How do I become a VA-approved appraiser?

VA appraisal work requires state certification plus the VA's own fee-panel appointment. The VA randomly assigns appraisers from its panel to keep valuations impartial, so you cannot be chosen directly by borrowers or lenders. The first step is earning a state certified credential (Certified Residential or Certified General), since state certification is the baseline the VA requires before its panel appointment.

To become a Virginia-approved appraiser, start with the Appraiser Trainee credential. You must complete 83 hours of qualifying education (including the 15-hour National USPAP course and the 8-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing course), secure a certified supervising appraiser, and submit the Trainee License Application with the Trainee Supervisor Verification Form and the $117.50 statutory fee ($132 total with the technology fee). From there you log supervised experience and apply for the Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, or Certified General credential.