How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in Mississippi (2026)
Mississippi appraisers work across a diverse market -- from Jackson's residential and commercial sector to the Gulf Coast resort properties in Gulfport and Biloxi. The state eliminated its background check fee in 2023, and strong Gulf Coast demand for certified general appraisers drives earnings toward $90K+.
Trainee Education
$1,205 - $1,375
Time to Licensed Res.
7 - 20 months
MS Appraiser Salary
$60K - $88K/yr
Exam Fee
$225 (Pearson VUE)
Mississippi Appraisers Are Regulated by the Mississippi Appraisal Board (MAB)
The Mississippi Appraisal Board (MAB) is a separate agency from the Mississippi Real Estate Commission (MREC) -- appraisers report to MAB only. MAB issues four AQB-compliant credential levels. Effective January 1, 2026: the 8-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing QE course is required for all new applicants and upgrades. All CE certificates must be emailed to mmg@mab.ms.gov. Background check fee: $0 (eliminated January 1, 2023).
Important (Eff. Jan 1, 2026): The 8-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations course (with test) is now required for all new Trainee applications and license upgrades. Verify enrollment includes this course before purchasing.
No background check fee -- MAB eliminated the criminal history background check fee effective January 1, 2023. Lower upfront costs compared to many states.
Top Mississippi Appraiser Schools at a Glance
Mississippi's approved online qualifying education providers make it easy to complete all required Trainee coursework from home. The CE Shop ($1,205) and McKissock Learning ($1,375) both offer complete Trainee packages accepted by the Mississippi Appraisal Board. Champions School of Real Estate offers a Licensed Residential upgrade package ($950) for candidates who already hold a Trainee permit.
1. The CE ShopBest Value
The CE Shop offers a complete 87-hour Mississippi Trainee package at $1,205 -- the most affordable full package option. Includes all MAB-required courses: Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs), Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs), 15-hr USPAP (live-online), 8-hr Valuation Bias and Fair Housing (required Jan 2026), and the 4-hr Supervisor/Trainee Course. USPAP is delivered live-online across 4 flexible sessions with proctored exam and digital manuals included.
From $1,205
MS Trainee Standard Package (87 hrs)
2. McKissock LearningMost Support
McKissock's Trainee Learning Subscription at $1,375 includes 1-year access, printed textbooks, AI Rubi Tutor, and live Q&A sessions every Thursday. The Trainee + Licensed Residential combo ($2,097) is a strong value for candidates committed to reaching the Licensed Residential credential. Note: verify that the 8-hr Valuation Bias course is included -- MAB requires it for all new applications effective January 1, 2026.
From $1,375
MS Trainee Learning Subscription (79 hrs)
Best Mississippi Appraiser Licensing Courses
All 3 schools are Mississippi MAB-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
Champions School of Real Estate
Upgrade OnlyStarting at
$950
- UPGRADE ONLY — for candidates who already hold a Mississippi Appraiser Trainee permit
- 75-hr Licensed Residential upgrade package for Trainee-to-Licensed advancement
- Cannot be used as a starting point — Trainee QE must be completed separately first
- Competitive upgrade pricing for the Licensed Residential credential
- MAB-approved qualifying education
Available Packages (1)
MS Licensed Residential Upgrade (75 hrs) -- Trainee Holders Only
- Licensed Residential upgrade coursework (75 hrs)
- For candidates upgrading from Appraiser Trainee to Licensed Residential
- Does NOT include Trainee-level courses (Principles, Procedures, USPAP, Valuation Bias)
- Must already hold a valid Mississippi Appraiser Trainee permit to enroll
The CE Shop
Best ValueStarting at
$1205
- Complete 87-hr Trainee package — all MAB-required courses in one bundle
- Live-online USPAP across 4 flexible sessions — fits any schedule
- Includes 8-hr Valuation Bias and Fair Housing course (required eff. Jan 1, 2026)
- Proctored exam and USPAP digital manuals included
- Modern mobile-friendly platform; course progress saved across devices
Available Packages (1)
MS Trainee Standard Package (87 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- 15-Hr National USPAP Course (live-online)
- 8-Hr Valuation Bias and Fair Housing (required Jan 2026)
- 4-Hr Supervisory Appraiser/Trainee Course
- USPAP digital manuals
- Proctored exam included
McKissock Learning
Most SupportStarting at
$1375
- Subscription model — includes 1-year access and ongoing support tools
- AI Rubi Tutor and live Q&A sessions every Thursday
- Printed textbooks shipped to your home
- Professional appraiser community network access
- Note: 79-hr listing — verify 8-hr Valuation Bias course is included for MAB compliance
Available Packages (2)
MS Trainee Learning Subscription (79 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- 15-Hr National USPAP Course
- 4-Hr Supervisory Appraiser/Trainee Course
- Printed textbooks shipped to you
- AI Rubi Tutor + live Q&A Thursdays
- 1-year course access
- Verify 8-hr Valuation Bias inclusion for MAB compliance
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
What Is a Mississippi Appraiser License?
