How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in Tennessee (2026)
Tennessee uses <strong>"Registered Trainee"</strong> terminology and requires <strong>83 hours</strong> of qualifying education (including a 4-hr Valuation Bias course). The application fee is a significant <strong>$835</strong> ($405 TREAC + $430 ASC National Registry). Nashville and Memphis CG appraisers earn <strong>$85K–$115K+</strong>.
Registered Trainee QE
$1,205 – $2,097
Time to Licensed
8 – 22 months
Nashville CG Salary
$85K – $115K+
Application Fee
$835 ($405 + $430 ASC)
Tennessee Appraisers Regulated by TREAC — Four Unique State Rules
The Tennessee Real Estate Appraiser Commission (TREAC) has four state-specific requirements: (1) Entry = "Registered Trainee" (not Trainee Appraiser). (2) Application fee: $835 ($405 TREAC + $430 ASC National Registry) — per credential level. (3) 5-year lookback — all qualifying education must be completed within 5 years of application. (4) Every QE course requires a closed-book final exam. Exam: Pearson VUE ($225).
⚠️ McKissock Basic Package (79 hrs, $1,159) is MISSING the 4-hr Valuation Bias required by TREAC. Choose the Subscription ($1,525) or Livestream ($2,097) instead — both include the 8-hr Valuation Bias which satisfies TREAC's 4-hr requirement. The CE Shop ($1,205) also satisfies the requirement.
Top Tennessee Appraiser Schools at a Glance
McKissock covers all four TREAC credential levels. CE Shop covers Registered Trainee only. Champions is NOT available in Tennessee.
1. McKissock LearningMost Comprehensive
⚠️ Basic ($1,159, 79 hrs) missing TN Valuation Bias. Choose Subscription ($1,525) or Livestream ($2,097) for full TN compliance. Only school with TREAC CG education.
From $1,525
TN Trainee Subscription (87 hrs) ✓
2. The CE ShopTop-Rated UX
87-hr package ($1,205) includes 8-hr Valuation Bias — satisfies TREAC 4-hr requirement. Registered Trainee only.
$1,205
TN Registered Trainee (87 hrs) ✓
Best Tennessee Appraiser Licensing Courses
All 2 schools are Tennessee TREAC-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
McKissock Learning
Most ComprehensiveStarting at
$1159
- TREAC-approved for all four credential levels including Certified General
- ⚠️ TN Trainee Basic (79 hrs, $1,159) is MISSING the 4-hr Valuation Bias — does not fully satisfy TREAC trainee requirements
- Subscription (87 hrs, $1,525) and Livestream (87 hrs, $2,097) include 8-hr Valuation Bias — satisfies TN 4-hr requirement
- Recommend Subscription or Livestream for Tennessee Registered Trainee education
- CE library includes both TN required CE courses for renewals
Available Packages (12)
TN Registered Trainee Basic (79 hrs) ⚠️
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- 15-Hr USPAP
- 4-Hr Supervisory/Trainee Course
- ⚠️ Does NOT include Valuation Bias — missing 4 hrs required by TREAC
- Consider Subscription instead for full TN compliance
The CE Shop
Top-Rated UXStarting at
$1205
- TREAC-approved for Tennessee Registered Trainee level
- 87-hr package includes 8-hr Valuation Bias — satisfies TREAC 4-hr minimum requirement
- Live-online 15-hr USPAP + proctored final exam included
- Registered Trainee only — use McKissock for Licensed, CR, and CG upgrade education
Available Packages (1)
TN Registered Trainee Standard Package (87 hrs) ✓
- Basic Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Procedures (30 hrs)
- 15-Hr USPAP Live-Online
- 8-Hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing (satisfies TN requirement)
- 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 a Tennessee Appraiser License?
Issued by the Tennessee Real Estate Appraiser Commission (TREAC), a Tennessee appraiser license authorizes real property appraisals for federally related transactions. Tennessee uses "Registered Trainee" for its entry credential and requires $835 per credential level in application fees ($405 TREAC + $430 ASC National Registry). A 5-year education lookback applies to all qualifying courses.
