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How long does it take to become an appraiser?

The national minimums from the Appraiser Qualifications Board, and the five steps from trainee to credential.

Short answer

At least 6 months of supervised experience for Licensed Residential (1,000 hours), 12 months for Certified Residential (1,500 hours) and 18 months for Certified General (3,000 hours, 1,500 non-residential), after the trainee courses. States can add requirements.

Source: AQB Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria, effective January 1, 2026. Last checked Oct 2026.

Five steps

  1. Take the trainee courses. Complete the trainee qualifying education: 30 hours of Basic Appraisal Principles, 30 hours of Basic Appraisal Procedures, the 15-hour USPAP course and 8 hours of valuation bias and fair housing, plus the supervisor/trainee course (national AQB minimum; some states add more).
  2. Find a supervisory appraiser. A supervisor must be a certified appraiser in good standing, generally for at least 3 years. Many states also ask you to register the supervision with the board; check your state page.
  3. Get your trainee credential. Apply to your state appraiser board for the trainee license or registration.
  4. Log your experience hours. Licensed Residential: 1,000 hours over at least 6 months. Certified Residential: 1,500 hours over at least 12 months. Certified General: 3,000 hours over at least 18 months, 1,500 of them non-residential.
  5. Finish the credential education and exam. Complete the qualifying education and college-level requirements for the credential you want, then pass the national exam and apply to the board.

Check your own state's rules: appraiser rules for all 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico.

Questions

How long does it take to become a real estate appraiser?

Under the national AQB minimums, the experience alone takes at least 6 months for Licensed Residential (1,000 hours), at least 12 months for Certified Residential (1,500 hours) and at least 18 months for Certified General (3,000 hours). Most people take longer, because hours depend on how much work a supervisor has.

Can you become an appraiser without a supervisor?

Yes, for residential credentials, in states that accept PAREA, an AQB-approved practical experience program. The Appraisal Foundation map (Aug 15, 2025) lists it as fully available in 44 jurisdictions.

Do you need a college degree to become an appraiser?

Not for trainee or Licensed Residential. Certified Residential and Certified General have college-level requirements under the AQB criteria.

Find a supervisory appraiserPAREA vs. a supervisorAppraiser salary by state