How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in Iowa (2026)
Iowa appraisers benefit from a streamlined 3-level credential system -- no Licensed Residential hurdle separating you from full Certified status. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and the Quad Cities offer steady residential appraisal demand, while Iowa's growing commercial and agricultural sectors create strong Certified General opportunities. Iowa's unique Work Product Review ensures your skills are validated before you sit for the national exam.
Associate Education
$1,100 - $1,525
Time to Certified Res.
14 - 24 months
Iowa Avg. Salary
$59K - $80K/yr
Exam Fee
$145 (Pearson VUE)
Iowa Appraisers Are Regulated by DIAL -- Real Estate Appraiser Examining Board
The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing (DIAL) -- Real Estate Appraiser Examining Board (REAB) issues three credential levels under Iowa Code Chapter 543D and Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 193F. Iowa recognizes Associate Appraiser (trainee), Certified Residential, and Certified General -- there is no Licensed Residential level. Exam: Pearson VUE NULCE. Apply online at the Iowa My PLB portal at dial.iowa.gov. CE: 28 hours every 2 years, renewal by June 30.
Iowa requires you to secure a certified supervisory appraiser BEFORE submitting your Associate Appraiser application. This is different from most states where you can apply first. Do not submit your application until a supervisory appraiser agrees to work with you.
Iowa's Work Product Review (WPR) process -- unique to Iowa -- validates your actual appraisal reports before you sit for the national exam. This reinforces USPAP compliance and competency. Budget $300 (Certified Residential) or $650 (Certified General) and allow 4-8 weeks for the WPR process.
Top Iowa Appraiser Schools at a Glance
Three AQB-approved providers offer Iowa appraisal qualifying education. McKissock Learning is the only Iowa provider covering all three credential levels including Certified General. Champions School of Real Estate covers Associate through Certified Residential via live virtual classroom. The CE Shop offers the Iowa Associate Appraiser (Trainee) package only. All prices browser-verified March 2026.
1. McKissock LearningFull Service
Iowa's most comprehensive appraisal education provider -- the only option covering all three credential levels including Certified General. AQB-approved online courses accepted by Iowa DIAL-REAB. 4.6 stars from over 46,000 verified student reviews. Self-paced online format with optional Saturday/Sunday Livestream sessions. If you plan to pursue Certified General, McKissock is your only Iowa option.
From $1,159
IA Trainee Basic Package (87 hrs)
2. Champions School of Real EstateVirtual Classroom
Live virtual classroom (Zoom) for Iowa appraisal licensing -- ideal for students who prefer structured learning with instructor accountability. Iowa DIAL approved; US Provider #8072-AQP. Covers Associate Appraiser through Certified Residential levels with bundled programs. Does not offer Certified General for Iowa. ChampionsLive format provides a schedule to keep you on track.
From $1,100
87-Hr Trainee Program
3. The CE ShopTop-Rated UX
Modern, intuitive online platform for Iowa Associate Appraiser (Trainee) education. Includes live-online USPAP delivery, proctored exam, and USPAP manuals. Top-rated for user experience and mobile accessibility. Iowa trainee package only -- does not offer upgrade courses toward Certified Residential or Certified General. Pair with McKissock or Champions for the full licensing path.
From $1,205
Iowa Trainee Standard Package (87 hrs)
Best Iowa Appraiser Licensing Courses
All 3 schools are Iowa Iowa DIAL-REAB-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
Champions School of Real Estate
Virtual ClassroomStarting at
$1100
- Live virtual classroom via Zoom -- ideal for accountability and structure
- Iowa DIAL approved; US Provider #8072-AQP
- Bundled programs from Associate Appraiser through Certified Residential
- Does not offer Certified General for Iowa
Available Packages (4)
87-Hr Appraiser Supervisor Trainee Program
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- 15-Hr USPAP Live Online
- 8-Hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing
- 4-Hr Supervisor/Trainee Course
- Virtual Classroom (ChampionsLive / Zoom)
McKissock Learning
Full ServiceStarting at
$1159
- Only Iowa provider covering all 3 credential levels including Certified General
- AQB-approved courses accepted by Iowa DIAL-REAB
- 4.6 stars from over 46,000 verified student reviews
Available Packages (6)
IA Trainee Basic Package (87 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- 15-Hour National USPAP Course
- 8-Hour Valuation Bias & Fair Housing
- 4-Hour AQB Supervisor/Trainee Course
- 6-month access
The CE Shop
Top-Rated UXStarting at
$1205
- Modern mobile-friendly platform with intuitive UX
- Live-online USPAP delivery with proctored exam and manuals included
- Iowa Associate Appraiser (Trainee) package only
- Does not offer upgrade courses for Certified Residential or General
Available Packages (1)
Iowa Associate Appraiser Standard Package (87 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- 4-Hr Supervisor/Trainee Course
- 15-Hr USPAP Live-Online Course
- 8-Hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing
- USPAP manuals and proctored exam included
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
What Is an Iowa Appraiser License?
