Real property appraisers are required to have a certain number of hours of education and experience.  All appraisers must have good analytical skills and work well with numbers. In addition, appraisers spend much time interacting with clients and writing reports, so good oral and written communications skills are essential.

Appraisal Institute resources to assist with becoming an appraiser

Licensing Requirements

Those interested in obtaining an appraiser license/certification are encouraged to contact your state appraisal regulatory agency to make sure you have the most up-to-date information regarding your state’s current real estate appraisal education requirements and approvals.

Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Appraisers

Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation – Appraisers

Maine Board of Real Estate Appraisers

Education Requirements

Turn to the Appraisal Institute for all your real estate appraisal education needs! Whether you’re working toward your real estate appraisal license or certification, you can count on the Appraisal Institute to help you achieve your career goals. In addition, our appraisal education programs are specifically designed to meet the education criteria set by the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB).

• Licensed Residential Appraiser
• Certified Residential Appraiser
• Certified General Appraiser

College Degree Requirement

In May 2018, The Appraisal Foundation adopted changes to the Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria which changed the college degree requirements. A summary of the changes can be found here.  These changes have been adopted by Massachusetts Rhode Island & Maine.

Supervisor Appraiser/Trainee Appraiser course

Both the supervisory appraiser and trainee are required to complete a 4-hour course on the role and responsibilities of each person.  Learn more here.

Obtaining a Trainee License

Most states now require the trainee to have secured a position with a supervisory appraiser before applying for a trainee license. Links are below.

Download Trainee Application – Massachusetts

Download Trainee Application – Rhode Island

Download Trainee Application – Maine

Appraiser Diversity Initiative

The Appraisal Institute is helping lead an Appraiser Diversity Initiative with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the National Urban League.   Learn more here.