What does a certified residential appraiser do?

A Certified Residential Appraiser values one- to four-unit residential properties without regard to transaction value or complexity, including vacant or unimproved land utilized for 1-4 residential units. The work involves inspecting the property, photographing its features, analyzing comparable sales and lease records, and preparing a written report on value. The credential requires 200 hours of qualifying education, college-level education, 1,500 hours of experience over no fewer than 12 months, and the national Certified Residential exam.

A Certified Residential Appraiser in Arkansas may appraise all 1-4 unit residential properties without regard to value or complexity. When appraising nonresidential property such as commercial buildings, farms, or timberland, the appraiser is limited to $250,000 in transaction value for federally related transactions and $250,000 in property value otherwise. Earning the credential requires 204 hours of qualifying education, 1,500 experience hours in no fewer than 12 months, and college-level education.

A certified residential appraiser values residential properties in Connecticut with no transaction-value limit, but the credential does not cover commercial work, which requires the certified general credential. It is a federally recognized classification, so holders can appraise federally related transactions and may apply to the FHA roster once their Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) National Registry entry shows they are AQB Compliant. Upgrading from the provisional level requires meeting the Appraisal Qualification Board (AQB) 2026 criteria.

A certified residential appraiser estimates the value of 1-to-4 unit residential properties without limits on value or complexity, under the Appraisal Qualifications Board criteria the District enforces. DC law defines a real estate appraiser as anyone who renders or offers professional services estimating the value of real property and real estate. Earning the credential requires an examination, 200 hours of qualifying education, and 1,500 hours of experience in no fewer than 12 months.

A Georgia State Certified Residential Appraiser may appraise all one-to-four unit residential properties without regard to transaction value or complexity, including in federally related transactions. The classification requires 1,500 hours of experience earned over at least 12 months, a college-level education option such as a Bachelor's degree in any field, and a passing score on the Certified Residential examination, which runs 4 hours with 110 scored questions.

A certified residential appraiser values all 1-4 family residential properties without regard to value or complexity, and may also appraise other property types with a transaction value under $250,000. To qualify in Hawaii, an applicant needs 200 hours of qualifying education, college-level education, 1,500 hours of qualifying experience gained in no fewer than 12 months, and a passing exam score of 75.

A certified residential appraiser in Idaho can appraise one-to-four unit residential properties without regard to value or complexity. The credential sits above Licensed Residential, which covers non-complex units under $1,000,000 and complex units under $400,000. Earning it requires 200 hours of qualifying education, a college-level education requirement, and 1,500 hours of experience gained over at least 12 months.

A Kansas certified residential appraiser appraises 1-4 family residential properties without regard to transaction value or complexity, including vacant land used for 1-4 family purposes. The scope excludes subdivisions that require development analysis.

A certified residential real property appraiser in Maine appraises residential real estate of one to four units without regard to value or complexity. The credential also covers vacant or unimproved land used, or best used, for one-to-four family housing, but it excludes subdivisions that require development analysis and appraisal. To earn it, an appraiser completes 200 hours of qualifying education, 1,500 hours of experience over at least 12 months, and the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam.

A Certified Residential Appraiser in Montana may appraise 1-to-4 unit residential properties without regard to transaction value or complexity, including vacant or unimproved land used for 1-to-4 unit residential purposes, under the AQB criteria effective January 1, 2026. The credential requires 200 hours of qualifying education, at least 1,500 hours of experience over no fewer than 12 months, a college-level education alternative, and a passing score on the licensing exam.

A Certified Residential appraiser appraises one-to-four unit residential properties, regardless of value or complexity, including vacant or unimproved land used (or best suited under its highest and best use) for 1-4 residential units. This scope is broader than the Licensed Residential credential, which covers non-complex 1-4 unit properties under $1,000,000 and complex ones under $400,000. Certified Residential appraisers are also eligible for the FHA Appraiser Roster, which Trainee and Licensed Residential appraisers are not.

A Certified Residential Appraiser in Nevada appraises 1 to 4 unit residential properties without the transaction value limit that applies at the licensed residential level. It is one of the three federally recognized appraiser classifications, so certified residential appraisers appear on the Appraisal Subcommittee's National Registry and can join the FHA roster to appraise FHA-insured mortgages. Trainees and licensed residential appraisers cannot join the FHA roster.

A Certified Residential appraiser appraises one-to-four unit residential property without regard to value or complexity. Unlike the Licensed Residential level, which is capped at non-complex properties under $1,000,000 and complex properties under $400,000, Certified Residential has no value limit. Earning it requires qualifying education, college-level education (with exceptions such as five years as a Licensed Residential appraiser in good standing), qualifying experience, and a passing exam score.

A certified residential appraiser in North Dakota may appraise one-family to four-family residential properties without regard to value or complexity, plus noncomplex nonresidential properties up to $250,000 in transaction value. To earn the credential, an applicant must meet a college education requirement (with alternatives, including five years as a licensed appraiser with a clean disciplinary record), complete 200 hours of qualifying education, gain 1,500 hours of experience over at least 12 months, and pass the Uniform State Certified Residential Appraiser Examination.

A Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser in Rhode Island appraises 1-to-4 unit residential property without regard to value or complexity, including vacant land used for 1-to-4 residential units. It is the third of Rhode Island's four credentials, above Licensed Trainee and Licensed Residential and below Certified General. It requires 200 hours of qualifying education, college-level education, and 1,500 hours of qualifying experience earned over at least 12 months.

A South Dakota State-Certified Residential Appraiser may appraise any 1-to-4 family residential property without regard to value or complexity, plus noncomplex nonresidential properties under $400,000. The credential requires 200 hours of qualifying education, 1,500 hours of experience over at least 12 months (including at least 750 residential hours), an AQB-approved examination, and a background check. Every classification must follow the USPAP Competency Rule regardless of transaction value.

A Certified Residential appraiser holds a state credential that is federally recognized for appraising property in federally related transactions, such as FHA-insured mortgages. In Vermont, the credential requires 200 qualifying-education hours, 1,500 hours of experience in no fewer than 12 months, college-level education, and a passing score on the national exam. Certified Residential appraisers appear on the Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) National Registry and are eligible for the FHA Appraiser Roster.

A state certified residential appraiser in West Virginia may appraise residential property of 1 to 4 units without regard to value or complexity, and nonresidential property valued under $100,000 (W. Va. Code 30-38-4(c)). The appraiser must place the classification and certificate number on all appraisals, statements of qualification, contracts, and advertising. Certified-level appraisers may also join the FHA Appraiser Roster to appraise FHA-insured mortgages.