How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in Oregon (2026)
Oregon calls its entry credential the <strong>Appraiser Assistant</strong> and requires <strong>204 hours</strong> of qualifying education for the first independent license — 46 hours above the AQB minimum. Portland and Bend markets reward experienced appraisers with <strong>$80K–$130K+</strong>.
Appraiser Assistant QE
$1,159 – $2,097
Time to Licensed
9 – 24 months
Portland CR Salary
$80K – $110K+
Exam Fee
$225 (Pearson VUE)
Oregon Appraisers Are Regulated by the ACLB — Two State-Specific Rules to Know
The Oregon Appraiser Certification and Licensure Board (ACLB) uses two Oregon-specific terms. Entry credential: "Appraiser Assistant" (not Trainee Appraiser). First independent license: "State Licensed Appraiser" requiring 204 hours of QE — 46 hours above the AQB minimum of 158. Exam: Pearson VUE ($225). CE: 28 hours biennial. Temporary permits available for out-of-state appraisers.
Oregon's Licensed Appraiser requires 204 total QE hours — 46 hours above most states. This means more courses and higher upfront education costs compared to the AQB standard. Budget extra time (8–14 weeks for education vs. 3–5 weeks in most states) and additional course fees. Verify the current 204-hour breakdown at aclboregon.org.
Top Oregon Appraiser Schools at a Glance
McKissock covers all four ACLB credential levels including Certified General. The CE Shop covers Appraiser Assistant only. Champions School and VanEd do not operate in Oregon.
1. McKissock LearningOnly Full-Service Provider
Only online school with ACLB-approved packages for all four credential levels. Livestream option (Summer 2026 Sat/Sun). Licensed Appraiser packages cover Oregon's 204-hr requirement. Self-paced Basic (6-mo) and Subscription (1-yr) also available.
From $1,159
OR Appraiser Assistant Basic (87 hrs)
2. The CE ShopTop-Rated UX
Modern mobile-friendly platform with live-online USPAP. ACLB-approved for Appraiser Assistant level only. Proctored exam included. Use McKissock for Licensed, Certified Residential, and Certified General upgrade education.
$1,205
OR Appraiser Assistant Package (87 hrs)
Best Oregon Appraiser Licensing Courses
All 2 schools are Oregon ACLB-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
McKissock Learning
Only Full-Service ProviderStarting at
$1159
- Only Oregon ACLB-approved school with packages for all four credential levels
- Appraiser Assistant, Licensed, Certified Residential, and Certified General packages
- Livestream option for Oregon (Summer 2026 Sat/Sun Zoom schedule)
- Licensed Appraiser packages cover Oregon's 204-hr requirement (46 hrs above AQB minimum)
- All courses AQB-approved; instructor Q&A and live webinars with Subscription
Available Packages (12)
OR Appraiser Assistant 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 Appraiser/Trainee Course
- 6-month access
The CE Shop
Top-Rated UXStarting at
$1205
- ACLB-approved for Oregon Appraiser Assistant level
- Live-online 15-hr USPAP course + USPAP digital manuals included
- 8-Hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing and 4-Hr Supervisory/Trainee Course included
- Proctored final exam included
- Appraiser Assistant level only — use McKissock for Licensed, CR, and CG upgrade education
Available Packages (1)
OR Appraiser Assistant 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 Oregon Appraiser License?
Issued by the Oregon ACLB, an Oregon appraiser license is required for real property appraisals in federally related transactions. Oregon uses two state-specific credential names: the entry level is "Appraiser Assistant" and the first independent license is "State Licensed Appraiser" — requiring 204 hours of QE (not the AQB standard of 158). The ACLB issues four credential levels.
Appraiser Assistant
87 hrs
Supervised work only; cannot sign appraisals independently
State Licensed Appraiser
204 hrs total
Non-complex 1–4 unit residential properties
Certified Residential Appraiser
200 hrs total
All 1–4 unit residential; no value or complexity limit
Certified General Appraiser
300 hrs total
Commercial, industrial, all property types
Oregon Appraiser Credential Levels (2026)
| Credential | QE Hours | Experience | Degree | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Appraiser Assistant Oregon-specific name · No exam · AQB standard 87 hrs | 87 hrs | None (under supervisor) | None | |
State Licensed Appraiser 204 hrs (46 above AQB minimum of 158) | 204 hrs total (Oregon-specific) | 1,000 hrs / min. 6 months | None | |
Certified Residential Appraiser All residential; no restrictions | 200 hrs total | 1,500 hrs / min. 12 months | Bachelor's, Associate's, or 30 credit hrs | |
Certified General Appraiser All property types · McKissock only for OR CG | 300 hrs total | 3,000 hrs / 18 mo (1,500 non-res) | Bachelor's required |
* Oregon State Licensed Appraiser = 204 total QE hours (AQB minimum is 158). Verify application fees at aclboregon.org. Source: Oregon ACLB / AQB, 2026.