A Mississippi appraiser license is issued by the Mississippi Appraisal Board (MAB) and required to perform real property appraisals for federally related transactions. MAB is a separate agency from the Mississippi Real Estate Commission. Mississippi offers four AQB-compliant credential levels. The entry credential is the Appraiser Trainee -- 87 hours of qualifying education, no experience required, no exam required. Effective January 1, 2026, the 8-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing QE course is required for all new applicants.
Appraiser Trainee
87 hrs
Under supervisor; cannot sign reports independently
Licensed Residential
75-hr upgrade (158 total)
Non-complex 1-4 unit residential properties
Certified Residential
42-hr upgrade (200 total)
All 1-4 unit residential; no value or complexity limit
Certified General
300 hrs total
Commercial, industrial, all property types
Mississippi Appraiser Credential Levels (2026)
| Credential | QE Hours | Experience | Degree | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Appraiser Trainee Entry level · AQB standard · No exam | 87 hrs (83 hrs QE + 4-hr supervisor course) | None (under supervisor) | None | |
Licensed Residential First independent credential | 75-hr upgrade (158 total) | 1,000 hrs / min. 6 months | None | |
Certified Residential All residential; no restrictions | 42-hr upgrade (200 total) | 1,500 hrs / min. 12 months | Bachelor's degree or AQB equivalent | |
Certified General All property types · highest earnings | 300 hrs total | 3,000 hrs / 18 mo (1,500 non-res) | Bachelor's degree required |
* Exam (Pearson VUE NULCE, $225) required for Licensed, Certified Residential, and Certified General. Appraiser Trainee is exam-exempt. Source: Mississippi Appraisal Board (MAB) / AQB, 2026. Trainee renews annually; Licensed/Certified renews biennially. Verify current application fees at mab.ms.gov.
How Much Do Mississippi Appraisers Earn?
Trainee / Entry
$35K - $50K
Working under supervisor
Licensed / Certified Residential
$60K - $88K
Mississippi state average
Certified General (Gulf Coast)
$90K - $110K+
Commercial / Gulfport / Biloxi market
Typical Residential Fee
$300 - $500
Per residential appraisal in Mississippi
Mississippi Median Home Price
~$195,000
Zillow / Redfin (Mississippi, 2025)
Top Mississippi 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 Mississippi Appraiser License Worth It?
👠Pros
- +No Background Check Fee: Mississippi eliminated its criminal history background check fee for all appraisers and AMCs effective January 1, 2023. Lower upfront licensing costs compared to most states.
- +Lower Cost of Living: Mississippi's low cost of living means appraisal income stretches further. Independent fee appraisers completing 5-8 residential appraisals per week can earn $80K-$100K+ annually.
- +Gulf Coast Premium Market: The Gulfport-Biloxi Gulf Coast corridor -- with casino resorts, waterfront properties, and tourism-driven commercial real estate -- offers premium assignments and higher per-appraisal fees for certified general appraisers.
- +Diverse Property Types: Mississippi appraisers encounter diverse assignments: Jackson residential and commercial, Gulf Coast resort and hospitality, agricultural land in the Delta, and small-town residential markets.
👎 Cons
- -Lower Median Home Price: At ~$195,000, Mississippi's median home price is among the lowest in the US. Standard residential appraisal fees ($300-$500) are lower than in high-cost states. Volume matters more here.
