Top 10 Appraiser Certifications

Certifications are an important way for appraisers to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field. Appraisers who hold certifications are viewed as more knowledgeable, experienced, and credible than those without. A certification can help appraisers stand out from the competition when applying for jobs or bidding on projects, as it provides employers with a way to measure an individual's qualifications. Additionally, certified appraisers often have access to special resources, such as databases and educational materials, that non-certified appraisers may not be able to access. Certifications also provide appraisers with opportunities for professional development and networking through conferences and seminars. Ultimately, certifications can give appraisers a competitive edge in the job market that could lead to better job prospects and higher salaries.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Appraisers and explain how they can benefit an appraiser's career.

What are Appraiser Certifications?

Appraiser certification is a process of verifying the qualifications and competency of appraisers. This process is designed to ensure that only qualified and knowledgeable appraisers are performing appraisal work. Certification can be obtained from various organizations, such as the Appraisal Foundation, the American Society of Appraisers, or state licensing boards.

Obtaining a certification helps to demonstrate an appraiser's knowledge and expertise in the field. It also shows potential clients that they are qualified to provide accurate assessments of property values. Additionally, certified appraisers often receive additional training on new methods and technologies used in appraisals, giving them an edge over non-certified appraisers. Appraiser certification also provides recognition for those who have achieved excellence in their profession.

In many states, individuals must be certified before they can perform appraisal services for lending institutions or other government entities. Even if not required by law, obtaining a certification serves as evidence that an individual has met specific standards and obtained specialized knowledge in the field of appraisal. In addition, many employers prefer to hire only certified appraisers due to their increased confidence in their abilities and accuracy of their work.

Pro Tip: Make sure you keep up with the current standards and regulations for appraiser certification. Keeping up to date on these standards will ensure that you are fully qualified and certified to practice as an appraiser.

Related: What does an Appraiser do?

Top 10 Appraiser Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Appraisers today.

1. Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser

A Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser is a professional who is qualified to provide an opinion of value for residential real estate. The appraiser will inspect the property, analyze market data, and prepare a report that details their opinion of value. To become certified, an individual must meet certain requirements set forth by the state in which they plan to practice.

The process of becoming certified can vary from state to state, but typically requires completing a certain number of hours in approved appraisal courses, passing both written and practical exams, and obtaining a certain amount of experience working with licensed appraisers. In some states, it may also be necessary to obtain additional certifications or licenses before being allowed to practice as an appraiser.

The cost of becoming certified can vary depending on the state and type of certification being obtained. Generally speaking, it can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars for all the required courses and exams. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with obtaining licensure such as background checks and fingerprinting fees.

In most cases, it will take at least one year to become certified as a residential real estate appraiser. This includes completing all required coursework and exams as well as gaining enough experience working with licensed appraisers in order to qualify for certification or licensure.

2. Certified General Real Estate Appraiser

A Certified General Real Estate Appraiser is a professional who has been certified by the state in which they practice to appraise all types of real property. They are required to have a minimum of five years of experience in the appraisal profession and must pass a comprehensive written examination.

The process for becoming a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser varies by state, but typically involves completing an approved education program, passing the written exam, and submitting an application with supporting documentation. The length of time it takes to become certified depends on how quickly you can complete the education requirements and pass the exam.

In order to get certified as a general real estate appraiser, you must first complete at least 150 hours of approved classroom instruction from an accredited institution or school or through an online course provider. You will also need to take and pass the Uniform State Certification Examination (USCE) administered by your state’s board of appraisers. Once you have completed these requirements, you must submit an application with supporting documents such as transcripts, proof of experience, and any other required materials.

The cost to become a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser varies depending on the state in which you are seeking certification. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2,000 depending on fees associated with the education program, exam costs, application fees, etc.

3. Certified Relocation Professional Appraiser

A Certified Relocation Professional Appraiser (CRPA) is a professional designation that recognizes the expertise and experience of real estate appraisers who specialize in providing relocation appraisal services. A CRPA is certified by the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) and must meet certain qualifications, including completing a minimum number of hours of continuing education specific to relocation appraising.

To become a CRPA, an individual must have three years' experience as a real estate appraiser and must also pass an exam administered by the ASA. The exam covers topics such as relocation appraisal principles, practices, and procedures; federal regulations; ethics; and standards of practice. In addition, applicants must submit proof of their work experience in the form of a resume or other documentation.

The process typically takes about six months to complete. To begin, you will need to register for the exam with the ASA and pay the associated fee ($225). Once registered, you will receive instructions on how to prepare for the exam. After passing the exam, you will need to submit your application materials along with any required documentation to be reviewed by ASA staff. Once approved, you will receive your certificate as a Certified Relocation Professional Appraiser.