How Much Do Oregon Appraisers Earn?
Appraiser Assistant / Entry
$42K – $56K
Working under supervisor
Licensed / Cert. Residential
$68K – $85K
Oregon state average
Portland / Bend CG
$95K – $130K+
Commercial / all property types
Typical Residential Fee
$400 – $700
Per residential appraisal in Oregon
Oregon Median Home Price
~$440,000
Zillow (Oregon, 2025) — Portland/Bend far higher
Top Oregon 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 Oregon Appraiser License Worth It?
👠Pros
- +High Home Values: Oregon's $440,000 median home price — with Portland and Bend far higher — supports premium appraisal fees and strong CG income.
- +Temporary Permits: Oregon allows out-of-state appraisers to obtain Temporary Permits for specific assignments — expanding the market and enabling reciprocal opportunities.
- +Growing Markets: Bend/Central Oregon is one of the fastest-growing metros in the Pacific Northwest — driving strong demand for residential appraisers.
- +Diverse Property Types: From Portland urban high-rises to Bend ski condos to coastal vacation homes — Oregon offers excellent variety for appraisal specialization.
👎 Cons
- -204-Hr Licensed Requirement: Oregon requires 204 hours for the first independent license — 46 more than most states. Expect higher education costs and 8–14 weeks of coursework at entry.
- -Limited Schools: No Champions, no VanEd. McKissock is the only full-service provider; CE Shop covers Appraiser Assistant only.
- -Application Fees Unconfirmed: ACLB application fees are not publicly confirmed. Verify at aclboregon.org or call (503) 485-2555 before submitting.
- -High Cost of Living: Portland and Bend rank among the most expensive cities in the Pacific Northwest — higher overhead for independent fee appraisers.
How to Become a Licensed Appraiser in Oregon
Complete 87 Hours of Appraiser Assistant Qualifying Education
Complete 87 hours of ACLB and AQB-approved QE: 30 hrs Basic Principles, 30 hrs Basic Procedures, 15 hrs National USPAP, 8 hrs Valuation Bias & Fair Housing, and 4 hrs AQB Supervisory/Trainee Course. Oregon calls this credential the "Appraiser Assistant." McKissock (from $1,159) and The CE Shop ($1,205) both offer ACLB-accepted online packages.
Secure an Oregon-Certified Supervisory Appraiser
Find an Oregon Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser to supervise you. Both parties must complete the 4-hour AQB Supervisory/Trainee Course before supervision begins. Network through the Oregon Chapter of the Appraisal Institute, local AMCs, and Portland/Bend appraisal firms. Up to 3 Appraiser Assistants per supervisor.
Register as Appraiser Assistant with ACLB
Submit your Appraiser Assistant registration to the ACLB at aclboregon.org with proof of education, supervisory appraiser information, and registration fee (verify current amount at aclboregon.org). Upon approval, begin accumulating supervised experience.
Complete Additional Education to Reach 204 Hours
Oregon's State Licensed Appraiser requires 204 total QE hours — your 87-hour Appraiser Assistant education counts, but you need approximately 117 additional hours covering residential market analysis, site valuation, cost approach, sales comparison, income approach, and residential report writing. McKissock's Licensed packages cover this requirement. Oregon's 204-hr requirement is 46 hours above the AQB standard — budget more time and money than most states.
Accumulate 1,000 Experience Hours and Apply for State Licensed Appraiser
Concurrently with completing 204 hours of QE, accumulate 1,000 hours of supervised appraisal experience over at least 6 months. Maintain detailed ACLB experience logs. Submit your State Licensed Appraiser application with education certificates, experience logs, and fee. Upon ACLB approval, schedule the Pearson VUE NULCE ($225). Pass 75 of 125 scored questions to receive your Oregon State Licensed Appraiser credential.
