How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in Indiana (2026)
Indiana switched to <strong>Pearson VUE in February 2025</strong> and uses a two-step fee: <strong>$100 application + $110 issuance</strong>. Two critical rules: your supervisor must have held their Indiana license for <strong>at least 3 years</strong>, and applications are <strong>automatically abandoned if not completed within 1 year</strong>. Indianapolis CG appraisers earn <strong>$85K–$115K+</strong>.
Trainee Education
$1,159 – $2,097
Time to Licensed
8 – 22 months
Indianapolis CG Salary
$85K – $115K+
Application + Issuance
$100 + $110 = $210
Indiana Appraisers Have Five Unique Rules to Know Before Applying
The Indiana Real Estate Appraiser Licensure and Certification Board under Indiana PLA has five state-specific rules: (1) Pearson VUE since Feb 21, 2025 — Indiana switched exam providers. (2) Supervisor must hold Indiana license 3+ years — a newly-certified appraiser cannot supervise. (3) 1-year application window — all requirements must be submitted within 12 months or the application is automatically abandoned. (4) Fingerprint background check required. (5) SSN mandatory as a condition of licensure. Fees: $100 application + $110 issuance = $210 per credential.
Indiana's 1-year application window is critical: if you don't submit all requirements within 12 months of filing, the Board automatically abandons your application — with no notification. You must restart with a new application and new fees. Don't file until you're ready to complete all requirements within the year. Also verify whether Indiana has adopted the AQB 2026 87-hour trainee standard at in.gov/pla.
Top Indiana Appraiser Schools at a Glance
McKissock covers all four Indiana credential levels. CE Shop covers Trainee only. Champions is NOT available in Indiana.
1. McKissock LearningOnly Full-Service Provider
Indiana PLA Board-approved for all four credential levels. Trainee Basic $1,159 / Sub $1,525 / Livestream $2,097. Only school covering CG education.
From $1,159
IN Trainee Basic (87 hrs)
2. The CE ShopTop-Rated UX
Board-accepted for Trainee Appraiser. $1,205 with live-online USPAP, Valuation Bias, and proctored exam. Trainee level only.
$1,205
IN Trainee Standard (87 hrs)
Best Indiana Appraiser Licensing Courses
All 2 schools are Indiana Indiana PLA-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
McKissock Learning
Only Full-Service ProviderStarting at
$1159
- Indiana PLA Board-approved for all four credential levels including Certified General
- Standard 87-hr Trainee packages (Indiana Board accepts AQB-approved courses)
- Livestream Summer 2026 (Sat/Sun Zoom) available for Indiana
- CE library includes Indiana-accepted CE courses for biennial renewal
- All courses AQB-approved; instructor Q&A and live webinars with Subscription
Available Packages (12)
IN Trainee Basic Package (87 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- 15-Hr National USPAP
- 8-Hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing
- 4-Hr Supervisory/Trainee Course
- 6-month access
The CE Shop
Top-Rated UXStarting at
$1205
- Indiana Board-accepted for Trainee Appraiser level
- Live-online 15-hr USPAP + 8-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing included
- Proctored final exam included
- Trainee level only — use McKissock for Licensed, Certified Residential, and Certified General
Available Packages (1)
IN Trainee Standard Package (87 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- 15-Hr USPAP Live-Online
- 8-Hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing
- 4-Hr Supervisory/Trainee Course
- USPAP manuals + proctored final exam
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
What Is an Indiana Appraiser License?
Issued by the Indiana Real Estate Appraiser Licensure and Certification Board under Indiana PLA, a license authorizes real property appraisals for federally related transactions. Indiana uses standard AQB credential terminology. Key state rules: two-step fee ($100 application + $110 issuance), supervisory appraiser must hold Indiana license for 3+ years, and all application requirements must be completed within 1 year of filing.
Trainee Appraiser
75 hrs (verify 87-hr)
Supervised work only; supervisor must hold IN license 3+ yrs
Licensed Residential
150 total hrs
Non-complex 1–4 unit residential
Certified Residential
200 total hrs
All 1–4 unit residential, no limits
Certified General
300 total hrs
Commercial and all property types
Indiana Appraiser Credential Levels (2026)
| Credential | QE Hours | Experience | Degree | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Trainee Appraiser 75 hrs (verify AQB 2026 87-hr adoption) · 5-yr lookback · $210 fee | 75 hrs (verify 87-hr) | None (under supervisor) | None | |
Licensed Residential First independent · Pearson VUE (since Feb 2025) · $210 fee | 150 total hrs | 1,000 hrs / 6 months | None | |
Certified Residential All residential · $210 fee · ~$190 renewal | 200 total hrs | 1,500 hrs / 12 months | Bachelor's, Associate's, or 30 cr. hrs | |
Certified General All property types · McKissock only · $210 fee | 300 total hrs | 3,000 hrs / 18 mo (1,500 non-res) | Bachelor's required |
Trainee = 75 hrs state standard (verify AQB 2026 87-hr adoption at in.gov/pla). Two-step fee: $100 app + $110 issuance. Supervisor must hold IN license 3+ years. 1-year application window — abandonment if not completed. Verify renewal fees at in.gov/pla. Source: Indiana PLA / AQB, 2026.