The cost for becoming a CRPA is $225 for the application fee plus any additional fees related to preparing for and taking the exam.

4. Certified Valuation Analyst

Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) is a professional designation that is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated expertise in business valuation. This certification is issued by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA). The CVA credential is recognized as the gold standard for business valuation professionals.

To become a Certified Valuation Analyst, you must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an examination, and adhere to NACVA's Code of Professional Standards. The educational requirements include completion of an accredited university degree program with at least 24 semester hours in accounting, finance, economics, or business-related courses. You must also have at least two years of full-time professional experience in financial analysis or business valuation.

The CVA examination consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as economic principles, financial statement analysis, tax law and regulations, accounting principles and standards, industry trends and practices, market research methods and techniques, legal aspects of valuations, and ethical considerations. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam.

The cost for taking the CVA exam varies depending on whether you are a member or nonmember of NACVA. For members it costs $525; for nonmembers it costs $925. In addition to the exam fee there may be additional fees associated with obtaining study materials or attending review seminars prior to taking the test.

Once you have passed the CVA exam you will need to submit proof of your education and experience credentials along with an application form in order to receive your certification from NACVA. Once certified you will need to maintain your certification through continuing education credits every three years in order to remain current with best practices in business valuation.

5. Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager Appraiser

Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager Appraiser (CREM) is a professional designation awarded by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). It is designed to recognize real estate professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in managing and appraising real estate transactions. The designation requires that applicants meet certain educational, experience, and ethical standards as established by NAR.

It typically takes between two to three years to complete the requirements for the CREM designation. To qualify, applicants must complete at least 90 hours of approved coursework in topics such as real estate finance, appraisal regulations, and brokerage management. In addition, applicants must have at least five years of experience in real estate sales or management and pass an exam administered by NAR.

The process of obtaining the CREM designation begins with completing an application on the NAR website. Once your application has been approved, you will be required to submit proof of your qualifications as well as pay a fee for processing. After your application is processed and approved, you will receive a certificate from NAR confirming your achievement of the CREM designation.

The cost for obtaining the CREM designation varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of NAR. For non-members, it typically costs between $500-$600 to obtain the certification while members can expect to pay around $400-$500.

6. State-Licensed Real Estate Appraiser

A State-Licensed Real Estate Appraiser is a professional who assesses the value of real estate properties. They are certified by the state in which they practice and must adhere to strict standards of professional conduct. To become a State-Licensed Real Estate Appraiser, you must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an examination, and be approved by the state in which you plan to practice.

The length of time it takes to become a State-Licensed Real Estate Appraiser varies from state to state but generally requires at least two years of college coursework in related fields such as finance, economics, or accounting; two years of work experience as an appraiser or trainee; and passing a state-administered exam.

To get your license, you will need to contact your state's licensing board for specific requirements and instructions on how to apply. Generally speaking, you will need to submit an application along with supporting documents such as transcripts, proof of experience, and other documentation as required by your state's licensing board. You may also need to complete additional courses or training before being eligible for licensure.

The cost of becoming a State-Licensed Real Estate Appraiser varies depending on the requirements set forth by each individual state's licensing board. Costs can include application fees, examination fees, continuing education costs, and other miscellaneous expenses.

7. Licensed Home Inspector and Appraiser

A Licensed Home Inspector and Appraiser is a professional who is qualified to inspect and appraise residential properties. The home inspector will examine the condition of the property, identify any safety or structural issues, and provide an assessment of the home’s value. An appraisal is then conducted to determine the fair market value of the property.

The process for becoming a Licensed Home Inspector and Appraiser can vary by state, but typically requires completing educational courses, passing an exam, and obtaining a license from the state. Depending on the state, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to become licensed.

In order to become a Licensed Home Inspector and Appraiser, you must first complete all required courses in your state. These courses may include topics such as building construction, home inspection techniques, real estate law, appraising methods, and more. Once you have completed your education requirements, you must then pass an exam administered by your state in order to obtain your license.

The cost of becoming a Licensed Home Inspector and Appraiser varies depending on the state where you are located. Generally speaking, it can range from several hundred dollars for course fees up to several thousand dollars for licensing fees.

8. National Association of Realtors (NAR) Designated Appraisal Professional

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) Designated Appraisal Professional (DAP) is a certification that recognizes the highest level of competency and experience in real estate appraisal. The DAP designation is granted to appraisers who have demonstrated expertise in the field, as well as a commitment to upholding professional standards and ethics.

To become a DAP, an appraiser must meet certain requirements set by NAR. These include having at least five years of experience in the appraisal industry, completing at least 80 hours of approved continuing education courses within the past two years, passing a comprehensive examination, and being a member of NAR in good standing.

