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 South Dakota. 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.
What are Allied’s approval numbers?
Allied’s 90-hour South Dakota appraisal license program has an approval number of SD 233. The 15-hour and 7-hour USPAP courses have approval numbers of SD 352 and SD 421. Allied is approved by the South Dakota Department of Revenue and Regulation to provide comprehensive appraisal training to students in the state of South Dakota.
What are the South Dakota license requirements?
There are four levels of South Dakota real estate appraiser licenses:
- State Registered Appraiser
- State Licensed Appraiser
- State Certified Residential Appraiser
- State Certified General Appraiser
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 acceptable to the board for the registered appraisal classification.
- A minimum of 90 hours of appraisal education acceptable to the board for the licensed appraiser classification.
- A minimum of 120 hours of appraisal education acceptable to the board for the certified residential appraiser classification.
- A minimum of 180 hours of appraisal education acceptable to the board for the certified general appraiser classification.
Experience
- There is no required experience for the registered appraiser. The registered appraiser’s experience must be under the direct supervision of a licensed or certified appraiser.
- Applicants for an appraiser license shall have a minimum of 2,000 hours of acceptable documented real estate appraisal work experience and gained over a period of no less than 12 months.
- Applicants for a certified residential appraiser license shall 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 appraiser license shall 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).
Where and when do I take the national appraiser exam?
The national examination occurs after the appraiser application has been approved. Upon approval, you will be provided with a candidate handbook for the computerized National Uniform Appraiser Examination and instructions for contacting and making arrangements with the testing company to sit for the exam.
What are the continuing education requirements for a South Dakota appraisal license?
In each odd numbered year, you must document completion of the equivalent of 28 classroom hours of instruction in approved courses during the preceding reporting period. Seven of the 28 hours of instruction must be completed in the 7-hour National Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) Update Course or its equivalent.
Verification of the completed continuing education must be submitted with the renewal application and appropriate fees.
Please note: The continuing education requirement may be deferred for first-time applicants only if the current certificate was issued in the preceding 12 months or the appraiser is certified or licensed by reciprocity. Also, the continuing education requirement is waived during the period of inactive status.
How do I renew my appraisal license?
All South Dakota appraisal certificates expire on September 30th of each year except for those issued after the first week of July. New licenses issued after the first week in July will not expire until September 30th of the following year. Renewal packets are mailed out the first week in July and must be completed, notarized, and returned to the South Dakota Appraiser Certification Program office along with the renewal fee no later than August 17th of the current year.
Do you have reciprocity licensing or certification?
Yes, with most states. Contact us for verification.
I am licensed or certified in another state but I want to appraise property in South Dakota. How can I become licensed in South Dakota?
If you are a non-resident of South Dakota that is licensed or certified to appraise real estate in another state, territory or the District of Columbia and has equivalent South Dakota appraiser licensure requirements, you may obtain a reciprocity certificate prior to performing an appraisal(s) of real estate in South Dakota. This can be accomplished by submitting:
- Completed and notarized Application for Issuance of Appraiser Certificate/License by Reciprocity form.
- Completed and notarized Irrevocable Consent form.
- Letter of Good Standing/History Letter from original issuing state.
- Applicable fees.
The application is for appraiser certificate/license by reciprocity for state-certified general, state-certified residential, and state-licensed appraisers.
How can I get a temporary license to do an appraisal in South Dakota?
If you are a non-resident of South Dakota that is licensed or certified to appraise real estate in your home state, you may obtain a temporary permit prior to performing an appraisal of real estate in South Dakota. This can be accomplished by submitting for each assignment:
- A non-resident Appraiser Application for Temporary Practice form.
- A temporary practice fee.
- Copy of the assignment contract.
When does the temporary permit expire?
The temporary permit expires upon completion of the appraisal work required by the contract for appraisal service or six months, whichever occurs first.
Can an extension for the temporary permit be requested?
Yes, the request to extend a temporary permit must be made in writing. Each request is considered on an individual basis and will only be granted for a valid reason.
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!
For California students: In the state of California, the Office of Real Estate Appraisal (OREA) does not accept distance education courses unless those courses meet specific requirements. To meet these requirements, Allied's appraisal courses have been reviewed by the American Council on Education's College Recommendation Service and these courses have been recommended for college credits. That recommendation allows Allied to provide these courses to you via distance education. Therefore, Allied's appraisal courses have been approved by OREA. and meet the minimum standards set by the national Appraiser Qualification Board (AQB).
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.