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 Washington. 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 75-hour Washington real estate appraisal course has an approval number of AP940. The 15-hour and 7-hour USPAP courses have approval numbers of AP1354 and AP1417. Allied is approved by the Business & Professions Division - Real Estate Appraiser Section to provide comprehensive appraisal training to students in the state of Washington.
What are the Washington license requirements?
There are three levels of Washington real estate appraiser licenses:
- State Licensed Appraiser
- State Certified Residential License
- State 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 90 hours for the licensed appraiser classification. Of these hours, 30 hours must cover the basic principles of real estate appraising.
- A minimum of 120 hours for the certified residential classification. Of these hours, 30 hours must cover the basic principles of real estate appraising.
- A minimum of 180 hours for the certified general classification. Of these hours, 30 hours must cover the basic principles of real estate appraising.
Experience
- Applicants for a licensed real estate appraiser license shall have a minimum of 2,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer than 24 months. Hours may be treated as cumulative in order to achieve the necessary hours of appraisal experience.
- Applicants for a certified residential real estate appraiser license shall have a minimum of 2,500 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer than 24 months. Hours may be treated as cumulative in order to achieve the necessary hours of appraisal experience.
- Applicants for a certified general real estate appraiser license shall have a minimum of 3,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no fewer than 30 months. At least 50 percent of the required experience must be in non-residential appraisal work. Hours may be treated as cumulative in order to achieve the necessary hours of appraisal experience.
How do I get my Washington real estate appraisal license?
To be eligible for licensure or certification in the state of Washington, you must:
- Submit a fully completed application.
- The application includes a Consent of Service which must be completed if you are an out-of-state applicant.
- Attach copies of all education documentation.
- Enclose a completed experience log (No credit will be granted for restricted appraisal reports).
- Enclose application fee.
- Mail application, documentation, and fee to the Business & Professions Division - Real Estate Appraiser Section.
- Allow a minimum of two weeks for processing. The Department of Licensing will review the application and determine eligibility for examination. You will be sent an examination approval letter indicating approval to sit for the appropriate examination or be sent a letter of explanation as to why approval has been denied.
- When you receive the approval letter, a toll-free number will be provided to call and schedule the examination date and location. (Examinations are by appointment only with Promissor.)
- An approval letter from the Department of Licensing is required to be admitted into the examination.
Where and when can I take the national appraiser exam?
The real estate appraiser examination is administered at the following locations and days:
- Everett - Every Saturday
- Kennewick - Every Saturday
- Lacey - Monday thru Saturday
- Spokane - Tuesday thru Saturday
- Tukwila/Seattle - Monday thru Saturday
- Vancouver - Thursday thru Saturday
- Wenatchee - 4th Saturday of each month
- Yakima - Every Saturday
How do I renew my appraisal license?
Your license or certificate will expire on the second birthday following the date of issuance. To renew a license, you must:
- Successfully complete a total of 28 hours of approved continuing education courses within the licensed/certified term.
- Submit copies of all education documentation.
- Complete and sign affidavit, which is attached to the renewal form.
- Submit the renewal fee.
- Complete a 15-hour USPAP course every other renewal period (every four years).
To be renewed as a state-licensed or state-certified real estate appraiser, you need to apply and pay the prescribed fee to the director no earlier than 120 days prior to the expiration date of the license or certificate and demonstrate satisfaction of any continuing education requirements.
If you fail to renew a license or certificate prior to its expiration and no more than one year has passed since you last held a valid license or certificate, you can obtain a renewal license or certificate by satisfying all of the requirements for renewal and paying late renewal fees.
The director shall cancel the license or certificate if your renewal fee is not received within one year from the date of expiration. You can obtain a new license or certificate by satisfying the procedures and qualifications for initial licensure or certification, including the successful completion of any applicable examinations.
I am licensed or certified in another state but I want to appraise property in Washington. How can I become licensed in Washington?
If you are currently certified or licensed and in good standing under the laws of another state, you may obtain a certificate or license as a Washington state-certified or state-licensed real estate appraiser without being required to satisfy the examination requirements. The following requirements need to be met:
- The director must determine that the certification or licensure requirements are substantially similar to those found in Washington state.
- The other state must have a written reciprocal agreement to provide similar treatment to holders of Washington state certificates and/or licenses.
How can I get a temporary license to do an appraisal in Washington?
If you are a licensed or certified appraiser from another state, you may apply for registration to receive temporary certification or licensing in Washington by paying a fee and filing a notarized application with the department on a form provided by the department.
The director is authorized to adopt by rule the term or duration of the certification and licensing privileges granted under the provisions of this section. Certification or licensing shall not be renewed. However, you may receive an extension of a temporary practice permit to complete an assignment, provided that a written request is received by the department prior to the expiration date, stating the reason for the extension.
What is considered a "complex" property?
A complex property is one that is "atypical" when considering age of improvements, architectural style, size of improvements, size of site, neighborhood land use, potential environmental hazards liability, limited readily available comparable sales data, or other unusual factors.
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.