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 Virginia. 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 Virginia real estate appraisal program has an approval number of 4003 000179. The 15-hour USPAP course has an approval number of 4003 000231. Allied is approved by the Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation, Real Estate Appraiser Board, to provide comprehensive appraisal training to students in the state of Virginia.
What are the Virginia license requirements?
There are four levels of Virginia real estate appraiser licenses:
- Appraiser Trainee
- Licensed Residential Appraiser
- Certified Residential Appraiser
- 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 for the appraiser trainee classification.
- A minimum of 90 hours for the licensed residential appraiser classification.
- A minimum of 120 hours for the certified residential appraiser classification.
- A minimum of 180 hours for the certified general appraiser classification.
Experience
- There is no experience requirement for the appraiser trainee classification. Trainees must work under a supervising appraiser to obtain experience.
- Applicants for a licensed residential real estate appraiser license shall have a minimum of 2,000 hours appraisal experience obtained during no fewer than 12 months.
- Applicants for a certified residential real estate appraiser license shall have a minimum of 2,500 hours of appraisal experience obtained during no fewer than 24 months
- Applicants for a certified general real estate appraiser license shall have a minimum of 3,000 hours of appraisal experience obtained during no fewer than 30 months.
Where and when do I take the national appraiser exam?
The real estate appraiser examination is offered daily Monday through Friday throughout the year. It is administered by PSI Examination Services at various locations. To obtain an application package or check on the status of your application, you can contact the Virginia Real Estate Appraiser Board. You should allow two weeks for the processing of the application and fee. You can take the exam at locations in Falls Church, McLean, Norfolk, Richmond, and Roanoke, Virginia, as well as Johnson City, Tennessee, and Salisbury, Maryland.
What are the continuing education requirements for a Virginia appraisal license?
All licensed appraisers must complete 28 hours of continuing education during their two-year license term, which includes the seven-hour course, The National Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
How do I renew my appraisal license?
You can renew your license by paying the appropriate fees and providing proof of successful completion of the 7-hour National USPAP Update Course taken within the license term. In addition to the National USPAP Update Course, 14 hours of continuing education is required for each calendar year in which a license is valid.
Licenses issued for certified general real estate appraisers, certified residential real estate appraisers, licensed residential real estate appraisers and appraiser trainees shall expire two years from the last day of the month in which they were issued, as indicated on the license.
What are the procedures for renewal?
The board will mail a renewal application form to the licensee and certificate holder at the last known home address and to the registered firm at the last known business address. This form will outline the procedures for renewal. Failure to receive the renewal application form will not relieve you of the obligation to renew.
Prior to the expiration date shown on the license or registration, you need to return to the board the completed renewal application form and the appropriate renewal and registry fees.
The date on which the renewal application form and the appropriate fees are received by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation or its agent will determine whether you are eligible for renewal. If either the renewal application form or renewal fee, including the registry fee, is not received by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation or its agent within 30 days of the expiration date, you must reinstate your license by meeting all requirements and paying a reinstatement fee.
Three months after the expiration date on the license, certificate or registration, reinstatement is no longer possible. To resume practice, you must reapply for licensure as a new applicant, meeting current education, examination and experience requirements.
I am licensed or certified in another state but I want to appraise property in Virginia. How can I become licensed in Virginia?
To become a licensed appraiser in Virginia, you must have met educational, experience and examination requirements that are equivalent to those required in Virginia. You need to submit letters of certification from other jurisdictions where you are licensed. Call for further details.
How can I get a temporary license to do an appraisal in Virginia?
A temporary license is issued to appraisers whose business is of a temporary nature and is limited to one specific assignment not to exceed 12 months. You must be currently licensed in another jurisdiction, must have met educational, experience and examination requirements that are substantially equivalent to those required in Virginia, and must submit letters of certification from other jurisdictions where licensed.
I am licensed in Virginia. I am applying for licensure in another state, but they are requesting verification of my Virginia licensure. What do I need to do?
Please send a check for $25 made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia, along with a written request for a letter of certification. You should state whether the certification should be sent to you or directly to the other state board.
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.