How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in Utah (2026)
Utah has five state-specific rules: <strong>$142 Trainee registration</strong> (includes mandatory fingerprinting + RapBack monitoring), <strong>162-hour Licensed Residential</strong> requirement, <strong>experience only counts while registered</strong> as Trainee, <strong>first 35 inspections supervised</strong>, and <strong>Board approval required before scheduling Pearson VUE</strong>. Silicon Slopes Certified General appraisers earn <strong>$95K–$130K+</strong>.
Trainee Education
$1,079 – $1,525 (McKissock 83 hrs)
Time to Licensed
8 – 22 months
SLC / Silicon Slopes CG
$95K – $130K+
Trainee Registration
$142 (includes fingerprinting)
Utah Has Five Rules That Differ From Most States — Register as Trainee Immediately
The Utah Appraisal Board within the Division of Real Estate has five state-specific rules: (1) $142 Trainee registration fee includes $32 fingerprint processing + $10 RapBack ongoing monitoring (FBI continuous background surveillance — not a one-time check). (2) Certificate of Legal Presence required with Trainee application. (3) Experience hours only count while registered as Trainee with the Division — register immediately after completing education. (4) Board approval required BEFORE scheduling Pearson VUE. (5) 500 hours while holding State Licensed credential required before applying for Certified Residential. Supervisor list: realestate.utah.gov/find-a-trainee-supervisor.
Utah's 'experience only while registered' rule is critical — if you informally accompany an appraiser before filing your Trainee registration, those hours don't count. Register with the Division as soon as you complete education. Also: McKissock's Utah packages show 83 hours while the official state website (realestate.utah.gov) requires 87 hours including the 4-hr Supervisor/Trainee course. The CE Shop's 87-hr $1,319 package meets the official standard. Champions offers only à la carte courses for Utah (Principles $435 + Procedures $435 = 60 hrs partial — NOT a complete package).
Top Utah Appraiser Schools at a Glance
McKissock covers all four Utah credential levels (83-hr packages, verify 87-hr official requirement). CE Shop meets the official 87-hr standard at $1,319. Champions = à la carte only (NOT a complete package).
1. McKissock LearningOnly Full-Service Provider
Division-approved for all four UT credential levels. Trainee Basic $1,079 (83 hrs). ⚠️ Official state requires 87 hrs — verify you complete all required hours. No Livestream for Utah.
From $1,079
UT Trainee Basic (83 hrs — see 87-hr note)
2. The CE ShopMeets Official 87-Hr Standard
Division-accepted for Trainee. $1,319 (higher than most states) includes the 4-hr Supervisor/Trainee course — meets the official Utah 87-hr requirement. Trainee level only.
$1,319
UT Trainee Standard (87 hrs — meets official standard)
3. Champions School of Real Estate⚠️ À la Carte Only — Incomplete
⚠️ À la carte only — no complete UT Trainee package. Principles ($435) + Procedures ($435) = 60 hrs. Missing USPAP, Valuation Bias, and state-specific content. Champions directs UT students to McKissock for remaining hours.
$435 (partial)
À la carte — NOT a complete Trainee package
Best Utah Appraiser Licensing Courses
All 3 schools are Utah Utah DRE-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
Champions School of Real Estate
⚠️ À la Carte Only — IncompleteStarting at
$435
- ⚠️ À la carte only — Champions UT does NOT offer a complete bundled Trainee package
- Principles ($435) + Procedures ($435) = 60 hrs only — well short of Utah's 87-hr requirement
- Champions website explicitly states Utah requires additional state-specific hours not in their classroom
- Champions directs Utah students to McKissock for state-specific and remaining required hours
- Do NOT enroll expecting a complete UT Trainee package — use McKissock or CE Shop instead
Available Packages (2)
UT Principles (30 hrs à la carte)
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- Live Zoom virtual classroom
- ⚠️ Partial only — 30 of 87 required hours. Must obtain remaining hours from McKissock or CE Shop.
