How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in North Dakota (2026)
North Dakota appraisers serve a growing market stretching from Fargo's booming metro to the Bakken oil country of western ND. With biennial license renewal, AQB-compliant education, and no exam required at the Apprentice level, the path to certification is straightforward -- and the earning potential is strong.
Apprentice Education
$1,079 – $1,525
Time to Licensed Res.
7 – 20 months
ND Appraiser Salary
$56K – $97K+
Exam Fee (PSI)
~$225 – $250
North Dakota Appraisers Are Regulated by the ND Appraiser Board
The North Dakota Real Estate Appraiser Qualification and Ethics Board is the independent state agency responsible for all appraiser licensing and discipline in North Dakota. It issues four AQB-compliant credential levels. The entry credential is the Apprentice Appraiser (also called Trainee). Exam: PSI (~$225–$250). CE: 28 hours every 2 years (biennial). Apply at ndappraiserboard.org.
Important: North Dakota uses PSI -- not Pearson VUE -- as its national exam vendor. The entry credential is called "Apprentice Appraiser," not Trainee. Verify current application fees and exam fee directly with the ND Appraiser Board at (701) 222-1051 before submitting.
Top North Dakota Appraiser Schools at a Glance
North Dakota apprentice appraisers need 83 hours of AQB-approved qualifying education plus a 4-hour AQB Supervisory/Apprentice Course. McKissock Learning and The CE Shop are the two primary national schools offering fully online, ND Appraiser Board-accepted packages for the state.
1. McKissock LearningMost Recognized
The most established national appraisal school. McKissock offers two North Dakota Apprentice packages (83 hrs QE): the Basic Package at $1,079 (6-month access) and the Learning Subscription at $1,525 (1-year access with live Q&A, AI tutor Rubi, and Pro-Series webinars). Both include all 4 required courses. Courses are AQB-approved and fully accepted by the ND Appraiser Board.
From $1,079
ND Trainee Basic Package (83 hrs QE)
2. The CE ShopBest Value Bundle
The CE Shop's Standard Package bundles all 87 hours (83 QE + 4-hr Supervisor/Apprentice Course) for $1,205. Includes USPAP digital manuals and a proctored exam. The 15-hr USPAP is delivered live-online with 4 flexible sessions. Modern mobile-friendly platform. Fully accepted by the ND Appraiser Board.
From $1,205
ND Standard Package (87 hrs incl. Supervisor course)
Best North Dakota Apprentice Appraiser Courses
All 2 schools are North Dakota ND Appraiser Board-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
McKissock Learning
Most RecognizedStarting at
$1079
- Most established national appraisal school
- All 4 required AQB courses included in both packages
- Learning Subscription includes live Q&A (Thursdays), AI tutor Rubi, and Pro-Series webinars
- AQB-approved -- fully accepted by ND Appraiser Board
- Note: 4-hr Supervisor/Apprentice Course NOT included -- purchase separately if needed
Available Packages (2)
ND Trainee Basic Package (83 hrs QE)
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- 2024 15-Hour National USPAP Course
- 8-Hour National Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations
- 6-month course access
The CE Shop
Best Value BundleStarting at
$1205
- Best value bundle -- includes the 4-hr Supervisor/Apprentice Course in one package
- USPAP digital manuals and proctored exam included
- 15-hr USPAP delivered live-online with 4 flexible scheduling sessions
- Modern mobile-friendly platform
- AQB-approved -- fully accepted by ND Appraiser Board
Available Packages (1)
ND Standard Package (87 hrs: 83 QE + 4-hr Supervisor course)
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- 15-Hour National USPAP Live-Online Course (includes digital manuals)
- Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws (8 hrs)
- Supervisory Appraiser/Trainee Appraiser Course (4 hrs)
- Proctored exam included
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
What Is a North Dakota Appraiser License?
A North Dakota appraiser license is issued by the ND Real Estate Appraiser Qualification and Ethics Board and required to perform real property appraisals for federally related transactions. North Dakota offers four AQB-compliant credential levels. The entry credential is the Apprentice Appraiser -- 83 hours of qualifying education plus a 4-hr Supervisor/Apprentice course, no experience required, no exam required. All credentials renew biennially with 28 hours of CE.
