Frequently Asked Questions - Get Your Real Estate Appraisal License
Learn how to succeed with your real appraisal training
You may have questions before, after, and even during your enrollment in one of our real estate appraisal license courses. Please refer to the questions below to get the information you need about your career training.
If you have any additional questions that are not addressed in this section, please complete a request for information form and an Admissions Representative will contact you.
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.
Upon completion of the course you won't be forced to wait for your Certificate of Completion. Allied will send your Certificate instantaneously, via e-mail!
What exactly does an appraiser do?
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.
What kind of jobs can an appraiser qualify for?
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.
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).
What happens after I pass the state exam?
This depends on your state's requirements. Most states require specific hours of "on-the-job" experience before or after you take the state license exam. When you successfully complete the exam and satisfy the required hours of work experience, you will become a Licensed Residential Appraiser. (The requirements may vary from state to state.) To upgrade your license, you will be required to complete further education and/or work experience. Contact us for further details!
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.
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.