How to Be a Real Estate Appraiser in Illinois

Illinois real estate appraisers are governed by the state's Department of Professional Regulation.

A real estate appraiser is a licensed individual who is paid a fee for determining official values on pieces of real estate. Appraisers are often hired by banks, attorneys, mortgage companies, real estate firms and homeowners. In Illinois, becoming a licensed real estate appraiser involves completing required pre-licensing training and a written application and passing a state licensing examination.

Instructions

1. Complete the required pre-licensing training courses. New Illinois appraisers are required to complete 75 hours of classroom training. Fifteen hours must cover ethics and professional standards. Contact the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation for a list of accredited schools, or register for classes online (see Resources).

2. Complete the Illinois appraiser application paperwork. The application package contains 14 pages and can be obtained from the Department of Professional Regulation's website. In addition to your contact information, you will be required to furnish such information as your military background and a certificate of pre-licensing completion. Complete each page carefully. You will also be required to pay a nonrefundable application fee, which, as of June 2010, was $225.

3. Successfully complete the Illinois Level A real estate appraiser licensing examination. Contact the Department of Professional Regulation to register for the exam. The office can be reached at 217-785-9300.

Tips & Warnings

• Never withhold information on your application. Doing so could cause your license to be denied.

References

• Illinois Department of Professional Regulation

Resources

• Real Estate Express Appraisal Courses
• Illinois Appraisal Licensing Application
• Illinois Coalition of Appraisal Professionals