How do I become an independent appraiser?

To practice independently, you need a credential above the trainee level. A Trainee Appraiser may appraise only within the authorized scope of a supervisory appraiser. The Licensed Residential credential requires 158 hours of qualifying education, 1,000 hours of experience in no fewer than 6 months, and the licensing examination; once you hold that credential or a higher one, you may accept assignments on your own.

In Delaware, an appraiser trainee may not appraise independently, so independence starts with a licensed or certified credential. The Licensed Real Property Appraiser (RPA) credential requires 150 qualifying education hours (158 effective January 1, 2026), 1,000 hours of experience over at least 6 months, and the national exam, and covers non-complex 1-to-4 residential units with a transaction value under $1 million. Higher credentials require more hours but broaden what you may appraise. The Council does not require errors and omissions insurance.

In the District of Columbia, you become independent of a supervisor by moving beyond the trainee credential, which requires working under direct supervision. The Licensed Residential credential requires passing the examination, completing 158 hours of qualifying education, and logging 1,000 hours of experience in no fewer than 6 months. Higher credentials take longer: Certified Residential requires 1,500 hours in no fewer than 12 months, and Certified General requires 3,000 hours in no fewer than 18 months.

In Montana, you become independent of a supervisor by holding a Licensed, Certified Residential, or Certified General credential; a Trainee must work under a board-approved mentor. The Licensed level requires 158 hours of qualifying education and at least 1,000 hours of experience gained over no fewer than 6 months, plus a passing score of at least 75 on the licensing exam. Plan for board review time, since the board meets only four times a year and staff recommend allowing at least 45 days for processing a complete application before a meeting.