An Iowa appraiser license is issued by the Real Estate Appraiser Examining Board under Iowa DIAL and is required to perform real property appraisals for federally related transactions. Iowa offers three credential levels -- unlike most states that offer four. The entry credential is the Associate Appraiser (equivalent to Trainee in most states): 87 hours of qualifying education, no experience, no exam. Iowa has no Licensed Residential Appraiser level -- candidates go directly from Associate Appraiser to Certified Residential (the first independent credential). Iowa is also unique in requiring a Work Product Review (WPR) before exam authorization. All credentials renew biennially with 28 hours of CE.
Associate Appraiser
87 hrs
Under certified supervisor; cannot sign reports independently
Certified Residential Appraiser
125-hr upgrade (200 hrs total)
All 1-4 unit residential; no value or complexity limit
Certified General Appraiser
300 hrs total
Commercial, industrial, agricultural, all property types
Iowa Appraiser Credential Levels (2026)
| Credential | QE Hours | Experience | Degree | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Associate Appraiser Entry level -- Iowa trainee credential -- No exam | 87 hrs (incl. 15-hr USPAP + 8-hr Valuation Bias) | None (work under certified supervisor) | None | |
Certified Residential Appraiser First (and only) independent residential credential in Iowa | 125-hr upgrade (200 hrs total) (from Associate -- no Licensed Res. level in Iowa) | 1,500 hrs / min. 12 months as Associate | Bachelor's, Associate's in business/econ, or 30 credit hrs | |
Certified General Appraiser All property types -- highest earnings | 300 hrs total (225 hrs beyond Associate level) | 3,000 hrs / 18 mo (1,500 non-residential) | Bachelor's degree required (no alternatives) |
* Iowa has no Licensed Residential Appraiser level -- candidates go directly from Associate Appraiser to Certified Residential. Iowa also requires a Work Product Review (WPR) before exam authorization ($300 residential / $650 general). Source: Iowa DIAL-REAB / AQB, 2026 (effective Jan 1, 2026). Verify current application fees at dial.iowa.gov.
How Much Do Iowa Appraisers Earn?
Associate / Entry Level
$35K - $50K
Working under certified supervisor
Certified Residential
$59K - $80K
Iowa state average
Certified General (Commercial)
$85K - $120K+
Des Moines / Quad Cities commercial focus
Typical Residential Fee
$300 - $550
Per residential appraisal in Iowa
Iowa Median Home Price
~$225,000
Iowa Realtors / Zillow (Iowa, 2025-2026)
Top Iowa 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 Iowa Appraiser License Worth It?
👠Pros
- +No Licensed Residential Hurdle: Iowa skips the Licensed Residential Appraiser level. While the first independent credential (Certified Residential) requires more education and experience than Licensed Residential in other states, you earn a higher credential on the same path -- fewer steps, cleaner progression.
- +WPR Validates Your Competency: Iowa's Work Product Review ensures your actual appraisal reports are USPAP-compliant before you sit for the exam. This means Iowa-licensed appraisers carry strong credibility with lenders, AMCs, and employers -- a real career advantage.
- +Growing Des Moines Market: Des Moines has been one of the top-performing mid-size markets in the U.S. for business growth and real estate activity. Iowa's economic diversification is expanding commercial appraisal opportunities.
- +Lower Cost of Living: Iowa's median home price of ~$225,000 means lower business overhead for independent fee appraisers while salary expectations remain competitive with surrounding Midwest states.