Apprentice Appraiser
83 hrs QE + 4-hr Supervisor course
Under certified supervisor; cannot sign reports independently
Licensed Residential Appraiser
75-hr upgrade (158 total)
Non-complex 1-4 unit residential properties
Certified Residential Appraiser
42-hr upgrade from Licensed (200 total)
All 1-4 unit residential; no value or complexity limit
Certified General Appraiser
300 hrs total
Commercial, industrial, all property types; no restrictions
North Dakota Appraiser Credential Levels (2026)
| Credential | QE Hours | Experience | Degree | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Apprentice Appraiser Entry level · No exam required | 83 hrs QE + 4-hr Supervisor course (incl. 15-hr USPAP) | None (work under supervisor) | None | |
Licensed Residential Appraiser First independent credential | 75-hr upgrade (158 total) | 1,000 hrs / min. 6 months | None | |
Certified Residential Appraiser All residential; no restrictions | 42-hr upgrade from Licensed (200 total) | 1,500 hrs / min. 12 months | Bachelor's, Associate's, or 30 credit hrs | |
Certified General Appraiser All property types · highest earnings | 300 hrs total | 3,000 hrs / 18 mo (1,500 non-res) | Bachelor's required |
* Exam (via PSI) required for Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, and Certified General. Apprentice Appraiser is exam-exempt. Source: ND Appraiser Board / AQB, 2026. Education requirements updated January 1, 2026. Verify current application fees at ndappraiserboard.org.
How Much Do North Dakota Appraisers Earn?
Apprentice / Entry
$38K – $50K
Working under supervisor
Licensed / Cert. Residential
$56K – $84K
ND state average
Fargo / Bismarck CG Appraiser
$84K – $120K+
Commercial / all property types
Typical Residential Fee
$300 – $600
Per residential appraisal in North Dakota
North Dakota Median Home Price
~$285,000
Zillow / Redfin estimates (North Dakota, 2025)
Top North Dakota 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 North Dakota Appraiser License Worth It?
👠Pros
- +No Exam at Entry Level: The Apprentice Appraiser credential requires no national exam -- just 83 hours of education. You can start earning supervised experience immediately after your license is issued.
- +Biennial Renewal = Less Admin Burden: North Dakota licenses renew every 2 years (not annually), reducing the frequency of CE and renewal paperwork for working appraisers.
- +Strong Energy Market Demand: The Bakken region of western North Dakota (Williston, Dickinson) generates periodic high-demand appraisal work at premium fees, particularly during oil booms.
- +Fargo Market Growth: Fargo is one of the fastest-growing metros in the upper Midwest. North Dakota's largest city drives consistent residential and commercial appraisal demand with salaries averaging $70,000+.
👎 Cons
- -Small Appraiser Workforce: North Dakota's small population means fewer practicing appraisers -- which also means fewer potential supervisory appraisers. Finding a qualified supervisor, especially in rural areas, can be the biggest challenge.
- -Rural Market Limitations: Outside of Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks, appraisal volume can be lower and fees more modest. Appraisers in smaller markets may need to travel frequently for assignments.
- -Harsh Winter Climate: North Dakota winters are extreme. Property inspections in winter months can be challenging, particularly for appraisers covering rural or agricultural properties.
- -PSI Exam (Not Pearson VUE): North Dakota uses PSI rather than Pearson VUE. While the exam content (NULCE) is the same, candidates must register through psionline.com rather than Pearson VUE -- a common source of confusion.
How to Become a Licensed Appraiser in North Dakota
Complete 83-Hour Apprentice Qualifying Education
Complete 83 hours of AQB-approved qualifying education: 30 hrs Basic Appraisal Principles, 30 hrs Basic Appraisal Procedures, 15 hrs National USPAP, and 8 hrs Valuation Bias & Fair Housing (required as of January 1, 2026). McKissock Learning and The CE Shop both offer fully online, ND Appraiser Board-accepted packages. Also complete the 4-hour AQB Supervisory Appraiser/Apprentice Course -- required before the supervisory relationship begins.
Secure a Certified Supervisory Appraiser
Find a North Dakota Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser in good standing willing to serve as your supervisory appraiser. Both you and your supervisor must complete the 4-hour AQB Supervisory/Apprentice Course before supervision begins. Search the ASC National Registry at asc.gov/appraiser for active ND-certified appraisers. Network through Fargo/Bismarck appraisal firms, AMCs, and the ND Appraisers Association at ndappraisers.org. Each supervisor can work with up to 3 apprentices at a time.
