Question 1

What are the requirements to become a Certified General Appraiser in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Per the current AQB Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria: (1) Bachelor's degree (or 30 specific semester credits under the alternative path), (2) 300 hours of qualifying appraisal education including the 15-hour National USPAP course, (3) 3,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience over a minimum of 18 months, with at least 1,500 hours in non-residential property, and (4) passing the AQB National Uniform Licensing & Certification Exam.

Question 2

How much does it cost to become a Certified General Appraiser?

Accepted Answer

Total realistic cost in 2026 is $5,000-$10,000: $2,500-$5,000 for the 300 hours of qualifying education (McKissock, Appraisal Institute, Hondros), $150-$400 for the national exam, $200-$600 in state license fees, $50-$100 for background check, and $300-$800/year for E&O insurance once licensed.

Question 3

Certified General Appraiser vs Certified Residential, which pays more?

Accepted Answer

Certified General Appraisers earn ~30% more on average (median ~$95K vs ~$72K) because they can appraise commercial property of any value, while Certified Residential is capped at non-complex 1-4 unit residences under $1M. Commercial work also commands higher per-assignment fees ($1,500-$10,000+ vs $400-$800 residential).

Question 4

How long does it take to get a Certified General Appraiser license?

Accepted Answer

Minimum 18 months because of the AQB experience requirement (3,000 hours, ≥18 months elapsed time). Most candidates take 2-3 years total: 6-12 months to finish the 300 education hours while working as a Trainee/Licensed Appraiser, then 18-24 months logging supervised commercial experience.

Question 5

Is Certified General Appraiser worth it with AVMs and AI valuation tools?

Accepted Answer

Yes for commercial work, AVMs (Zillow, HouseCanary, CoreLogic) are accurate for tract residential but unreliable for commercial, industrial, and complex properties where Certified General appraisers are required by lenders, the GSEs, and federal regulations. The appraiser workforce is also aging (~35% over 60), creating a long-term supply shortage.

Certified General Appraiser Exam Preparation