Real Estate Appraisal Schools Key Terms

Understanding the terminology associated with real estate appraisal schools

By Sandy Baker

Real estate appraisal schools offer a number of courses for students who want to become appraisers. Individuals will need to start as an appraisal trainee and work through the various courses, exams and licenses until they become certified general appraisers. Students need to be proficient in Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and other standard practices to do well in this industry. Students who enroll in real estate appraisal schools will need to pass state-administered exams before obtaining their licenses to provide appraisal services. here are a few terms to understand along the way.

Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB)

The Appraiser Qualifications Board sets the minimum education requirements for students earning their appraisal license. This board also works to set experience requirements and examination criteria.
Try: Hondros College provides a detailed explanation of the Appraiser Qualifications Board, including the latest standards.

Licensed residential real property appraiser

A licensed residential real property appraiser is a level of education and licensing granting an individual the ability to appraise noncomplex residential property. Qualifications include 150 hours of credible class hours plus having a valid license.
Try: The Maine Legislature defines the qualifications of a licensed residential real property appraiser.

Certified residential appraiser

Another level of certification in real estate appraisal school is the certified residential appraiser, who is legally able to appraise properties of any property value with less than five units. Individuals must complete 200 hours of study and sit for the state licensing exam to obtain certification.
Try: TestPrepPreview provides more information about certified residential appraiser educational requirements.

Certified general appraiser

A certified general appraiser is required to have more than 300 classroom hours of study and sit for the state licensing test. Once the exam is taken, these appraisers can appraise most properties, according to state guidelines.
Try: Visit the Georgia Real Estate Commission website to learn more about the certified general appraiser exam and educational requirements.

Appraiser trainee

An appraiser trainee is an individual who is planning to earn his or her appraisal license. This is the first step to furthering your education in this industry. Individuals who take the required courses and sit for the state mandated exam will be eligible to enroll in more advanced appraiser courses.
Try: Visit the Champions School of Real Estate to learn more about how to become an appraiser trainee.

Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)

The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, or USPAP, are standards accepted throughout North America for appraisal practices. Appraisers will need to fully understand these standards throughout their real estate appraiser schooling.
Try: Visit the Appraisal Foundation to learn more about the USPAP.