How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in Georgia (2026)
Georgia requires 102 hours for the Trainee level (15 more than most states) and renews licenses annually. McKissock is the only complete course provider for GA. Launch your appraisal career in Atlanta — one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in the U.S.
Trainee Education
$1,339 – $2,327
Time to Licensed Res.
7 – 22 months
Avg Atlanta Salary
$75K – $120K+
Exam Fee
$225 (Pearson VUE)
Georgia Appraisers Are Regulated by the Georgia Real Estate Commission & Appraisers Board
The Georgia Real Estate Commission & Appraisers Board (GREC/GREAB) issues four credential levels — Trainee, Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, and Certified General. Georgia requires 102 hours of QE at the Trainee level (vs. 87 in most states) due to a state-specific Residential Report Writing requirement. Annual renewal (14 CE hrs/year). 5-year lookback rule applies to all qualifying education.
5-Year Education Lookback: All 102 hours of trainee qualifying education must be completed within 5 years of your trainee application date. Do not start coursework years before you plan to apply — education older than 5 years will not count toward your Georgia appraisal credential.
Top Georgia Appraiser Schools at a Glance
McKissock is the only complete-package provider for Georgia appraisal. VanEd and The CE Shop offer individual components only — not complete QE solutions.
1. McKissock LearningOnly Complete Provider
The only school offering a complete 102-hour GA Trainee package (including the GA-required Residential Report Writing course). GREAB-approved for all credential levels — Trainee, Licensed, Certified Residential, and Certified General. Licensed upgrade packages available ($780–$1,229 for 60-hr upgrade). Livestream option for trainee level.
From $1,339
GA Trainee Basic Package (102 hrs)
2. VanEdIndividual Courses Only
⚠️ Partial solution only. VanEd GA offers Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs) and Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs) as individual courses at $336 each. These 2 courses cover only 60 of the 102 required trainee hours — you would still need 4 additional courses from another provider. Not recommended as your primary GA appraisal school.
$336/course
Individual courses only — 2 of 6 required
3. The CE ShopUSPAP Component Only
⚠️ Partial solution only. The CE Shop offers the 15-Hour National USPAP Live-Online course for Georgia (GREAB provider #8169, completions reported to state). This covers only 15 of the 102 required trainee hours. Must be combined with McKissock or other providers for remaining coursework. USPAP manuals included; live format (not pre-recorded).
$399
15-hr USPAP only — 1 of 6 required courses
Best Georgia Appraiser Licensing Courses
All 3 schools are Georgia GREAB-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
VanEd
Individual Courses OnlyStarting at
$336
- ⚠️ NOT a complete GA appraisal solution — only 2 of 6 required Trainee courses available
- Only offers: Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs) and Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- Missing: Residential Report Writing (15 hrs), USPAP (15 hrs), Valuation Bias (8 hrs), Supervisor/Trainee (4 hrs)
- Individual course purchases only — must source remaining 4 courses from another provider
- Listed price reflects VanEd's standard pricing ($336/course); no code needed
- Consider using McKissock for a complete GA Trainee package instead
Available Packages (2)
Basic Appraisal Principles — Individual Course (30 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs) — one component of GA Trainee QE
- ⚠️ Incomplete — you will need 5 additional courses to complete GA Trainee requirements
- GREAB-approved individual course
The CE Shop
USPAP Component OnlyStarting at
$399
- ⚠️ NOT a complete GA appraisal solution — only the 15-hr USPAP course available for GA
- Live-online (not pre-recorded) USPAP course — GREAB approval #8169; completions reported to state
- USPAP digital manuals included with course purchase
- Covers one of the six required GA Trainee QE courses only
- Must source all other courses (Principles, Procedures, Report Writing, Valuation Bias, Supervisor/Trainee) elsewhere
- Consider using McKissock for a complete GA Trainee package instead
Available Packages (1)
15-Hour National USPAP Live-Online Course
- 15-Hour National USPAP Course — live-online format (GREAB #8169)
- USPAP digital manuals included
- ⚠️ One component only — you still need 5 additional courses for GA Trainee QE (87 hrs remaining)
- Completions reported directly to GREAB
McKissock Learning
Only Complete ProviderStarting at
$1339
- ONLY complete-package provider for Georgia appraisal — all credential levels covered
- GA Trainee package is 102 hours (includes GA-required Residential Report Writing & Case Studies)
- Licensed Residential upgrade packages (60 hrs from Trainee) — lower than most states
- Certified Residential upgrade paths from both Trainee and Licensed levels
- Certified General packages (180 or 225 hrs); Livestream options for Trainee level
- Instructor Q&A, live webinars, and GREAB-approved for all Georgia credential levels
Available Packages (12)
GA Trainee Basic Package (102 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- Residential Report Writing & Case Studies (15 hrs) — GA-required at Trainee level
- 15-Hour National USPAP Course
- 8-Hour Valuation Bias & Fair Housing (2026 requirement)
- 4-Hour GA Supervisor/Trainee Course
- 6-month course access
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
What Is a Georgia Appraiser Credential?
