Appraiser License Requirements by State: 2026 Comparison
Real estate appraiser licensing requirements are set at two levels: the federal Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) establishes minimum standards, and each state implements its own program that meets or exceeds those minimums. This guide provides a comprehensive state-by-state comparison so you can see exactly what your state requires at every credential tier.
We track requirements across all 51 states in our database. Of these, 14 exceed AQB minimums in at least one category, while 37 follow the AQB baseline without adding additional requirements.
AQB Federal Minimums — The Floor for Every State
The Appraiser Qualifications Board sets these minimums. No state can go below them, but many states exceed them in specific categories.
Trainee Appraiser
75 hrs education • No experience • No exam • No degree
Licensed Residential
150 hrs education • 1,000 hrs / 6 mo experience • National exam • No degree (AQB)
Certified Residential
200 hrs education • 1,500 hrs / 12 mo • National exam • Associate degree
Certified General
300 hrs education • 3,000 hrs / 18 mo (1,500 non-res.) • National exam • Bachelor's degree
All tiers also require the 15-Hour National USPAP Course (included in education totals) and 28 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle (including a 7-Hour USPAP Update).
Understanding the AQB Framework
The Appraiser Qualifications Board is part of The Appraisal Foundation, which was authorized by Congress through the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act (FIRREA) of 1989. The AQB establishes minimum qualification criteria that all states must adopt. States cannot set requirements below the AQB minimums, but they can — and many do — exceed them.
There are four credential tiers, each building on the previous one. Appraisers typically start as Trainees and work their way up through the tiers as they accumulate education, experience, and pass national exams.
What Each Tier Authorizes You to Do
Trainee Appraiser
May only appraise properties under direct supervision of a certified appraiser. Cannot sign appraisal reports independently. Limited to properties the supervisor is authorized to appraise.
Licensed Residential
Non-complex 1–4 unit residential properties with a transaction value under $1,000,000. Can work independently without a supervisor.
Certified Residential
All 1–4 unit residential properties without regard to complexity or transaction value. Broader scope than Licensed Residential, including complex properties.
Certified General
All types of real property — commercial, industrial, agricultural, and residential — without regard to complexity or transaction value. The only credential that authorizes commercial appraisals.
Key Differences Between States
Education Hours
While most states follow AQB education minimums, some require additional state-specific coursework. Common additions include state laws and regulations courses, cultural competency courses, supervisor/trainee courses, and valuation bias or fair housing courses.
75–83
Trainee Ed Range
AQB min: 75
150–200
Lic Res Ed Range
AQB min: 150
200–203
Cert Res Ed Range
AQB min: 200
300–303
Cert Gen Ed Range
AQB min: 300
4 states require more than 75 Trainee education hours:
Experience Hours
Experience hours represent the biggest time investment in becoming an appraiser. These are hours spent on actual appraisal work under a supervisory appraiser. The AQB sets minimums, and some states require more.
Licensed Residential
1,000 hrs / 6 mo
AQB minimum
4 states exceed this
Certified Residential
1,500 hrs / 12 mo
AQB minimum
7 states exceed this
Certified General
3,000 hrs / 18 mo
AQB min (1,500 non-residential)
1 state exceed this
Application Fees
Application fees vary significantly by state and by credential tier. Most states charge a separate fee for each tier when you apply or upgrade. These are government fees only — you'll also pay for education, exams, and the national registry separately.
5 Lowest Trainee Application Fees
5 Highest Trainee Application Fees
Background Checks & Fingerprinting
All states require some form of background check. However, the type and cost vary. 30 states require fingerprinting (which typically costs $30–$100 depending on the vendor), while 21 states use other background check methods.
States requiring fingerprinting:
Continuing Education
The AQB requires 28 hours of CE per 2-year renewal cycle, including a 7-hour USPAP Update course. All states require the USPAP Update every two years. Some states require more total CE hours.
