Certified Appraiser

A certified appraiser holds a state-issued appraisal credential that authorizes the appraiser to perform assignments within the scope established by that credential and applicable state law. The two primary certified credentials are Certified Residential and Certified General, with education, experience and examination requirements established through state licensing programs based on Appraiser Qualifications Board criteria.

A Certified Residential appraiser may appraise one-to-four-unit residential properties within the scope permitted by state law. A Certified General appraiser may appraise residential and nonresidential properties without the same property-type limitations.

Lenders and appraisal management companies verify an appraiser's credential, status and scope of practice before assigning work. The Appraisal Subcommittee's National Registry provides a resource for checking appraiser credentials. Stewart Valuation Intelligence verifies appraiser credentials as part of its compliance oversight process.