A Georgia appraiser credential is issued by the Georgia Real Estate Commission & Appraisers Board (GREAB) and is required to perform real property appraisals for federally related transactions. Georgia offers four credential levels including Licensed Residential — unlike Pennsylvania and Illinois, which skip that level. Georgia's 102-hour trainee requirement (vs. 87 in most states) and annual renewal cycle are unique state features that candidates should plan for.
State Trainee
102 hrs QE
Under supervisor; no independent signing
Licensed Residential
60-hr upgrade + 1,000 exp hrs
Non-complex 1–4 unit residential
Certified Residential
110-hr from Trainee + 1,500 exp hrs
All 1–4 unit residential; no value limit
Certified General
300 hrs total + 3,000 exp hrs
All property types — residential & commercial
GA Unique Feature: Unlike most states where the Licensed upgrade requires 75 hours from Trainee, Georgia only requires 60 additional hours. Combined with the 6-month / 1,000-hour experience requirement (the AQB minimum), Georgia has one of the faster paths to a first independent credential once you complete the 102-hour trainee education.
Georgia Appraiser Credential Levels (2026)
| Credential | QE Hours | Experience | Degree | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
State Trainee Appraiser Entry level — 102 hrs (GA-specific) | 102 hrs | None (work under supervisor) | None | |
State Licensed Residential Fast path to independence — 60-hr upgrade | 60-hr upgrade from Trainee | 1,000 hrs / min. 6 months | None required | |
State Certified Residential Highest residential credential | 110-hr upgrade from Trainee | 1,500 hrs / min. 12 months | Bachelor's, Associate's, or 30 credit hrs | |
State Certified General All property types | 300 hrs total | 3,000 hrs / 18 months (1,500 non-res) | Bachelor's degree required |
* GA Trainee requires 102 hours (15 more than AQB minimum) due to Residential Report Writing & Case Studies. Source: GREAB / AQB, 2026.
How Much Do Georgia Appraisers Earn?
Trainee / Entry
$40K – $52K
Working under supervisor
Licensed / Cert. Residential
$60K – $85K
GA state average
Cert. General (Atlanta)
$90K – $120K+
Commercial appraisers
Typical Residential Fee
$300 – $550
Per residential appraisal in Georgia
GA Median Home Price
~$290,000
Zillow / Redfin, 2025
Top Georgia Appraisal Markets
Income Disclaimer: Salary figures are estimates based on publicly available data and vary significantly by state, market, experience level, employer type, and individual effort. Past or average earnings are not a guarantee of future results. CertLaunch makes no income guarantees of any kind.
Sources:
Licensing requirements, exam fees, and course availability change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing board before enrolling or submitting any application. Learn how we source our data.
Is a Georgia Appraiser License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- +Fast Path to Licensed: GA's 60-hour Licensed upgrade (vs. 75+ in most states) and 6-month minimum experience requirement mean you can reach independent status faster than in many states.
- +Atlanta Market: One of the fastest-growing U.S. metros — Atlanta's explosive real estate growth creates consistent, strong demand for residential and commercial appraisers.
- +4 Credential Levels: Having all four levels (including Licensed Residential) gives you income-generating independence sooner in the career path.
- +No Degree for Licensed: The Licensed Residential level requires zero college education — an accessible entry point for career changers.
