Experience Requirements for Appraisal Certification
Gaining practical experience is a critical component of becoming a certified real estate appraiser. This requirement ensures that candidates possess hands-on skills necessary for accurate property evaluation. Experience requirements vary by certification level. For instance, to qualify for a Licensed Residential Appraiser certification, candidates typically need 1,000 hours of experience completed over at least six months.
For a Certified Residential Appraiser, the requirement is usually 1,500 hours over at least 12 months, and for a Certified General Appraiser, candidates must complete 3,000 hours, with at least 1,500 hours related to non-residential appraisals, over a minimum of 18 months. These hours must be documented and verified by a supervisory appraiser who oversees the trainee’s work. In California, as in other states, this process is stringent, requiring detailed logs of each appraisal task, reflecting diverse property types and valuation scenarios.
The state-specific guidelines ensure that appraisers are well-prepared for the unique market conditions and legal considerations of their regions. In addition to logging hours, aspiring appraisers are encouraged to engage in a variety of appraisal assignments to gain comprehensive exposure to different property types and valuation techniques. This breadth of experience prepares them for the complexities of professional appraisal practice and enhances their problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios.