Loading...
Loading...
Real Estate Appraiser
Governing Authority
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS)
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
75 hrs
TRAINEE ED.
150 hrs
LICENSED RES. ED.
1,500 hrs
CERT. RES. EXP.
3,000 hrs
CERT. GEN. EXP.
Real estate appraiser licensing follows a tiered path. Each level builds on the previous one with additional education and experience.
Scope: May appraise only those properties that the supervisory appraiser is permitted to appraise. Must work under direct supervision at all times.
Degree: No college degree required
Scope: Non-complex 1-4 unit residential properties with transaction value up to $1,000,000. Complex 1-4 unit residential properties up to $250,000. Non-residential properties with transaction value up to $250,000.
Degree: Associate degree or higher from an accredited institution, or equivalent as determined by AQB
Scope: All 1-4 unit residential properties regardless of value or complexity. Non-residential properties with transaction value up to $250,000.
Degree: Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution
Scope: All types of real property regardless of value or complexity, including commercial, industrial, agricultural, and residential properties.
Complete required qualifying education (75-300 hours depending on tier)
Submit application to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services with required fees
Complete background check
Gain required experience hours under a certified supervisory appraiser
Pass the appropriate national Uniform Licensing & Certification Exam
Receive credential and register on ASC National Registry
Minimum Age
18 years old
Background Check
Background check required as part of the application process. Fingerprinting required per DSPS Form 2687.
Fingerprinting
Required
USPAP Requirement
15-hour National USPAP Course required for initial licensing. 7-hour USPAP Update Course required every 2 years for renewal.
Not sure if you need a appraiser license? Check whether your state requires one.
Online courses: Allowed
Trainees gain experience under supervision — no experience required to become a trainee
No exam required at this level
Must work under a certified supervisory appraiser. Supervisor must directly supervise trainee on each appraisal assignment. Supervisor must review and sign all trainee reports.
Max trainees per supervisor: 3
Must hold a certified license (Certified Residential or Certified General) in good standing. Must complete AQB-compliant Supervisory Appraiser/Trainee Appraiser course.
May appraise only those properties that the supervisory appraiser is permitted to appraise. Must work under direct supervision at all times.
Online courses: Allowed
1,000 hours of appraisal experience obtained over a minimum of 6 months.
Exam: Uniform Licensing & Certification Exam — Licensed Residential
Provider: AQB-approved testing provider
Passing score: Pass/fail as determined by AQB exam standards
Fee: $75
No college degree required
AQB does not require a degree at this level
Non-complex 1-4 unit residential properties with transaction value up to $1,000,000. Complex 1-4 unit residential properties up to $250,000. Non-residential properties with transaction value up to $250,000.
Online courses: Allowed
1,500 hours of appraisal experience obtained over a minimum of 12 months.
Exam: Uniform Licensing & Certification Exam — Certified Residential
Provider: AQB-approved testing provider
Passing score: Pass/fail as determined by AQB exam standards
Fee: $75
Associate degree or higher from an accredited institution, or equivalent as determined by AQB
Wisconsin follows AQB minimum: Associate degree for Certified Residential
All 1-4 unit residential properties regardless of value or complexity. Non-residential properties with transaction value up to $250,000.
Online courses: Allowed
1,500 hours must be in non-residential appraisal work
3,000 hours of appraisal experience obtained over a minimum of 18 months, with at least 1,500 hours in non-residential appraisal work.
Exam: Uniform Licensing & Certification Exam — Certified General
Provider: AQB-approved testing provider
Passing score: Pass/fail as determined by AQB exam standards
Fee: $75
Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution
Wisconsin follows AQB minimum: Bachelor's degree for Certified General
All types of real property regardless of value or complexity, including commercial, industrial, agricultural, and residential properties.
Use code LicenseMap35 for 35% off at checkout
| Tier | Application | Exam | Background | Registry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trainee | $16 | — | $50 | — |
| Licensed Residential | $250 | — | — | $40 |
| Certified Residential | $250 | — | — | $40 |
| Certified General | $250 | — | — | $40 |
The National Registry fee ($40/year) is paid to the federal Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) and applies to all appraisers performing federally-related transactions.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
CE Hours Per Cycle
28 hours
(AQB minimum: 28 hrs)
Renewal Cycle
2 years
USPAP Update
7-Hour USPAP Update required each cycle
Renewal Fee
$250
Biennial renewal fee — VERIFY against current DSPS fee schedule.
28 hours of continuing education every 2 years. Must include the 7-hour National USPAP Update Course. Renewal is biennial, due December 14 of odd-numbered years per Wis. Stat. § 440.08(2).
Compare top-rated appraiser education providers in Wisconsin.
Find approved RE Appraiser pre-licensing courses at The CE Shop →(affiliate link)See our discount
Use code LicenseMap35 for 35% off at checkout
Wisconsin may grant credentials to appraisers holding current credentials in other states, provided qualifications meet or exceed Wisconsin requirements.
Temporary practice: Temporary practice permits are available for out-of-state appraisers to perform appraisal assignments in Wisconsin on a limited basis.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Wisconsin with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Important: Federal Requirement for Appraisers
All state-licensed and state-certified appraisers who perform appraisals in connection with federally related transactions must be listed on the ASC National Registry.
Real Estate Appraiser Schools in Wisconsin
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Complete your qualifying education and continuing education from approved providers.
We may earn a commission if you enroll through links on our site. This does not affect our recommendations or the price you pay.
Unique to Wisconsin
Wisconsin has the lowest trainee credential fee in the nation at just $16 (confirmed per DSPS Form 1749). The state does not have a separate appraiser board; DSPS directly administers appraiser licensing. Wisconsin uniquely accepts qualifying assessor experience under Wis. Stat. § 458.09. Biennial renewal due December 14 of odd-numbered years per Wis. Stat. § 440.08(2).
Study guides for the real estate appraiser licensing exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Already a licensed real estate agent? Many appraisers start as agents. Compare Wisconsin real estate agent requirements →
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the best-fit licensed profession.
Official Sources
RE Appraiser requirements in Wisconsin verified against Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-30. Sources consulted:
See full CE requirements in Wisconsin.
See CE requirements in Wisconsin →GetLicenseMap.com has an advertising relationship with The CE Shop. Clicking links may result in GetLicenseMap.com receiving a commission. This does not affect the price you pay.