Top 11 Real Estate Appraiser Certifications

Certifications are important for real estate appraisers because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that is necessary to be successful in the job market. They also give appraisers an edge when competing for jobs, as employers are more likely to hire certified individuals who have proven their ability to accurately assess real estate value. Additionally, certifications may help appraisers earn higher salaries and gain access to exclusive opportunities such as continuing education courses and networking events. Finally, certifications can provide peace of mind to clients who are looking for reliable professionals they can trust.

The purpose of the article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Real Estate Appraisers and explain how they can help to advance a real estate appraiser's career.

What are Real Estate Appraiser Certifications?

Real estate appraiser certification is an important credential that shows a real estate appraiser has met the minimum requirements to practice in their state or jurisdiction. The certification process helps ensure that only qualified and experienced professionals are able to provide accurate and reliable appraisals of a property’s value. This is especially important when it comes to obtaining financing for a home purchase, as lenders often require an appraisal before approving a loan.

In order to become certified, an individual must complete the necessary education and training requirements, pass a licensing exam, and meet any other criteria set by their state or jurisdiction. Once certified, the appraiser should be able to demonstrate their knowledge of valuation techniques and market trends, as well as their understanding of legal aspects related to real estate transactions.

Having a certified appraiser evaluate your property can help you make more informed decisions about buying or selling a home. It can also help reduce potential conflicts with lenders or other financial institutions if there is disagreement about the value of the property. Finally, having a certified professional on your side can give you peace of mind knowing that the appraisal you receive is accurate and reliable.

Pro tip: When applying for a real estate appraiser certification, be sure to research and understand the requirements of your state's appraisal board. This will help ensure you meet the qualifications and can provide the best possible service to your clients.

Related: What does a Real Estate Appraiser do?

Top 11 Real Estate Appraiser Certifications

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

1. Certified General Appraiser

A Certified General Appraiser is a professional real estate appraiser who has been certified by the state to perform appraisals on any type of real property for any purpose. This certification requires a minimum of 300 hours of coursework and 3,000 hours of experience in appraisal practice, as well as passing a rigorous exam administered by the state.

In order to obtain the Certified General Appraiser designation, an individual must first complete an approved education program. Depending on the state, this can range from 75-150 hours of coursework and may include topics such as basic appraisal principles, valuation techniques, economics and statistics, legal considerations, and more. After completing the required coursework, applicants must then pass both a written and practical exam administered by the state in order to be certified.

The cost to become a Certified General Appraiser varies by state but typically ranges from $500-$2,000 depending on the jurisdiction. This cost includes fees for registration, application processing, education courses, testing materials and other related expenses.

Once all requirements have been met and an individual has passed their exams they will receive their official Certified General Appraiser certification from their respective state licensing board.

2. Certified Residential Appraiser

A Certified Residential Appraiser is a professional who is qualified to appraise residential real estate. This type of appraiser is certified by the state in which they work, and must meet certain standards set forth by the state in order to obtain certification.

To become a Certified Residential Appraiser, one must typically complete an approved course of study, pass a written examination, and complete a minimum number of hours of supervised appraisal experience. The exact requirements vary from state to state. Generally speaking, it takes between two and three years to become a Certified Residential Appraiser.

In order to get certified as a Residential Appraiser, applicants must first take an approved course of study that covers topics such as basic appraisal principles and procedures, legal aspects of real estate transactions, and report writing techniques. After completing the coursework, applicants must then pass the required written examination administered by their state’s licensing board. Once they have passed the exam, they must then complete at least 2,500 hours of supervised appraisal experience before they can apply for certification.

The cost of becoming a Certified Residential Appraiser varies depending on the state in which you are located and the specific requirements for certification in that state. Generally speaking, however, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 or more to become certified depending on your location and other factors such as whether or not you need additional education or training beyond what is required for certification.

3. Accredited Rural Appraiser

Accredited Rural Appraiser (ARA) is a designation awarded by the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA). It is a professional accreditation that recognizes the expertise of appraisers in valuing agricultural, timber, and rural properties.

To become an ARA, applicants must have at least five years of experience as a licensed appraiser, with at least three years in the agricultural or rural field. They must also have completed at least 30 hours of approved continuing education courses related to farm and rural appraisal within the past two years. Additionally, applicants must pass an examination administered by ASFMRA. The exam consists of both written and practical components that test knowledge of appraisal theory and practice as it relates to rural properties.

The process for becoming an ARA typically takes about six months from start to finish. Applicants must first submit their application materials to ASFMRA for review. Once approved, they will receive instructions on how to register for the exam. After passing the exam, they will be officially designated as an Accredited Rural Appraiser.

The cost for becoming an ARA varies depending on your state’s requirements and fees associated with taking the exam. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1,000 in total fees for application processing, exam registration, and other costs associated with obtaining the designation.