Registered Trainee
83 hrs
Supervised work only
Licensed Residential
150 total hrs
Non-complex 1–4 unit residential
Certified Residential
204 total hrs
All 1–4 unit residential, no limits
Certified General
300 total hrs
Commercial and all property types
Tennessee Appraiser Credential Levels (2026)
| Credential | QE Hours | Experience | Degree | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Registered Trainee TN term · 83 hrs · $835 fee · 5-yr lookback | 83 hrs (4-hr Valuation Bias required) | None (under supervisor) | None | |
Licensed Residential First independent credential | 150 total hrs | 1,000 hrs / 6 months | None | |
Certified Residential 204 hrs total (4 above AQB 200) | 204 total hrs (4 above AQB min) | 1,500 hrs / 12 months | Bachelor's or 30 cr. hrs | |
Certified General All property types | 300 total hrs | 3,000 hrs / 18 mo (1,500 non-res) | Bachelor's required |
TN entry = "Registered Trainee" (83 hrs). CR = 204 hrs (4 above AQB). $835 app fee ($405+$430) per level. 5-yr education lookback. McKissock Basic ⚠️ (79 hrs, missing VB). Source: TREAC/AQB, 2026.
How Much Do Tennessee Appraisers Earn?
Registered Trainee
$38K – $52K
Under supervisor
Licensed / Cert. Residential
$60K – $78K
Tennessee average
Nashville / Memphis CG
$85K – $115K+
Commercial appraisers
Typical Residential Fee
$350 – $600
Per residential appraisal in Tennessee
Tennessee Median Home Price
~$310,000
Zillow (Tennessee, 2025) — Nashville far higher
Top Tennessee 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 Tennessee Appraiser License Worth It?
👠Pros
- +Nashville Boom: Nashville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US — driving strong appraisal demand across residential and commercial sectors.
- +McKissock + CE Shop: Two TREAC-approved online schools available; CE Shop is a clean alternative to McKissock for the Registered Trainee level.
👎 Cons
- -$835 Application Fee: $835 per credential level ($405 TREAC + $430 ASC Registry) — the highest application cost of all states covered.
- -McKissock Basic ⚠️: McKissock Basic (79 hrs, $1,159) is missing the 4-hr Valuation Bias required by TREAC. Must use Subscription ($1,525) or Livestream ($2,097).
- -5-Year Lookback Rule: All qualifying education must be completed within 5 years of application — older courses expire and must be retaken.
- -No Champions in TN: Champions School does not operate in Tennessee. Only McKissock and CE Shop are available.
How to Become a Licensed Appraiser in Tennessee
Complete 83-Hour Registered Trainee Education
Complete 83+ hrs of TREAC-approved QE. Avoid McKissock Basic (79 hrs) — it is missing the 4-hr Valuation Bias required by TREAC. Use McKissock Subscription ($1,525, 87 hrs) or Livestream ($2,097), or CE Shop ($1,205, 87 hrs). Every course must include a closed-book final exam per TREAC. All education must be within 5 years of application.
Secure a Supervisory Appraiser and Apply for Registered Trainee
Find a TN Certified appraiser; both complete the 4-hr AQB Supervisor/Trainee Course. Apply at tn.gov/commerce/regboards/treac with education proof, supervisor info, and $835 fee ($405 TREAC + $430 ASC National Registry).
Accumulate 1,000 Hours and Pass Pearson VUE
Log 1,000 supervised hours over at least 6 months while completing the 75-hr Licensed upgrade. Pass the Pearson VUE NULCE ($225, 75/125 passing). Renew every 2 years with 28 CE hours including 7-hr USPAP Update.
Tennessee Appraiser License Requirements
Eligibility
- Age 18+
- Criminal history disclosure
- TN-certified supervisory appraiser required
- Both complete 4-hr AQB Supervisor/Trainee Course
Education
- Registered Trainee: 83 hrs (4-hr Valuation Bias required)
- Licensed Residential: 150 total hrs
- Certified Residential: 204 total hrs (TN-specific)
- Certified General: 300 hrs + Bachelor's
Tennessee-Specific Rules
- $835 app fee per credential ($405 TREAC + $430 ASC)
- 5-year lookback — all QE within 5 years of application
- Every QE course requires closed-book final exam
- McKissock Basic (79 hrs) missing required Valuation Bias ⚠️
Exam (Pearson VUE)
- NULCE: 125 scored + 25 pretest = 150 total
- Fee: $225 · Pass: 75/125 · Time: 4 hrs
- Not required for Registered Trainee
- Pearson VUE in-person testing centers
Tennessee Appraiser License Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registered Trainee QE (87 hrs — avoid McKissock Basic) | $1,205 – $2,097 |
| TREAC + ASC Application Fee (per credential) | $835 |
| Licensed upgrade (75 hrs) | $975 – $1,449 |
| Pearson VUE NULCE | $225 |
| Total Estimated Cost | ~$3,240 – $4,606+ |
All government fees are non-refundable. Verify current amounts with TREAC before applying.