👎 Cons
- -Higher Bar for First Independent Credential: Because Iowa has no Licensed Residential level, your first independent credential (Certified Residential) requires 200 education hours and 1,500 experience hours over 12 months -- more than the Licensed Residential standard in most states (150 hrs + 1,000 hrs / 6 months).
- -Work Product Review Adds Time and Cost: Iowa's WPR process adds 4-8 weeks and $300 (Certified Residential) or $650 (Certified General) beyond standard states. Budget for this unique requirement when planning your licensing timeline and costs.
- -Must Find Supervisor Before Applying: Iowa requires securing a certified supervisory appraiser BEFORE submitting your Associate Appraiser application -- unlike most states where you apply first. Rural areas outside Des Moines and Cedar Rapids may have fewer available supervisors.
- -Limited School Options for Higher Levels: Only McKissock Learning covers all three Iowa credential levels including Certified General. If you prefer virtual classroom learning, Champions School stops at Certified Residential -- no Certified General option.
How to Become a Licensed Appraiser in Iowa
Complete Associate Appraiser Qualifying Education (87 Hours)
Complete 87 hours of AQB-approved qualifying education effective January 1, 2026: 30 hrs Basic Appraisal Principles, 30 hrs Basic Appraisal Procedures, 8 hrs Valuation Bias & Fair Housing, 15 hrs National USPAP, and the 4-hr AQB Supervisor/Trainee Course. Iowa accepts online AQB-approved courses from McKissock Learning, Champions School (virtual classroom), or The CE Shop. All packages are browser-verified at $1,100-$1,525 as of March 2026.
Find a Supervisory Appraiser and Register as Associate Appraiser
Iowa requires securing a Certified Appraiser (Certified Residential or Certified General) in good standing to serve as your supervisory appraiser before submitting your application. Both you and your supervisor must complete the 4-hour AQB Supervisor/Trainee Course before supervision begins. Then log in to the Iowa My PLB portal at dial.iowa.gov to submit your Associate Appraiser registration with the $200 fee, proof of completed QE, background check (completed within 180 days, $51 fee), and supervisory appraiser information.
Complete Additional Qualifying Education Toward Your Target Credential
Iowa has no Licensed Residential level -- the next credential after Associate Appraiser is Certified Residential (200 total QE hours) or Certified General (300 total QE hours). Complete the remaining 113+ hours of Certified Residential coursework from McKissock (125-hr upgrade packages from $1,625) or Champions ($950-$2,429 upgrade programs) during your supervised experience period. If targeting Certified General, only McKissock offers the required 225-hr CG upgrade coursework for Iowa.
Accumulate Supervised Experience Hours
Work under your supervisory appraiser to gain the required experience hours: 1,500 hours over at least 12 months for Certified Residential, or 3,000 hours (at least 1,500 non-residential) over at least 18 months for Certified General. Maintain a detailed Appraisal Experience Log signed by your supervisor for every assignment. Iowa's WPR process will review your actual completed appraisal reports -- document all work meticulously and ensure USPAP compliance from day one.
Submit Upgrade Application and Complete Iowa Work Product Review (WPR)
Submit your Exam and Experience Application via the Iowa My PLB portal. Board staff will create a separate WPR application. Pay the WPR fee ($300 for Certified Residential; $650 for Certified General). Submit requested completed appraisal reports for Standard 3/4 review by the WPR Committee. Sit for your WPR interview with the committee. Allow 4-8 weeks for this process. Once approved, you will receive authorization to pay the exam fee and register with Pearson VUE.
Pass the Pearson VUE National Exam
Pay the $150 Exam Application Fee to Iowa DIAL and register with Pearson VUE for the National Uniform Licensing & Certification Examination (NULCE). Pass 75 scored points (out of 110 scored questions; 125 total) within the time limit: 4 hours for Certified Residential, 6 hours for Certified General. Upon passing, Iowa DIAL issues your Iowa Certified Appraiser license. Renew every 2 years with 28 hours of CE by June 30 of the renewal year.