- -Annual CE Submission by Email: MAB requires all CE certificates to be scanned and emailed to mmg@mab.ms.gov -- there is no online portal submission. Keep organized records of all CE completions and confirmations.
- -Valuation Bias QE Now Mandatory: As of January 1, 2026, the 8-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing course (with test) is required for all new Trainee applications and upgrades. Verify your chosen school includes this course before purchasing.
- -Supervisor Search Required: Finding a sponsoring certified appraiser before applying for your Trainee permit is required -- and can be the hardest step. Use the MAB-linked appraiser database and local networking to find a supervisor early.
How to Become a Licensed Appraiser in Mississippi
Find a Sponsoring Certified Appraiser
Before enrolling in courses or applying for your Trainee permit, secure a Mississippi Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser willing to serve as your supervisory appraiser. Search the Mississippi appraiser database at mrec.webapps.ms.gov. Contact local appraisal firms, AMCs, and the Appraisal Institute's Mississippi chapter. Both you and your supervisor must complete the 4-hour Supervisory/Trainee Training Course together before supervision begins.
Complete 87 Hours of MAB-Required Qualifying Education
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 and Fair Housing (required effective January 1, 2026), and 4 hrs Supervisory/Trainee Training Course. The CE Shop ($1,205) and McKissock Learning ($1,375) both offer MAB-accepted online packages. Verify the 8-hr Valuation Bias course is included before purchasing.
Apply for Your Appraiser Trainee Permit with MAB
Submit your Trainee Appraiser application to the Mississippi Appraisal Board (mab.ms.gov) with your education certificates, Supervisory Acceptance Form (MAB form), and application fee (verify current fee at mab.ms.gov). MAB applications can take up to one month to process. Experience hours only count toward licensure after your Trainee permit is issued and active.
Complete Additional QE and Log 1,000 Experience Hours
After receiving your Trainee permit, work under your supervisory appraiser and log hours using the MAB Trainee Experience Log Affidavit (available on the MAB forms page). Simultaneously complete additional qualifying education to reach 158 total QE hours for the Licensed Residential credential. Keep copies of every appraisal report you assist with for the experience log.
Apply for Licensed Residential and Pass the Pearson VUE Exam
Once you have 158 total QE hours and 1,000 hours of supervised experience over at least 6 months, submit your Licensed Residential application to MAB with your experience log, education certificates, and $175 application fee (or $225 to bundle application with exam scheduling). Upon MAB approval, schedule the NULCE through Pearson VUE ($225). Pass 75 of 110 scored questions within 4 hours to earn your Mississippi Licensed Residential Appraiser credential.
Mississippi Appraiser License Requirements
Eligibility
- Secure a sponsoring Mississippi Certified Appraiser before applying
- Both trainee and supervisor complete the 4-hr Supervisory/Trainee Course
- Submit MAB Supervisory Acceptance Form when establishing relationship
- Experience hours only count after Trainee permit is issued
- Application processing can take up to one month
- No prior appraisal experience required for Trainee level
Education
- Trainee: 87 hrs AQB-approved QE (83 hrs + 4-hr supervisor course)
- Licensed Residential: 158 total QE hours (75-hr upgrade from Trainee)
- Certified Residential: 200 total QE hours + 42-hr upgrade from Licensed
- Certified General: 300 total QE hours + Bachelor's degree required
- 8-hr Valuation Bias and Fair Housing QE required (eff. Jan 1, 2026)
- Online AQB-approved providers (CE Shop, McKissock) accepted by MAB
Exam (Pearson VUE)
- In-person at Pearson VUE testing centers
- NULCE -- 125 total questions (110 scored + 15 unscored)
- Exam fee: $225 per attempt
- Passing score: 75 out of 110 scored questions
- 4-hour time limit
- Required for Licensed, Certified Residential, and Certified General
- Not required for Appraiser Trainee credential
Application and Renewal
- Apply via mab.ms.gov -- Mississippi Appraisal Board (not MREC)
- Licensed Residential application fee: $175 (or $225 bundled with exam)
- Background check fee: $0 (eliminated January 1, 2023)
- Trainee CE: 14 hours annually
- Licensed/Certified CE: 28 hours every 2 years (incl. 7-hr USPAP Update)
- CE certificates must be emailed to mmg@mab.ms.gov (no portal)
- 7-hr Valuation Bias CE required at all renewal levels (eff. Jan 1, 2026)
Mississippi Appraiser License Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Trainee qualifying education (87 hrs) | $1,205 - $1,375 |
| MAB Trainee Permit application fee | Verify at mab.ms.gov |
| Licensed Residential upgrade education (75 hrs) | $200 - $500 |
| Licensed Residential application fee (MAB) | $175 |
| Pearson VUE Exam Fee (NULCE) | $225 |
| Background check | $0 |
| Exam prep / study materials | $0 - $200 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $900 - $1,800 |
All government fees are non-refundable. Verify current amounts with MAB before applying.