McKissock Learning
Only Full-Service ProviderStarting at
$1079
- Division-approved for all four Utah credential levels including Certified General
- ⚠️ McKissock UT shows 83 hrs — official state requires 87 hrs including 4-hr Supervisor/Trainee course; verify at realestate.utah.gov
- Supervisor list searchable at realestate.utah.gov/find-a-trainee-supervisor
- Licensed upgrade packages (75 hrs) for Utah's 162-hr total requirement
- Only school covering all 4 credential levels for Utah
Available Packages (11)
UT Trainee Basic Package (83 hrs per McKissock)
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- 15-Hr National USPAP
- 8-Hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing
- 6-month access — ⚠️ verify all 87 official hrs completed including 4-hr Supervisor/Trainee
The CE Shop
Meets Official 87-Hr StandardStarting at
$1319
- Division-accepted for Appraiser Trainee level
- 87-hr package includes 4-hr Supervisor/Trainee course — meets official Utah 87-hr requirement
- Priced at $1,319 (higher than most states) — includes live-online USPAP and proctored exam
- Live-online 15-hr USPAP + 8-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing included
- Trainee level only — use McKissock for Licensed (162-hr total), CR, and CG education
Available Packages (1)
UT Trainee 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 (included — meets official UT 87-hr standard)
- 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 Utah Appraiser License?
Issued by the Utah Appraisal Board within the Division of Real Estate, a Utah appraiser license authorizes real property appraisals for federally related transactions. Utah requires 87 hours for the Appraiser Trainee (official state standard — McKissock may show 83 hrs). The Licensed Appraiser requires 162 total hours (87 + 75 additional residential curriculum). A key Utah rule: experience hours only count while you are registered with the Division as a Trainee — do not delay registration.
Appraiser Trainee
87 hrs (official); McKissock 83 hrs — verify
Supervised; experience only counts while registered
State Licensed Appraiser
162 total hrs (87+75)
Non-complex 1–4 unit residential
Certified Residential Appraiser
200 total hrs
All 1–4 unit residential
Certified General Appraiser
300 total hrs
Commercial, industrial, all types
Utah Appraiser Credential Levels (2026)
| Credential | QE Hours | Experience | Degree | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Appraiser Trainee 87 hrs official (McKissock shows 83 — verify) · $142 fee with fingerprints · Certificate of Legal Presence | 87 hrs (official); McKissock 83 hrs — verify | None (under Certified supervisor — first 35 inspections supervised) | None | |
State Licensed Appraiser 162 total hrs (87 + 75) · Board approval before exam · NEEDS_REVIEW app fee | 162 total hrs (87+75) | 1,000 hrs / 6 months (all while registered as Trainee) | None | |
Certified Residential Appraiser Requires 500 hrs while Licensed first · 6 education pathways · 50% UT experience | 200 total hrs | 1,500 hrs total (500 while Licensed) / 12 months | Bachelor's, Associate's, 30 cr. hrs, CLEP, 5-yr Licensed | |
Certified General Appraiser All property types · McKissock only · first 20 inspections supervised | 300 total hrs | 3,000 hrs / 18 mo (1,500 non-res) — 50% UT properties | Bachelor's required |
Official UT Trainee = 87 hrs (realestate.utah.gov); McKissock packages show 83 hrs. $142 Trainee fee includes fingerprinting + RapBack. Certificate of Legal Presence required. Experience counts ONLY while registered as Trainee. Licensed = 162 total hrs (87+75). 500 hrs while Licensed required for CR. 50% Utah experience required. Board approval before Pearson VUE exam. Source: Utah DRE / AQB, 2026.
How Much Do Utah Appraisers Earn?
Trainee / Entry
$42K – $58K
Working under supervisor
Licensed / Cert. Residential
$68K – $84K
Utah state average
SLC / Silicon Slopes / Park City CG
$95K – $130K+
Tech sector + luxury/resort
Typical Residential Fee
$425 – $650
Per residential appraisal in Utah
Utah Median Home Price
~$515,000
Zillow (Utah, 2025)
Top Utah 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 Utah Appraiser License Worth It?
