How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in Maryland (2026)
Maryland stands out with two key advantages: the <strong>PSI exam costs only $100</strong> (vs. $225 Pearson VUE in most states) and licenses are valid for <strong>3 years</strong> — less renewal overhead. ⚠️ McKissock's online MD packages (83 hrs) may not include the Valuation Bias course — verify before enrolling. DC-suburb appraisers earn <strong>$92K–$130K+</strong>.
Trainee Education
$1,100 – $2,182
Time to Licensed
8 – 22 months
Montgomery Co. CG Salary
$92K – $130K+
PSI Exam Fee
$100 (save $125 vs. Pearson VUE!)
Maryland Appraisers Have Four Unique Rules — Including PSI Exam and 3-Year License
The Maryland Commission of Real Estate Appraisers has four state-specific rules: (1) PSI exam ($100) — Maryland uses PSI, not Pearson VUE; fee is $100 vs. $225 in most states. (2) 3-year license term (triennial) — renew every 3 years, not 2. (3) 42-hour CE per 3-year cycle (7-hr USPAP mandatory). (4) Online-only applications since 8/15/2024. Fees: $150 Trainee / $370 Licensed+CR+CG ($250 state + $120 National Registry).
⚠️ McKissock's online Maryland packages (83 hrs, $1,145/$1,635) may NOT include the 8-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing course. McKissock's Livestream (91 hrs, $2,182) includes it. CE Shop ($1,205, 87 hrs) and Champions ($1,100, 87 hrs) both include Valuation Bias. Verify whether Maryland has adopted the AQB 2026 87-hour standard at labor.maryland.gov/license/reahi before enrolling.
Top Maryland Appraiser Schools at a Glance
Champions (live virtual, Trainee–CR, no CG) and CE Shop (Trainee only, includes Valuation Bias) are the safest choices for full compliance. McKissock online packages may miss Valuation Bias; Livestream includes it. McKissock is the only option for CG.
1. Champions School of Real EstateLive Virtual Classroom
ChampionsLive! Zoom. 87-hr Trainee $1,100 ✓ includes Valuation Bias. 162-hr Licensed $1,950; 207-hr CR $2,429. No CG for MD.
From $1,100
MD 87-Hr Trainee (live virtual, includes VB)
2. The CE ShopTop-Rated UX
87-hr Trainee $1,205 ✓ includes 8-hr Valuation Bias. Live-online USPAP + proctored exam. Trainee only — use McKissock for upgrade education.
$1,205
MD Trainee Standard (87 hrs, includes VB)
3. McKissock LearningOnly CG Provider
⚠️ Online (83 hrs): Basic $1,145 / Sub $1,635 — may not include Valuation Bias. ✓ Livestream (91 hrs): $2,182 includes VB. Only school with MD Certified General education.
From $1,145
MD Trainee Basic ⚠️ (83 hrs — verify VB inclusion)
Best Maryland Appraiser Licensing Courses
All 3 schools are Maryland MD Commission-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
Champions School of Real Estate
Live Virtual ClassroomStarting at
$1100
- MD Commission-approved virtual classroom via ChampionsLive! (live Zoom with instructors)
- 87-hr Trainee, 162-hr Licensed, and 207-hr Certified Residential bundles available
- 75-hr Licensed upgrade available for existing Trainees
- Live instructor-led — ideal for candidates preferring real-time learning
- ⚠️ Champions does NOT offer Certified General for Maryland — use McKissock for CG
Available Packages (4)
MD 87-Hour Trainee Program ✓
- Basic Principles, Procedures, USPAP, Valuation Bias (8 hrs), Supervisor/Trainee (87 hrs)
- Live Zoom virtual classroom
McKissock Learning
Only CG ProviderStarting at
$1145
- MD Commission-approved for all four credential levels including Certified General
- Maryland-specific pricing — different from all other states
- ⚠️ Online packages (83 hrs) may not include 8-hr Valuation Bias — verify with MD Commission at labor.maryland.gov
- ✓ Livestream (91 hrs, $2,182) includes Valuation Bias & Fair Housing
- CE library available; Maryland requires 42 CE hours per 3-year cycle
Available Packages (12)
MD Trainee Basic Package (83 hrs) ⚠️
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- 15-Hr National USPAP
- 4-Hr Supervisory/Trainee Course for Maryland
- ⚠️ May not include 8-hr Valuation Bias — verify MD requirement at labor.maryland.gov
- 6-month access
The CE Shop
Top-Rated UXStarting at
$1205
- MD Commission-approved for Appraiser Trainee level
- 87-hr package includes 8-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing ✓ (CE Shop lists it as included)
- Live-online 15-hr USPAP + proctored final exam included
- Trainee only — use McKissock or Champions for Licensed, CR, and CG education
Available Packages (1)
MD Trainee Standard Package (87 hrs) ✓
- Basic Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Procedures (30 hrs)
- 15-Hr USPAP Live-Online
- 8-Hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing (listed as included)
- 4-Hr Supervisory/Trainee Course
- USPAP manuals + proctored final exam
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
What Is a Maryland Appraiser License?
