Chapter Education

The Appraisal Institute offers world-class education that will help you advance your career. The Appraisal Institute offers programs that can meet both state and Appraisal Institute primary and continuing education (CE) requirements. Programs are offered in a variety of formats such as:

Classroom education programs – view the list of programs offered locally below.

Online Education – Learn at your own pace anytime, anywhere. Top-notch Appraisal Institute courses and seminars come straight to your desktop with online education! Learn from any computer anywhere, whenever you have time. It’s easy, convenient and a great way to get the education you want.

Webinars – The Appraisal Institute conducts webinars on a regular basis to provide convenient, valuable training on today’s “hot” appraisal issues.

Educational Partners – Learn about courses and seminars offered by local real estate organizations that are of interest to appraisers.

All virtual education is held in Eastern Standard Time.

Sep

Tue

2026

Hospitality & Leisure Valuation: What Every Appraiser Should Know @ Hilton Garden Inn

Sep 15 all-day

REGISTER FOR THE LIVESTREAM CLASSROOM HERE

REGISTER FOR THE IN-PERSON CLASSROOM IN WARWICK, RI HERE

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Location: Hilton Garden Inn, One Thurber Road, Warwick, RI and Livestream

Check-in /Login Access: 8:30 am

Classroom Hours: 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Join us, via your laptop or in person, to explore how appraising marinas, golf courses, and resort hotels might expand your valuation expertise and potentially create new business opportunities. This program explores the unique challenges of specialty leisure and hospitality properties, including going concern allocation, travel industry trends, and appraisal review issues.

Our experienced panel includes an appraiser, investment broker, and lender as they share practical insights and real-world perspectives to help you build competency and confidently enter this specialized area of valuation.

Presenters include:

Jeff Dugas, Senior Managing Director, Leisure Appraisal
Jim Barry, Executive Vice President, Newmark
James Rizzo, Chief Commercial Banking Officer, Rockland Trust
James O’Connell, Principal, Hospitality Real Estate Counselor

Continuing Education Credit: This program is approved by the Appraisal Institute. Applications have been sent to the states of MA, NH, RI and ME. Reach out to the Chapter office about receiving CT CE credit. No credit will be provided in other states.

Categories: Education Upcoming Meetings and Events

Sep

Wed

2026

Practical Application of Fundamental Analysis – Joint program with the CT and Metro New Jersey Chapter @ Via Livestream Classroom

Sep 16 all-day

This program is being hosted jointly between the Connecticut Chapter, Massachusetts Rhode Island Maine Chapter and Metro New Jersey Chapter of the Appraisal Institute.

Enrolled students will receive an email with a link to join the LIVESTREAM class.

Credit Hours: 7 hours

This course is delivered via a live, interactive virtual classroom using Zoom. Participants must have a system with a webcam and microphone. It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure their equipment meets these requirements in order to participate and receive continuing education credit.

Participation and Attendance Requirements

• Participants must remain visible on Zoom with their webcam on and their full face visible for the duration of the class.

• The instructor must be able to see and interact with all participants, and participants must be able to interact with the instructor at all times.

• Attendance will be monitored throughout the session using webcams, polling, and direct interaction. A 100% attendance policy applies.

• Instructors and administrators will periodically direct questions to participants, who are expected to respond promptly.

Identification and Access

• A valid photo ID (driver’s license/passport) must be uploaded into your AI account.

Learning Environment

• Participants must attend from a quiet, distraction-free location that allows for full attention and engagement throughout the class and reliable internet connection.

• Disruptive students will be removed from the class (no ce/no refunds/no credits will be issued)

Categories: Education

Sep

Wed

2026

General Appraiser Sales Comparison Approach @ Hyatt Place

Sep 23 – Sep 26 all-day

Location: Hyatt Place, 50 Forbes Road, Braintree, MA
Tuition: $460 AI Price; $510 Regular Price
Instructor: Edward V. Bowler, MAI, SRA
Credit Hours: 30 hours (Be sure check with with your state licensing board for approval)

Check-in: : 8:00 am on September 23, 2025

Classroom Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Categories: Education

Analyzing Defects, Damages, and Deficiencies in the New URAR @ Via Livestream Classroom

Sep 23 @ 8:00 am – 11:30 am

Enrolled students will receive an email with a link to join the LIVESTREAM class.

