How To Become an Appraiser

There are four license levels according to the Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria published by The Appraisal Foundation. The four license levels are included in the Virginia Real Estate Appraiser Board’s regulations. They are listed below with a description of the type of real estate that may be appraised.

Each of the license levels have different requirements for obtaining the license. However, they all include these components:

  • college level requirement
  • qualifying education – specialized appraisal courses
  • qualifying experience
  • examination (state exam)

At the end of each license description is a link to the specific requirements for that license. (To view in its entirety the Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria and Interpretations of the Criteria, click the link: AQB Qualifications Criteria 2018.)

Appraiser Trainee

A trainee appraiser works under the supervision of a certified appraiser, either a Certified Residential or a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser. (Licensed Residential Appraisers are not permitted to supervise trainees.) The trainee may appraise those properties that the Supervisory Appraiser is permitted by his credential and appraisal competency.

For the specific requirements for Trainee, click here.

Licensed Residential Real Estate Appraiser

The Licensed Residential Appraiser is permitted to appraise non-complex one-to-four residential units having a transaction value less than $1,000,000, and complex one-to-four residential units having a transaction value less than $250,000.

For the specific requirements for Licensed Residential, click here.

Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser

The Certified Residential Appraiser classification qualifies the appraiser to appraise one-to-four residential units without regard to value or complexity.

For the specific requirements for Certified Residential, click here.

Certified General Real Estate Appraiser

The highest license classification, Certified General Appraiser, is qualified to appraise all types of real property.

For the specific requirements for Certified General, click here.

All appraisal licenses must also comply with the Competency Rule of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.