👎 Cons
- -102-Hour Trainee: 15 more hours than most states at the trainee level means slightly higher education costs and more time on courses before you start accumulating experience.
- -Annual Renewal: 14 CE hours every year (vs. biennial in most states) means more frequent compliance deadlines and ongoing CE costs.
- -5-Year Lookback: All qualifying education must be completed within 5 years of applying — restricts the "study-now, apply-later" strategy.
- -Limited Course Providers: McKissock is the only complete-package provider for Georgia, reducing your options for comparison shopping on full programs.
How to Become a Licensed Appraiser in Georgia
Complete 102 Hours of GA Trainee Qualifying Education
Complete 102 hours of AQB-approved qualifying education from a GREAB-accepted provider. Georgia requires 6 courses: Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs), Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs), Residential Report Writing & Case Studies (15 hrs — GA-specific requirement at Trainee level), 15-hr National USPAP, 8-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing, and 4-hr Supervisor/Trainee Course. McKissock offers the complete 102-hr GA Trainee package from $1,339. Remember: all education must be completed within 5 years of your trainee application date.
Secure a Georgia-Certified Supervisory Appraiser
Find a Georgia State Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser to supervise your training. Both you and the supervisor must complete the 4-hour Supervisor/Trainee Course. Network through the Georgia Chapter of the Appraisal Institute, local appraisal firms, and AMCs in Atlanta, Savannah, or Augusta. A supervisor can work with no more than 3 trainees at once. Find your supervisor before applying — having a named supervisor strengthens your application.
Register as State Trainee Appraiser with GREAB
Submit your trainee application to the Georgia Real Estate Commission & Appraisers Board (grec.state.ga.us) with proof of completed qualifying education, your supervisory appraiser's information, and the $125 application fee (includes $40 ASC registry fee). Once approved, begin accumulating supervised experience hours. You need 1,000 hours over at least 6 months for Licensed Residential.
Complete 60-Hour Licensed Residential Education & Accumulate 1,000 Hours
Complete the 60-hour Licensed Residential upgrade package from McKissock ($780–$1,229). Simultaneously accumulate 1,000 hours of supervised appraisal experience over at least 6 months. Maintain a detailed Appraisal Experience Log signed by your supervisor for every assignment. Renew your trainee registration annually (14 hrs CE / $125 fee) as needed while accumulating hours.
Apply for Licensed Residential & Pass Pearson VUE Exam
Submit your Licensed Residential Appraiser application to GREAB with your completed experience log, education certificates, and $125 application fee. Upon board approval, schedule the NULCE exam through Pearson VUE ($225). Pass 75 of 125 scored questions. After passing, GREAB issues your Georgia Licensed Residential Appraiser credential — you can now independently sign appraisal reports. Renew annually with 14 hours CE.
Georgia Appraiser License Requirements
Eligibility
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Criminal background disclosure required
- GREAB reviews each application individually
- Secure a GA-certified supervisory appraiser
- All QE must be within 5 years of trainee application (5-year lookback rule)
Education
- Trainee: 102 hours AQB-approved QE (GA-specific — includes 15-hr Report Writing)
- Licensed Residential: 60-hr upgrade from Trainee (62 hrs lower than most states)
- Certified Residential: 110-hr upgrade from Trainee (200 hrs total)
- Certified General: 300 total qualifying hours + Bachelor's degree
- All levels: 15-hr USPAP + 8-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing (2026)
Exam
- Pearson VUE — in-person at testing centers
- NULCE | 150 total (125 scored + 25 pretest)
- Exam fee: $225 per attempt
- Passing score: 75 out of 125 scored questions
- Required for Licensed, Certified Residential, and Certified General
- Not required for Trainee registration
Application & Renewal
- Apply via grec.state.ga.us
- Application fee: $125 per credential level (includes $40 ASC registry fee)
- Annual renewal — 14 CE hours per year
- 7-hr USPAP Update required every other year within annual cycle
