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Career Pathways

Every route into the profession, from your first course to your first credential.

Find your path into real estate appraisal

Whether you're a student, changing careers or already licensed, there's a clear path forward. See what each credential lets you do, what it takes to earn it, and the programs that help you get there. 

Four credential levels

Requirements vary by state. Each level typically requires education, experience and a state exam.

  1. 1

    Trainee Real Property Appraiser

    Trainee Real Property Appraiser Work under the direct supervision of a certified appraiser and appraise the same properties your supervisor can. New to the field? ADI® scholarships can cover your required qualifying education.

  2. 2

    Licensed Residential

    Appraise non-complex one-to-four unit properties under $1 million and complex one-to-four unit properties under $400,000. ADI® and AI PAREA can help you earn your experience hours.

  3. 3

    Certified Residential

    Appraise one-to-four unit residential properties regardless of value or complexity. ADI® scholarships also support advanced education and AI PAREA.

  4. 4

    Certified General

    Appraise all types of real property, including commercial.

Residential or commercial?

Pick the path that matches the properties you want to work on. You can always expand later.

Residential path

Licensed Residential, then Certified Residential. Value homes and one-to-four unit properties for buyers, sellers, lenders and courts. Grow into the SRA or AI-RRS designation. 

Commercial path

Certified General. Value retail, industrial, agricultural and other property types. Most states require around 300 hours of qualifying education and 3,000 hours of experience, plus the National Certified General Appraiser Exam. Grow into the MAI or AI-GRS designation. 

Appraisal Institution Career Paths