4. Certified Real Estate Valuation Analyst

Certified Real Estate Valuation Analyst (CRVA) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of real estate valuation. The CRVA designation is awarded by the Appraisal Institute, an international organization of professional appraisers.

It takes approximately two to three years to complete the requirements for the CRVA designation. To become certified, you must first complete a minimum of 75 hours of approved courses in appraisal principles and practices, including courses on basic appraisal procedures, market analysis and highest and best use. You must also pass a comprehensive examination administered by the Appraisal Institute.

In addition to completing coursework and passing an exam, you must also meet certain experience requirements. To qualify for certification, you must have at least two years of experience as an appraiser or related field such as real estate sales or lending. You must also submit documentation of your experience to the Appraisal Institute for review and approval.

The cost for obtaining the CRVA designation varies depending on whether you are a member of the Appraisal Institute or not. For non-members, there is a $450 application fee plus additional fees for each course taken and for taking the exam. For members, there is only an application fee of $150 plus additional fees for each course taken and for taking the exam.

5. Certified Real Estate Appraiser

A Certified Real Estate Appraiser is a professional who has been trained and licensed to provide an opinion of the value of real estate. The appraiser must be certified by their state or jurisdiction in order to provide appraisals for financial institutions, government agencies, and other organizations that require an independent third-party opinion of value.

To become a Certified Real Estate Appraiser, you must complete certain educational requirements and pass a comprehensive exam administered by your state or jurisdiction. Generally, it takes about two years to complete the education requirements, which include classes in appraisal theory, principles and procedures, as well as courses specific to the type of property being appraised (residential, commercial, etc.).

Once you have completed your education requirements and passed the exam, you will need to apply for certification with your state or jurisdiction. This process typically includes submitting an application along with proof of completion of the required coursework and passing score on the exam. Additionally, some states may require that you submit fingerprints for a background check before issuing a license.

The cost to become a Certified Real Estate Appraiser varies depending on the state or jurisdiction in which you are applying. Generally speaking, there are fees associated with taking the exam and submitting applications for certification. In addition, there may be additional costs associated with completing any required coursework or background checks.

6. Licensed Real Estate Appraiser

A Licensed Real Estate Appraiser is a professional who is qualified to estimate the value of real estate. They use their knowledge and experience to assess the market value of a property, taking into account factors such as location, size, condition, and amenities.

To become a Licensed Real Estate Appraiser, you must meet certain educational and experience requirements set by your state or local jurisdiction. In most cases, this includes completing at least 150 hours of approved courses in appraisal education and passing an exam administered by the state or local jurisdiction. Depending on the jurisdiction, additional requirements may include having a minimum number of years of experience in appraising real estate or being sponsored by an experienced appraiser.

The amount of time it takes to get licensed as a real estate appraiser varies depending on your individual situation. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all the necessary requirements for licensure.

In order to get licensed as a real estate appraiser, you must first meet the educational and experience requirements set forth by your state or local jurisdiction. You will then need to apply for licensure with your state's regulatory board or agency that oversees real estate appraisers. Once you have submitted all required documents and fees, you will be able to take the licensing exam if applicable.

The cost for becoming a licensed real estate appraiser varies depending on your location and other factors such as whether you are taking any additional courses or exams beyond what is required for licensure. Generally speaking, the costs associated with getting licensed can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars.

7. Certified Property Tax Consultant

A Certified Property Tax Consultant (CPTC) is a professional designation that is awarded to individuals who have completed specialized training and passed a comprehensive exam in the field of property tax consulting. The CPTC designation is granted by the National Association of Property Tax Professionals (NAPTP), which is an organization dedicated to providing education, certification, and other resources for property tax professionals.

It typically takes approximately six months to complete the requirements for becoming a Certified Property Tax Consultant. To get certified, applicants must first complete a series of courses offered by NAPTP. These courses cover topics such as property tax law, assessment procedures, and appeals processes. After completing the courses, applicants must then pass a comprehensive exam administered by NAPTP.

The cost of becoming a Certified Property Tax Consultant varies depending on the number of courses taken and other factors. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more to become certified.

8. Certified Valuation Analyst

Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) is a professional designation awarded by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA). The CVA credential recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of business valuation.

The CVA program consists of two parts: an online exam and a hands-on practicum. The online exam covers topics such as financial statement analysis, industry analysis, economic trends, and valuation principles. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in business valuation or related fields.

The practicum consists of a series of interactive exercises that test the applicant’s ability to apply the concepts learned in the online exam. This includes analyzing case studies, developing reports, and presenting findings to peers.

In order to become certified, applicants must successfully complete both parts of the program within one year.

The cost for taking the CVA program varies depending on whether you are an NACVA member or non-member. For members, it costs $1,495 USD for both parts of the program; for non-members it costs $2,295 USD.

