Are you interested in becoming a real estate appraiser in North Carolina? If so, you’re in the right place! Obtaining a North Carolina appraiser license allows individuals to practice as professional real estate appraisers in the state. The North Carolina Appraisal Board is responsible for overseeing the licensing and regulation of appraisers in North Carolina. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the process and steps involved in obtaining a North Carolina appraiser license.
Overview
The North Carolina Appraisal Board, also known as NCAB, is responsible for licensing and regulating appraisers in North Carolina. The board sets the educational and experience requirements that individuals must fulfill to become licensed appraisers in the state. The board also ensures that appraisers adhere to professional standards and ethical guidelines.
Steps to Obtaining a North Carolina Appraiser License


Obtaining a North Carolina appraiser license involves several steps, including meeting educational requirements, passing exams, gaining experience and training, and completing the application process. Let’s take a closer look at each step:
Educational Requirements
The first step to obtaining a North Carolina appraiser license is to fulfill the educational requirements set by the North Carolina Appraisal Board. Aspiring appraisers must complete a specific number of hours of approved appraisal education courses. These courses cover topics such as real estate appraisal principles, appraisal procedures, and the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
North Carolina Real Estate Appraisal Board (NCAB) requires candidates to complete 150 hours of qualifying education for the Licensed Residential Appraiser level, 200 hours for the Certified Residential Appraiser level, and 300 hours for the Certified General Appraiser level. The courses must be completed through an accredited provider recognized by the NCAB.
Exam Process
After completing the required education, the next step is to pass the appraisal exams. The North Carolina Appraisal Board requires individuals to pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination for each appraiser level they are pursuing. The exams test candidates’ knowledge and understanding of appraisal principles, methods, and practices.
North Carolina Board of Appraisers (NCAB) administers the exams through a third-party testing provider. Candidates must register for the exam and pay the required fees. Exam results are typically released within a few weeks, and passing scores are valid for a specified period.
Experience and Training
Once the educational and exam requirements are met, aspiring appraisers must gain practical experience in the field. The North Carolina Appraisal Board requires individuals to complete a certain number of hours of appraisal experience under the supervision of a qualified appraiser.
The specific experience requirements vary depending on the appraiser level. For the Licensed Residential Appraiser level, individuals must complete a minimum of 2,000 hours of experience within a period of at least 12 months. For the Certified Residential Appraiser level, the requirement is 2,500 hours of experience, with at least 24 months of duration. And for the Certified General Appraiser level, individuals must complete 3,000 hours of experience, with at least 30 months of duration.
During the experience period, individuals work under the guidance and supervision of a qualified appraiser who holds a higher-level license. This allows aspiring appraisers to gain hands-on experience and learn the intricacies of the appraisal profession.
Application Process
After fulfilling the educational and experience requirements, individuals can proceed with the application process. The North Carolina Appraisal Board requires applicants to complete and submit the appropriate application form along with the necessary supporting documents and fees.
The application form typically includes personal information, educational history, experience details, and references. Applicants may need to provide documentation of completed appraisal courses, exam scores, and proof of experience. It’s important to ensure that all required documents are submitted accurately and in a timely manner to avoid any delays in the licensing process.
Once the application is reviewed and approved by the North Carolina Appraisal Board, individuals will be notified of their license approval. They will then receive their North Carolina appraiser license, which allows them to legally practice as appraisers in the state.
Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements
Obtaining a North Carolina appraiser license is not the end of the journey. Appraisers must also fulfill renewal requirements to maintain their license. The North Carolina Appraisal Board requires appraisers to renew their license every two years.
As part of the renewal process, appraisers must complete a certain number of hours of continuing education (CE) courses. The specific CE requirements vary depending on the appraiser level. For example, Licensed Residential Appraisers must complete 28 hours of approved CE courses, while Certified Residential Appraisers and Certified General Appraisers must complete 30 hours. These courses cover a range of topics to ensure appraisers stay up to date with the latest industry practices and regulations.
It’s important for appraisers to keep track of their CE hours and ensure they complete the required courses on time. Failure to fulfill the renewal and CE requirements can result in the expiration or suspension of the appraiser license.
Conclusion

Obtaining a North Carolina appraiser license is a multi-step process that requires individuals to meet educational requirements, pass exams, gain experience, and complete the application process. By following these steps and adhering to the guidelines set by the North Carolina Appraisal Board, individuals can become licensed appraisers in the state. It’s important to stay informed about any updates or changes to the licensing requirements and to fulfill renewal and continuing education requirements to maintain an active license.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a real estate appraiser in North Carolina, we encourage you to explore the resources provided by the North Carolina Appraisal Board and consult with professionals in the field. Obtaining a North Carolina appraiser license can open doors to a rewarding and in-demand profession in the real estate industry.
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Olivia, a dynamic force in the real estate arena, shares her wealth of knowledge through insightful blog posts. Her keen eye for market trends and dedication to client success make her an invaluable resource for both seasoned investors and first-time homebuyers.