Iowa Appraiser License Requirements
Eligibility
- Must be at least 18 years old
- U.S. Citizenship, U.S. National, or lawful alien status required
- Background check within past 180 days ($51 fee)
- Secure a certified supervisory appraiser BEFORE submitting application
- Both trainee and supervisor complete 4-hr AQB Supervisor/Trainee Course
- No prior appraisal experience required for Associate Appraiser
Education
- Associate Appraiser: 87 hrs AQB-approved QE (effective Jan 1, 2026)
- Certified Residential: 200 total hrs (113 additional from Associate level)
- Certified General: 300 total hrs (225 additional from Associate level)
- All levels: 15-hr USPAP + 8-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing (required 2026)
- Online AQB-approved courses accepted (McKissock, Champions, CE Shop)
- Iowa has no Licensed Residential level -- go straight to Certified Residential
Iowa Work Product Review (WPR)
- Unique to Iowa -- required before exam authorization
- Submit actual completed appraisal reports for Standard 3/4 review
- Sit for WPR interview with the REAB WPR Committee
- WPR fee: $300 (Certified Residential) or $650 (Certified General)
- Allow 4-8 weeks for WPR process after submitting reports
- Authorization to sit for exam issued only after WPR approval
Exam & Application
- Pearson VUE NULCE -- in-person at Pearson VUE testing centers
- 125 total questions (110 scored + 15 unscored); passing score: 75 points
- Exam authorized only after WPR approval from Iowa REAB
- Exam Application Fee: $150 (paid to Iowa DIAL)
- Pearson VUE exam fee: ~$145 (verify at pearsonvue.com)
- Certified Residential: 4-hr exam; Certified General: 6-hr exam
- Associate Appraiser: no exam required
Iowa Appraiser License Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Associate Appraiser Qualifying Education (87 hrs) | $1,100 - $1,525 |
| Background check fee | $51 |
| Associate Appraiser registration fee (Iowa DIAL) | $200 |
| Additional QE for Certified Residential (125 hrs from Associate) | $650 - $1,699 |
| Exam Application Fee (Iowa DIAL) | $150 |
| Work Product Review fee (Iowa DIAL) -- Residential | $300 |
| National Exam fee (Pearson VUE -- NULCE) | $145 - $225 |
| Exam prep / study materials | $0 - $200 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $2,496 - $4,350+ |
All government fees are non-refundable. Verify current amounts with Iowa DIAL-REAB before applying.
The Iowa 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
- $145 (verify current fee at pearsonvue.com) per attempt
- Pass Rate
- Approximately 60-70% nationally for Certified Residential (Iowa-specific rate not publicly available)
- 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
- Valuation Approaches -- Sales Comparison, Cost, and Income
- Statistics, Modeling, and Finance
- USPAP -- Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice
💡 Exam Prep Tips
- • Iowa's WPR process means your actual appraisal work is reviewed -- focus on USPAP compliance from day one of your training, not just before the exam
- • Complete all qualifying education before scheduling the exam -- course content is directly tested
- • Budget 4-6 weeks of dedicated study after completing QE; USPAP accounts for approximately 20-25% of exam questions
- • Note: Iowa exam is authorized by DIAL only after WPR approval -- do not schedule with Pearson VUE until you receive authorization
About Iowa DIAL-REAB — Iowa's Appraiser Regulator
Contact & Resources
- Full Name
- Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing -- Real Estate Appraiser Examining Board
- Phone
- See dial.iowa.gov for current contact
- Address
- Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing -- see dial.iowa.gov
- Online Portal
- Iowa My PLB (online licensing)
- Governing Law
- Iowa Code Chapter 543D; Iowa Administrative Code 193F
Key Iowa Rules
- Iowa has 3 credential levels: Associate Appraiser (trainee), Certified Residential, Certified General -- no Licensed Residential level
- Associate Appraiser: 87 hrs QE (effective Jan 1, 2026), no experience, no exam, must work under certified supervisor
- Must secure supervisory appraiser BEFORE submitting Associate Appraiser application
- Iowa Work Product Review (WPR) required before exam authorization: $300 (CR) or $650 (CG)
- Exam: Pearson VUE NULCE -- authorized by Iowa DIAL only after WPR approval
- CE: 28 hours biennial; 7-hr USPAP Update required; renewal by June 30
