Louisiana Requirements to Become a Certified Real Estate Appraiser

Real estate appraisers help determine a property's market price.

Real estate appraisers help to determine a property's market value. They use their imaginations and skills to help others find their dream home, make decisions and work through negotiations. However, becoming a real estate appraiser comes with a few stringent requirements. In Louisiana, a combination of course work and experience is necessary for you to enter the ranks.

General Certified Appraiser

According to the Louisiana Real Estate Board, a general certified real estate appraiser is a person who holds a current, valid license issued by the board for appraisal of all types of real estate regardless of complexity or transaction value. If you have been convicted of a felony, obtaining licensure may be difficult. Before you can become a general certified appraiser, you must complete 180 hours of coursework pertaining to real estate, with 15 of those hours being in National Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). You also must obtain a minimum of 3,000 hours of appraisal experience over a period of three years. Finally, you must pass the General Certified Appraiser Examination with a score of at least 75.

Residential Certified Appraiser

According to the Louisiana Real Estate Board, a Residential Certified Real Estate Appraiser (RCRA) is a person who holds a current, valid license issued by the board to appraise residences with one to four units, and performs appraisals of other types of real estate having a transaction value of $250,000 or less. The education and experience requirements are less stringent than for becoming a general certified appraiser: You must complete 120 hours of coursework pertaining to real estate with 15 of those hours of the coursework being in USPAP; have a minimum of 2,500 hours of appraisal experience over a two-year period; and pass the Residential Certified Appraiser Examination with a score of at least 75.

Exceptions

If you cannot fit the traditional requirements then there are other options. If you are someone who has been convicted of a felony, you should contact the Louisiana Real Estate Board's Investigative Division and explain the nature of the felony. From there, it will be up to the board to decide if you should be allowed to sit in for the required appraisal classes. Also, if you have not met the educational and experience requirements, you can apply to become a real estate appraisal trainee, which does not require experience or an examination.

References

• Louisiana Real Estate Appraisal Board: Licensing Requirements
• Louisiana Real Estate Appraisal Board: Frequently Asked Questions