significantly by state, market, experience level, employer type, and individual effort. Past or average earnings are not a guarantee of future results. CertLaunch makes no income guarantees of any kind.
Sources:
Licensing requirements, exam fees, and course availability change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing board before enrolling or submitting any application. Learn how we source our data.
Is a Arkansas Appraiser License Worth It?
👠Pros
- +Northwest Arkansas Growth: Fayetteville and Bentonville are among the fastest-growing metros in the South. Walmart's global HQ, Tyson Foods, and a booming tech sector drive continuous high-value real estate activity — and strong appraisal demand.
- +Low Cost of Entry: Qualifying education starts at $1,079 (McKissock) — lower than many states. Combined with Arkansas's below-average cost of living, startup costs for aspiring appraisers are manageable.
- +Full Service Schools Available: McKissock Learning covers all four AALCB credential levels online, with a livestream option for the Registered Apprentice level — giving candidates flexible pathways regardless of schedule.
- +Diverse Market Opportunities: From Little Rock commercial properties to Hot Springs vacation homes to NW Arkansas luxury real estate — Arkansas offers varied appraisal specializations at every credential level.
👎 Cons
- -Finding a Sponsoring Appraiser Is the Hardest Step: Arkansas's Registered Apprentice system requires a Certified Sponsoring Appraiser before experience hours count. Outside NW Arkansas and Little Rock, finding a willing sponsor can be challenging and time-consuming.
- -Lower Average Salaries Than Coastal Markets: At $52K–$76K average, Arkansas appraiser salaries trail coastal markets significantly. Independent Certified General Appraisers in NW Arkansas close the gap, but entry-level earnings are modest.
- -Annual Renewal (Even if CE is Biennial): Arkansas licenses renew annually by June 30, even though CE is required only every 2 years (on even years). This creates an extra administrative step compared to purely biennial states.
- -McKissock vs. CE Shop Hour Discrepancy: McKissock lists 83 hours for the Registered Apprentice course while the CE Shop lists 87 hours. Both are accepted — the difference reflects whether the 4-hour Supervisory/Apprentice course is bundled separately or included. Confirm with AALCB if unsure.
How to Become a Licensed Appraiser in Arkansas
Complete Registered Apprentice Qualifying Education (87 Hours)
Complete 87 hours of AQB-approved qualifying education: 30 hrs Basic Appraisal Principles, 30 hrs Basic Appraisal Procedures, 15 hrs National USPAP, 8 hrs Valuation Bias & Fair Housing (effective Jan 1, 2026), and the 4-hr AQB Training Course for Supervisory Appraisers and Registered Apprentices. Find your sponsoring appraiser first — both parties must complete the 4-hour Supervisory/Apprentice course together before the relationship begins. McKissock Learning ($1,079+) and The CE Shop ($1,205) are AALCB-accepted online providers.
Secure a Certified Sponsoring Appraiser and Apply for Registered Apprentice License
Before applying, you must have a Certified Appraiser (Certified Residential or Certified General) in good standing with AALCB willing to serve as your Sponsoring Appraiser. Search Arkansas's active appraiser roster at labor.arkansas.gov to find potential sponsors. Apply online through Arkansas's eLicensing portal at apps.lnpweb.com with the $200 application fee. Experience hours only count after your Registered Apprentice license is issued.
Complete Additional Qualifying Education
While accumulating supervised experience hours, complete the remaining qualifying education for your target level: 158 total hours for State Licensed Appraiser, 200 total hours for Certified Residential, or 300 total hours for Certified General. McKissock offers all upgrade packages online — Licensed Residential from $975, Certified Residential from $650 (from Licensed), and Certified General from $1,999. Education and experience can be completed in parallel.
Accumulate Supervised Experience Hours
Work under your Sponsoring Appraiser to gain required experience: 1,000 hours over at least 6 months for State Licensed, 1,500 hours over at least 12 months for Certified Residential, or 3,000 hours (1,500 non-residential) over at least 18 months for Certified General. Maintain a detailed Appraisal Experience Log signed by your sponsoring appraiser — this is required for the upgrade application.