- Certified General: 300 total QE hrs + Bachelor's degree (no alternatives) + 3,000 hrs / 18 months (1,500 non-res)
- Up to 3 Associate Appraisers per supervisory appraiser (AQB standard)
- Governing law: Iowa Code Chapter 543D; Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 193F
How Long Does It Take? Realistic Iowa Timelines
Full-Time
14-16 months to Certified Residential
- 1.Complete 87-hr Associate QE (3-5 weeks online)
- 2.Secure supervisory appraiser; apply to Iowa DIAL ($200)
- 3.Accumulate 1,500 hrs / 12 months while completing CR upgrade coursework
- 4.Submit WPR application; complete WPR interview (4-8 weeks)
- 5.Pass Pearson VUE NULCE after WPR authorization
Part-Time
20-28 months to Certified Residential
- 1.Complete 87-hr Associate QE evenings/weekends (8-12 weeks)
- 2.Secure supervisory appraiser; apply to Iowa DIAL
- 3.Accumulate 1,500 hrs over 18-24 months (15-20 hrs/week)
- 4.Complete CR upgrade coursework in parallel with experience
- 5.Submit WPR; pass Pearson VUE exam after authorization
Certified General
3-5 years total from Associate
- 1.Complete 300 total QE hrs (225 beyond Associate); hold Bachelor's degree
- 2.3,000 hrs (1,500 non-residential) over minimum 18 months
- 3.WPR fee $650; CG interview with REAB committee
- 4.Des Moines / Quad Cities CG avg $85K-$120K+; commercial and agricultural focus
- 5.McKissock is the only Iowa provider for CG upgrade coursework
Iowa's 12-month minimum Associate Appraiser status is always required before upgrading to Certified Residential -- this is a hard floor regardless of how many experience hours you accumulate. The WPR process adds 4-8 weeks beyond your experience completion. Plan accordingly to avoid gaps.
Ready to Launch Your Iowa Appraisal Career?
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Iowa Appraiser License Renewal
Iowa appraiser licenses renew every 2 years. Complete 28 hours of CE before the June 30 renewal deadline, including the required 7-hour USPAP Update Course.
Starting 2026, the AQB Criteria require a 7-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing course for new licensees (with a 4-hour follow-up course required every 2 years). Associate Appraisers must take a 1-hour exam for the Valuation Bias course.
Renew online via the Iowa My PLB portal at dial.iowa.gov. Verify the current renewal cycle dates and CE provider list at dial.iowa.gov before your license expires.
Biennial
Renewal Cycle
28 hrs / cycle
CE Requirement
7 hrs required per cycle
USPAP Update
7 hrs (2026 initial); 4 hrs every 2 years after
Valuation Bias CE
$200 biennial
Associate Active Fee
$280 biennial
Certified Active Fee
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get an appraiser license in Iowa?
The total cost to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Iowa ranges from approximately $2,496 to $4,350+. This includes Associate Appraiser qualifying education ($1,100-$1,525), background check ($51), Associate registration fee ($200), additional QE for Certified Residential ($650-$1,699), exam application fee to Iowa DIAL ($150), Work Product Review fee ($300), Pearson VUE exam fee ($145-$225), and optional exam prep ($0-$200). Note that Iowa requires a Work Product Review ($300 for residential, $650 for general) which is a unique cost not found in most states.
How long does it take to become a certified appraiser in Iowa?
The fastest path to Certified Residential Appraiser in Iowa is approximately 14-16 months for a full-time candidate. Iowa requires active Associate Appraiser status for at least 12 months and 1,500 hours of supervised experience. Iowa's Work Product Review (WPR) process adds another 4-8 weeks before the national exam. Note that Iowa has no Licensed Residential level -- you go directly from Associate Appraiser to Certified Residential.
What is Iowa's Work Product Review (WPR) and why is it unique?
Iowa's Work Product Review (WPR) is a unique requirement where applicants must submit actual completed appraisal reports for review by the Real Estate Appraiser Examining Board's WPR Committee before being authorized to sit for the national exam. Unlike most states that only review education certificates and experience logs, Iowa reviews your actual work product -- the appraisals you completed under supervision. This reinforces USPAP compliance and competency. WPR fees are $300 (Certified Residential) or $650 (Certified General), and the process includes a committee interview.
What are the education requirements to become a certified appraiser in Iowa?
