Frequently Asked Questions - Real Estate Appraiser

What is the Scope of Practice while performing FHA-HUD appraisals?

On September 14, 2015 revised standards were issued by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) concerning single family appraisals subject to Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations. See generally, FHA Single Family Housing Policy Handbook, or Handbook 4000.1 (the “Handbook”) (Last Revised: 12/30/2016 - available at http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=40001HSGH.pdf). The Handbook requires, among other things, that appraisers operate all conveyed appliances and observe their performance, ensure that electrical receptacles are working and analyze and report all repairs necessary for the subject property to meet HUD’s minimum property requirements (MPR) for existing properties or minimum property standards (MPS) for new construction.

It has come to the attention of the Department of State (DOS) that licensed and certified appraisers within the State of New York are concerned that compliance with the updated HUD regulations would violate state law regarding licensure of home inspection professionals. Insomuch as DOS regulates and has jurisdiction over both appraisal and home inspection professionals, we have reviewed the laws applicable to both practices and do not believe that licensed and certified appraisers violate the standards set forth for home inspectors by complying with the HUD regulations while performing an FHA appraisal. Appraisers should be aware of these requirements before accepting any FHA appraisal assignment and should not accept any assignment that is beyond the appraiser’s ability to perform.

What are the categories of licensure/certification, related fees, and terms of licensure?

* $250 application fee, $80 federal registration fee and $25 examination application fee

What are the educational requirements?

Appraiser Assistant - Education: Current requirement: (79 hours) *See requirement below for applications submitted on January 1, 2026, or later. 
In this category only: Qualifying education must be completed within the five year period prior to the date of application

R-1 and R-2 are not accepted as equivalent for R-5 and R-6.
Basic Appraisal Principles (R-5) 30 hours
Basic Appraisal Procedures (R-6) 30 hours
National USPAP 15 hours
Supervisory Appraiser/Trainee Appraiser Course 4 hours

*Effective January 1, 2026:

Appraiser Assistant - Education: (87 hours)

In this category only: Qualifying education must be completed within the five year period prior to the date of application

R-1 and R-2 are not accepted as equivalent for R-5 and R-6.
Basic Appraisal Principles (R-5) 30 hours
Basic Appraisal Procedures (R-6) 30 hours
National USPAP 15 hours
Supervisory Appraiser/Trainee Appraiser Course 4 hours

Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations 8 hours

State Licensed Residential Real Estate Appraiser - Education: Current Requirement (150 hours)* see requirement below for applications submitted on January 1, 2026, or later.  
In this category: R-1 and R-2 are accepted as equivalent to R-5 and R-6
Basic Appraisal Principles (R-5) 30 hours
Basic Appraisal Procedures (R-6) 30 hours
National USPAP 15 hours
Residential Market Analysis and Highest/Best Use (R-7) 15 hours
Residential Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach (R-8) 15 hours
Residential Sales Comparison and Income Approach (R-9) 30 hours
Residential Report Writing and Case Studies (R-10) 15 hours

*Effective January 1, 2026:

State Licensed Residential Real Estate Appraiser - Education: 158 hours

In this category: R-1 and R-2 are accepted as equivalent to R-5 and R-6
Basic Appraisal Principles (R-5) 30 hours
Basic Appraisal Procedures (R-6) 30 hours
National USPAP 15 hours
Residential Market Analysis and Highest/Best Use (R-7) 15 hours
Residential Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach (R-8) 15 hours
Residential Sales Comparison and Income Approach (R-9) 30 hours
Residential Report Writing and Case Studies (R-10) 15 hours

Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations 8 hours

State Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser - Education: Current Requirement: (200 hours)* plus one of the following:

*See requirement below for applications submitted on January 1, 2026, or later.  

