Becoming a real estate appraiser in Pennsylvania involves multiple steps and varies depending on the level of certification you pursue. It takes a minimum of 12 months to be certified residential and 18 months to be certified general appraiser. 

 

 Here is a detailed timeline and requirements overview:

Step 1: Become a Licensed Appraiser Trainee

  • Complete 79 hours of qualifying education, including:
    • 30 hours Basic Appraisal Principles
    • 30 hours Basic Appraisal Procedures
    • 15 hours National USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice)
    • 4 hours Trainee/Supervisor Appraiser course
  • No examination or prior experience is required for this license.
  • Apply for the Trainee license with the Pennsylvania State Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers.
  • This education can be completed in a few months depending on course scheduling.
  • The Trainee license can be renewed biennially up to four times unless extended for good cause.

Step 2: Gain Experience as a Trainee

  • Work under a Certified Residential or Certified General Supervisory Appraiser to gain practical appraisal experience.
  • The duration depends on the certification level you aim for next.

Step 3: Become a Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser

  • Complete a total of 204 hours of education (including the 79 hours from Trainee level), covering advanced appraisal topics.
  • Accumulate at least 1,500 hours of appraisal experience over a minimum of 12 months, with at least 750 hours involving interior and exterior inspections.
  • Meet college education requirements, such as:
    • Bachelor’s degree or higher, or
    • Associate degree in a business-related field, or
    • 30 semester hours of college credit or CLEP exams in specified subjects.
  • Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified Residential Appraisers.
  • The experience requirement means this step takes at least 12 months after becoming a Trainee.

Step 4: Become a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser (Optional)

  • Complete a total of 304 hours of education.
  • Accumulate 3,000 hours of appraisal experience over at least 18 months, including 1,500 hours in non-residential appraisal work.
  • Hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
  • Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified General Appraisers.
  • This step takes at least 18 months after becoming a Trainee.

Summary of Timeframes

License Level Education Hours Experience Required Minimum Time to Complete
Trainee Appraiser 79 None Few months (to complete courses)
Certified Residential 204 1,500 hours (min 12 months) At least 12 months post-Trainee
Certified General 304 3,000 hours (min 18 months) At least 18 months post-Trainee

In total, becoming a Certified Residential Appraiser typically takes about 1 to 1.5 years after completing the initial education and obtaining the Trainee license, depending on how quickly you accumulate experience. Becoming a Certified General Appraiser takes longer due to higher education and experience requirements, generally at least 2 to 3 years total.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, candidates should consult the Pennsylvania State Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers.

https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/certified-real-estate-appraisers/licensed-appraiser-trainees-snapshot.html