Apply for Upgrade and Authorization to Test
Download Form EX-207 from labor.arkansas.gov and submit your upgrade application to AALCB with proof of completed education, your signed experience log, and the $100 exam application fee (deducted from credential fees when you pass). Processing typically takes up to one month. Upon approval, you receive a candidate handbook with instructions to schedule your Pearson VUE exam.
Pass the Pearson VUE National Exam (NULCE)
Schedule and pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination (NULCE) through Pearson VUE. The exam fee is $225, paid directly to Pearson VUE at scheduling. Score 75 or higher out of 110 possible scored points (125 total questions, 15 unscored) within 4 hours. Upon passing, submit your score to AALCB, pay the remaining credential fee, and receive your Arkansas appraiser license.
Arkansas Appraiser License Requirements
Eligibility
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Valid Social Security Number required
- Criminal history disclosure required (does not automatically disqualify)
- Must secure a Certified Sponsoring Appraiser before applying
- Both apprentice and sponsor must complete 4-hr AQB Supervisory/Apprentice Course
- Experience only counts after Registered Apprentice license is issued
Education
- Registered Apprentice: 87 hrs AQB-approved QE (effective Jan 1, 2026)
- State Licensed: 158 hrs total (71-hr upgrade from Apprentice)
- Certified Residential: 200 hrs total (125 from Apprentice / 50 from Licensed)
- Certified General: 300 hrs total + Bachelor's degree required
- All levels: 15-hr USPAP + 8-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing (2026 requirement)
- Online AQB-approved providers (McKissock, CE Shop) accepted by AALCB
Exam (Pearson VUE)
- In-person at Pearson VUE testing centers statewide
- NULCE — 125 total questions (110 scored + 15 unscored practice)
- Exam fee: $225 per attempt
- Passing score: 75 out of 110 scored points
- Required for State Licensed, Certified Residential, Certified General
- Not required for Registered Apprentice credential
Application & Renewal
- Registered Apprentice application fee: $200 (apply at apps.lnpweb.com)
- Licensed/Certified exam application fee: $100 (deducted from credential fee on passing)
- CE: 28 hours every 24 months; 7-hr USPAP Update Course required
- Annual renewal by June 30; CE due on even years only
- Certified Residential: Bachelor's degree, Associate's, 30 credit hrs, or 5-yr Licensed alt.
- Sponsoring appraiser may supervise up to 3 apprentices at one time
Arkansas Appraiser License Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registered Apprentice qualifying education (83–87 hrs) | $1,079 – $1,205 |
| Registered Apprentice application fee (AALCB) | $200 |
| Additional QE courses (Apprentice → State Licensed, 158 hrs total) | $200 – $500 |
| Licensed Appraiser exam application fee (AALCB) | $100 |
| Pearson VUE Exam Fee (NULCE) | $225 |
| Exam prep / study materials | $0 – $200 |
| CE (28-hr biennial renewal) | $100 – $300 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $1,804 – $2,430+ |
All government fees are non-refundable. Verify current amounts with AALCB before applying.
