Becoming an Appraiser

Becoming a Real Estate Appraiser in Massachusetts

What is an appraiser?
An appraiser develops and reports an opinion of value on a specific type of property.  Real Property Appraisal: the valuation of real estate. Real Property Appraisers can choose specialty practices such as residential, commercial, or agricultural.

What skills are required to become an appraiser?
All appraisers must have good analytical skills and work well with numbers. In addition, appraisers spend much time interacting with clients and writing reports, so good oral and written communications skills are a must.
 
Do I need college education to become a Real Property Appraiser?
Some levels of appraiser licensing do have college education requirements. Click on this link to learn more. https://www.mbrea.org/content.asp?contentid=170
 
How do I become an appraiser in Massachusetts?
The first step to becoming a real estate appraiser in Massachusetts is to obtain a Trainee license from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The only requirement for obtaining a Trainee license is the successful completion of 75 hours of appraisal specific education. (All MBREA education courses are approved in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont)
 
This consists of three classes:

  • Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hours) -MBREA suggests you take this course first.
  • Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hours)
  • National Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (15 hours), also called the 15 hr USPAP Course.
Appraiser qualifying education courses are but a click away. Whether you are looking for courses to become a trainee, or to upgrade to licensed residential, certified residential, or certified general, we have it all in a convenient online format. Courses are accepted in all the New England states except New Hampshire and are through MBREA’s education partner McKissock. Best of all, MBREA members receive a 5% discount on all online education -- login above to get the discount code. Not a member? Click here to join. Click here to start your search for the education you want.

Securing a trainee position: Most states now require the trainee to have secured a position with a supervisory appraiser before applying for a trainee license. You may check each state's requirements by visiting their websites for specific information. Links are below.

Once the required education is completed, and you have a supervisor, the next step is to submit an application to the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Appraisers. The application for Massachusetts Trainees and other valuable information is located on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ website at www.mass.gov/dpl/boards/ra.
 
After you obtain your Trainee License:
After you obtain your trainee license will work towards obtaining your Real Estate Appraisal License. There are three different license types: Licensed, Certified Residential and Certified General. You will have to complete specific appraisal education, specific experience hours and hold the college-level requirements for your desired license types. For more information: Massachusetts Application for Certified and Licensed Appraisers
 
How do I obtain trainee experience?
Trainee experience can be gained by aligning yourself with a certified appraiser as an apprentice or a trainee. Many appraisers work as a trainee while completing the required education. Once you obtain a Trainee license you should download and read the Massachusetts Application for Certified and Licensed Appraisers from the State’s Web site as it will guide you in how to properly document your experience.
 
We strongly recommend you utilize the following resources:
Information about obtaining a license in other New England states may be found on each state's web site by clicking the links below: (All MBREA education courses are approved in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont)
 
Connecticut
Maine
New Hampshire
Rhode Island
Vermont