Oregon Appraiser License Requirements
Eligibility
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Criminal history disclosure required
- ACLB reviews applications individually
- Secure an Oregon-certified supervisory appraiser
- Both must complete 4-hr AQB Supervisory/Trainee Course
- Temporary permits available for out-of-state appraisers
Education
- Appraiser Assistant: 87 hrs AQB-approved QE
- State Licensed Appraiser: 204 total hrs (Oregon-specific — 46 above AQB)
- Certified Residential: 200 hrs total
- Certified General: 300 hrs + Bachelor's degree
- All levels: 15-hr USPAP + 8-hr Valuation Bias (2026)
- Verify complete 204-hr breakdown at aclboregon.org
Exam (Pearson VUE)
- In-person at Pearson VUE testing centers
- NULCE · 150 total (125 scored + 25 pretest)
- Exam fee: $225 per attempt
- Passing score: 75 out of 125 scored
- Required for Licensed, Certified Residential, Certified General
- Not required for Appraiser Assistant registration
Oregon-Specific Rules
- Entry credential = "Appraiser Assistant" (Oregon-specific name)
- First independent license = "State Licensed Appraiser" at 204 hrs QE
- CE: 28 hours biennial including 7-hr USPAP Update
- Temporary permits for out-of-state appraisers
- Application fees: verify at aclboregon.org or (503) 485-2555
- Up to 3 Appraiser Assistants per supervisory appraiser
Oregon Appraiser License Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Appraiser Assistant QE (87 hrs) | $1,159 – $2,097 |
| ACLB Appraiser Assistant Registration Fee | VERIFY AT ACLB |
| Additional QE to reach 204 hrs for Licensed (~117 hrs) | $975 – $1,449 |
| ACLB Licensed Appraiser Application Fee | VERIFY AT ACLB |
| Pearson VUE Exam Fee (NULCE) | $225 |
| Background Check / Fingerprinting | VERIFY AT ACLB |
| CE (biennial 28-hr renewal) | $100 – $300 |
| Total Estimated Cost | ~$2,359 – $3,971+ |
All government fees are non-refundable. Verify current amounts with ACLB before applying.
The Oregon Appraiser Exam — What to Expect
Exam At a Glance
- Exam
- NULCE — National Uniform Licensing & Certification Exam
- 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
- Real Property Concepts and Legal Considerations
- Market Analysis and Highest and Best Use
- Sales Comparison Approach — adjustments, paired-sales
- Cost Approach — depreciation methods, land valuation
- Income Approach — capitalization, GRM
- Statistics, Modeling, and Finance
- USPAP — ethics, competency, reporting (~20–25%)
💡 Exam Prep Tips
- • Oregon's 204-hr Licensed curriculum provides thorough exam preparation
- • Focus on USPAP — approximately 20–25% of exam questions
- • All three valuation approaches (Sales Comparison, Cost, Income) are heavily tested
About ACLB — Oregon's Appraiser Regulator
Contact & Resources
- Full Name
- Oregon Appraiser Certification and Licensure Board
- Website
- www.aclboregon.org
- Phone
- (503) 485-2555
- Address
- 1430 Waverly Drive SE, Suite 100, Salem, OR 97302
Key Oregon Rules
- Entry credential = "Appraiser Assistant" (Oregon-specific term)
- State Licensed Appraiser = 204 hrs QE (AQB minimum is 158 — Oregon requires 46 more)
- CE: 28 hours biennial including 7-hr USPAP Update Course
- Temporary permits available for out-of-state appraisers completing specific OR assignments
- Application fees: not confirmed — verify at aclboregon.org or (503) 485-2555
- Certified General: 300 hrs + Bachelor's degree + 3,000 hrs/18 months (1,500 non-res)
- Up to 3 Appraiser Assistants per supervisory appraiser
How Long Does It Take? Realistic Oregon Timelines
Full-Time
9–13 months to Licensed
- 1.Complete 87-hr Appraiser Assistant QE (8–14 weeks — longer than most states)
- 2.Register as Appraiser Assistant with ACLB
- 3.Complete remaining 117 hrs + 1,000 hrs / 6 months
- 4.Apply + pass Pearson VUE ($225)
Part-Time
16–26 months to Licensed
- 1.Complete 87-hr QE evenings (12–20 weeks)
- 2.Register as Appraiser Assistant with ACLB
- 3.Complete 117 additional hrs + 1,000 hrs (12–18 months)
- 4.Apply + pass exam; verify fees at aclboregon.org
Certified General
3–5 years total
- 1.Complete 300-hr QE + Bachelor's degree
- 2.3,000 hrs (1,500 non-res) / 18 months minimum
- 3.Only McKissock covers OR CG education
- 4.Portland/Bend CG avg $95K–$130K+
Oregon's 204-hour Licensed Appraiser education requirement is the key bottleneck — budget 8–14 weeks just for education, compared to 3–5 weeks in most states. Verify the current 204-hour course breakdown at aclboregon.org before enrolling.