Credit Hours: 3 hours

Analyzing Defects, Damages, and Deficiencies in the New URAR is fast-paced, and class time will not be spent waiting for students who did not download materials prior to class. The electronic files may be obtained by logging on to the Appraisal Institute website at https://ai.appraisalinstitute.org/eweb (click on the three horizontal lines to the left of the AI logo and selecting “My AI Account” from the drop-down menu).

Requirements:

Important Preclass Download Assignment: For the best learning experience, it is imperative that you download the materials prior to class and come prepared to take notes. You can either print the handbook or bring a laptop with materials saved where they are ready to be accessed.

Categories: Education

Analyzing Defects, Damages, and Deficiencies in the New URAR – In Person @ Sheraton Nashua

Sep 23 @ 8:00 am – 12:30 pm

Check-in: 8:00 am
Classroom Hours: 8:30 am – 11:30 am

Driving Directions: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mhtsi-sheraton-nashua

Credit Hours: 3 hours

Requirements:

Categories: Education

Analyzing and Reporting the Income Approach in the New URAR @ Via Livestream Classroom

Sep 23 @ 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Enrolled students will receive an email with a link to join the LIVESTREAM class.

Instructor I Sean A. Sargeant, MAI, SRA

Credit Hours: 4 hours

The new Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) includes an income approach section that may present specific “problem” areas in the reporting of 2-to-4-unit properties. Specifically, the practitioner may be confused given the different manner in which property characteristics and market area characteristics are defined, described, and analyzed.

Analyzing and Reporting the Income Approach in the New URAR is a four-hour program. Using practical case studies, this program will allow residential appraisers to enhance their proficiency with the income approach as reported in the new URAR, whether they have plentiful market data, very little market data, or confusing market data. Appraisers who are not well versed in completing a thorough and credible income approach will find this program to be most helpful. The program will also be a good refresher for the experienced appraiser and the reviewer of residential reports.

Categories: Education

Analyzing and Reporting the Income Approach in the New URAR – In Person @ Sheraton Nashua

Sep 23 @ 12:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Location: Sheraton Nashua | 11 Tara Boulevard | Nashua, NH

Check-In: 12:00 – 12:30 pm

Classroom Hours: 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Instructor I Sean A. Sargeant, MAI, SRA

Credit Hours: 4 hours

Categories: Education

Sep

Wed

2026

2026-27 7-Hour National USPAP® Continuing Education Course @ Via Livestream Classroom

Sep 30 all-day

Instructor: Jonathan H. Avery, MAI, SRA

Enrolled students will receive an email with a link to join the LIVESTREAM class.

Credit Hours: 7 hours

CE Credit: One hundred percent (100%) attendance is required for all Appraisal Institute education programs. Credit and a course completion certificate can only be issued by attending 100% of the course. Please plan accordingly and be on time as late arrival or leaving early could jeopardize your receiving a certificate of attendance.

Course materials: This course has three required materials that MUST be purchased from the Appraisal Foundation. No materials will be provided by the Appraisal Institute.

1).2026-27 7-Hour National USPAP Continuing Education Course Student Manual – Print or Digital $35.00.

2).2026 Guidance and Reference Manual (GRM) – Print or Digital $75.00

3) 2024 USPAP Publication: This book contains the updated standard. Print or Digital $35.00.

The 2024 USPAP publication is the most recent available. If you already have access to it, you do not need to purchase it for this cycle. The instructor is mandated to make sure all students have a copy of the current version of USPAP in order to receive credit for the class.