4 states require more than 28 CE hours per cycle:
USPAP Requirements
The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) are the generally accepted standards for professional appraisal practice in the United States. All appraiser credential tiers require USPAP education.
| Requirement | When | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 15-Hour National USPAP Course | Initial licensing | Required for all credential tiers. Included in qualifying education hour totals. |
| 7-Hour USPAP Update Course | Every 2 years | Required for all active credentials. Counts toward CE hour total. Must be completed within the renewal cycle. |
College Degree Requirements
The AQB sets minimum college education requirements that increase with each tier. Some states exceed these minimums.
| Credential Tier | AQB Minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trainee | No degree required | — |
| Licensed Residential | No degree required | Some states exceed this — e.g., Texas requires college-level education at this tier |
| Certified Residential | Associate degree (or equivalent) | Or 21 semester hours of specified college-level coursework |
| Certified General | Bachelor's degree (or higher) | From an accredited institution; any major |
Supervision Requirements
Trainee appraisers must work under a supervisory appraiser. Key supervision requirements that vary by state include:
- Maximum trainees per supervisor: Most states allow 3–5 trainees per supervisor, some with additional plans required above a certain number.
- Supervisor qualifications: Supervisors must hold a Certified Residential or Certified General credential. Some states require completion of a supervisory course.
- Direct vs. indirect supervision: Most states require direct supervision, meaning the supervisor must personally inspect each property and review each report.
- Log requirements: Experience hours must be documented in logs signed by both the trainee and supervisor.
Complete State-by-State Comparison
The table below shows key metrics for every state. Amber (+X) indicators show how many hours above the AQB minimum a state requires. Click any state for its full requirements page with all four tiers, exam details, fees, and application process.
| State | Trainee Ed | Lic Res Ed | Cert Res Ed | Cert Gen Ed | Cert Gen Exp | CE Hrs | App Fee | AQB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $150 | At Min |
| Alaska | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $250 | At Min |
| Arizona | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $300 | At Min |
| Arkansas | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $200 | At Min |
| California | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 56(+28) | $930 | Exceeds |
| Colorado | 75 | 158(+8) | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | — | Exceeds |
| Connecticut | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $350 | At Min |
| Delaware | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $277 | At Min |
| District of Columbia | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $260 | At Min |
| Florida | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $250 | At Min |
| Georgia | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $275 | At Min |
| Hawaii | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $275 | At Min |
| Idaho | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $250 | At Min |
| Illinois | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $300 | At Min |
| Indiana | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $110 | Exceeds |
| Iowa | 75 | 200(+50) | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $200 | Exceeds |
| Kansas | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $50 | At Min |
| Kentucky | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $212 | At Min |
| Louisiana | 83(+8) | 158(+8) | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $245 | Exceeds |
| Maine | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $410 | At Min |
| Maryland | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $150 | At Min |
| Massachusetts | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $113 | At Min |
| Michigan | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $200 | At Min |
| Minnesota | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 30(+2) | $150 | Exceeds |
| Mississippi | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $175 | At Min |
| Missouri | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $250 | At Min |
| Montana | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $400 | Exceeds |
| Nebraska | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $215 | At Min |
| Nevada | 78(+3) | 153(+3) | 203(+3) | 303(+3) | 3,600(+600) | 30(+2) | $305 | Exceeds |
| New Hampshire | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $150 | Exceeds |
| New Jersey | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $100 | Exceeds |
| New Mexico | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $250 | At Min |
| New York | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $400 | At Min |
| North Carolina | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $250 | At Min |
| North Dakota | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $200 | At Min |
| Ohio | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $175 | At Min |
| Oklahoma | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 42(+14) | $175 | Exceeds |
| Oregon | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $275 | At Min |
| Pennsylvania | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $300 | At Min |
| Rhode Island | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $200 | At Min |
| South Carolina | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $255 | At Min |
| South Dakota | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $150 | At Min |
| Tennessee | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $250 | At Min |
| Texas | 83(+8) | 158(+8) | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $250 | Exceeds |
| Utah | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $122 | At Min |
| Vermont | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $115 | At Min |
| Virginia | 79(+4) | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $117.50 | Exceeds |
| Washington | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $400 | Exceeds |
| West Virginia | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $200 | At Min |
| Wisconsin | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $16 | At Min |
| Wyoming | 75 | 150 | 200 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 | $410 | At Min |
States at AQB Minimums (37 states)
These states follow the AQB baseline without adding additional education or experience requirements. They have the most straightforward path because the requirements match the federal minimums exactly.