The Arkansas Appraiser Exam — What to Expect
Exam At a Glance
- Exam
- NULCE — National Uniform Licensing & Certification Exam
- Provider
- Pearson VUE
- Questions
- 125 total (110 scored + 15 pretest)
- Time Limit
- 4 hours
- Passing Score
- 75 (out of 110 scored)
- Exam Fee
- $225 per attempt
- Trainee Exempt
- Yes — no exam for Trainee
Key Exam Content Areas
- Real Property Concepts and Characteristics
- Legal Considerations in Appraisal
- Market Analysis and Highest and Best Use
- Sales Comparison Approach — adjustments, paired-sales analysis
- Cost Approach — depreciation methods, land valuation
- Income Approach — capitalization, GRM (Certified General focus)
- Statistics, Modeling, and Finance
- USPAP — ethics, competency, reporting standards (~20–25% of exam)
💡 Exam Prep Tips
- • Complete your qualifying education before scheduling — course content is directly tested
- • Budget 4–6 weeks of dedicated study after completing QE
- • Focus heavily on USPAP — it accounts for approximately 20–25% of exam questions
- • At $225 per attempt, thorough preparation is strongly worth the investment
- • Apply to AALCB first (Form EX-207) — you schedule Pearson VUE only after AALCB approves your application
About AALCB — Arkansas's Appraiser Regulator
Contact & Resources
- Full Name
- Arkansas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board
- Phone
- (501) 296-1843
- Address
- 900 W. Capitol Avenue, Suite 400, Little Rock, AR 72201
Key Arkansas Rules
- Entry credential: Registered Apprentice Appraiser (not "Trainee") — Arkansas-specific terminology
- Registered Apprentice: 87 hrs QE, no experience, no exam; must work under Certified Sponsoring Appraiser
- Both apprentice and sponsoring appraiser must complete 4-hr AQB Supervisory/Apprentice Course before supervision begins
- CE: 28 hours every 24 months; 7-hr USPAP Update Course required; licenses renew annually by June 30
- CE is due by June 30 of even years only (e.g., June 2026, June 2028)
- Registered Apprentice application fee: $200; Licensed/Certified exam application fee: $100
- Certified General: 300 hrs + Bachelor's degree + 3,000 hrs / 18 months (1,500 non-residential)
- PAREA may be accepted as an alternative to the supervisory model — confirm with AALCB
- Arkansas offers reciprocity for appraisers licensed/certified in other states at the same level
How Long Does It Take? Realistic Arkansas Timelines
Full-Time
7–9 months to State Licensed
- 1.Complete 87-hr QE online (3–5 weeks)
- 2.Find sponsoring appraiser; apply for Registered Apprentice ($200)
- 3.Complete Licensed upgrade + 1,000 hrs / 6 months minimum
- 4.Apply (Form EX-207) + pass Pearson VUE ($225)
Part-Time
12–18 months to State Licensed
- 1.Complete 87-hr QE evenings/weekends (8–12 weeks)
- 2.Find sponsoring appraiser; apply for Registered Apprentice
- 3.Complete Licensed upgrade + 1,000 hrs (10–14 months)
- 4.Apply + pass exam after meeting all requirements
Certified General
3–5 years total
- 1.Complete 300-hr QE; hold Bachelor's degree
- 2.3,000 hrs (1,500 non-res) / 18 months minimum
- 3.NW Arkansas CG avg $80K–$120K+; commercial focus
- 4.Pass CG exam; submit to AALCB for Certified General credential
Finding a Certified Sponsoring Appraiser is often the most time-consuming step in Arkansas — especially outside NW Arkansas and Little Rock. Start networking before completing your education.
Ready to Launch Your Arkansas Appraisal Career?
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Arkansas Appraiser License Renewal
Arkansas appraiser licenses renew annually by June 30. However, the 28 hours of continuing education are required only every 24 months — specifically, CE is due by June 30 of even years (e.g., you need 28 CE hours by June 30, 2026, then the next CE deadline is June 30, 2028).
The required 7-hour USPAP Update Course counts toward the 28-hour CE requirement and must be completed during each CE cycle.
Renew and pay the annual renewal fee online through Arkansas's eLicensing portal at apps.lnpweb.com. Verify the current renewal fee with AALCB at (501) 296-1843 or labor.arkansas.gov.
Annual renewal / Biennial CE
Renewal Cycle
28 hrs / cycle
CE Requirement
7 hrs required
USPAP Update
Even years only (e.g., 2026, 2028)
CE Cycle
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get an appraisal license in Arkansas?
