How do I become a state licensed real estate appraiser?

Appraisal Licensing Requirements Have Changed – January 1, 2008

To find the new requirements to become an Appraiser in the State of MN visit the web site for the Department of Commerce.

If you have any questions about licensing, please contact the Commerce Department at 651-296-6319.

On the Commerce Department Website you will find:

New Core Curriculum

The Department of Commerce is currently re-doing their website to reflect the new changes. As soon as those changes have been made we will post the following information:

• Who needs a license and the classes of licensure
• Appraiser License Application and Instructions
• How to Upgrade an Appraiser License

Also of Interest:

• Appraisal Qualifications Board
• Appraisal Subcommittee - Federal Financial Institution Examination Council

Getting Started:

To begin your appraisal career in Minnesota, you will need 75 hours of instruction which includes 15 hours of USPAP instruction, prior to taking an examination. Our North Star Chapter offers the seventy-five (75) hours of Minnesota approved pre-licensing appraiser education - Basic Appraisal Principles, Basic Appraisal Procedures, Residential Market Analysis and Highest and Best Use and the 15 hour National USPAP Course required for the "Trainee Appraiser" License. See our "Promotional Package" and save when you sign up for the 75 hour package, our take each course individually.

Pre-Licensing Courses:

Once you have your Trainee Appraisal License you will want to upgrade your license to Licensed Residential Real Property Appraiser, Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser, or a Certified General Real Property Appraiser.

The North Star Chapter offers higher-level pre-licensing courses to help appraisers upgrade their licenses. All of the courses have been or will be approved by the State of MN for pre-licensing and may be used to upgrade your Minnesota Appraisal Licenses.

We also offer courses in USPAP:

• Course 400 - the 7-Hr National USPAP Update course which Appraisers need once in every two-year licensing cycle to meet the MN USPAP requirement. Please remember, you must take the 7-Hour National USPAP Update Course once during your two-year licensing cycle.

  No other USPAP course will be considered as an alternative!

• Course 410 - the National 15 Hr. USPAP Course, which offers pre-licensing credit of 15 hours for Appraisers and Assessors. This course will not be considered as an alternate to the 7-Hour USPAP Course, but can be used as 15 Hours of Continuing Education credit.

These courses are offered at least once yearly.

After you have completed the 75 hours, have passed the test, and are seeking employment, consider placing an ad in our chapter newsletter and on the website at no charge. There are no guarantees that you will find employment, but this forum has worked for many.

In addition to the courses we offer, we also offer seminars which allow MN Appraisers to gain the CE credit they need every two years to maintain their licenses.

Watch for our Course and Seminar schedule which is updated frequently.