How to Become an Appraiser

1. How do I get started in the appraisal field?

Step 1: You need to take the following classes: Basic Appraisal Principles, Basic Appraisal Procedures, 15-Hour National USPAP course, 8-Hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations course, and the 4- or 7-hour NC Supervisor/Trainee course. You should take these courses from Board approved sponsors, listed on this website. These courses may be taken in a classroom or online and must be completed within 5 years preceding the date you submit your trainee registration application.

Step 2: When you have completed your coursework, you can download the Trainee Application and information for filing your application from the Board's website at https://www.ncappraisalboard.org/forms-html/forms.htm.

Step 3: Read the instructions and completely fill out the application. Send us the finished application, a copy of your course completion certificates, the required criminal background check from DISA/CastleBranch, your 2x2 photo, the $200 application fee in the form of a certified check, money order, or cashier check, and any additional documents requested within the application based on your answers.

Step 4: Once you file an application, the Board staff will review the application and your fitness for registration. Applicants with a completed application and who have been determined fit for registration will receive their registered trainee documents via mail. Factors that affect the processing time are the completeness of the application when filed and the number and nature of any character issues or questions with respect to fitness for licensure. Generally, candidates can expect the entire application process to take two to four weeks. In lieu of reviewing any character matters/criminal history at the time of application, an individual with a criminal history may petition the Board prior to submitting an application, for a predetermination of whether their criminal history would likely disqualify them from becoming registered.

2. What is a character issue?

A character issue is anything in which you answer “yes” to under the character questions within the application or anything that may show up on your background check. For example, the following are typical character questions.
1) “Have you ever been denied any other professional license of any other type in any state?”
2) “Are there currently any charges pending against you in connection with any professional license in NC or any other state?”
3) “Have you ever been convicted of or pleaded guilty or no contest to any criminal offense in NC or any other state?”. (back to top)

3. How long will it take me to become licensed or certified once I become a trainee?

This varies from trainee to trainee and depends on how quickly you find and declare a supervisor and how many hours you are able to work with your supervisor on eligible experience to meet the minimum months of experience required for the level of licensure or certification being sought. A trainee may remain a trainee as long as the required continuing education is satisfied and renewal fees are paid. There is no requirement to upgrade. Please carefully review the information contained herein to upgrade from trainee to the license level you are seeking. (back to top)

4. What are the different levels of licensure issued by the NC Appraisal Board?

NC recognizes four types of credentials: Registered Trainee; Licensed Residential (sometimes referred to as licensed); Certified Residential (sometimes referred to as certified); and Certified General (sometimes referred to as general). (back to top)

Note: A Registered Trainee may upgrade to any level once they meet the necessary requirements.

5. What are the requirements to apply for trainee, licensed, certified and general?

The Board follows the current AQB Criteria issued by The Appraisal Foundation which can be found here. You can find a detailed chart with the requirements on the homepage. Click on “Application Information” and then “Prelicensing Requirements.” Additionally, each application type details the requirements within the application instructions. (back to top)

6. How do I count experience hours?

Experience hours are counted as the actual hours worked on an eligible assignment (appraisal or review appraisal). Reports must have been transmitted to the client (with the exception of demonstration reports) with the applicant either signing the report or being listed as providing significant assistance within the report to count as experience credit. Additional information is published within each application under the "Forms" section of the Board's website. The following is a brief synopsis of the types of properties you can receive credit for appraising. You must keep track of the actual hours you spend on each appraisal.

Residential Category includes but is not limited to:

Residential Single-Family/with inspection
Residential Single-Family/Drive-By or Desktop
Residential Single-Family (Mega home – Greater than 5,000 SF)
Residential (1-4 Unit) Vacant Lot
Residential 2-4 Family
Residential Tract (10-50 acres/improved)

General Category includes but is not limited to:

Land:
Undeveloped tracts, residential multi-family sites, commercial sites, agricultural tracts, industrial sites, land in transition, etc.
Subdivision Analysis:
Residential Multi-Family (5-12 Units):
Apartments, condominiums, town- houses and mobile home parks

Residential Multi-Family (13+ Units):
Apartments, condominiums, town- houses, and mobile home parks

Commercial Single-Tenant:
Office building, retail store, restaurant, service station, bank, day care center, mini-storage, etc.

Commercial Multi-Tenant:
Office building, shopping center, hotel, etc.

Industrial:
Warehouse, manufacturing plant, etc.

Institutional:
Rest home, nursing home, hospital, school, church, government building, etc.

Miscellaneous:
Improved mixed use (Residential/Commercial)
Golf courses/recreational facilities
Improved agricultural tracts

7. When I upgrade from being a trainee, do I still have to work under a supervisor?

No, only registered trainees must work under a supervisor. Once you upgrade to a status above trainee, you will automatically be disassociated from your supervisor. Note: You may still work for or with your supervisor; however, they would only be considered your boss or co-worker and no longer your supervisor by the Board.  (back to top)

8. When I become a trainee, will the Appraisal Board place me with a supervisor?

No. The Appraisal Board only licenses and regulates the profession. Each trainee is responsible for finding their own supervisor(s) and place of employment.  (back to top)

9. How do I find a supervisor?

There are many ways to find a supervisor. One way is to network in your community and talk to real estate professionals or appraisers who are friends of yours and friends of your family to see if they know anyone who would agree to become your supervisor. If you don’t know anyone personally, seek out people you do know and see if they know any appraisers and would personally put in a good word about you with them. Search job ads, national registry, or request a list of appraisers from the Board and inquire about openings or submit a resume and sell your qualities to them. Be persistent and professional. (back to top)