Apply for Your Apprentice Appraiser License
Submit your Apprentice Appraiser application to the ND Appraiser Board with the $300 application fee, proof of completed qualifying education, background check with fingerprinting, and the Supervisory-Apprentice Registration Form. All qualifying education must be completed before applying. Application processing typically takes 4-6 weeks. Experience hours only count after your Apprentice license is issued.
Complete Additional Education and Accumulate Experience Hours
After receiving your Apprentice license, complete the remaining qualifying education for your target credential level while simultaneously accumulating supervised experience: 158 total hours QE + 1,000 hours over at least 6 months for Licensed Residential; 200 total hours + 1,500 hours over 12 months for Certified Residential; 300 total hours + 3,000 hours (1,500 non-residential) over 18 months for Certified General. Maintain a detailed Appraisal Experience Log as required by the board.
Apply for Licensed or Certified Appraiser License
Once education and experience requirements are met, submit your license application to the ND Appraiser Board with the $400 application fee, supporting documentation (transcripts, proof of coursework, experience log), and background check documentation. Upon approval, the board provides your Examination ID to schedule the national exam through PSI.
Pass the PSI National Exam (NULCE)
Schedule and pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination (NULCE) through PSI at psionline.com. The exam fee is approximately $225-$250 (verify current fee with PSI). You must correctly answer at least 75 of 110 scored questions in 4 hours. A passing score is valid for 24 months -- your license must be issued within that window. Upon passing, the ND Appraiser Board issues your official North Dakota appraiser license.
North Dakota Appraiser License Requirements
Eligibility
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Criminal history disclosure and background check required
- ND Appraiser Board reviews applications individually
- Secure a ND-certified supervisory appraiser before applying
- Both apprentice and supervisor complete 4-hr AQB Supervisor/Apprentice Course
- Experience only counts after Apprentice license is issued
Education
- Apprentice: 83 hrs AQB-approved QE + 4-hr Supervisor course (effective Jan 1, 2026)
- Licensed Residential: 75-hr upgrade (158 total)
- Certified Residential: 42-hr upgrade from Licensed (200 total)
- Certified General: 300 hrs total + Bachelor's degree required
- All levels: 15-hr USPAP + 8-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing (2026)
- Online AQB-approved providers (McKissock, CE Shop) accepted
Exam (PSI -- NULCE)
- Administered by PSI (not Pearson VUE) -- schedule at psionline.com
- NULCE -- 125 total (110 scored + 15 practice)
- Exam fee: ~$225-$250 per attempt (verify at psionline.com)
- Passing score: 75 out of 110 scored questions
- Required for Licensed, Certified Residential, Certified General
- Not required for Apprentice Appraiser credential
Application and Renewal
- Apply at ndappraiserboard.org
- Apprentice application fee: $300 | Licensed/Certified: $400
- CE: 28 hours biennial; includes 7-hr USPAP Update Course
- Effective Jan 1, 2026: Valuation Bias & Fair Housing CE required every 2 years
- Certified Residential: Bachelor's, Associate's, 30 credit hrs, or 5-yr Licensed alt.
- Up to 3 Apprentice Appraisers per supervisory appraiser
North Dakota Appraiser License Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Apprentice qualifying education (83 hrs QE) | $1,079 – $1,525 |
| 4-Hour AQB Supervisory/Apprentice Course | $25 – $105 |
| Apprentice Appraiser application fee (ND Appraiser Board) | $300 |
| Background check / fingerprinting | $25 – $70 |
| Licensed Residential upgrade QE (additional ~75 hrs) | $200 – $600 |
| Licensed or Certified appraiser application fee | $400 |
| National Exam fee (PSI -- NULCE) | ~$225 – $250 |
| Exam prep / study materials | $0 – $200 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $1,575 – $2,795 |
All government fees are non-refundable. Verify current amounts with ND Appraiser Board before applying.