How Much Do Indiana Appraisers Earn?
Trainee / Entry
$38K – $52K
Working under supervisor
Licensed / Cert. Residential
$59K – $72K
Indiana state average
Indianapolis / Hamilton Co. CG
$85K – $115K+
Commercial + agricultural appraisals
Typical Residential Fee
$300 – $500
Per residential appraisal in Indiana
Indiana Median Home Price
~$240,000
Zillow (Indiana, 2025)
Top Indiana 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 Indiana Appraiser License Worth It?
👠Pros
- +Pearson VUE (Feb 2025): Indiana switched to Pearson VUE in February 2025 — scheduling is now standard nationwide.
- +Low Cost of Living: Indiana's below-national-average cost of living means appraiser salaries go further than in most states.
- +Strong Agricultural CG Market: Rural Indiana farmland, grain elevators, and agribusiness create steady CG appraisal demand outside urban markets.
👎 Cons
- -1-Year Application Window: Applications are automatically abandoned after 12 months with no Board notification — restart requires new fees. Do not file until ready to complete all requirements.
- -Supervisor Must Hold IN License 3+ Years: A recently-certified appraiser cannot supervise. Narrows the pool of qualified supervisors — budget extra networking time.
- -Champions Not Available: Champions School does not operate in Indiana. Only McKissock (all levels) and CE Shop (Trainee only).
- -Two-Step Fee: $100 application + $110 issuance = $210 per credential level. Both are nonrefundable — issuance paid after Board approval.
How to Become a Licensed Appraiser in Indiana
Complete Trainee Qualifying Education (87 hrs; verify IN standard)
Complete 87 hours of AQB-approved QE using McKissock (Basic $1,159 / Sub $1,525 / Livestream $2,097) or CE Shop ($1,205). All QE must be completed within 5 years of your application date. Indiana accepts all AQB-approved courses with no restrictions on online percentage. Verify whether Indiana has adopted the AQB 2026 87-hour standard at in.gov/pla/professions/real-estate-appraisers-home — the state JSON currently shows 75 hours.
Find a Supervisor with 3+ Years of Indiana Licensure
Find an Indiana Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser who has held their Indiana license for at least 3 years. Both you and your supervisor complete the Indiana Supervisor/Trainee Course. Network via the Indiana Chapter of the Appraisal Institute, Indianapolis-area AMCs, and appraisal firms. Given Indiana's 3-year rule, PAREA is a valuable alternative if finding a qualified supervisor proves difficult.
Apply via MyLicense One — Complete All Requirements Within 1 Year
Submit your Trainee application at mylicense.in.gov. Pay $100 nonrefundable application fee. Provide: proof of QE (within 5 years), supervisor info, SSN (mandatory), consent to fingerprint background check, and all criminal history disclosures. Critical: all requirements must be submitted within 1 year of filing — the Board automatically abandons incomplete applications. Pay the $110 issuance fee after Board approval.
Accumulate 1,000 Hours Over 6 Months
Accumulate 1,000 supervised hours over at least 6 months while completing the 75-hr Licensed Residential upgrade (McKissock Licensed Basic $975 / AP $1,449). Maintain detailed appraisal logs with supervisor signatures. Submit your Licensed Residential application via MyLicense One ($100 app fee) before the 1-year window expires from that application date.
Pass Pearson VUE NULCE and Pay Issuance Fee
Upon Board approval, schedule the NULCE through Pearson VUE (since Feb 21, 2025) at home.pearsonvue.com or call 800-274-2717. Pay $225. Pass 75 of 125 scored questions. Receive an "Issuance Approved" notice from the Board; pay the $110 issuance fee. Renew every 2 years with 28 CE hours including 7-hr USPAP Update.
Indiana Appraiser License Requirements
Eligibility
- Age 18+
- SSN mandatory (condition of licensure)
- Fingerprint background check required
- Supervisor must hold IN license 3+ years
- Both complete Indiana Supervisor/Trainee Course
- All QE within 5 years of application
Education
- Trainee: 87 hrs (verify 75 vs 87 at in.gov/pla)
- Licensed Residential: 150 total hrs
- Certified Residential: 200 total hrs
- Certified General: 300 hrs + Bachelor's
- McKissock (all levels) and CE Shop (Trainee only)
- Champions NOT available in Indiana
Fees & Exam
- $100 application + $110 issuance = $210 per credential
- Pearson VUE NULCE: $225, 75/125, 4 hrs (since Feb 21, 2025)
- Not required for Trainee
- Renewal: $110 Trainee / ~$190 Certified biennial
- Verify renewal fees at in.gov/pla
Indiana-Specific Rules
- 1-year application window — automatically abandoned if incomplete
- Supervisor must hold IN license for 3+ years
- Two-step fee: $100 app (at filing) + $110 issuance (after approval)
- Apply via MyLicense One portal (mylicense.in.gov)
- Verify AQB 2026 87-hr adoption at in.gov/pla
- PAREA available — valuable given 3-yr supervisor rule
Indiana Appraiser License Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Trainee QE (87 hrs) | $1,159 – $2,097 |
| Indiana PLA Trainee Fees ($100 app + $110 issuance) | $210 |
| Fingerprint background check | $25 – $65 |
| Licensed upgrade education (75 hrs) | $975 – $1,449 |
| Indiana PLA Licensed Fees ($100 app + $110 issuance) | $210 |
| Pearson VUE NULCE Exam | $225 |
| Total Estimated Cost | ~$2,429 – $4,256+ |
All government fees are non-refundable. Verify current amounts with Indiana PLA before applying.
