In order to obtain both a license and certification as an FHA appraiser, potential candidates must follow some specific guidelines. FHA properties cannot be appraised those who are licensed but not certified. State licensing and certification requirements differ significantly. Candidates must meet all criteria set forth the Appraisal Foundation, including a college education, if they are to gain eligibility for the FHA roster, regardless of state requirements. Candidates who meet the aforementioned requirements can apply to be added to the FHA appraisal roster submitting an application and proof of eligibility to the FHA.
To become an FHA appraiser, you must have a college education, and while the Appraisal Foundation sets the minimum requirements, states may have additional requirements. A certified residential appraiser or a certified general appraiser will be required for FHA appraisals. The educational requirements for a certified residential appraiser are an associate’s degree in any discipline or 21 credit hours in real estate-related courses. A bachelor’s degree in any discipline or 30 credit hours in real estate will suffice for a certified general appraiser. Students must first complete all required courses at an accredited college or university recognized the United States Secretary of Education before beginning the process of becoming an FHA appraiser.
The next step is to check with the candidate’s home state to see what licensing and certification requirements are in place. While state requirements may vary, the Appraisal Foundation has established some minimum requirements for becoming an FHA appraiser. Other education is required as well, with certified residential appraisers needing a certain number of hours in real estate appraisal courses and certified general appraisers needing more. The other major criterion is experience, which in 2011 required candidates to work for a minimum of 2,500 hours under the supervision of a licensed and certified appraiser in no less than 24 months for a certified residential appraiser and 3,000 hours in no less than 30 months for a certified general appraiser. In addition, about half of the time must be spent on non-residential activities.
Candidates who meet the experience and education requirements are eligible to sit for the Appraisal Foundation’s national examination. Candidates who pass the exam can apply to the FHA for a spot on the appraisal roster submitting an application. Candidates must submit proof of meeting college requirements, real estate appraisal education requirements, experience requirements, and the results of the national examination along with their application. Candidates who are approved are automatically added to the roster and become FHA appraisers, while those who are not approved receive a denial letter.