Looking to pursue a career as a real estate appraiser in California?
The first step to achieving that goal is completing the qualifying education (QE) trainee appraisal course from a reputable and approved provider in California.
Remember, a good foundation is crucial to be successful in your chosen career path.
This is why, in this article, I’ll list the 5 best real estate appraisal courses in California. We’ll review each one to help you determine which is the best for YOU.
So shall we?
Top 5 Real Estate Appraisal Courses in California
Here are the top 5 picks for appraisal education providers in California:
Let’s go ahead and discuss why they landed in the top spots!
McKissock Learning
Whether you’re looking for a qualifying appraisal or continuing education course, you’ve probably heard about McKissock. They are well-known and most preferred when it comes to real estate education.
For more than 30 years, they have been offering world-class and reliable appraisal courses in every state. Their appraisal course packages include all that you need and some additional resources to help you in your appraiser career.
You can choose from three packages:
158-hour Basic Package for about $1600
This includes the full mandatory 150 hour QE trainee appraisal course, plus the Supervisor-Trainee course.
158-hour Advanced Pro Package for about $2200
Aside from the appraisal courses, there’s an instructor-led Q&A session every week. Printed textbooks and Licensed Residential exam prep are also included in this package.
California QE Unlimited Learning Subscription for about $1700
If you want value for money, this is the package for you. You’ll have one-year unlimited access to all the courses, tools, discounts, webinars, and more!
If you’re not good at self-learning, then you can avail of their Livestream packages, too. This will offer less flexibility, but you get the best of both worlds - a classroom setting with a live instructor but from the comfort of your home!
The Appraisal Institute is an association of appraisers that was organized in 1932, now with over 17,000 members in almost 50 countries. Although they are not a real estate school, they still offer high-quality appraisal courses.
You can take their classes online, live, or in-classroom.
If you want complete convenience and flexibility, you can go for their on-demand online course. If you want to have a live instructor but still study at home, then go for the live. And if you prefer to study in a physical classroom, visit their Northern California Chapter in 1966 Tice Valley, Boulevard, #421, Walnut Creek, CA 94595.
Because it is an association of appraisers, their courses are written by professional appraisers and are always up to date.
However, the drawback is they don’t offer packages. This can make it a bit confusing if you’re only looking for the required courses.
Of course, you don’t have to be a member to study their courses. We highly recommend that you do, though, to receive awesome perks and resources, such as webinars, training, discounts, and many more!
Champions School of Real Estate is another well-known name in real estate education. They have an average rating of 4.85 out of 5 stars with over 1675 reviews!
Talk about customer satisfaction!
I mean, the lessons are very easy to understand, flexible, engaging, and interactive. What more do you need?
One thing you should note, though. Champions School of Real Estate does not offer a package for the QE trainee course. You will have to buy them individually, which will cost you.
Still, it’s a reputable school that helps you fulfill your requirements.
Dynasty School
Over the years, Dynasty School has been helping students get and maintain their real estate appraisal licenses with their quality education. To fulfil all of their student’s needs, they partnered with McKissock.
Compared to other real estate schools, they offer a flexible payment plan. You can either pay in full or pay $100 monthly until fully paid.
If you’re on a budget, this is your best option.
They offer a 158-hr Initial License Trainee and Licensed Level package for $1599 for a one-year subscription. While it costs $1999 for a two-year subscription.
For more than 35 years, Noble Fields School of Real Estate has been a home for aspiring real estate professionals. They offer in-classroom and online pre-licensing and continuing education courses.
The 135-hr Appraiser Trainee Package they offer costs $499, including textbooks. If you’re planning to take the course in person, classes are available on these campuses:
6121 Mission Street, Daly City, Ca 94014
428-A Oakland Avenue, Oakland, Ca 94611
Enrollment is valid for nine months. In case you haven’t finished the course yet, you can purchase a three-month extension for a fee of $44.
A student is eligible for a full refund if the enrollment was canceled three days before the classes start. Provided, of course, if no classes are attended and all materials are returned.
So if you’re more the traditional type of person, then definitely check out Noble Field School of Real Estate.
California Real Estate Appraisal Course FAQS
What are the Appraisal Licensure Basic Requirements in California?
In California, there are four levels of appraisal licensure, namely:
- Trainee License
- Residential License
- Certified General License
- Certified Residential License
These levels require almost the same requirements but some need additional qualifications. The basic requirements include:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Provide proof of legal presence in the United States
- Must be of good moral character
Here are the additional requirements for certain licensure levels:
- For a Certified Residential License, you must have an Associate Degree or 21-hour college semester of a specific topic.
- For a Certified General License, you must have a Bachelor's Degree or 30-hour college semester on a specific topic.
What are the Appraisal Courses Requirements in California?
For Trainee and Residential Licenses:
150-hour Appraisal Course that includes the following courses:
- 30-hour Basic Appraisal Principles
- 30-hour Basic Appraisal Procedures
- 15-hour USPAP Course or equivalent
- 15-hour Residential Market Analysis and Highest Best Use
- 15-hour Residential Report Writing and Case Studies
- 30-hour Residential Sales Comparison and Income Approach
For Certified General License:
200-hour Appraisal Course that includes the following courses:
- 150-hour Residential Appraiser Courses
- 15-hour Statistics, Modeling, and Finance
- 15-hour Advanced Residential Application and Case Studies
- 20-hour Appraisal Subject Matter Electives
For Certified Residential License:
300-hour Appraisal Course that includes the following courses:
- 200-hour Certified General Appraiser Courses
- 15-hour General Appraiser Sales Comparison and Income Approach
- 45-hour General Appraiser Income Approach
- 10-hour Report Writing and Case Studies
- 15-hour General Appraiser Market Analysis and Highest Best Use
Do I Need to Have an Appraisal Experience to Get Licensed?
If you’re applying for a Trainee License, you don’t need any work experience as an appraiser. However, for the other levels of appraisal license, you need to have specific hours of experience:
- Residential License - 2000 hours in no more than 12 months
- Certified Residential - 2500 hours in no more than 30 months
- Certified General - 3000 hours in no more than 30 months, including at least 1500 hours of non-residential appraiser experience
Conclusion
Several schools and organizations offer appraisal courses in California.
However, not all of them will fit your learning style. The first step towards a successful career in real estate is to find an education provider that you’ll feel comfortable with.
Also, consider the packages and inclusions they offer that will help you, not only finish the requirements but improve your skills as an appraiser.