1. Bachelor’s Degree in any field of Study;
2. Associate’s Degree in a field of study related to:
   1. Business Administration;
   2. Accounting;
   3. Finance;
   4. Economics; or
   5. Real Estate
3. 30 semester hours of college-level courses that cover each of the following specific topic areas and hours:
   1. English Composition (3 semester hours);
   2. Microeconomics (3 semester hours);
   3. Macroeconomics (3 semester hours);
   4. Finance (3 semester hours);
   5. Algebra, Geometry, or higher mathematics (3 semester hours);
   6. Statistics (3 semester hours);
   7. Computer Science (3 semester hours);
   8. Business or Real Estate Law (3 semester hours); and
   9. Two elective courses in any of the topics listed above or in accounting, geography, agricultural economics, business management, or real estate (3 semester hours each).
4. Successful completion of at least 30 semester hours of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations from each of the following subject matter areas;
   1. College Algebra (3 semester hours);
   2. College Composition (6 semester hours);
   3. College Composition Modular (3 semester hours);
   4. College Mathematics (6 semester hours);
   5. Principles of Macroeconomics (3 semester hours);
   6. Principles of Microeconomics (3 semester hours);
   7. Introductory Business Law (3 semester hours); and
   8. Information Systems (3 semester hours).
5. Any combination of 3 and 4 above that ensures coverage of all topics and hours identified in 3.
6. Held a Licensed Residential credential for a minimum of five (5) years with no record of any adverse, final, and non-appealable disciplinary action affecting the Licensed Residential appraiser’s legal eligibility to engage in appraisal practice within the five (5) years immediately preceding the date of application for a Certified Residential Credential.

In this category: R-1 and R-2 are accepted as equivalent to R-5 and R-6
Basic Appraisal Principles (R-5) 30 hours
Basic Appraisal Procedures (R-6) 30 hours
National USPAP 15 hours
Residential Market Analysis and Highest/best Use (R-7) 15 hours
Residential Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach (R-8) 15 hours
Residential Sales Comparison and Income Approach (R-9) 30 hours
Res. Report Writing and Case Studies (R-10) 15 hours
Statistics, Modeling and Finance (SMF) 15 hours
Advanced Residential Applications and Case Studies (R-11) 15 hours
Introduction to Residential Income Properties (RE-1) 20 hours
OR
Fair Housing, Fair Lending and Environmental Issues (RE-2) 20 hours

*Effective January 1, 2026:

State Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser - Education: (203 hours) plus one of the following:

OR

1. Bachelor’s Degree in any field of Study;
2. Associate’s Degree in a field of study related to:
   1. Business Administration;
   2. Accounting;
   3. Finance;
   4. Economics; or
   5. Real Estate
3. 30 semester hours of college-level courses that cover each of the following specific topic areas and hours:
   1. English Composition (3 semester hours);
   2. Microeconomics (3 semester hours);
   3. Macroeconomics (3 semester hours);
   4. Finance (3 semester hours);
   5. Algebra, Geometry, or higher mathematics (3 semester hours);
   6. Statistics (3 semester hours);
   7. Computer Science (3 semester hours);
   8. Business or Real Estate Law (3 semester hours); and
   9. Two elective courses in any of the topics listed above or in accounting, geography, agricultural economics, business management, or real estate (3 semester hours each).
4. Successful completion of at least 30 semester hours of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations from each of the following subject matter areas;
   1. College Algebra (3 semester hours);
   2. College Composition (6 semester hours);
   3. College Composition Modular (3 semester hours);
   4. College Mathematics (6 semester hours);
   5. Principles of Macroeconomics (3 semester hours);
   6. Principles of Microeconomics (3 semester hours);
   7. Introductory Business Law (3 semester hours); and
   8. Information Systems (3 semester hours).
5. Any combination of 3 and 4 above that ensures coverage of all topics and hours identified in 3.
6. Held a Licensed Residential credential for a minimum of five (5) years with no record of any adverse, final, and non-appealable disciplinary action affecting the Licensed Residential appraiser’s legal eligibility to engage in appraisal practice within the five (5) years immediately preceding the date of application for a Certified Residential Credential.