The North Dakota Appraiser Exam — What to Expect
Exam At a Glance
- Exam
- NULCE -- National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination
- Provider
- PSI
- Questions
- 125 total (110 scored + 15 pretest)
- Time Limit
- 4 hours
- Passing Score
- 75 (out of 110 scored)
- Exam Fee
- ~$225 – $250 (verify at psionline.com) per attempt
- Pass Rate
- Approximately 60-70% nationally (ND-specific rate not published)
- 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 (CG level focus)
- Statistics, Modeling, and Finance
- USPAP -- ethics, competency, and reporting standards (~20-25% of exam)
💡 Exam Prep Tips
- • Complete all qualifying education before scheduling -- exam content is directly drawn from QE topics
- • Budget 4-6 weeks of dedicated study after finishing QE coursework
- • Focus heavily on USPAP -- it accounts for approximately 20-25% of exam questions
- • At ~$225-$250 per attempt, thorough preparation is strongly worth the investment
- • Use McKissock or CE Shop practice exams to simulate exam conditions before test day
About ND Appraiser Board — North Dakota's Appraiser Regulator
Contact & Resources
- Full Name
- North Dakota Real Estate Appraiser Qualification and Ethics Board
- Website
- ndappraiserboard.org
- Phone
- (701) 222-1051
- Address
- 1725 Bonn Blvd, Bismarck, ND 58504 (Mailing: PO Box 1336, Bismarck, ND 58502)
- Phone
- (701) 222-1051
- Website
- ndappraiserboard.org
- Address
- PO Box 1336, Bismarck, ND 58502
- Exam Vendor
- PSI (psionline.com)
Key North Dakota Rules
- Entry credential is "Apprentice Appraiser" (not "Trainee") -- a North Dakota-specific designation
- Exam is administered by PSI (not Pearson VUE) -- schedule at psionline.com
- Apprentice: 83 hrs QE + 4-hr Supervisor course; no exam required
- CE: 28 hours every 2 years (biennial); 7-hr USPAP Update Course required
- Effective Jan 1, 2026: Valuation Bias & Fair Housing CE required at every biennial renewal
- Certified General: 300 hrs + Bachelor's degree + 3,000 hrs / 18 months (1,500 non-res)
- Up to 3 Apprentice Appraisers per supervisory appraiser
- Supervisory-Apprentice relationship must be registered with ND Appraiser Board via official form
How Long Does It Take? Realistic North Dakota Timelines
Full-Time
7-9 months to Licensed Residential
- 1.Complete 83-hr Apprentice QE online (3-5 weeks)
- 2.Apply for Apprentice Appraiser license ($300); processing 4-6 weeks
- 3.Complete 75-hr Licensed upgrade + 1,000 hrs / 6 months minimum
- 4.Apply for Licensed Residential ($400) + pass PSI exam (~$225-$250)
Part-Time
14-20 months to Licensed Residential
- 1.Complete 83-hr Apprentice QE evenings/weekends (8-12 weeks)
- 2.Apply for Apprentice license; find supervisory appraiser
- 3.Complete Licensed upgrade + 1,000 hrs (12-18 months part-time)
- 4.Apply + pass PSI exam after meeting all requirements
Certified General
3-5 years total
- 1.Complete 300-hr QE total; hold Bachelor's degree
- 2.3,000 hrs (1,500 non-res) / 18 months minimum under supervisor
- 3.Fargo/Bismarck CG avg $84K-$120K; commercial specialization premium
- 4.Pass CG-level PSI exam; apply to ND Appraiser Board
Finding a qualified supervisory appraiser in North Dakota -- especially outside Fargo and Bismarck -- is often the biggest time bottleneck due to the state's small appraiser workforce. Start your supervisor search before or during your education.
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North Dakota Appraiser License Renewal
North Dakota appraiser licenses renew every 2 years. Complete 28 hours of CE before the renewal deadline, including the required 7-hour USPAP Update Course.
Effective January 1, 2026: All North Dakota appraisers must also complete a Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations course every 2 years as part of CE.
Renew online at ndappraiserboard.org. Verify the current renewal deadline and fee directly with the ND Appraiser Board at (701) 222-1051.
Biennial (every 2 years)
Renewal Cycle
28 hrs / cycle
CE Requirement
7 hrs required
USPAP Update
Required (2026+)
Valuation Bias CE
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get an appraisal license in North Dakota?
The total cost to become a Licensed Residential Appraiser in North Dakota ranges from approximately $1,575 to $2,795. This includes Apprentice qualifying education ($1,079-$1,525 for 83 hrs QE via McKissock or $1,205 via CE Shop for 87 hrs), the $300 Apprentice application fee, background check and fingerprinting ($25-$70), additional Licensed Residential QE ($200-$600), the $400 Licensed application fee, the PSI exam fee (~$225-$250), and optional exam prep ($0-$200). CE Shop estimates at least $2,400 total for Licensed Residential licensure.
