Real estate appraisal is a stable, detail-oriented career for those interested in the property market. Appraisers provide objective, researched opinions of value that form the foundation for mortgage lending, estate settlements, and property sales. Their work ensures that the transaction values of properties are fair and supported by market data. This profession demands a methodical approach, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to ethical standards.
Becoming an Appraiser Trainee
The first step into the appraisal profession in Washington is becoming an Appraiser Trainee. This mandatory entry-level position requires working under the direct supervision of a certified appraiser. This mentorship provides hands-on experience in the appraisal process, from property inspection and data analysis to report writing and applying valuation methods.
To qualify as a trainee, an individual must complete 75 hours of qualifying education. The curriculum includes 30 hours in Basic Appraisal Principles, 30 hours in Basic Appraisal Procedures, and a 15-hour course on the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). The USPAP course outlines the ethical and performance standards governing the appraisal profession.
Prospective trainees must find a state-certified appraiser in good standing to act as a supervisor. The supervisor provides guidance and signs off on the trainee’s work experience log. There is no college education or prior experience requirement to become a trainee, making it an accessible starting point.
Upgrading Your Appraiser License
Once a trainee has gained the necessary experience, the next step is to upgrade their license. Washington’s tiered system allows appraisers to take on assignments with increasing complexity. Each level requires a specific combination of additional education, documented work experience, and successful completion of a national examination.
Licensed Residential Appraiser
To become a Licensed Residential Appraiser, a trainee must accrue 1,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience over at least six months. In addition to the initial 75 trainee hours, an applicant must complete further education to reach a total of 150 hours. This extra coursework covers topics like residential market analysis, site valuation, and report writing.
Licensed Residential Appraisers are authorized to appraise non-complex one-to-four unit residential properties with a transaction value of less than $1 million. They can also appraise complex one-to-four unit residential properties with a transaction value below $250,000. This license level does not require a college degree.
Certified Residential Appraiser
The Certified Residential Appraiser license allows for a broader scope of practice. An applicant needs 1,500 hours of experience obtained over no fewer than 12 months, and the total qualifying education requirement increases to 200 hours. This level also introduces a college education prerequisite.
An applicant can meet the college education requirement in several ways. A bachelor’s degree in any field is acceptable, as is an associate’s degree in a field like economics, real estate, or business. An alternative option is to complete 30 semester hours of specific college-level courses covering subjects such as economics, finance, and business law.
With this certification, an appraiser can appraise any one-to-four unit residential property without regard to its value or complexity. This includes high-value properties that are outside the scope of a Licensed Residential Appraiser.
Certified General Appraiser
The highest level of licensure is the Certified General Appraiser, which grants the authority to appraise all types of real estate, including commercial and industrial properties. An applicant must complete 300 hours of qualifying education, which includes advanced topics like income property valuation.
The experience requirement is 3,000 hours of appraisal work earned over at least 18 months. At least 1,500 of these hours must be in non-residential appraisal work to ensure a strong foundation in commercial property valuation. A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university is also required.
The Application and Examination Process
After meeting the education and experience requirements, the next stage involves submitting a formal application to the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) and passing the national exam. The application package must be compiled carefully to avoid processing delays.
The package must include:
- The official Real Estate Appraiser Certification Application form.
- Official transcripts from your college or university sent directly to the DOL.
- Course completion certificates for all qualifying education.
- The Real Estate Appraiser Applicant Experience Log, submitted in chronological order with every page signed by you and your supervisor.
The DOL will not grant credit for experience gained from completing restricted appraisal reports.
The DOL reviews the application to confirm eligibility for the exam and requires applicants to undergo a fingerprint-based background check. Once the DOL approves the application, they will notify the candidate of their eligibility to schedule the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination. Passing this exam is the final step before the state issues the license.
Maintaining Your Washington Appraiser License
Once an appraiser has earned their license, they must adhere to specific requirements to maintain it. In Washington, appraiser licenses are renewed every two years. To be eligible for renewal, appraisers must complete 28 hours of continuing education (CE) during each two-year cycle.
This CE requirement ensures that professionals remain current with market trends and evolving regulations. Within the 28 hours, appraisers must complete the 7-hour National USPAP Update Course. The remaining 21 hours can be fulfilled through a variety of approved elective courses on appraisal-related topics.