In this category: R-1 and R-2 are accepted as equivalent to R-5 and R-6
Basic Appraisal Principles (R-5) 30 hours
Basic Appraisal Procedures (R-6) 30 hours
National USPAP 15 hours
Residential Market Analysis and Highest/best Use (R-7) 15 hours
Residential Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach (R-8) 15 hours
Residential Sales Comparison and Income Approach (R-9) 30 hours
Res. Report Writing and Case Studies (R-10) 15 hours
Statistics, Modeling and Finance (SMF) 15 hours
Advanced Residential Applications and Case Studies (R-11) 15 hours

Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations 8 hours
Introduction to Residential Income Properties (RE-1) 15 hours

OR
Environmental Issues (RE-2) 15 hours

State Certified General Real Estate Appraiser - Education: Current requirement (300 hours) * See requirement below for applications submitted on January 1, 2026, or later. plus Bachelor’s Degree or higher in any field
In this category: R-1 and R-2 are accepted as equivalent to R-5 and R-6
AQ1 is accepted as equivalent for GE-1.
Basic Appraisal Principles (R-5) 30 hours
Basic Appraisal Procedures (R-6) 30 hours
National USPAP 15 hours
Gen. Market Analysis and Highest/best Use (G-4) 30 hours
Statistics, Modeling and Finance (SMF) 15 hours
General Appraiser Sales Comparison Approach (G-5) 30 hours
General Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach (G-6) 30 hours
General Appraiser Income Approach (G-7) 60 hours
General Appraiser Report Writing and Case Studies (G-8) 30 hours
Fair Housing, Fair Lending and Environmental Issues (GE-1) 15 hours
Specialty Appraisals (GE-2) 15 hours
OR
Using the HP12C Financial Calculator (GE-3) 15 hours

*Effective January 1, 2026:

State Certified General Real Estate Appraiser - Education: (308 hours) plus Bachelor’s Degree or higher in any field
In this category: R-1 and R-2 are accepted as equivalent to R-5 and R-6
AQ1 is accepted as equivalent for GE-1.
Basic Appraisal Principles (R-5) 30 hours
Basic Appraisal Procedures (R-6) 30 hours
National USPAP 15 hours
Gen. Market Analysis and Highest/best Use (G-4) 30 hours
Statistics, Modeling and Finance (SMF) 15 hours
General Appraiser Sales Comparison Approach (G-5) 30 hours
General Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach (G-6) 30 hours
General Appraiser Income Approach (G-7) 60 hours
General Appraiser Report Writing and Case Studies (G-8) 30 hours

Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations 8 hours

Environmental Issues (GE-1) 15 hours
Specialty Appraisals (GE-2) 15 hours
OR
Using the HP12C Financial Calculator (GE-3) 15 hours

What are the Continuing Education Requirements? *Current requirements. See below for the requirements for licenses expiring on January 1, 2026 or later. 

All licensees with a license expiring on or after January 1, 2022 will be required to successfully complete 28 hours of approved appraiser continuing education courses within their two year license renewal period. The education must include the seven-hour National USPAP update course and a course of study pertaining to Fair Housing and Fair Lending. A licensee who previously completed an approved course of study in Fair Housing, Fair Lending and Environmental Issues (RE-2) or (GE-1) prior to January 1, 2022, must complete either the designated four hour or seven hour course on Fair Housing and Fair Lending prior to renewal. A licensee who has NOT completed RE-2 or GE-1 prior to January 1, 2022, MUST complete the designated seven hour course on Fair Housing, Fair Lending prior to renewal. For all subsequent renewals, licensees must complete the seven-hour National USPAP update course and either the four hour or seven hour course of instruction pertaining to Fair Housing and Fair Lending within their two-year license/certification period prior to renewal. Courses will be available at approved schools in the near future and may be completed and applied toward your current continuing education requirements.

Please note that if you renew 185 days or more after your license expires, you must complete an additional 14 hours of approved continuing education for each year or partial year that has passed since the expiration date. 

The chart below shows how many additional approved continuing education hours you must complete if renewing after the expiration date printed on your license:

It is the responsibility of the licensee to maintain records of course completion to be submitted as proof when requested by the Department of State.

*Effective January 1, 2026:

What are the Continuing Education Requirements?

