How to Get a New York Real Estate Appraiser License

The New York State Division of Licensing Services has identified three levels of real property appraisal classification:

• State Licensed Real Estate Appraiser
• State Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser
• State Certified General Real Estate Appraiser

Current New York Real Estate Appraiser License Requirements

The minimum requirements for each licensing level include the following:

State Licensed Real Estate Appraiser

2,000 hours of experience over a period of not less than 24 months is required, 75% (1,500 hours) of which must be from appraisals of residential properties listed on the Appraisal Experience Report (Attachment C).

State Certified Residential Appraiser

2,500 hours of experience over a period of not less than 24 months is required, 75% (1,875 hours) of which must be from appraisals of residential properties listed on the Appraisal Experience Report (Attachment C). Residential experience must contain experience in single family (including single co-op or condo), two-four family, or other residential experience (vacant lot/farm). 80% (1,500 hours) of the residential experience must be in the single family category. 10% (187.5 hours) of the residential experience must be in each of the two remaining categories.

State Certified General Appraiser

3,000 hours of experience over a period of not less than 30 months is required, 75% (2,250 hours) of which must be from appraisals of general properties listed on the Appraisal Experience Report (Attachment C). General experience must contain experience in multi-family, commercial/industrial, or other (land/manufacturing/institutional). 60% (1,350 hours) of the general experience must be in one of the above categories. 20% (450 hours) of the general experience must be in each of the two remaining categories.

Note: Experience must be obtained within the five-year period prior to submission of your application. To assure consistency and fairness in evaluating appraisal experience, the Department of State will use an -hourly system- that will serve as a guideline. The hourly system takes into consideration the number and type of appraisals performed and hours worked (including travel). However, applicants who claim mass appraisal experience have a waiver of the five-year rule if they apply for licensure or certification before January 1, 2001.

New York Appraisal Regulatory Agency

Recent Changes to Real Property Appraiser Qualifications

Beginning January 1, 2015, the AQB has made significant changes to appraisal qualifications. 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 on this AQB publication:

Upcoming Changes to Real Property Appraiser Qualifications

Important Change: Increased College Degree Requirements

Implications: After January 1, 2015, you must hold a bachelor's degree to obtain the Certified Residential license level or beyond. If you achieve this license level prior to January 1, 2015, you will be grandfathered in under the old regulations.