Iowa requires 87 hours of qualifying education for the Associate Appraiser (Trainee) level, effective January 1, 2026 -- including 30 hours Basic Appraisal Principles, 30 hours Basic Appraisal Procedures, 8 hours Valuation Bias & Fair Housing, 15 hours USPAP, and a 4-hour Supervisor/Trainee Course. To advance to Certified Residential, you need 200 total qualifying education hours (113 additional hours). Certified General requires 300 total hours (225 additional hours from Associate level). Iowa adopted the 2022 AQB Criteria effective January 1, 2026.
Does Iowa have a Licensed Residential Appraiser level?
No. Iowa does not have a Licensed Residential Appraiser level. Iowa recognizes only three credential levels: Associate Appraiser (trainee), Certified Residential Appraiser, and Certified General Appraiser. Iowa candidates go directly from Associate Appraiser status to Certified Residential -- skipping the licensed residential level that exists in most other states. The trade-off is that the first independent credential requires more education (200 hours vs. 150 for licensed residential in many states) and experience (1,500 hours vs. 1,000 hours).
What is the Pearson VUE appraiser exam like in Iowa?
Iowa appraisers take the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination (NULCE) through Pearson VUE at in-person testing centers. The exam has 125 total questions; 15 are unscored practice questions. You need 75 scored points (out of 110 scored) to pass. The Certified Residential exam takes 4 hours; Certified General takes 6 hours. Exam authorization in Iowa is issued only after completing the Work Product Review process. The exam fee is approximately $145 paid to Pearson VUE; the Iowa DIAL exam application fee is an additional $150. Verify current fees at pearsonvue.com and dial.iowa.gov.
How do I find a supervisory appraiser in Iowa?
Iowa requires securing a supervisory appraiser BEFORE submitting your Associate Appraiser registration application -- unlike most states where you can apply first. Strategies include networking through the Appraisal Institute (appraisalinstitute.org), posting on AppraisersForum.com, contacting Des Moines and Cedar Rapids area appraisal firms directly, reaching out to AMCs operating in Iowa, and using LinkedIn to connect with Iowa-licensed Certified Appraisers. The 12-month minimum Associate Appraiser requirement before upgrading means supervisors are committing to a multi-year relationship -- highlight your work ethic and long-term commitment when reaching out.
Do I need a college degree to become an appraiser in Iowa?
No college degree is required for the Associate Appraiser (Trainee) credential. To upgrade to Certified Residential Appraiser, you must meet AQB college education criteria -- options include a Bachelor's degree, an Associate's degree in business/accounting/finance/economics/real estate, 30 semester hours of specific coursework, or other qualifying criteria per AQB standards. The Certified General Appraiser level requires a full Bachelor's degree with no alternatives.
How does Iowa appraiser license renewal work?
Iowa appraiser licenses renew every 2 years. Renewal requires 28 hours of continuing education biennially, including the 7-hour National USPAP Update Course each cycle. Renewals are due by June 30 of the renewal year. Starting 2026, the AQB Criteria require a 7-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing course (with a 4-hour follow-up every two years); Associate Appraisers must take a 1-hour exam for this course. License renewal fees are $200 (Associate active) and $280 (Certified active). Renew online via the Iowa My PLB portal at dial.iowa.gov.
How much do real estate appraisers earn in Iowa?
Iowa real estate appraisers typically earn between $59,000 and $80,000 per year depending on credential level and location. CareerExplorer estimates the Iowa average at $59,210 (based on BLS state data); The CE Shop reports $80,212 as the Iowa average for licensed appraisers. The national BLS median is $65,420 (May 2024). Certified General Appraisers handling commercial properties in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, or the Quad Cities can earn $85,000-$120,000+ annually, particularly in the self-employed fee appraiser model. Typical residential appraisal fees in Iowa range from $300-$550 per assignment.
What is Iowa DIAL and how does it regulate Iowa appraisers?
DIAL stands for the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing. The Real Estate Appraiser Examining Board (REAB), operating under DIAL, oversees the licensing and regulation of all Iowa appraisers. The board administers the Work Product Review process, issues credentials, approves qualifying education, and enforces Iowa Code Chapter 543D and Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 193F. Apply and manage your Iowa appraiser license online at the My Iowa PLB portal at dial.iowa.gov. All Iowa-licensed appraisers are listed in the national ASC Registry.