The Indiana Appraiser Exam — What to Expect
Exam At a Glance
- Exam
- NULCE — National Uniform Licensing & Certification Exam (Pearson VUE since Feb 21, 2025)
- Provider
- Pearson VUE
- Questions
- 150 total (125 scored + 25 pretest)
- Time Limit
- 4 hours
- Passing Score
- 75 (out of 125 scored)
- Exam Fee
- $225 per attempt
- Trainee Exempt
- Yes — no exam for Trainee
Key Exam Content Areas
- Appraisal Principles, Procedures, and Legal Concepts
- Market Analysis, Highest and Best Use, all three valuation approaches
- USPAP — ethics, competency, reporting (~20–25%)
💡 Exam Prep Tips
- • Indiana switched to Pearson VUE on Feb 21, 2025 — schedule at home.pearsonvue.com or call 800-274-2717
- • Prior exam records with the previous provider remain valid
- • Study content is the standard AQB NULCE curriculum
About Indiana PLA — Indiana's Appraiser Regulator
Contact & Resources
- Full Name
- Indiana Real Estate Appraiser Licensure and Certification Board / Indiana PLA
- Phone
- (317) 234-3009
- Address
- 402 W. Washington Street, Room W072, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Key Indiana Rules
- Supervisory appraiser must hold Indiana license/certification for at least 3 years
- 1-year application window — automatically abandoned after 12 months; restart requires new fees
- Two-step fee: $100 application (at filing) + $110 issuance (after Board approval)
- SSN mandatory; fingerprint background check required
- Pearson VUE since Feb 21, 2025 — call 800-274-2717 or home.pearsonvue.com
- PAREA available — especially useful given the 3-year supervisor tenure rule
- Verify AQB 2026 87-hr Trainee adoption at in.gov/pla
How Long Does It Take? Realistic Indiana Timelines
Full-Time
8–10 months to Licensed
- 1.Trainee QE 87 hrs (3–6 weeks)
- 2.Apply Trainee via MyLicense One ($210); find 3-yr supervisor
- 3.75-hr upgrade + 1,000 hrs / 6 months
- 4.Apply Licensed ($210) + Pearson VUE ($225)
Part-Time
14–22 months to Licensed
- 1.Trainee QE evenings (8–16 weeks)
- 2.Apply Trainee; 1-year window starts at filing
- 3.1,000 hrs over 12–18 months
- 4.Apply Licensed + pass Pearson VUE
Certified General
3–5 years total
- 1.300-hr QE + Bachelor's (McKissock only)
- 2.3,000 hrs (1,500 non-res) / 18 months
- 3.Indianapolis/Hamilton Co. CG avg $85K–$115K+
- 4.Apply CG ($210) + Pearson VUE ($225)
Indiana's 1-year application window starts the moment you file — not when you find a supervisor or start studying. Don't file until you have your supervisor lined up and are ready to move quickly through education and experience accumulation.
Ready to Launch Your Indiana Appraisal Career?
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Indiana Appraiser License Renewal
28 CE hours every 2 years including 7-hr USPAP Update. Renewal fee: ~$110 (Trainee) / ~$190 (Certified, includes National Registry). Verify current amounts at in.gov/pla or call (317) 234-3009.
Biennial
Renewal Cycle
28 hrs / cycle
CE Requirement
Frequently Asked Questions
Who regulates appraisers in Indiana?
The Indiana Real Estate Appraiser Licensure and Certification Board under Indiana PLA. Contact: (317) 234-3009, in.gov/pla/professions/real-estate-appraisers-home, 402 W. Washington Street, Room W072, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Apply via mylicense.in.gov.
What is Indiana's 1-year application window?
If all requirements are not submitted within 1 year of filing, the application is automatically abandoned — no Board notification. You must restart with a new application and new fees. File only when you're ready to complete all requirements within 12 months.
Why does Indiana require supervisors to hold their license for 3 years?
Indiana requires the supervisory appraiser to have held their Indiana license or certification for at least 3 years — stricter than AQB standards. A newly-certified appraiser cannot immediately supervise trainees. PAREA is a valuable alternative if finding a 3-year-tenured supervisor proves difficult.
When did Indiana switch to Pearson VUE?
Indiana switched to Pearson VUE effective February 21, 2025. Exams for March 3, 2025 and beyond are through Pearson VUE. Schedule at home.pearsonvue.com or call 800-274-2717. Prior exam records with the previous provider remain valid.
How much do Indiana appraisers earn?
Licensed/CR: $59K–$72K average. Indianapolis and Hamilton County CG appraisers earn $85K–$115K+. Indiana's low cost of living means salaries stretch further than in coastal states.