The estimated total cost to become a State Licensed Appraiser in Arkansas ranges from approximately $1,804 to $2,430. This includes the Registered Apprentice qualifying education ($1,079–$1,205), the $200 AALCB application fee, Licensed upgrade coursework, the $100 exam application fee (deducted from credential fee on passing), and the $225 Pearson VUE exam fee. Note: the full credential fee from AALCB for the Licensed or Certified level was not confirmed — verify at labor.arkansas.gov.
How long does it take to become a licensed appraiser in Arkansas?
The fastest path to a State Licensed Appraiser license in Arkansas is approximately 7–9 months for a full-time candidate — the state requires at least 1,000 hours of supervised experience over no fewer than 6 months. Most working professionals take 12–18 months, combining online education with part-time supervised experience under a sponsoring appraiser. Finding that sponsoring appraiser is often the slowest step.
What is the difference between a Registered Apprentice and a State Licensed Appraiser in Arkansas?
A Registered Apprentice is Arkansas's entry-level credential: you must work under a Certified Sponsoring Appraiser and cannot sign appraisal reports independently. After completing 158 total hours of qualifying education, 1,000 hours of supervised experience over at least 6 months, and passing the Pearson VUE national exam, you advance to State Licensed Appraiser — allowing independent appraisals of non-complex 1-4 unit residential properties within federally related transaction thresholds.
What are the education requirements to become a licensed appraiser in Arkansas?
Arkansas requires 87 hours of qualifying education for the Registered Apprentice level (effective January 1, 2026) — including 30 hours Basic Appraisal Principles, 30 hours Basic Appraisal Procedures, 15 hours USPAP, 8 hours Valuation Bias & Fair Housing, and a 4-hour Supervisory/Apprentice Course. To advance to State Licensed, you need 158 total qualifying hours; Certified Residential requires 200; Certified General requires 300. All coursework must be AQB-approved; online courses are accepted.
How do I find a sponsoring appraiser in Arkansas?
Search Arkansas's active appraiser roster at labor.arkansas.gov/licensing/appraiser-licensing-and-certification-board/roster-search/ to find certified appraisers who may be open to working with apprentices. Network through the Appraisal Institute, contact appraisal management companies (AMCs) that hire apprentices, and reach out to appraisal firms in your target market. In Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville/Bentonville), the rapidly growing real estate market offers the most opportunities to find a sponsor.
What are Arkansas's continuing education requirements for appraisers?
Arkansas licensed and certified appraisers must complete 28 hours of CE every 24 months, including the 7-hour USPAP Update Course. Licenses renew annually by June 30, but CE is required only on even years — by June 30, 2026 (for the July 2024–June 2026 cycle), then June 30, 2028, and so on. All CE courses must be AALCB-approved.
Does Arkansas accept reciprocal appraisal licenses?
Yes. Arkansas offers reciprocity for appraisers licensed or certified in other states. If you hold current licensure/certification at the same level in another state, you may apply for reciprocity rather than the standard examination path. Visit the AALCB reciprocity information at labor.arkansas.gov for current requirements and paperwork.
How much do real estate appraisers earn in Arkansas?
Arkansas real estate appraisers earn average salaries ranging from approximately $52,510 (Salary.com, all appraisers, Aug 2025) to $75,886 (ZipRecruiter, Aug 2025), with residential appraisers averaging around $61,445 (Salary.com, Nov 2025). The national BLS median is $65,420 (May 2024). Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville/Bentonville) commands premium fees due to the region's rapid growth. Certified General Appraisers handling commercial properties can earn $80,000–$120,000+.
What exam is required to become an appraiser in Arkansas?
Arkansas appraisers take the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination (NULCE) through Pearson VUE. The exam has 125 total questions (15 unscored), and you must score 75 or higher out of 110 possible scored points within 4 hours. It covers USPAP standards, all three valuation approaches (sales comparison, cost, and income), market analysis, legal considerations, and statistics. The Pearson VUE exam fee is $225. No exam is required for the Registered Apprentice level. Apply to AALCB first — you receive authorization to schedule Pearson VUE only after AALCB approves your application.