The appraisal profession in Tennessee provides objective opinions of property value, a foundational service for countless real estate transactions like mortgage lending, tax assessments, and estate planning. Demand for qualified professionals is steady, driven by continuous property sales and financing activity. Becoming an appraiser requires navigating a structured system of education, mentorship, and experience designed to ensure competence and public trust.
The Tennessee Real Estate Appraiser Commission and Initial Prerequisites
The Tennessee Real Estate Appraiser Commission (TREAC) is the state’s regulatory authority overseeing the licensure, certification, and conduct of all real estate appraisers. Before starting coursework for the initial Registered Trainee credential, applicants must be at least 18 years old and provide proof of a high school diploma or GED.
A mandatory state and national criminal background check is required for all initial applicants, facilitated by submitting fingerprints through the approved vendor, Identogo. Applicants must also sign a pledge to comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and acknowledge the types of misconduct that could lead to disciplinary action.
Understanding the Different Appraiser License Tiers
The profession is structured into four distinct licensure levels, each permitting a different scope of practice regarding property type, complexity, and transaction value. The career path begins with the Trainee status and progresses through the Licensed and Certified tiers as education and experience are gained.
Registered Trainee Appraiser
The Registered Trainee Appraiser is the required entry point, permitting an individual to assist a certified appraiser in the valuation process. Trainees cannot work independently and must operate under the direct supervision of a certified appraiser, who must co-sign all work. This tier requires no prior experience or examination.
Licensed Residential Appraiser
The State Licensed Appraiser is the first level of independent practice. This license allows for the appraisal of noncomplex one-to-four family residential properties valued under $1 million. It also covers complex one-to-four family units and agricultural properties (up to two dwelling units) valued under $250,000. Requirements include 150 hours of qualifying education and 1,000 hours of experience over a minimum of six months.
Certified Residential Appraiser
The Certified Residential Appraiser handles all residential work on one-to-four unit properties regardless of transaction value or complexity. This certification also permits the appraisal of other types of real property with a transaction value under $250,000. Attaining this level requires 200 hours of qualifying education and 1,500 hours of acceptable experience over a minimum of 12 months. Applicants must also provide proof of a bachelor’s degree or higher, or an approved alternative college-level education path.
Certified General Appraiser
The Certified General Appraiser level has no transaction value or property type limitations on appraisal practice. This certification authorizes the appraisal of all types of real property, including complex commercial and industrial properties. Requirements include 300 hours of qualifying education, a bachelor’s degree, and 3,000 hours of experience over a minimum of 18 months. At least 1,500 of those hours must be dedicated to non-residential appraisals.
Required Qualifying Education and Coursework
Becoming a Registered Trainee Appraiser requires completing 75 hours of qualifying education from a TREAC-approved provider. This foundational coursework establishes the basic knowledge base necessary for the profession. The 75 hours must include 30 hours in Basic Appraisal Principles, 30 hours in Basic Appraisal Procedures, and the 15-hour National Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) course.
Before submitting the Trainee application, applicants must also complete a four-hour course focused on supervisory and trainee requirements. All education must be completed within five years preceding the application date, and applicants must pass the final examinations for each course. Upgrading to a Licensed Residential Appraiser requires 150 total hours, including the initial 75 hours plus additional courses in residential valuation topics.
Securing a Supervisory Appraiser and Establishing Mentorship
A prospective appraiser must work under the direct oversight of an experienced professional to gain practical experience, as the Trainee credential is non-independent. The supervisory appraiser must hold a State Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser credential and must have been certified in Tennessee for a minimum of 36 months. The supervisor must not have been subject to any disciplinary action within the last three years that affects their legal eligibility to practice.
Once established, both the trainee and the supervisor must complete the required four-hour Supervisory Appraiser and Trainee course. TREAC requires a formal application to register this relationship, and the supervisor shares responsibility for ensuring the experience log is accurate and compliant.
Gaining Practical Experience and Logging Appraisal Hours
After obtaining the Registered Trainee credential, the focus shifts to gaining practical experience under the supervisor’s guidance. The experience must comply with USPAP standards and be properly documented for TREAC acceptance. The Licensed Residential Appraiser credential requires 1,000 hours of experience over a minimum of six months.
The experience requirement is 1,500 hours over 12 months for the Certified Residential Appraiser, and 3,000 hours over 18 months for the Certified General Appraiser. All experience must be documented in an experience log, which is a mandatory component of the upgrade application.
Passing the Required National Examination
Once education and experience requirements are satisfied, candidates must successfully pass the relevant national examination. Candidates must receive authorization from TREAC to take the exam after the Commission approves the application packet. The examinations are standardized and endorsed by the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB).
The National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination is required for each license level. The Licensed Residential and Certified Residential exams are four hours long, while the Certified General exam requires six hours. All tests consist of 125 multiple-choice questions, requiring a minimum score of 75 to pass.
Submitting Your Final Licensure Application
The final licensure application requires the candidate to submit a comprehensive packet to TREAC for review and approval. This packet must include official transcripts for qualifying education, the experience log, and proof of a passing score on the national examination. Certified Residential and Certified General applicants must also submit documentation of required college-level education.
The application is submitted to TREAC, typically through the state’s online portal, and must be accompanied by the required application and initial license fees. The application fee is $405 for initial licensure. The Commission typically takes five business days to process the application after fees are processed.
Maintaining and Renewing Your Tennessee Appraiser License
Maintaining an active appraiser license requires adherence to a regular two-year renewal cycle and mandatory Continuing Education (CE) requirements. Appraisers must submit the renewal application to TREAC at least 30 days prior to the expiration date to ensure the license remains active on the Federal Registry.
All licensed and certified appraisers must complete 28 hours of state-approved CE every renewal cycle. This includes the mandatory 7-hour National USPAP Update Course, which must be taken once every two years. Failure to complete the required CE or renew the license on time results in a lapse and a late renewal penalty fee of $100.