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Oregon Appraiser License Renewal
Oregon appraiser licenses renew every 2 years. Complete 28 hours of CE including the 7-hour USPAP Update Course. Verify the renewal deadline and fee at aclboregon.org. Oregon also offers Temporary Permits for out-of-state appraisers needing to work in Oregon on specific assignments.
Biennial
Renewal Cycle
28 hrs / cycle
CE Requirement
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Oregon call its trainee an "Appraiser Assistant"?
Oregon uses the term "Appraiser Assistant" for its entry-level appraisal credential — a state-specific naming convention. Most states say "Trainee Appraiser" or "Registered Trainee." Functionally it's identical: you work under a certified supervisor, cannot sign appraisals independently, and must accumulate experience hours. Oregon's ACLB uses its own terminology under state licensing laws. Contact ACLB at (503) 485-2555 or aclboregon.org.
Why does Oregon require 204 hours for Licensed Appraiser?
Oregon's State Licensed Appraiser credential requires 204 hours of qualifying education — 46 hours above the AQB national minimum of 158. The additional courses cover residential-specific topics: market analysis, site valuation, cost approach, sales comparison, income approach, and report writing. Oregon's ACLB has historically required more comprehensive education for the first independent license. This results in higher upfront course costs compared to most states.
Who regulates appraisers in Oregon?
The Oregon Appraiser Certification and Licensure Board (ACLB) regulates all real estate appraisers. Contact: (503) 485-2555 or aclboregon.org. Address: 1430 Waverly Drive SE, Suite 100, Salem, OR 97302. The ACLB issues Appraiser Assistant registrations, State Licensed Appraiser licenses, Certified Residential and Certified General certificates, and enforces USPAP compliance.
How long does it take to become a licensed appraiser in Oregon?
The minimum timeline to become a State Licensed Appraiser in Oregon is approximately 9–13 months full-time. Oregon's 204-hour education requirement takes 8–14 weeks to complete — significantly longer than the 3–5 weeks for the standard 87-hour trainee curriculum. Plus at least 6 months of supervised experience. Most working professionals take 16–26 months. The 204-hour education requirement is Oregon's biggest state-specific bottleneck.
How much do appraisers earn in Oregon?
Oregon appraisers typically earn $68,000–$85,000/year. The national BLS median is $65,420 (May 2024). Portland metro appraisers earn the most — experienced Certified Residential appraisers in Portland can earn $80,000–$110,000+. Bend's luxury resort market commands premium fees. Oregon's median home price (~$440,000) supports strong fee volume.
Does Oregon offer temporary permits for out-of-state appraisers?
Yes. Oregon's ACLB issues Temporary Permits for out-of-state appraisers needing to complete specific assignments in Oregon without a full Oregon credential. Contact ACLB at (503) 485-2555 or aclboregon.org for current requirements and fees.
What school options are available for Oregon appraisal education?
McKissock Learning is the only online school with ACLB-approved packages for all four Oregon credential levels, including the 204-hour Licensed Appraiser curriculum. The CE Shop offers an Oregon Appraiser Assistant package ($1,205) for the entry level only. Champions School and VanEd do not operate in Oregon. For Licensed, Certified Residential, and Certified General education, McKissock is your only online option.
What are Oregon's CE requirements?
Oregon appraisers must complete 28 hours of CE every 2 years, including the 7-hour USPAP Update Course. CE must be completed through ACLB-approved providers. Verify the current renewal deadline and CE provider list at aclboregon.org.
What is the scope of practice for Oregon's State Licensed Appraiser?
Oregon's State Licensed Appraiser can independently appraise non-complex 1-4 unit residential properties up to applicable federal transaction value thresholds. For complex residential properties or commercial/income-producing properties, a Certified Residential or Certified General credential is required. The 204-hour education requirement reflects Oregon's expectation that Licensed Appraisers have thorough residential valuation training.
Can I take Oregon appraiser qualifying education online?
Yes. Oregon's ACLB accepts AQB-approved online courses. McKissock Learning and The CE Shop offer ACLB-accepted online packages. Make sure any course is AQB-approved before enrolling. Oregon's 204-hour Licensed Appraiser requirement means you need more coursework than most states — verify the complete required course list at aclboregon.org or call (503) 485-2555.