Property Assessors Offices - Arizona Education and Training

Obtain knowledge and tools for employment in Arizona property assessors offices

By Michelle Cramer
Arizona assessors, or appraisers, are licensed experts who assess the fair market value of real property in order to determine the local property taxes the owners pay each year based upon the applicable formula for the state of Arizona and county of residence. Typically an individual assessor specializes in assessing the value of either residential or commercial property. Those working in the state assessors' offices evaluate properties based upon other buildings in that area and keep relevant public records.

While on-the-job training is usually available, state and federal regulations are in place for someone to become an Arizona property tax assessor. There are a number of ways to obtain the necessary property assessors offices –- Arizona education and training. Some of these education strategies include:

1. A bachelor’s degree is a requirement when applying for an AZ property assessor’s license.

2. Seminars and other events will teach you techniques for Arizona property assessment.

3. Study for the exams you must pass to earn your AZ property assessment license.

 

Obtain a bachelor's degree before applying for AZ property assessors job openings

While there is no degree specific to property appraisals or assessments, as of 2008 the federal government requires all individuals applying for an appraiser or assessor license to have a bachelor's degree (or the equivalent of such in credit hours). Typically, a related field of study such as economics, finance or real estate is an appropriate major.
Try: Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for training and qualification requirements for most assessors and appraisers. The W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University offers a program to obtain an MBA in Real Estate. Get a Bachelor of Science in Business/Finance from the University of Phoenix.

Attend events that help your put your Arizona property assessment into practice

Local training seminars, workshops and conferences can provide the information and techniques you need to continue to produce accurate and concise assessments of property values. Some Arizona property assessor's offices require their employees to attend training or seminars throughout their employment. It is also a great way to pad your resume when searching out a new assessor job.
Try: Attend seminars in Arizona offered by the Appraisal Institute. The Arizona Board of Appraisal provides a list of approved qualifying and continuing education courses for appraisers and assessors.

Acquire the necessary licensing and certification for assessors in Arizona

It is a requirement for all states that their licensing and certification requirements for assessors and appraisers conform to those requirements established by the Appraisal Qualifications Board. Typically, the requirements to obtain an assessor's license include specific training classes, on-the-job training and the passing of specified exams.
Try: The Arizona School of Real Estate and Business lists the three types of appraisal licenses/certificates and the requirements to obtain each. Part of the Arizona appraiser and assessor licensing requirements is that applicants complete a National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination offered by The Appraisal Foundation.