- Max 3 trainees per supervisory appraiser
Georgia Appraiser License Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| GA Trainee QE (102 hrs) | $1,339 – $2,327 |
| GREAB Trainee Application Fee | $125 |
| Annual Trainee Renewal (per year) | $125 |
| Licensed Residential Upgrade (60 hrs) | $780 – $1,229 |
| GREAB Licensed Application Fee | $125 |
| Pearson VUE Exam Fee (NULCE) | $225 |
| Background Check | $25 – $60 |
| Total (to Licensed Residential) | ~$2,619 – $4,086+ |
The Georgia Appraiser Exam — What to Expect
Exam At a Glance
- Exam Name
- National Uniform Licensing & Certification Exam (NULCE)
- Provider
- Pearson VUE
- Format
- In-person, computer-based
- Questions
- 150 total (125 scored + 25 pretest)
- Time Limit
- 4 hours
- Passing Score
- 75 (out of 125 scored)
- Exam Fee
- $225 per attempt
- Required For
- Licensed, Certified Residential, Certified General
Key Exam Content Areas
- Real Property Concepts & Characteristics
- Legal Considerations in Appraisal
- Market Analysis & Highest and Best Use
- Sales Comparison Approach — data, adjustments, reconciliation
- Cost Approach — reproduction cost, depreciation
- Income Approach — capitalization, GRM (Certified General focus)
- Statistics, Modeling & Finance
- USPAP — ethics, competency, reporting standards (~20–25%)
About GREAB — Georgia's Appraiser Regulator
Contact & Resources
- Full Name
- Georgia Real Estate Commission & Appraisers Board (GREC/GREAB)
- Website
- grec.state.ga.us/appraisers
- Phone
- (404) 656-3916
- Address
- 229 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Parent Agency
- Secretary of State's Office
Key GA Rules
- 102-hour trainee requirement (15 hrs above AQB minimum)
- 5-year lookback — all QE within 5 years of trainee application
- Annual renewal cycle (14 CE hrs/year)
- 7-hr USPAP Update required every other year within annual cycle
- Reciprocity for Licensed/Certified only (not Trainee)
- Max 3 trainees per supervisory appraiser
How Long Does It Take? Realistic Timelines
Full-Time
7–9 months to Licensed
- 1.Complete 102-hr GA Trainee QE online (3–5 weeks)
- 2.Register with GREAB + find supervisor (2–4 weeks)
- 3.Complete 60-hr Licensed upgrade + accumulate 1,000 exp hrs (6 months minimum)
- 4.Apply for Licensed + pass Pearson VUE exam ($225)
Part-Time
14–22 months to Licensed
- 1.Complete 102-hr QE evenings/weekends (8–14 weeks)
- 2.Register with GREAB + secure supervisor (concurrent)
- 3.Complete Licensed upgrade while accumulating 1,000 hours (12–18 months)
- 4.Apply + pass exam after hitting education + experience minimums
Casual Pace
2–2.5 years to Licensed
- 1.Complete 102-hr QE over 3–6 months
- 2.⚠️ 5-year lookback: do not delay more than 5 years after starting education
- 3.Accumulate 1,000 hours at casual pace (18–24 months)
- 4.Apply + pass exam after meeting all requirements
5-year lookback reminder: Regardless of your pace, all 102 hours of trainee qualifying education must be completed within 5 years of your GREAB trainee application date. If you take courses and then wait more than 5 years to apply, those hours expire. Plan ahead and move steadily through the process once you begin.
Ready to Start Your Georgia Appraisal Career?
Step-by-step guidance on GREAB requirements, the 5-year lookback rule, finding a supervisory appraiser in Atlanta, and passing the Pearson VUE exam — delivered free to your inbox.
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Georgia Appraiser License Renewal
Georgia requires annual license renewal — every 12 months. Each year, appraisers must complete 14 hours of CE, with the 7-hour USPAP Update Course required every other year within that annual cycle. Renewal is managed through grec.state.ga.us. Georgia's annual renewal cycle means CE deadlines come around more frequently than the biennial cycle used by most states.
Annual
Renewal Cycle
14 hrs/year
CE Required
7 hrs every 2 yrs
USPAP Update
Frequently Asked Questions
How many education hours does Georgia require for the Trainee Appraiser level?
Georgia requires 102 hours of qualifying education for the Trainee Appraiser level — 15 hours more than the AQB minimum of 87 hours. The extra 15 hours come from Georgia's requirement that trainees also complete "Residential Report Writing and Case Studies" at the trainee level. Most states require this course only when upgrading to Licensed Residential. This makes Georgia's trainee course packages slightly more expensive than in most states.
