IMPORTANT: For detailed information on understanding the 2008 Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria, please follow this link to the Appraisal Foundation.

Pennsylvania Appraisal License Information

The Pennsylvania State Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers has identified three levels of real property appraisal classification:

Licensed Appraiser Trainee
Certified Residential Appraiser
Certified General Appraiser

Current Pennsylvania Appraiser License Requirements

Licensed Appraiser Trainee: At least 75 hours of appraisal education and training, including 15 hours of ethics and standards of practice, and passing the Registered Appraiser examination. College-level requirements: None

Certified Residential Appraiser: At least 200 hours of appraisal education and training, including 15 hours of ethics and standards of practice; 2,500 hours (including 1,500 hours non-residential) of appraisal experience across at least 30 months; and passing the Level B licensing examination. College-level requirements: Associate degree or higher. In lieu of the required degree, 21 semester credit hours covering the following subject matter courses: English Composition; Principles of Economics (Micro or Macro); Finance; Algebra, Geometry or higher mathematics; Statistics; Computer Science; and Business or Real Estate Law.

Certified General Appraiser: At least 300 hours of appraisal education and training, including 15 hours of ethics and standards of practice; 3,000 hours (including 1,500 hours non-residential) of appraisal experience across at least 30 months; and passing the Level C certification examination. College-level requirements: Bachelors degree or higher. In lieu of the required degree, 31 semester credit hours covering the following subject matter courses: English Composition; Principles of Economics (Micro or Macro); Finance; Algebra, Geometry or higher mathematics; Statistics; Computer Science; and Business or Real Estate Law; and 2 elective courses in accounting, geography, ag-economics, business management, or real estate.

UPCOMING CHANGES TO REAL PROPERTY APPRAISER QUALIFICATIONS

Beginning January 1, 2015, the AQB has made significant changes to appraisal qualifications. It is possible that some states may choose to implement the changes sooner, so be sure to check with your state regulator.

Several important changes are outlined below, with complete details available in this AQB publication: http://www.asisvcs.com/publications/pdf/220913.pdf

IMPORTANT CHANGE: Increased College Degree Requirements

Implications: After 1/1/15, you must hold a bachelor's degree to obtain the Certified Residential license level or beyond. If you achieve this license level prior to 1/1/15, you will be grandfathered under the old regulations.

CLASSIFICATION	CURRENT REQUIREMENTS	January 1, 2015 REQUIREMENTS
Trainee Appraiser	None	None
Licensed Residential Appraiser	None	30 semester credit hours of collegelevel education from an accredited college, junior college, community college, or university OR an Associate’s degree or higher (in any field).
Certified Residential Appraiser	21 semester credit hours in specified collegiate subject matter courses from an accredited college or university OR an Associate’s degree or higher.	Bachelor’s degree or higher (in any field) from an accredited college or university.
Certified General Appraiser	30 semester credit hours in specific collegiate subject matter courses from an accredited college or university OR a Bachelor’s degree or higher.	Bachelor’s degree or higher (in any field) from an accredited college or university.

IMPORTANT CHANGE: Experience Hours are Required BEFORE taking the licensing exam.

Implications: For the Licensed, Certified Residential and Certified General license levels, the required experience must be completed prior to taking the licensing exam. If you intend to upgrade your license prior to the 1/1/15 rules change, you need to be sure that you have enough time to complete your experience hours.

State Regulatory Agency

Pennsylvania State Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers
Daniel A. Bradley: Chairperson
P.O. Box 2649
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
(717) 783-4866
Click for State Website