The Mississippi Appraiser Exam — What to Expect
Exam At a Glance
- Exam
- NULCE -- National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination
- 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
- Pass Rate
- Approximately 60-70% nationally (Mississippi-specific rate not publicly available)
- Trainee Exempt
- Yes — no exam for Trainee
Key Exam Content Areas
- Real Property Concepts and Legal Considerations
- Market Analysis and Highest and Best Use
- Sales Comparison Approach -- adjustments, paired-sales analysis
- Cost Approach -- depreciation methods, land valuation
- Income Approach -- capitalization, GRM (focus at CG level)
- Statistics, Modeling, and Finance
- USPAP -- ethics, competency, and reporting standards (~20-25% of exam)
💡 Exam Prep Tips
- • Complete all qualifying education before scheduling the exam -- course content maps directly to exam topics
- • 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 before your first attempt is a strong investment
About MAB — Mississippi's Appraiser Regulator
Contact & Resources
- Full Name
- Mississippi Appraisal Board
- Website
- www.mab.ms.gov/
- Phone
- Address
- Robert E. Lee Building, Suite 502, Jackson, MS 39201
- mmg@mab.ms.gov
- Address
- Robert E. Lee Building, Suite 502, Jackson, MS 39201
- Website
- mab.ms.gov
Key Mississippi Rules
- MAB is separate from MREC -- appraisers report to Mississippi Appraisal Board only
- Appraiser Trainee: 87 hrs QE, no experience required, no exam required
- Effective Jan 1, 2026: 8-hr Valuation Bias QE required for all new applicants and upgrades
- Effective Jan 1, 2026: 7-hr Valuation Bias CE required at all renewal levels
- Background check fee: $0 effective January 1, 2023
- All CE certificates must be emailed to mmg@mab.ms.gov (no portal submission)
- Trainee licenses renew annually (14 CE hrs); Licensed/Certified renews biennially (28 CE hrs)
- MAB Trainee Experience Log Affidavit required throughout training period
- Application processing can take up to one month once submitted to MAB
- Certified General: 300 hrs QE + Bachelor's degree + 3,000 hrs / 18 months (1,500 non-res)
How Long Does It Take? Realistic Mississippi Timelines
Full-Time
7 - 9 months to Licensed
- 1.Complete 87-hr QE online (3-5 weeks)
- 2.Apply for Trainee permit with MAB (~1 month processing)
- 3.Complete Licensed upgrade + 1,000 hrs / 6 months minimum
- 4.Apply for Licensed Residential + pass Pearson VUE ($225)
Part-Time
14 - 20 months to Licensed
- 1.Complete 87-hr QE evenings/weekends (8-12 weeks)
- 2.Apply for Trainee permit with MAB
- 3.Complete Licensed upgrade + 1,000 hrs (12-18 months part-time)
- 4.Apply for Licensed Residential + pass exam
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.Gulf Coast CG appraisers earn $90K-$110K+
- 4.Pass CG exam; apply to MAB
The experience hour requirement -- not education -- gates the timeline. Finding a willing supervisory appraiser early is the single most important step to getting licensed faster.
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Mississippi Appraiser License Renewal
Mississippi Appraiser Trainees renew annually with 14 hours of CE. Licensed and Certified Appraisers renew on a 2-year cycle with 28 hours of MAB-approved CE.
Required CE includes the 7-hour National USPAP Update Course. Effective January 1, 2026, the 7-hour National Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulation Course is required at all renewal levels.
All CE completion certificates must be scanned and emailed to mmg@mab.ms.gov. There is no online portal for CE submission. Verify the current renewal deadline and fees at mab.ms.gov before your license expires.