The process for obtaining the DAP designation can take up to six months or longer depending on when all the required documents are submitted. Once an application is received and accepted by NAR, applicants must pass an online exam which covers topics such as property valuation and appraisal methodology. After passing the exam, applicants will be notified of their results within 30 days and will receive their official DAP certificate upon successful completion.

The cost for obtaining the DAP designation varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of NAR. For non-members, there is an initial fee of $250 plus any applicable state licensing fees. For members, there is an additional fee of $100 plus any applicable state licensing fees.

9. American Society of Appraisers (ASA) Accredited Senior Appraiser

The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) Accredited Senior Appraiser is a professional designation for appraisers who have achieved the highest level of recognition in their field. It is awarded by the ASA and requires a minimum of five years of experience in the appraisal profession. The ASA Accredited Senior Appraiser designation is recognized by many organizations, including the IRS, as having met stringent standards for competency and ethical practice.

To become an ASA Accredited Senior Appraiser, you must first complete an approved course in appraisal theory and methodology, pass a comprehensive exam, and submit references from other appraisers or clients. Once these requirements are met, you will be eligible to apply for the designation. The application process includes submitting a written statement that outlines your qualifications and experience in the appraisal profession.

The cost to become an ASA Accredited Senior Appraiser varies depending on your location, but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. It typically takes around 6-12 months to complete all of the necessary requirements to receive the designation.

10. International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) Designated Member

The International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) Designated Member is a prestigious professional designation that recognizes the highest level of expertise in property assessment. This designation is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the field of property assessment and have met the rigorous requirements set forth by IAAO.

To become an IAAO Designated Member, applicants must meet certain criteria and pass a comprehensive examination. Applicants must have at least five years of experience in the field of property assessment, demonstrate an understanding of current appraisal methods and techniques, and be able to demonstrate proficiency in the use of computers for appraisal purposes. In addition, applicants must also complete a minimum number of continuing education hours each year to maintain their membership status.

The process to become an IAAO Designated Member can take up to six months or more depending on how quickly you are able to complete all required steps. The first step is to submit your application along with supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, proof of experience, etc. Once your application has been reviewed and accepted by IAAO, you will then be eligible to take the comprehensive exam which consists of both written and practical components. After successfully completing the exam, you will then be awarded your IAAO Designated Member status.

The cost for becoming an IAAO Designated Member varies depending on several factors such as location and type of membership chosen (regular or associate). Generally speaking however, it can range anywhere from $250-$500 USD for regular memberships or $100-$200 USD for associate memberships.

Do You Really Need a Appraiser Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the purpose of obtaining an appraiser certificate. In general, an appraiser certificate is a credential that demonstrates a level of expertise and knowledge in the field of appraisal. Appraisers are responsible for assessing the value of real estate, personal property, and other assets. Therefore, if you plan to work as an appraiser or in any profession related to appraisal, then yes, you will likely need an appraiser certificate.

For example, if you are seeking a job as a real estate appraiser, most employers will require that you have an appraiser certificate issued by a recognized appraisal organization such as the Appraisal Institute or the American Society of Appraisers. Furthermore, some states may have specific requirements for obtaining an appraiser certificate before being able to practice in their jurisdiction. Additionally, many insurance companies may require that individuals who perform property evaluations hold an appraisal license or certification from a recognized organization.

In addition to being required for certain professions related to appraisal and evaluation services, having an appraiser certificate may also provide additional benefits when trying to obtain employment in these fields. An employer may view your credentials more favorably than those without certification because it shows dedication and commitment to your chosen profession. Furthermore, having an appraisal certification can also give you access to certain resources and networks that can help further your career goals.

In summary, whether or not you need an appraiser certificate depends on your intended use for it; however, having one can be beneficial when trying to enter into professions related to appraisal and evaluation services.

Related: Appraiser Resume Examples

FAQs About Appraiser Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming an appraiser?

Answer: The requirements vary by state, but generally involve completing a certain number of hours of education, passing the State Certification Exam, and obtaining a license.

2. How long does it take to become an appraiser?

Answer: Depending on the state, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to get certified as an appraiser.

3. Is there a fee associated with getting certified?

Answer: Yes, states typically require applicants to pay a fee in order to become certified as an appraiser.

4. Does certification need to be renewed?

Answer: Yes, certification must be renewed on a regular basis in order to remain valid.

5. What is the difference between a residential and commercial appraisal certification?

Answer: A residential appraisal certification is used for appraising single-family homes and other residential properties; whereas a commercial appraisal certification is used for appraising larger commercial properties such as office buildings or shopping centers.