States That Exceed AQB Minimums (14 states)
These states set requirements above the federal AQB minimums in at least one category — additional education hours, more experience, or higher CE requirements. The table below shows exactly where each state exceeds the baseline.
| State | Trainee Ed | Lic Res Ed | Cert Gen Ed | Cert Gen Exp | CE Hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 75 | 150 | 300 | 3,000 | 56 (+28) |
| Colorado | 75 | 158 (+8) | 300 | 3,000 | 28 |
| Indiana | 75 | 150 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 |
| Iowa | 75 | 200 (+50) | 300 | 3,000 | 28 |
| Louisiana | 83 (+8) | 158 (+8) | 300 | 3,000 | 28 |
| Minnesota | 75 | 150 | 300 | 3,000 | 30 (+2) |
| Montana | 75 | 150 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 |
| Nevada | 78 (+3) | 153 (+3) | 303 (+3) | 3,600 (+600) | 30 (+2) |
| New Hampshire | 75 | 150 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 |
| New Jersey | 75 | 150 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 |
| Oklahoma | 75 | 150 | 300 | 3,000 | 42 (+14) |
| Texas | 83 (+8) | 158 (+8) | 300 | 3,000 | 28 |
| Virginia | 79 (+4) | 150 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 |
| Washington | 75 | 150 | 300 | 3,000 | 28 |
Reciprocity and Temporary Practice
Unlike real estate agent licensing, appraiser licensing has a federal component through the ASC National Registry. This creates a different reciprocity framework:
Temporary Practice Permits
Most states offer temporary practice permits for out-of-state appraisers, allowing them to accept assignments for a limited period (typically 6 months). This is the most common way to work across state lines. The appraiser must hold a current credential in good standing from their home state.
Full Reciprocity / Endorsement
Some states offer full credential recognition for appraisers licensed in another state. Requirements vary — some require only that the home state has an equivalent or stricter program, while others may require additional state-specific education.
ASC National Registry Requirement
Regardless of reciprocity, all appraisers performing federally related transactions must be on the ASC National Registry in each state where they practice. Some states require separate registry listings for non-resident appraisers.
National Registry
All state-licensed and state-certified appraisers who perform appraisals for federally related transactions must be listed on the ASC National Registry. This is a federal requirement administered by the Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC).
Annual Fee
$40
Who Pays
Licensed Res, Cert Res, & Cert General
Collected By
States collect on behalf of ASC
Some states collect an additional federal registry fee bundled with the state application or renewal. Check your state's specific fee schedule.
Find Your State's Full Requirements
Use our interactive comparison tool to view detailed requirements for any state, including all four credential tiers, fees, exam details, and the complete application process.
Compare All States →For costs at each tier, see our complete cost breakdown. To find which states have the most accessible licensing path, check out our easiest states ranking. For timeline estimates, see how long it takes to become an appraiser.
RE Appraiser Licensing — Quick Reference by State
Median salary, government licensing fees, and estimated timeline. Click any state for full details.
| State | Median Salary | License Fees | Timeline | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $91,400 | — | 1.2 yr | View → |
| Texas | $63,960 | — | 1.2 yr | View → |
| Florida | $73,010 | — | 1.2 yr | View → |
| New York | $77,690 | — | 1.2 yr | View → |
| Pennsylvania | $60,320 | — | 1.2 yr | View → |
| Illinois | — | — | 1.2 yr | View → |
| Ohio | $73,340 | — | 1.2 yr | View → |
| Georgia | $49,070 | — | 1.2 yr | View → |
| North Carolina | $56,950 | — | 1.2 yr | View → |
| Michigan | $70,520 | — | 1.2 yr | View → |
Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024. Fees & timelines: state licensing boards.
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