What is Georgia's 5-year education lookback rule?
Georgia requires that all qualifying education (the 102 hours for the trainee level) must have been completed within the 5-year period immediately before your trainee application date. If you completed appraisal courses more than 5 years ago, those hours will not count and you may need to retake them. This means you should not start your education years before you're ready to apply. Once you begin, proceed with purpose to stay within the 5-year window.
How often do Georgia appraisers renew their license?
Georgia requires annual license renewal — every 12 months. This is different from most states that use a 2-year (biennial) renewal cycle. Georgia appraisers must complete 14 hours of continuing education every year, with the 7-hour USPAP Update Course required every other year as part of that 14-hour annual requirement. Renewal is managed through the Georgia Real Estate Commission & Appraisers Board at grec.state.ga.us.
Why is McKissock the only complete provider for Georgia appraisal courses?
Georgia's unique 102-hour trainee requirement — which includes the Residential Report Writing & Case Studies course (15 hrs) at the trainee level — means most national providers don't offer a complete GA-compliant package. McKissock has built a Georgia-specific trainee curriculum covering all 102 required hours. VanEd GA only offers 2 of the 6 required trainee courses (Basic Principles + Procedures, $336 each), and The CE Shop only offers the 15-hour USPAP course for Georgia.
What are the credential levels for Georgia appraisers?
Georgia offers four credential levels: (1) State Trainee Appraiser (102 hours QE, work under supervisor, no exam), (2) State Licensed Residential Appraiser (60-hour upgrade from Trainee = ~162 total, 1,000 hours / 6 months experience, no degree, exam required), (3) State Certified Residential Appraiser (110-hour upgrade from Trainee = ~212 total, 1,500 hours / 12 months, college education, exam required), and (4) State Certified General Appraiser (300 hours QE, 3,000 hours / 18 months, Bachelor's degree, exam required).
How long does it take to become a licensed appraiser in Georgia?
The minimum timeline to become a Licensed Residential Appraiser in Georgia is approximately 7–9 months for a full-time candidate. Georgia follows the AQB standard 6-month minimum for Licensed Residential. Most working professionals take 14–22 months, completing education evenings and weekends while accumulating hours under supervision. The 5-year lookback rule means you should move steadily through the process without extended pauses once you start coursework.
How much do appraisers earn in Georgia?
Georgia appraisers typically earn $60,000–$78,000 annually, with the national BLS median at $65,420 (May 2024). Atlanta metro appraisers earn significantly more — experienced Certified Residential appraisers in Atlanta earn $75,000–$100,000+, and Certified General Appraisers handling commercial properties can earn $90,000–$120,000+. Georgia's booming real estate market, particularly in Metro Atlanta, Savannah, and Augusta, creates strong sustained demand for licensed and certified appraisers.
Who regulates appraisers in Georgia?
The Georgia Real Estate Commission & Appraisers Board (GREC/GREAB) regulates all real estate appraisers in Georgia, operating under the Secretary of State's Office in Atlanta. Contact: (404) 656-3916 or grec.state.ga.us/appraisers. The board sets education requirements, approves QE providers, processes applications, disciplines licensees, and maintains the Georgia portion of the national ASC registry.
What is Georgia's Licensed Residential upgrade requirement from Trainee?
Georgia requires only 60 additional hours of qualifying education to upgrade from Trainee to Licensed Residential — fewer than the 75 or more hours required in most states. With McKissock, this upgrade package costs $780 (Basic) or $1,229 (Advanced Pro with exam prep). Combined with 1,000 hours of supervised experience over at least 6 months, this is the fastest path to independent appraisal signing in Georgia.
Does Georgia offer appraiser license reciprocity?
Yes, Georgia offers reciprocity for Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, and Certified General appraisers from other states. Georgia does NOT grant reciprocal trainee registration — if you hold only a trainee credential in another state, you must go through the full Georgia application process. Reciprocal applicants must still pay the $125 Georgia application fee (which includes the $40 ASC registry fee) and meet any state-specific requirements. Contact GREC at (404) 656-3916 for current reciprocity terms.