👠Pros
- +Searchable Supervisor Directory: Utah maintains a publicly searchable database of supervisors willing to accept Trainees at realestate.utah.gov/find-a-trainee-supervisor — making the supervisor search easier than most states.
- +Silicon Slopes Premium Fees: Utah's booming tech corridor (Lehi, Provo, Salt Lake) drives one of the fastest-appreciating real estate markets in the US — strong residential volume and above-average appraisal fees ($425–$650 per assignment).
- +Transparent Trainee Fee Structure: Utah's $142 Trainee registration fee is all-inclusive: $100 application + $32 fingerprint processing + $10 RapBack — no surprise add-ons.
👎 Cons
- -Register Immediately — Experience Clock Doesn't Start Until You Do: Utah's experience-only-while-registered rule means every day you delay registration after completing education is a wasted day. File your $142 Trainee application the same week you finish coursework.
- -500 Hours While Licensed for CR: Certified Residential candidates must complete 500 experience hours while holding the State Licensed credential — meaning you cannot skip directly from Trainee to CR. Plan for the additional Licensed phase.
- -Board Approval Before Exam Scheduling: Utah requires candidates to apply to the Division and receive written Board approval before scheduling Pearson VUE. You can't self-schedule after meeting requirements — the approval step adds time to your timeline.
- -McKissock 83-Hr vs. Official 87-Hr Discrepancy: McKissock's Utah packages show 83 hours while the official state website specifies 87 hours (including the 4-hr Supervisor/Trainee course). CE Shop's $1,319 package at 87 hrs meets the official standard. If using McKissock, verify all required hours are covered.
How to Become a Licensed Appraiser in Utah
Complete 87-Hour Trainee Qualifying Education
Complete 87 hours from Division-approved providers: 30 hrs Principles, 30 hrs Procedures, 15 hrs USPAP, 8 hrs Valuation Bias & Fair Housing, and 4 hrs Supervisory Appraiser and Appraiser Trainee Course = 87 hours. McKissock (Basic $1,079 at 83 hrs) may not include the 4-hr Supervisor/Trainee course — verify you complete all 87 official hours. CE Shop UT ($1,319, 87 hrs) includes the supervisor course and meets the official standard. Champions offers à la carte only (60 hrs partial — not a complete package).
Find a Certified Supervisor via Utah's Online Directory
Find a Utah Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser who has completed the Supervisory Appraiser and Appraiser Trainee Course. Use the Division's free searchable directory at realestate.utah.gov/find-a-trainee-supervisor. Supervisor must be Certified — a Licensed Appraiser cannot supervise in Utah. Both you and your supervisor must have completed the 4-hr supervisor/trainee course.
Register as Trainee Immediately — $142 Fee Includes Fingerprinting + RapBack
Submit the Appraiser Trainee Registration Packet to the Division at realestate.utah.gov. Register as soon as education is complete — experience hours only count while registered. Pay the $142 fee ($100 app + $32 fingerprint + $10 RapBack). Submit 2 fingerprint cards, consent to background check, Certificate of Legal Presence, and all education certificates including the supervisor/trainee course. RapBack = ongoing FBI criminal monitoring (not just a one-time check).
Accumulate Experience Under Utah's Supervision Rules + Complete 75-Hr Upgrade
Accumulate 1,000 supervised hours over 6 months–5 years (all while registered as Trainee). First 35 inspections require your supervisor to accompany you (Residential track). At least 50% of appraisals must be Utah properties. Simultaneously complete 75 additional residential curriculum hours (McKissock Licensed Basic $975) to reach 162 total hours. The 5-year experience lookback means no credit for hours earned more than 5 years before your application.