9. Registered Professional Appraiser

A Registered Professional Appraiser is a professional who has been certified by a governmental authority to provide appraisals of real estate, personal property, and business assets. This certification is designed to ensure that the appraiser has the necessary knowledge and experience to accurately value items in accordance with accepted industry standards.

It typically takes between two and four years to become a Registered Professional Appraiser. The process involves completing an approved education program, passing a comprehensive examination, and obtaining a license from the appropriate state or local government agency. In some cases, additional continuing education may be required to maintain the certification.

To become a Registered Professional Appraiser, you must first complete an approved education program in appraisal theory and practice. These programs are typically offered by universities or colleges and can range from one year to four years in length. After completing your coursework, you must then pass a comprehensive exam administered by your state's licensing board or other government agency. Once you have passed the exam, you will need to obtain a license from the relevant state or local government agency before you can begin practicing as an appraiser.

The cost of becoming a Registered Professional Appraiser varies depending on where you live and which educational program you choose. Generally speaking, tuition for most programs ranges from $2,000-$10,000 per year depending on the length of the program and any additional fees associated with it. Additionally, there may be costs associated with taking the licensing exam as well as any applicable application fees for obtaining your license.

10. Residential Real Estate Appraiser

Residential real estate appraisers are professionals who assess the value of a residential property. They use their expertise to determine the market value of a home, which is used for various purposes such as mortgages, taxes, and sales transactions. The process can take anywhere from one to four weeks depending on the complexity of the appraisal and the availability of information.

In order to become a residential real estate appraiser, you must meet certain qualifications set by your state or local government. This typically includes having a minimum amount of education in appraisal practices and passing an examination administered by the state or local government. Additionally, some states may require that you have experience in appraisal practices before you can become certified.

The cost of becoming a residential real estate appraiser varies depending on where you live and what type of certification you are seeking. In most cases, it will cost between $200-$500 for the application fee, testing fees, and any other associated costs.

Once you have met all requirements and passed the exam, you will be issued a certificate that allows you to practice as an appraiser in your state or local area. You may also need to obtain additional licensing or certifications depending on what type of work you plan to do as an appraiser.

11. Commercial Real Estate Appraiser

A Commercial Real Estate Appraiser is a professional who evaluates the value of commercial real estate properties. The appraiser looks at the location, size, condition, and other factors to determine an estimated market value for the property.

It typically takes between two to four weeks to get a commercial real estate appraisal. This time frame can vary depending on the complexity of the project and how quickly the appraiser can access information about the property.

To get a commercial real estate appraisal, you will need to contact an experienced appraiser in your area. You should provide them with as much information as possible about the property and its location so they can accurately assess its value.

The cost of a commercial real estate appraisal varies depending on factors such as the size of the property, its condition, and its location. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$2,000 or more for larger properties.

Do You Really Need a Real Estate Appraiser Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual situation. If you plan to work as a real estate appraiser, then you will most likely need a real estate appraiser certificate in order to be successful. A certificate is evidence of professional training and experience in the field of real estate appraisal, which is required by many states in order to become licensed or certified.

Having a real estate appraiser certificate can also help you stand out from other applicants when looking for a job. It shows potential employers that you are knowledgeable and experienced in the field and can provide them with valuable services. In addition, having a certificate may also qualify you for higher pay or better benefits than those without one.

On the other hand, if you are simply interested in learning more about the field of real estate appraisal but do not intend to pursue it professionally, then obtaining a real estate appraiser certificate may not be necessary. You could still benefit from learning more about the subject by taking courses or reading books related to the topic without needing an official certification.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a real estate appraiser certificate depends on your individual goals and aspirations within the field.

Related: Real Estate Appraiser Resume Examples

FAQs About Real Estate Appraiser Certifications

1. How do I become a real estate appraiser?

Answer: To become a real estate appraiser, you must complete the educational and licensing requirements set by your state or province. These typically involve taking an approved appraisal education program, passing the relevant exams, and obtaining a license from the appropriate regulatory body.

2. What is the difference between a certified and licensed appraiser?

Answer: A certified appraiser has completed an approved educational program and passed all necessary examinations, but has not yet obtained their license from the state or provincial regulatory body. A licensed appraiser has met all of the educational and examination requirements, as well as obtaining their license from the appropriate regulatory body.

3. Are there any continuing education requirements for real estate appraisers?

Answer: Yes, most states have continuing education requirements for real estate appraisers in order to maintain their certification or license. The specific number of hours required may vary by state or province.

4. Is there an age requirement to become a real estate appraiser?

Answer: No, there is no age requirement to become a real estate appraiser; however, some states may have additional restrictions on licensing or certifying individuals under certain ages.

5. Do I need any special equipment to be a real estate appraiser?

Answer: Generally speaking, no special equipment is required to be a real estate appraiser; however, depending on your jurisdiction, you may need certain software programs or other technology in order to complete certain tasks related to your job duties (i.e., creating reports).