Categories: Education

Oct

Wed

2026

Appraiser’s Guide to the New URAR – IN-PERSON CLASSROOM @ Greater Boston Association of Realtors

Oct 7 @ 8:15 am – 4:30 pm

YOU ARE REGISTERING FOR IN-PERSON DELIVERY OF THIS PROGRAM

Greater Boston Association of Realtors, 68 Main St, Reading, MA

Check-in starts 8:15 am

Classroom Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Instructor: Mark Smeltzer, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS

Cost: $175 AI Price; $200 Regular Price (includes electronic materials and AM coffee)

Enrolled students will receive a link to join the class prior to the start date.

This course, developed by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, offers an in-depth exploration of the new dynamic Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) applicable to all residential property types. Students will learn the requirements of the new URAR, which is designed to support more thorough appraisal analysis and reporting, ensuring they are well-equipped to adopt and implement these advancements in their professional practice. By the end of this course, students will gain a deep understanding of the dynamic URAR and expectations for completing the report.

Categories: Education

Appraiser’s Guide to the New URAR – LIVESTREAM CLASSROOM @ Via Livestream Classroom

Oct 7 @ 8:15 am – 4:30 pm

YOU ARE REGISTERING FOR LIVESTREAM DELIVERY OF THIS PROGRAM

Log-in/Classroom Access: 8:10 am

Classroom Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Instructor: Mark Smeltzer, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS

Cost: $175 AI Price; $200 Regular Price (includes electronic materials and AM coffee)

Enrolled students will receive a link to join the class prior to the start date.

Participation Guidelines

Students must have webcam/iphone/ipad/smartphone capability to participate and receive continuing education credit. The platform will be interactive and live. The instructor must be able to physically see and interact with all students and students must be able see and interact with the instructor. Participants do not need a paid account from ZOOM to participate.

Only those students who provide the photo identification and “attend” the program in its entirety will receive a certificate of completion. Once registered, students will be emailed log-in/access information.

Categories: Education

Oct

Wed

2026

General Appraiser Site Valuation & Cost Approach @ Hyatt Place

Oct 14 – Oct 17 all-day

Categories: Education

Nov

Wed

2026

General Appraiser Market Analysis and Highest and Best Use @ Hyatt Place

Nov 18 – Nov 21 all-day

Location: Hyatt Place, 50 Forbes Road, Braintree, MA

Registration: 8:00 am on November 18, 2026

Classroom Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Registration Fee: $460 AI Price; $510 Regular Price

Categories: Education

September – November 2026 Sep – Nov 2026

Synchronous Education by State

Commonwealth of Massachusetts – Massachusetts now accepts online and synchronous qualifying education for all levels of licensing. View the new policy here.

State of Maine – The State of Maine completed its rule-making process regarding synchronous education on effective September 18, 2022. View the new policy here

Severe Weather Cancellation Policy

To find out if a class has been postponed during severe weather conditions or other emergency related situations, please call the Massachusetts Rhode Island & Maine Chapter of the Appraisal Institute’s offices at 781-397-8922 for a recorded message which will be posted by 6:00 am the day of an offering. Weather-related class cancellations will also be posted on the website. In most cases, an email will also be sent to students. However, students who have a question about the status of a class should check the website. Be advised that cancellations will only occur for the most severe conditions

Appraiser Trainee Courses Are Being Offered via Synchronous / Livestream Education

To become a real property appraiser, you must first become an Appraiser Trainee. The three required courses that need to be completed are 15 Hour National USPAP Course, Basic Appraisal Principles and Basic Appraisal Procedures.

Save 15% on Appraisal Institute education courses!

The Appraisal Institute’s discounted online packages include courses grouped for your career stage at significant savings. Take these online courses wherever and whenever it fits your schedule. Learn more here.

Learn about starting your appraisal career here

Appraiser Diversity Initiative: Helping Aspiring Appraisers Find a Path to Success

Tonia Vailas, MAI, AI-GRS, Rosemary Garcia, a Practicing Affiliate with AI who successfully completed the ADI program, Mark Verrett, SRA, who is an Appraisal Institute Board member and has an ADI program participant working at his company, and Bill Garber, director of government and external relations for AI, helps lead the ADI program, and coordinates with our partners Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the National Urban League, for a discussion about the Appraiser Diversity Initiative (ADI) program, their personal experiences with the program, how to get involved and much more.

Watch it now