The Tennessee 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
- Appraisal Principles, Procedures, and Legal Concepts
- Market Analysis, Highest and Best Use, all three valuation approaches
- USPAP — ethics, competency, reporting (~20–25%)
About TREAC — Tennessee's Appraiser Regulator
Contact & Resources
- Full Name
- Tennessee Real Estate Appraiser Commission
- Phone
- (615) 741-1831
- Address
- 500 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243
Key Tennessee Rules
- "Registered Trainee" — Tennessee-specific entry credential name
- $835 application fee per credential level ($405 TREAC + $430 ASC National Registry)
- 5-year lookback — all QE must be completed within 5 years of application
- Every QE course requires closed-book final exam per TREAC
- McKissock Basic (79 hrs) is MISSING the 4-hr Valuation Bias — use Subscription or Livestream
- Certified Residential = 204 hrs (4 above AQB minimum of 200)
- Champions School not available in Tennessee
How Long Does It Take? Realistic Tennessee Timelines
Full-Time
8–12 months to Licensed
- 1.87-hr Registered Trainee QE (Sub/Livestream/CE Shop)
- 2.Apply Registered Trainee ($835 fee)
- 3.75-hr upgrade + 1,000 hrs / 6 months
- 4.Apply Licensed + Pearson VUE ($225)
Part-Time
14–22 months to Licensed
- 1.87-hr QE evenings (8–16 weeks)
- 2.Apply Registered Trainee ($835)
- 3.1,000 hrs over 12–18 months
- 4.Apply Licensed + pass exam
Certified General
3–5 years total
- 1.300-hr QE + Bachelor's (McKissock)
- 2.3,000 hrs (1,500 non-res) / 18 months
- 3.Nashville/Memphis CG avg $85K–$115K+
- 4.Pass CG exam; apply to TREAC ($835)
Tennessee's $835 application fee applies at every credential level — budget $835 for Registered Trainee, again for Licensed, again for Certified Residential, and again for CG. The 5-year lookback means you must apply within 5 years of completing your education.
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Tennessee Appraiser License Renewal
28 CE hours every 2 years including 7-hr USPAP Update. Biennial renewal fee: $405. Verify at tn.gov/commerce/regboards/treac or (615) 741-1831.
Biennial
Renewal Cycle
28 hrs / cycle
CE Requirement
$405 biennial
Renewal Fee
Frequently Asked Questions
Who regulates appraisers in Tennessee?
TREAC (Tennessee Real Estate Appraiser Commission). Contact: (615) 741-1831, tn.gov/commerce/regboards/treac, 500 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243.
Why should I avoid McKissock's Basic Package for Tennessee?
McKissock's Trainee Basic (79 hrs, $1,159) is missing the 4-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing course required by TREAC. Choose McKissock Subscription ($1,525) or Livestream ($2,097) instead — both include the 8-hr Valuation Bias, satisfying TREAC's requirement. The CE Shop ($1,205) also satisfies it.
What is Tennessee's $835 application fee?
The $835 fee consists of $405 to TREAC and $430 to the ASC National Registry. This fee applies at every credential level — Registered Trainee, Licensed, Certified Residential, and Certified General.
What is Tennessee's 5-year lookback rule?
All qualifying education must be completed within 5 years before your application date. Courses completed more than 5 years ago expire and must be retaken. Start your education as close to your application as practical.
How much do Tennessee appraisers earn?
Licensed/CR: $60K–$78K average. Nashville and Memphis CG appraisers: $85K–$115K+. Nashville's rapid growth makes it one of the strongest appraiser markets in the Southeast.