Common Appraisal Questions
The information included in this page is designed to provide you with everything you need to know to become a licensed real estate appraiser in the state of Colorado. It contains the license and training requirements, examination and renewal information, and other commonly asked questions to help you get started in your new career. If you have further questions, please contact an Allied representative at (800) 617-3513.
Is Colorado approved to provide appraisal education?
Allied’s 90-hour Colorado real estate appraisal program is approved by the Colorado Board of Real Estate Appraisers to provide comprehensive appraisal training to students in the state of Colorado.
What are the Colorado license requirements?
There are four levels of Colorado real estate appraiser licenses:
- Registered Appraiser
- Licensed Appraiser
- Certified Residential License
- Certified General License
Education
You must successfully complete the specified hours of approved real estate appraisal courses for each type of license, including a course of at least 15 hours that covers the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). The specified hours include:
- A minimum of 75 hours of appraisal education for the registered appraiser.
- A minimum of 90 hours of appraisal education for the licensed appraiser.
- A minimum of 120 hours of appraisal education for the certified residential license.
- A minimum of 180 hours of appraisal education for the certified general license.
Experience
- There is no experience requirement for the registered appraiser. A trainee’s appraisal experience must be under the direct supervision of a licensed or certified Appraiser.
- Applicants for an appraisal license must have a minimum of 2,000 hours of acceptable documented real estate appraisal work experience gained over a period of no less than 12 months.
- Applicants for a certified residential license must have a minimum of 2,500 hours of acceptable documented real estate appraisal work experience gained over a period of not less than 24 months.
- Applicants for a certified general license must have a minimum of 3,000 hours of acceptable documented real estate appraisal work experience gained over a period of not less than 30 months (at least 1,500 hours of the experience must be non-residential properties).
How do I take the examination?
The Division of Real Estate (DRE) has contracted with Psychological Services Inc. (PSI) to administer appraiser exams. Once you have completed your education requirement, you need to make an exam reservation with PSI. You can contact PSI's Candidate Care Center at (800) 733-9267.
When do I apply for my appraisal license?
Application to the board must be made within one year of passing the examination. You can obtain the current application form and fee schedule from testing centers or directly from the Division of Real Estate.
What are the continuing education requirements for a Colorado appraisal license?
The continuing education requirement for Colorado appraisers, at all levels, is a total of 42 hours. This must include at least 7 hours of USPAP update, which needs to be taken every other year. This course must be taught by an AQB certified Instructor. Continuing education hours must be completed in the three years prior to the expiration date. If you have obtained your registration, license, or certification in the same year as the expiration, you are exempt from the continuing education requirements.
How do I renew my appraisal license?
All Colorado licenses are good for three years and expire on December 31st of the third year. A renewal notice will be mailed to your address of record in early November prior to your expiration. At the time of renewal, you must certify by signature that you have completed the required hours of continuing education, and return the renewal card along with the correct fee to the address on the card. You do not need to send proof of completion of your continuing education. It is your responsibility to renew your license whether or not you receive a renewal notice.
How can I renew my license if I have not completed my required continuing education?
You need to renew your license prior to December 31st by completing the “Application for Renewal or Reimbursement of Licensure as a Colorado Real Estate Appraiser on Inactive Status” form.
How can I reinstate my expired registered, licensed, or certified appraiser license?
You may reinstate your expired license within two years of the expiration date. You can verify the expiration date and find out the correct fee on the board’s website. The fee is determined by the length of time that your license has expired. In reinstating your license, you are certifying that you have completed the required continuing education requirements.
I am licensed or certified in another state but I want to appraise property in Colorado. How can I become licensed in Colorado?
An appraiser who resides in Colorado or another state and is licensed or certified* in another state** may become licensed or certified in Colorado without meeting education and examination requirements. You simply need to complete an “Application for Licensure or Certification as a Colorado Real Estate Appraiser through Endorsement or Reciprocity.” You must also submit a current certificate of license history from your current or last state of residency with your application.
*Registered or provisional appraisers from other states may not apply for registration, licensure, or certification in Colorado through endorsement or reciprocity.
**Licensed appraisers in Illinois and all appraisers in Oklahoma may not apply for licensure through endorsement or reciprocity. Certified appraisers from Illinois may apply through endorsement or reciprocity.
How can I get a temporary license to do an appraisal in Colorado?
