Property Assessors Offices - Massachusetts Education and Training

Acquire the knowledge necessary for property assessments, Massachusetts
By Michelle Cramer Assessors, or appraisers, are licensed experts who determine Massachusetts property values in order to determine the local property taxes the owners pay each year based upon the applicable formula for the state of Massachusetts and county of residence. Typically an individual assessor specializes in assessing the value of either residential or commercial property. Those working in Massachusetts property assessor’s 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 a Massachusetts property assessor. There are many ways to obtain the necessary property assessor’s offices – Massachusetts education and training. Some of these education strategies include:

1. It is a requirement that Massachusetts property assessors have a bachelor’s degree.

2. Massachusetts assessors must have a license in real estate appraisal.

3. Attending seminars and workshops will produce more accurate Massachusetts property assessments.

Obtain a bachelor's degree relevant to MA property assessment

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. Consider a degree in economics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Take finance courses at the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Become licensed for jobs as property assessors in Massachusetts

In order to become a Massachusetts property assessor, you must obtain a real estate appraiser's license. 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 assessors license include specific training classes, on-the-job training time and the passing of specified exams.
Try:  Read the rules and regulations for real estate appraisers on the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation website. Obtain your appraiser’s license through The Lee Institute of Real Estate, located in Brookline, MA.

Register for seminars relevant to MA property assessments

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 Massachusetts property assessors offices require their employees to attend training or seminars throughout their employment. It is also a great way to pad your resume when searching for a new assessor job.
Try:  Peruse the list of seminars, workshops and conferences offered by the Massachusetts Board of Real Estate Appraisers (MBREA). Attend seminars in Massachusetts offered by the Appraisal Institute. Check the course calendar for workshops in Massachusetts provided by the International Association of Assessing Officers.