Apply to Board for Written Exam Authorization — Then Schedule Pearson VUE
When ready to upgrade, submit your State Licensed application to the Division with experience logs, all 162 hours of QE certificates, and application fee (NEEDS_REVIEW — verify at realestate.utah.gov). Upon receipt of written approval from the Appraisal Board, you may then schedule Pearson VUE NULCE ($225). You cannot self-schedule — Board approval must come first. Pass 75 of 125 questions. Renew biennially with 28 CE hours including 7-hr USPAP Update.
Utah Appraiser License Requirements
Eligibility
- Age 18+
- Certificate of Legal Presence required
- 2 fingerprint cards + consent to background check (RapBack ongoing monitoring)
- Supervisor must be UT Certified (not Licensed)
- Both complete 4-hr Supervisor/Trainee course
- Experience counts ONLY while registered as Trainee
Education
- Trainee: 87 hrs official (McKissock shows 83 — verify 4-hr supervisor course)
- CE Shop UT: $1,319 at 87 hrs — meets official standard
- Licensed: 162 total hrs (87 + 75 residential curriculum)
- Certified Residential: 200 total hrs
- Certified General: 300 hrs + Bachelor's
- Champions = à la carte only (60 hrs partial — NOT complete)
Fees & Exam
- Trainee registration: $142 ($100 + $32 fp + $10 RapBack)
- Licensed/Certified app fee: NEEDS_REVIEW (verify at realestate.utah.gov)
- Pearson VUE NULCE: $225, 75/125, 4 hrs
- Board approval required BEFORE scheduling Pearson VUE
- Biennial renewal fee: NEEDS_REVIEW
UT-Specific Rules
- Experience only counts while registered as Trainee — register ASAP
- First 35 inspections: supervisor must accompany (Residential)
- First 20 inspections: supervisor must accompany (General)
- 50% of experience appraisals must be UT properties
- 500 hrs while Licensed required for Certified Residential
- 5-year experience lookback; Board approval before exam
Utah Appraiser License Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Trainee QE (McKissock 83 hrs / CE Shop 87 hrs) | $1,079 – $1,525 |
| Trainee registration fee (includes fingerprinting) | $142 |
| Licensed upgrade education (75 hrs) | $975 – $1,449 |
| State Licensed application fee | VERIFY AT UTAH DRE |
| Pearson VUE NULCE | $225 |
| Total Estimated Cost | ~$2,421+ (excl. NEEDS_REVIEW app fee) |
All government fees are non-refundable. Verify current amounts with Utah DRE before applying.
The Utah Appraiser Exam — What to Expect
Exam At a Glance
- Exam
- NULCE — National Uniform Licensing & Certification Exam (Board approval required before scheduling)
- 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%)
💡 Exam Prep Tips
- • Must receive WRITTEN Board approval from Utah Appraisal Board before scheduling Pearson VUE
- • Submit full application with experience logs and education certificates first
- • Upon written approval, schedule at home.pearsonvue.com
About Utah DRE — Utah's Appraiser Regulator
Contact & Resources
- Full Name
- Utah Appraisal Board / Utah Division of Real Estate (DRE)
- Phone
- (801) 530-6747
- Address
- 160 East 300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84114
Key Utah Rules
- Experience hours ONLY count while registered as Trainee with Division — register immediately after completing QE
- Official Trainee = 87 hrs (McKissock shows 83 — verify 4-hr Supervisor/Trainee course is included)
- Licensed = 162 total hours (87 + 75 residential curriculum)
- 500 hours while State Licensed required before applying for Certified Residential
- First 35 inspections must be supervisor-accompanied (Residential); 20 for General track
- At least 50% of experience appraisals must be Utah properties
- Board written approval required before scheduling Pearson VUE exam
- $142 Trainee fee includes fingerprinting + RapBack ongoing monitoring
- Certificate of Legal Presence required
- Champions = à la carte only (NOT a complete Trainee package)
How Long Does It Take? Realistic Utah Timelines
Full-Time
8–10 months to Licensed
- 1.87-hr Trainee QE (3–6 weeks)
- 2.Register immediately ($142 — start experience clock)
- 3.75-hr upgrade + 1,000 hrs / 6 months (50% UT)
- 4.Apply Licensed; get Board approval; Pearson VUE ($225)
Part-Time
14–22 months to Licensed
- 1.87-hr QE evenings (8–16 weeks)
- 2.Register Trainee immediately — do not delay
- 3.1,000 hrs over 12–18 months; first 35 with supervisor
- 4.Apply Licensed; Board approval; Pearson VUE
Certified Residential
Extra: 500 hrs while Licensed
- 1.Reach State Licensed first (see above)
- 2.500 hrs while Licensed + 200-hr QE total
- 3.Silicon Slopes / SLC CR avg $68K–$84K
- 4.Apply CR; Board approval; Pearson VUE
Utah's experience-only-while-registered rule is the most important timing constraint. Every day between finishing your education and filing your Trainee registration is a wasted day. File your $142 registration application the same week you complete your coursework. Also: don't start working with an appraiser informally and assume those hours count — they don't until you're officially registered.
