Appraiser Certification Types in Oklahoma
It’s important to understand how Oklahoma classifies real estate appraisers across four separate categories, each with their own qualifications for licensure:
Trainee Appraiser
State Licensed Real Estate Appraiser
State Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser
State Certified General Real Estate Appraiser
After receiving your Trainee Appraiser license, you can “upgrade” to any of the subsequent license levels. Today, we’ll be focusing on how to become a state licensed real estate appraiser. But first, here’s a quick overview of the eligibility requirements for all license levels.
Appraiser Eligibility Highlights |
Be at least 18 years old |
Hold a high school diploma or certificate of equivalency |
Proof of U.S. Citizenship, U.S. National Status, or Alien Status |
Submit to a background check, provide fingerprints, and answer criminal history questions |
Learn more about Oklahoma’s background check and fingerprinting process here.
Trainee Appraiser
Oklahoma recommends a pilot program for potential appraisers to begin their path toward becoming fully licensed. Known as a trainee appraiser, this first level of licensure is recommended before you can become fully licensed and start appraising real estate on your own.
Here's a quick overview of everything you’ll need to become a trainee appraiser:
Qualifying Education Hours Required | Required Experience Hours Working Under a Certified Appraiser | College Degree Requirement | Exam Requirement | Background Check |
75 hours of qualifying appraisal education 4 hours of a Trainee/Supervisor Appraiser course | None required, though you will need to associate with a Supervisory Appraiser before receiving your trainee license. (You’ll work under your Supervisory Appraiser to earn experience hours after receiving your Trainee license.) | Not required | Not required | Required |
State Licensed Real Estate Appraiser
The next level up is a state licensed real estate appraiser. At this level, you can appraise:
Non-complex 1-4 unit residential properties (transaction value < $1,000,000)
Complex 1-4 unit residential properties (transaction value < $400,000)
Here’s a quick overview of everything you’ll need to become an Oklahoma licensed appraiser:
Qualifying Education Hours Required | Required Experience Hours Working Under a Certified Appraiser | College Degree Requirement | Exam Requirement | Background Check |
150 hours (only 75 hours are required to upgrade after receiving your Trainee license) | 1,000 hours in no less than six months | Not required | Must pass National Uniform Licensing Examination for Certified Residential Appraisers | Required |
State Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser
State certified residential real estate appraisers may appraise:
Qualifying Education Hours Required | Required Experience Hours Working Under a Certified Appraiser | College Degree Requirement | Exam Requirement | Background Check |
200 hours (only 125 hours are required to upgrade after receiving your Trainee license) | 1,500 hours in no less than 12 months | Must have completed some college coursework. See Oklahoma’s four options to meet this requirement here | Must pass National Uniform Licensing Examination for Certified Residential Appraisers | Required |
State Certified General Real Estate Appraiser
State certified general real estate appraisers are the highest level of appraiser professionals in Oklahoma. They can appraise all types of residential or commercial property without regard to value or complexity.
Qualifying Education Hours Required | Required Experience Hours Working Under a Certified Appraiser | College Degree Requirement | Exam Requirement | Background Check |
300 hours (only 225 hours are required to upgrade after receiving your Trainee license) | 3,000 hours in no less than 18 months | Must have bachelor's degree or higher in any field and from any accredited college or university | Must pass National Uniform Licensing Examination for Certified General Appraisers | Required |