Biennial (Licensed and Certified); Annual (Trainee)
Renewal Cycle
28 hrs / cycle
CE Requirement
14 hrs annually
Trainee CE
7 hrs required
USPAP Update
7 hrs required (eff. Jan 2026)
Valuation Bias CE
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a real estate appraiser in Mississippi?
To become a Licensed Residential Appraiser in Mississippi: (1) Find a sponsoring certified appraiser; (2) Complete 87 hours of AQB-approved QE including 30 hrs Basic Appraisal Principles, 30 hrs Basic Appraisal Procedures, 15 hrs USPAP, 8 hrs Valuation Bias (required Jan 2026), and 4 hrs Supervisor/Trainee Course; (3) Apply for your Appraiser Trainee permit with MAB; (4) Complete additional QE to reach 158 total hours; (5) Log 1,000+ hours of supervised experience over at least 6 months; (6) Apply for Licensed Residential status ($175 application fee); (7) Pass the Pearson VUE national exam ($225). Total process typically takes 7-20 months.
What is the Mississippi Appraisal Board (MAB)?
The Mississippi Appraisal Board (MAB) is the state agency that licenses and regulates all real estate appraisers in Mississippi. It is a separate entity from the Mississippi Real Estate Commission (MREC), which regulates real estate agents and brokers. MAB is located in Jackson, MS at the Robert E. Lee Building, Suite 502. Contact: mmg@mab.ms.gov. Website: mab.ms.gov. All CE certificates must be emailed directly to the board.
How much does it cost to become an appraiser in Mississippi?
The estimated total cost from zero to Licensed Residential Appraiser in Mississippi ranges from approximately $900 to $1,800. This includes qualifying education ($1,205-$1,375 for a Trainee package), a Licensed Residential application fee ($175), and the Pearson VUE exam ($225). Mississippi eliminated its background check fee in 2023. The MAB Trainee permit fee should be verified directly at mab.ms.gov.
What are the CE requirements for Mississippi appraisers?
Appraiser Trainees in Mississippi must complete 14 hours of CE annually. Licensed and Certified Appraisers renew on a 2-year cycle with 28 hours of MAB-approved CE, including the 7-hour National USPAP Update Course. Effective January 1, 2026, the 7-hour National Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulation Course is required for all appraisers at renewal. All CE certificates must be emailed to mmg@mab.ms.gov.
How much do real estate appraisers earn in Mississippi?
Mississippi real estate appraisers typically earn between $60,000 and $88,000 per year. Salary.com estimates the average residential appraiser earns approximately $60,032/year in Mississippi (May 2025), with a range of $46,375-$93,897. ZipRecruiter shows most Mississippi appraisers in the $87,600-$89,500 range with top earners up to $110,333. The national BLS median for all property appraisers is $65,420 (May 2024). Certified General Appraisers on the Gulf Coast and in Jackson earn toward the higher end.
How do I find a supervisory appraiser in Mississippi?
You must find a sponsoring certified appraiser before applying for your Mississippi Appraiser Trainee permit. Search for active certified appraisers using the Mississippi appraiser database at mrec.webapps.ms.gov. Contact local appraisal firms, appraisal management companies (AMCs), and connect through the Appraisal Institute's Mississippi chapter. The MAB website has a Supervisory Acceptance Form that your supervisor must complete before supervision begins.
What is the Mississippi appraiser exam like?
Mississippi appraiser candidates take the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination (NULCE) through Pearson VUE at in-person testing centers. The exam fee is $225 per attempt. There are 125 total questions (110 scored + 15 unscored practice questions). The passing score is 75 out of 110 scored questions. The 4-hour exam covers appraisal principles, procedures, market analysis, all three approaches to value, USPAP, and report writing. Nationally, first-attempt pass rates are approximately 60-70%.
Can I complete Mississippi appraisal education online?
Yes. The Mississippi Appraisal Board accepts AQB-approved online courses for all qualifying education. The CE Shop and McKissock Learning both offer MAB-accepted online Trainee packages. The CE Shop's 15-hour USPAP course is delivered live-online across 4 flexible sessions. Ensure any course you purchase is AQB-approved and specifically listed for Mississippi before enrolling.