How long does it take to become a licensed appraiser in North Dakota?
The fastest path to a Licensed Residential Appraiser license in North Dakota is approximately 7-9 months for a full-time candidate, since the state requires at least 1,000 hours of experience over no fewer than 6 months. Most working professionals take 14-20 months, combining evening and weekend education with part-time supervised experience. Finding a supervisory appraiser -- particularly in rural North Dakota -- is often the biggest time bottleneck.
What are the education requirements to become a licensed appraiser in North Dakota?
Effective January 1, 2026, North Dakota requires 83 hours of qualifying education for the Apprentice Appraiser level: 30 hours Basic Appraisal Principles, 30 hours Basic Appraisal Procedures, 15 hours USPAP, and 8 hours Valuation Bias and Fair Housing. The 4-hour AQB Supervisory/Apprentice Course is also required. To advance to Licensed Residential, you need 158 total qualifying education hours. Certified Residential requires 200 hours and Certified General requires 300 hours. All coursework must be AQB-approved; online courses are fully accepted.
What exam do North Dakota appraisers take?
North Dakota appraisers take the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination (NULCE), which is administered in North Dakota by PSI (not Pearson VUE). The exam has 110 scored questions plus 15 practice questions (125 total). You must score at least 75 of the 110 scored questions. The exam is 4 hours long. A passing score is valid for 24 months -- your license must be issued within that window. No exam is required for the Apprentice Appraiser level.
Do I need a college degree to become an appraiser in North Dakota?
No college degree is required to become an Apprentice Appraiser or Licensed Residential Appraiser in North Dakota. However, the Certified Residential level requires meeting one of several college education criteria: a Bachelor's degree in any field, an Associate's degree in business, accounting, finance, economics, or real estate, 30 semester hours of specific coursework, or five years of experience as a Licensed Residential Appraiser in good standing. The Certified General Appraiser level requires a full Bachelor's degree with no alternatives.
How do I find a supervisory appraiser in North Dakota?
Finding a supervisory appraiser is often the most challenging step in North Dakota due to the state's small population and relatively small appraiser workforce. Good strategies include: searching the ASC National Registry at asc.gov/appraiser for active ND-certified appraisers; reaching out to appraisal firms in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot; networking on AppraisersForum.com or LinkedIn; contacting appraisal management companies (AMCs) active in North Dakota; and reaching out to the ND Appraisers Association at ndappraisers.org.
What is the ND Appraiser Board and how does it regulate appraisers?
The North Dakota Real Estate Appraiser Qualification and Ethics Board (ND Appraiser Board) is the independent state agency responsible for licensing, regulating, and disciplining real estate appraisers in North Dakota. It sets education requirements, approves course providers, processes applications, and maintains the state appraiser roster. Contact the board at (701) 222-1051 or visit ndappraiserboard.org.
How much do real estate appraisers earn in North Dakota?
North Dakota real estate appraisers earn between $56,000 and $97,000+ per year depending on credential level, location, and specialization. Indeed (June 2025) shows an average of $84,306; ZipRecruiter (Dec 2025) shows $97,102; historical data shows a state average around $56,835. Fargo appraisers average over $70,000 while Grand Forks averages around $50,000. Top-earning Certified General Appraisers in Fargo or Bismarck handling commercial assignments can exceed $120,000 annually as independent fee appraisers.
What is USPAP and why does it matter for North Dakota appraisers?
USPAP stands for the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice -- the nationwide ethical and performance standards for all real estate appraisers, developed by The Appraisal Foundation. North Dakota appraisers must complete the 15-hour National USPAP Course as part of their qualifying education, and renew every 2 years with the 7-Hour USPAP Update Course. USPAP governs how appraisals are conducted, reported, and signed. Non-compliance can result in license discipline by the ND Appraiser Board.
What continuing education is required for North Dakota appraisers?
North Dakota requires 28 hours of CE every 2 years (biennial renewal cycle), including the 7-Hour National USPAP Update Course. Effective January 1, 2026, all appraisers must also complete a Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations course every 2 years. CE courses must be ND Appraiser Board-approved. CE can be completed online through providers like McKissock or The CE Shop.