How To Become a Real Estate Appraiser

According to the Appraisal Institute, every year, for the past eight years, the number of active real estate appraisers has declined. They estimate the number of appraisal professionals is currently shrinking at three percent a year and warns that sharper declines may be on the horizon as appraisers begin retiring en masse.

That’s why, when I had a realtor visit my Mesa office and ask what he would need to become an appraiser, I thought I would share my answer.

Step 1: Become a Trainee Appraiser (Apprentice)

Currently the requirements to become a residential trainee appraiser in AZ are:

Take a 4 Hour Supervisor/Trainee class.
30 hours of college for licensee path are required.
60 hours of Core appraisal classes plus 15 hours USPAP (Uniform Standards of Appraisal Practice).
Complete a criminal background check by Department of Public Safety.
Pay $300 registration fee.

Step 2: Become a Certified Residential Appraiser

The above requirements are for Trainee status only. To become a certified residential appraiser the additional requirements include:

Take an additional 100 hours of appraisal classes as well as USPAP every 2 years.
Have or obtain a 4 year college degree.
Work as an appraiser apprentice (trainee) under the direct supervision of a certified or general appraiser for a minimum of 2 years and have a minimum of 2,500 hours of documented appraisal experience.
Take and pass the state Residential Real Property Appraiser exam and pay all licensing fees.

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