You may obtain a Colorado Temporary Permit if you are a licensed or certified appraiser in another state. You will need a permit for each assignment but you may appraise more than one property per assignment. Complete the “Application and Permit for Temporary Appraisal Practice in Colorado.” The fee for the permit is $40.00. You will need to enclose a copy of your current license or certification with your application. It is not necessary to enclose a letter of good standing or certificate of license history.
What is the difference between the online Real Estate Appraisal course and the traditional correspondence course?
The online course adds even more convenience to a course that was already designed to be quick, easy, and comprehensive!
Our new online Real Estate Appraisal course will save you time. With online studying, you can start the course right now - instead of waiting until you receive your course via UPS. Also, your quizzes and final exam are graded instantly for you online, which increases your study speed and memory retention!
With the online course, the entire first chapter of the textbook will be here on your computer! You can start reading Chapter 1 and take the first quiz within minutes of enrolling. As soon as you sign up for the online course, we ship you the full Real Estate Appraisal course, so you may continue on to Chapter 2 whenever you are ready.
All quizzes are online, as is the final exam. With the online course, the final exam may be taken in your own home or office - a monitor is required.
What exactly does an appraiser do? What kind of jobs can an appraiser qualify for?
An appraiser inspects real property (land and/or structures) to estimate an accurate value and verify the condition of the property and its improvements. An appraiser must have in-depth knowledge of building techniques, geography, finance, and economics to arrive at a representative value of the appraised property. In order to secure a bank loan, the property must have an appraisal by a licensed appraiser.
Appraisers often work for themselves. They can also work for mortgage firms, real estate brokers, lenders, corporations, and government agencies. Anyone that wants to invest in real estate needs accurate and concise information describing the property, its condition, and its value.
Real estate appraisal is an excellent additional skill for real estate salespeople, brokers, home inspectors, or other professionals who deal in the real estate industry.
What are the differences between Residential, Certified Residential and Certified General appraiser licenses?
There are state by state variations; however, as a general rule the dollar value of the property being appraised is the primary factor that indicates what license level is required to effectively appraise it. Contact Allied for specific state information.
Why should I take a distance education course instead of a live class?
Distance education is a win-win situation. Not only do you get a quality education, but you can complete the course in a flexible, convenient and fast manner. You have all of the benefits of a live class – teacher/student interaction, relevant course material, ongoing student support – with the added benefits of learning from home.
Below is a list of just some of the differences:
| Drive to class and sit in a classroom |
vs. |
Learn from the comfort of your home |
| Learn limited amount of material in class |
vs. |
Learn as quick as you want from home |
| Take your final exam at school |
vs. |
Take your final exam online from your home or office |
| Balance work/family issues |
vs. |
Choose to learn when it’s convenient |
A live class does not let you be in charge of your education. Allied’s distance education options let you choose where, when and how to learn.
Why should I take appraisal courses from Allied?
Allied is approved by the Appraiser Qualification Board (AQB), as well as an affiliate member of the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers (NAREA). We have partnered with NAREA in order to offer our students a free one-year membership to a professional trade association. Membership to this organization offers appraisers the following great benefits:
- E & O Insurance at discounted group rates.
- Subscription to The Appraisal Times (the official newsletter of the NAREA).
- Useful appraisal supplements and guides to assist you in appraising quickly and accurately according to current standards.
- Eligibility to attend NAREA's annual trade show and conferences.
- NAREA Code of Ethics, suitable for framing.
- And much more!
The Allied family has been in education and publishing since 1979 and offers a full-time student services department with Internet, fax, and e-mail capabilities. With this assistance, along with our trained counselors, help is only a phone call away. Allied has the most up-to-date materials available, which includes software, sample tests and review materials that will help you pass the state exam on your first try!
Is NOW a good time to start my appraisal career?
ABSOLUTELY! The ever-growing real estate industry can provide an abundance of opportunities for licensed real estate appraisers.
Employment of real estate appraisers is expected to grow as levels of real estate activity increase in markets across the country. This will lead to a greater need for licensed professionals to provide accurate and reliable home appraisals.
A growing population is projected to create a greater housing need in the U.S. With a robust economy, individuals will be more likely to buy, sell, refinance or insure their homes.
Be a part of this exciting field! Now is a GREAT time to get your appraisal license!
How can I get started with Allied's Appraisal course?
Allied's Appraisal course includes all required instructional materials, supplemental reading, a workbook, clipboard and other materials. From the moment you enroll, you will have everything you need at your fingertips. Enroll online or contact a friendly Admissions Representative at (800) 617-3513 for assistance today.