Ready to Launch Your Utah Appraisal Career?
Step-by-step guidance on Utah DRE requirements, finding a supervisory appraiser, and passing the Pearson VUE exam — free to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Explore More Licensed Careers in Utah
Appraiser License Hub
Compare requirements across all 50 states
Utah Real Estate License
Utah pre-licensing & exam
Utah Insurance License
Utah insurance exam requirements
Utah MLO License
20-hour NMLS course · SAFE exam
Nevada Appraiser License
Compare requirements
Colorado Appraiser License
Compare requirements
Utah Appraiser License Renewal
28 CE hours biennial including 7-hr USPAP Update. Renewal fee NEEDS_REVIEW — verify at realestate.utah.gov or call (801) 530-6747. CE providers must be Division-approved.
Biennial
Renewal Cycle
28 hrs / cycle
CE Requirement
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Utah require experience only while registered as a Trainee?
Utah's Appraisal Board only recognizes experience hours earned while officially registered with the Division as an Appraiser Trainee. Informal work with an appraiser before registration doesn't count. Register with the Division immediately after completing education — don't delay. File your $142 Trainee registration as soon as you have all required documents.
Does McKissock's 83-hour Utah package meet state requirements?
The official Utah Division of Real Estate website specifies 87 hours for the Appraiser Trainee, including the 4-hr Supervisory Appraiser and Appraiser Trainee Course. McKissock's Utah page shows 83 hours, which may exclude the supervisor/trainee course from their package. CE Shop's 87-hr $1,319 package explicitly includes the supervisor course and meets the official standard. If using McKissock, verify all 87 hours are completed — purchase the supervisor/trainee course separately if needed.
What is Utah's 500-hours-while-Licensed requirement?
Utah requires Certified Residential Appraiser candidates to complete at least 500 experience hours while holding a State Licensed Appraiser credential — in addition to the 1,500 total hours required. This means you cannot upgrade directly from Trainee to Certified Residential without first obtaining and practicing at the Licensed level. Plan for the Licensed phase explicitly.
Why does Utah require Board approval before scheduling the exam?
Utah requires candidates to submit their full application (experience logs, education certificates, fees) to the Division and receive written approval from the Appraisal Board before scheduling the Pearson VUE exam. You cannot self-schedule. This approval step adds days to weeks to the timeline — factor this into your planning.
How much do appraisers earn in Utah?
Utah appraisers average $68,000–$84,000/year — well above the national BLS median. The Wasatch Front corridor (Salt Lake City, Lehi/Silicon Slopes, Provo) drives the highest salaries. Park City and St. George luxury markets command premium fees. Certified General appraisers in the Silicon Slopes tech corridor earn $95,000–$130,000+. Utah's $515K median home value supports strong appraisal fee income.