So You Want To Be An Appraiser…
Becoming an appraiser entails a long-term commitment of time and money for both the trainee and the mentor. This guide outlines the necessary steps of a successful apprenticeship toward becoming a certified residential real estate appraiser.
Find an Appraisal Supervisor
Prior to initiating formal training, it is essential to secure a supervisory relationship with a certified appraiser who is a licensed supervisor. This supervisor will guide your practical training and provide firsthand insights into the profession. They will provide coaching and oversight as you conduct property inspections, perform market research, and develop appraisal reports.
Obtain an Alaska Appraiser Trainee License
The first formal step in becoming an appraiser is acquiring an Alaska Appraiser Trainee License, which requires completing 75 hours of pre-licensure education. These courses cover basic appraisal principles, practices, and ethics.
Complete Core Curriculum Appraiser Education
After obtaining your trainee license, continue your education with advanced coursework that delves deeper into complex appraisal concepts and techniques. This phase is designed to refine your skills and prepare you for professional challenges in the field.
Accumulate Appraisal Work Experience
Hands-on experience is a cornerstone of appraisal training. Under the supervision of your mentor, you will apply your classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios, gaining the practical experience required for certification.
Apply for Certification as a Residential Real Estate Appraiser
Once you meet the educational and experiential requirements, you can apply for the Alaska Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser certification. This credential is a prerequisite for practicing in the state. Once approved, you will be allowed to sit for the certification exam.
Pass the National Uniform Licensing & Certification Examination
Certification candidates must successfully pass the National Uniform Licensing & Certification Examination. This test evaluates your knowledge of federal and state appraisal regulations, as well as your ability to apply appraisal techniques accurately.
Now Your Education REALLY Starts
Completing the minimum requirements for state certification is just the start of a true apprenticeship. The mentor/mentee relationship continues as there will constantly be new situations in which advice and guidance are helpful to resolve unique situations while avoiding unintended regulatory violations. As you move forward, you will continue to deepen your understanding through ongoing education in advanced appraisal techniques, multiple sets of regulations, and the intertwined requirements of USPAP and client mandates. With a complex variety of appraisal problems and endlessly unique houses and neighborhoods, there are over 600 decision points in any given appraisal. It takes thousands of hours of additional experience and continuous learning to be able to reliably deliver competent analysis while steering clear of rule violations that could cost you your hard-earned license.
Additional Resources
Dept of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook
2023 Appraisal Salary Survey Guide
Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria
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