Getting a Real Estate Appraisers License in West Virginia
In West Virginia, an aspiring real estate appraiser has to start with 75 hours of class room educational hours that focus on the basics of learning the trade. The required classes will only cover the basics of the skills that are required to become a successful real estate appraiser. You will learn about many topics including measuring a house and the many different styles of architectural design. There is also a requirement for 15 class room hours on “The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice” (USPAP). You must pass all classroom tests before being allowed to apply for an apprentice permit. After successfully completing the classroom curriculum, you can apply with The West Virginia Real Estate Appraisers Licensing and Certification Board to take a state mandated exam that is required to obtain your apprentice permit.
The most difficult step in getting a real estate appraisers license in West Virginia is finding a Licensed Appraiser to do your apprenticeship under. To become a real estate appraiser in West Virginia, you are required to have a minimum of 2,000 hours of appraisal experience under a supervisor that has been at minimum a Licensed Residential Appraiser for two years. The state mandates how many hours you can claim for each appraisal assignment and requires that a log be filled out and signed by your supervisor on a monthly basis. A typical residential appraisal is considered to be non-complex and qualifies for a maximum of 6 credit hours. The state board does not offer assistance in matching you with a supervisor, this is something that you will have to do on your own and is often the biggest hurdle to becoming a Licensed Real Estate Appraiser.
West Virginia has a three tiered licensing program. The licensing titles are Licensed Residential, Certified Residential and Certified General. Each licensing level has specific limits as to the types and monetary value of property that you are able to appraise. A Certified General Appraiser, the highest licensing level in West Virginia is licensed to appraise real estate of any value.
The experience and educational requirements to become a licensed real estate appraiser are going to be increasing in January of 2008 and a college degree will be required for the first time. If you are considering becoming a real estate appraiser in West Virginia, I would recommend calling The West Virginia Licensing and Certification Board to see when classes are being offered in your area. You can reach them at (304) 558-3983.
