How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in California
Every home sale with a mortgage needs an appraisal, and that includes manufactured homes. California appraisers are licensed by the Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers (BREA), and most people start at the trainee level, then work under a certified supervisor while they build experience. Here's how the path works.
California appraiser license levels
California has four credential levels. Most new appraisers start as a Trainee and move up from there.
| Level | What it allows | Key requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Trainee | Appraise under a certified supervisory appraiser | Qualifying education (below), age 18+, no experience needed |
| Licensed Residential | Appraise non-complex residential properties, within federal limits | 158 hours of education, 1,000 hours of experience over at least 6 months, national exam |
| Certified Residential | Appraise residential properties of any value or complexity | More education and experience, plus college-level education |
| Certified General | Appraise all property types, including commercial | The most education and experience, plus a bachelor's degree |
Step 1: Complete the trainee education
BREA requires these courses before you apply for a Trainee license:
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hours)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hours)
- National USPAP Course or equivalent (15 hours)
- Supervisory Appraiser/Trainee Appraiser Course (4 hours)
- California Laws and Regulations (4 hours) and Cultural Competency (1 hour)
All of it must be completed within the five years before you apply. You'll also need the 8-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing course before you can upgrade to Licensed Residential, so many trainees take it up front.
View California appraiser coursesStep 2: Find a supervisory appraiser
As a trainee, you can only appraise under the direct, personal supervision of a certified appraiser who meets BREA's supervisor requirements. Start building relationships with local appraisal offices early. The right supervisor shapes your whole training experience.
Step 3: Apply to BREA
Submit your application (form REA 3001) with your education report (REA 3002) and the application fee, and complete Live Scan fingerprinting. Check brea.ca.gov for current forms and fees before you apply.
Step 4: Build experience and upgrade
Log your appraisal hours under your supervisor. To upgrade to Licensed Residential, you'll need 1,000 hours of experience over at least six months, the additional residential coursework, and a passing score on the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination.
Why manufactured housing knowledge sets appraisers apart
Manufactured homes are a big part of California's affordable housing, and appraising them takes specific know-how: HUD-code construction, the difference between real and personal property, in-park homes versus homes on land, and lender requirements such as the manufactured home appraisal report. Appraisers who understand manufactured housing can serve a market many others avoid.
Learn about manufactured housingFrequently asked questions
Do I need a college degree to become an appraiser in California?
Not for the Trainee or Licensed Residential levels. The Certified Residential and Certified General levels require college-level education.
Can I take appraiser courses online?
Yes. The qualifying education courses above are available online through The CE Shop, so you can study on your own schedule.
Who regulates appraisers in California?
The Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers (BREA), at brea.ca.gov.
Affiliate has an agreement with The CE Shop to promote online course information to consumers and real estate licensees. Affiliate is not the developer of these courses and is simply providing a referral. All education is provided by The CE Shop and any questions regarding course content or course technology should be directed to The CE Shop.
Licensing requirements change. Always confirm current requirements with BREA before you enroll or apply.