All real estate appraisers with a license or certification that expires on or after January 1, 2026, or who renew on or after that date will be required to successfully complete 28 hours of approved appraiser continuing education courses within their two year license renewal period. The education must include the 7-Hour National USPAP Continuing Education Course and an approved course of study in Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations. Course work in Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations must be a minimum of 7 hours for a first license renewal and a minimum of 4 hours for subsequent renewals. NOTE: If an appraiser completed an 8-hour course (7 hours of instruction plus 1 hour exam) as part of their qualifying education, they have met this requirement.

Please note that if you renew 185 days or more after your license expires, you must complete an additional 14 hours of approved continuing education for each year or partial year that has passed since the expiration date. 

The chart below shows how many additional approved continuing education hours you must complete if renewing after the expiration date printed on your license:

It is the responsibility of the licensee to maintain records of course completion to be submitted as proof when requested by the Department of State.



What are the experience requirements?

State Licensed Real Estate Appraiser
1,000 hours of experience over a period of not less than 24 months is required.

State Certified Residential Appraiser
1,500 hours of experience over a period of not less than 24 months is required.

State Certified General Appraiser
3,000 hours of experience over a period of not less than 24 months is required.

Note: Experience must be obtained within the five-year period prior to submission of your application. To assure consistency and fairness in evaluating appraisal experience, the Department of State will use an "hourly system" that will serve as a guideline. The hourly system takes into consideration the number and type of appraisals performed and hours worked (including travel).

Do I have to provide experience documentation at the time of application?
No. However, applicants may be asked to verify claimed experience following initial licensure/certification. Therefore, you must have documentation in your possession to support all "claimed experience."

What is considered acceptable experience?

Experience credit will only be granted for hours actually worked on an appraisal assignment provided that no applicant shall be permitted to claim experience hours in excess of the maximum hours per assignment as provided for by Section 1102.3 of 19NYCRR.

Note: Review Appraisals may be used for qualifying experience credit only up to a maximum of 25% of the required hours.  

Note: Notwithstanding Section 160-k(1) of the Executive Law, experience may not be substituted by teaching educational courses. The Department has determined that such substitution is no longer consistent with AQB policies and conflicts with Section 160-d of the Executive Law.

• Mass Appraisal Experience:
  In accordance with 19 NYCRR 1102.7 in the Real Estate Appraisal Law Book, applicants for licensure/certification may receive credit for mass appraisal experience. Please refer to and complete Attachment E of the application.

What if I have a combination of traditional and mass appraisal experience?
If you have combined experience, please refer to and complete Attachments C, D, E, and F of the application.

What is considered unacceptable experience?

1. Market value estimates as a real estate licensee in connection with the listing and/or sale of real estate (i.e., "comparative market analysis") are unacceptable.
2. Business appraisals are unacceptable. (Credit will be given for appraisals of individual parcels of commercial real estate.)
3. Personal property appraisals are unacceptable.
4. Feasibility or market analysis is unacceptable, except to the extent that the "market value" of a proposed real estate project is being estimated

What if I don't meet the necessary experience qualifications?
If you do not meet the experience qualifications, you may apply for an Appraiser Assistant license.

How do I qualify as a State Licensed Real Estate Appraiser Assistant?

State Licensed Real Estate Appraiser Assistant applicants must do the following:

1. File an appraiser application with the $250 fee,
2. Meet the minimum education requirements of a State Licensed Real Estate Appraiser,
3. Be supervised in the conduct of their services by a New York State certified appraiser, who is approved by the Department of State as a Supervisory Appraiser. The Supervisory Appraiser must cosign the appraisal reports, and
4. Utilize the same Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice as a state licensed or certified appraiser.

Upon satisfaction of the application requirements of the Department of State, the Department will issue a renewable 2-year State Licensed Real Estate Appraiser Assistant license.

Should an appraiser assistant acquire experience for licensed or certified appraiser, his or her application must comply with whatever examination and education requirements exist for that category at that time. 

Is there reciprocity with other states?

Yes, with the exception of Appraiser Assistants. An applicant may be certified/licensed in New York State without examination and further qualification if the applicant provides proof and is certified/licensed in another state or territory:

• Whose licensing program is in compliance with the provisions of Title XI of The Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989.
• Whose examination has been approved by the Appraiser Qualification Board of the Appraisal Foundation.
• Who has licensing and certification qualification requirements that meet or exceed those of New York State.

