The national qualifying education to become a trainee appraiser involves completing 83 hours of Qualifying Education coursework required by the Appraisal Qualifications Board (AQB) as well as a 4-hour Supervisor-Trainee course for your state. No work experience or college degree is required. You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
National Trainee Appraiser Qualifying Education:

The next step is to apply for a trainee appraiser license in your state. The title “trainee appraiser” may differ from state to state. For example, South Carolina uses “appraiser apprentice” while Tennessee uses “registered trainee.” The license is the same. To apply, you’ll typically complete a state application, pay an application fee, get a background check, and submit proof that you’ve completed the required qualifying education.

The best way to learn the job of an appraiser and grow into a licensed or certified residential appraiser—who works independently—is to work with a mentor. As a stepping stone to the next license level, trainee appraisers must gain experience hours in the field while working under a supervisory appraiser. Your supervisory appraiser should be a certified residential or certified general appraiser. You can work with someone you already know. Or you can find a mentor using a state-provided list of certified appraisers available to work with trainees.