Reciprocity applicants must submit the following:

• A completed appraiser application (p. 5 and 6) with $330 (application and federal registration fee)

The term for a reciprocal license/certification is 2 years.

How do I apply for a temporary license/certification?

On occasion, a nonresident appraiser may wish to conduct business of a temporary nature in New York State. The applicant may be issued a temporary license/certificate to perform appraisals in New York State if the applicant is certified/licensed in another state or territory:

• whose program has been officially endorsed by the Federal Appraisal Subcommittee.
• whose examination has been approved by the Appraiser Qualification Board of the Appraisal Foundation.

Nonresident temporary applicants must submit the following:

• A completed appraiser application (p. 5 and 6) with $125 application fee

NOTE: Applicants May Not Maintain an Office that Provides Appraisal Services to Clients in New York State.

The term is for one year and cannot be renewed. 

I am a licensed real estate appraiser. Am I required to identify my license status on an appraisal report or contract?
Real property appraisal activities, including the appraisal report and contract for services, must include the title, "State Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser," "State Certified General Real Estate Appraiser," or "State Licensed Real Estate Appraiser," as appropriate. Additionally, the certification or license number of the appraiser must be set forth adjacent to or immediately below such title. (Section 160-r of the Executive Law)

What if it has been more than two years since my last license/certification expired? 
If it has been more than two years since the expiration of the applicant's last license, the applicant must file a new application, meet the current qualifying education requirements, meet the current experience requirements, and pass the appropriate appraiser examination.

Note: Qualifying experience can never be more than 5 years old. See 19 NYCRR §1102.1.

* Experience credit will only be granted for hours actually worked on an appraisal assignment provided that no applicant shall be permitted to claim experience hours in excess of the maximum hours per assignment as provided by Section 1102.3 of 19 NYCRR.

Who needs to take the Supervisory Appraiser/Trainee Appraiser course?
As of January 1, 2015, all new Supervisory Appraisers and new Appraiser Assistants must complete the course prior to application.  Supervisory Appraisers approved prior to January 1, 2015 must have completed the course prior to entering into a new supervisor/trainee relationship. Supervisory Appraisers approved prior to January 1, 2015 who did not enter into a new supervisor/trainee relationship must have completed the course by December 15, 2015. You may be asked to provide proof of completion to our office during an audit.

I am currently a credentialed Trainee Appraiser.  Am I required to take the Supervisory Appraiser/Trainee Appraiser course?  
Trainee Appraisers who held a license prior to January 1, 2015 do not need to complete the course.  Trainee Appraisers applying after January 1, 2015 must complete the course.

How long is the Supervisory Appraiser/Trainee Appraiser course valid?
There is no specified time of validity.  The course is a prerequisite for Supervisory Appraisers to supervise and for Trainee Appraisers to obtain a credential.  

Does a Trainee Appraiser who has already taken the required Supervisory Appraiser/Trainee Appraiser course need to take the course again when becoming eligible to be a Supervisory Appraiser?
Taking the course as a Trainee Appraiser satisfies the requirement if the Trainee later becomes a Supervisory Appraiser.

I am a Supervisory Appraiser who recently upgraded from Certified Residential to Certified General. Am I allowed to continue to supervise my Trainee Appraisers or do I need to wait until I have held the Certified General credential for three years? 
Yes. You are allowed to continue to supervise your current Trainee Appraisers. However, you must be competent in the property type and the geographic location of your practice. You may supervise the Trainee Appraiser in both residential and non-residential assignments that you are competent to appraise. You may not supervise a trainee obtaining Certified General experience until you have held the Certified General credential for three years. 

I am a certified appraiser who recently obtained my license in New York State through reciprocity with another state.  I have been certified for more than three years and also took the required course for Supervisory Appraisers/Trainee Appraisers in the other state.  Can I supervise Trainee Appraisers in New York State?
Effective July 1, 2016, while Supervisory Appraisers must still be state certified appraisers in good standing for a minimum of three years prior to supervising, they no longer need to be state certified and in good standing in the jurisdiction in which the Trainee Appraiser practices. 

Can the Supervisory Appraiser/Trainee Appraiser course completed in New York State be used for continuing education?
Yes, completion of this course by an appraiser can be applied toward the continuing education requirement if completed within an appraiser's two year licensing term.

Do I need a password in order to renew my license online?
No, a password is not needed to renew your license online.

My business name or business address is different?
No, you cannot renew online if the business name or business address is different than the information contained in the on-line renewal system. If your business name or business address has changed, use the renewal notice you received in the mail, and follow the instructions for business name/business address change, or contact the Division of Licensing Services Customer Service Representatives at (518) 474-4429, for further assistance.

I didn't get my renewal license in the mail? Can I still renew online? 
Yes, you can. You should confirm that the information contained on the online application is current and then complete the process.

How much does it cost to renew my license online? 
You will be shown your renewal fee before being asked to complete the transaction. The cost is the same as for other methods of renewing your license. There is no additional charge for renewing online.

How do I pay for my renewal?
You can pay for your renewal using one of the following credit cards:
MasterCard
Visa

My license has already expired, (or is expiring very soon) can I renew online?
If your license has expired, or is expiring very soon, you may use online renewal. However, while a processed online renewal will cause your Division of Licensing Services record to be updated, you will have to allow 2-4 weeks for your new license to arrive in the mail.

We suggest you print the confirmation page, which will serve as proof that your renewal was submitted and is in process.

Attention Real Estate Appraisers: To avoid an additional $200 penalty fee, the renewal must be received by this office no later than 30 days after the expiration date of your current license/certification. 

What if it has been more than 2 years since my last license expired?
A license expired more than 2 years cannot be renewed. You should contact the Division of Licensing Services Customer Service at (518) 474-4429 for further assistance. 

What continuing education do individuals who hold an appraiser license or certification need in order to renew?

*Current requirements. See below for licenses that expire on or after January 1, 2026.

All real estate appraisers and assistants are required to successfully complete 28 hours of approved appraiser continuing education courses which must include the seven-hour National USPAP update course, and an approved course of study in Fair Housing and Fair Lending, within their two-year license/ certification period prior to renewal. Please note that you must complete an additional 14 hours of approved continuing education for each year that has lapsed if you renew 185 days after the expiration date of your license. It is the responsibility of the licensee to maintain records of course completion to be submitted as proof when requested by the Department of State.

It is important to note that if the appraiser fails to renew within two years of the expiration date, the appraiser will be required to resubmit a new application and meet all of the current qualifications.

*Effective January 1, 2026:

What continuing education do individuals who hold an appraiser license or certification need in order to renew?

All real estate appraisers and assistants are required to successfully complete 28 hours of approved appraiser continuing education courses which must include the 7-Hour National USPAP Continuing Education Course, and an approved course of study in Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations, within their two-year license/ certification period prior to renewal. Please note that you must complete an additional 14 hours of approved continuing education for each year that has lapsed if you renew 185 days after the expiration date of your license. It is the responsibility of the licensee to maintain records of course completion to be submitted as proof when requested by the Department of State.

It is important to note that if the appraiser fails to renew within two years of the expiration date, the appraiser will be required to resubmit a new application and meet all of the current qualifications.

How will I know what amount is being charged to my credit card? How will I know my transaction worked? Will I get a receipt? 
You will be shown the renewal fee before you are asked to complete the transaction. The fee amount is also shown on the confirmation that you receive after submitting your order. Your credit card statement should also identify your charge as
“NYS Licensing (518) 474-4429.”

How long will it take to get my renewed license?
Please allow at least 2-4 weeks to receive your new license by mail. Due to variations in mailing time, some orders may take a little longer.

If you do not receive your new license, you may contact the Division of Licensing Services Customer Service at (518) 474-4429. You will be asked to provide your cash number when you call.

What are the hours to renew online?
Online renewal is normally available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Most renewals will be processed immediately. 

Can I cancel my online renewal? 
You can back out of the renewal at any point up until you click the submit button on the payment form. 

Is there a NYS Board of Real Estate Appraisal?

Yes. NYS Board of Real Estate Appraisal

How can I file a complaint?

Appraisal Complaint National Hotline