Issued by the Maryland Commission of Real Estate Appraisers (under MD Department of Labor), a Maryland appraiser license authorizes real property appraisals for federally related transactions. Maryland has two notable advantages: the NULCE is administered by PSI at $100 (not $225), and licenses are valid for 3 years — less renewal overhead. Online-only applications required since August 15, 2024.
Appraiser Trainee
75 hrs (verify 87-hr AQB 2026)
Supervised work only; cannot sign appraisals
Licensed Real Estate Appraiser
150 total hrs
Non-complex 1–4 unit residential
Certified Residential
200 total hrs
All 1–4 unit residential, no limits
Certified General
300 total hrs
Commercial and all property types
Maryland Appraiser Credential Levels (2026)
| Credential | QE Hours | Experience | Degree | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Appraiser Trainee 75 hrs state standard (verify AQB 2026 87-hr adoption) · 5-yr lookback | 75 hrs (verify 87-hr AQB 2026) | None (under supervisor) | None | |
Licensed Real Estate Appraiser First independent credential · $370 fee | 150 total hrs | 1,000 hrs / 6 months | None | |
Certified Residential All residential · $370 fee | 200 total hrs | 1,500 hrs / 12 months | Bachelor's, Associate's, or 30 cr. hrs | |
Certified General All property types · McKissock only for MD CG · $370 fee | 300 total hrs | 3,000 hrs / 18 mo (1,500 non-res) | Bachelor's required |
Trainee = 75 hrs (verify AQB 2026 87-hr adoption at labor.maryland.gov). PSI exam $100. 3-year license. Fees: $150 Trainee / $370 Licensed+CR+CG ($250+$120 registry). McKissock online 83 hrs ⚠️ may miss VB. Source: MD Commission / AQB, 2026.
How Much Do Maryland Appraisers Earn?
Trainee / Entry
$43K – $56K
Working under supervisor
Licensed / Cert. Residential
$70K – $85K
Maryland average
Montgomery County / DC Suburb CG
$92K – $130K+
Commercial / federal property appraisals
Typical Residential Fee
$375 – $650
Per residential appraisal in Maryland
Maryland Median Home Price
~$380,000
Zillow (Maryland, 2025) — Montgomery County far higher
Top Maryland 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 Maryland Appraiser License Worth It?
👠Pros
- +PSI Exam = Only $100: Maryland uses PSI instead of Pearson VUE — saving $125 per attempt vs. most states' $225 fee.
- +3-Year License (Less Renewal Overhead): Maryland's triennial license means fewer renewal cycles over a career. You renew every 3 years, not 2.
- +DC Suburb Earnings Premium: Proximity to Washington DC drives above-average salaries. Montgomery County CG appraisers earn $92K–$130K+.
- +Champions + McKissock + CE Shop: Three school options serve Maryland. Champions live virtual ($1,100 trainee) is the safest choice for full Valuation Bias compliance.
👎 Cons
- -McKissock Online ⚠️: McKissock's MD online packages (83 hrs) may not include the 8-hr Valuation Bias — verify before enrolling. Choose Livestream (91 hrs, $2,182) or use CE Shop/Champions instead.
- -High Licensed/Certified Fee: $370 per credential ($250 state + $120 National Registry) — applies for every 3-year renewal cycle.
- -5-Year Lookback: All qualifying education for the Trainee level must have been completed within 5 years of application. Older courses expire.
- -Online Applications Only: Maryland moved to online-only applications on 8/15/2024. Paper applications no longer accepted.
How to Become a Licensed Appraiser in Maryland
Complete Trainee Qualifying Education (75 or 87 hrs — verify MD standard)
CE Shop ($1,205, 87 hrs) or Champions ($1,100, 87 hrs live Zoom) are the safest choices — both include the 8-hr Valuation Bias. If using McKissock, choose the Livestream (91 hrs, $2,182) — the online packages (83 hrs) may not include Valuation Bias. Maryland's current trainee standard may be 75 hours — verify whether MD has adopted the AQB 2026 87-hour standard at labor.maryland.gov/license/reahi. All QE must be completed within 5 years of your application date.
Secure a Maryland-Certified Supervisory Appraiser
Find a MD Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser. Both must complete the Maryland-specific 4-hour Supervisor/Trainee Course before supervision begins. Network via the Appraisal Institute MD Chapter, Baltimore/DC-area AMCs, and appraisal firms. Max 3 trainees per supervisory appraiser.
Apply for Trainee License Online (labor.maryland.gov)
Apply at labor.maryland.gov/license/reahi — online applications only since 8/15/2024. Pay $150 (3-year Trainee fee). Submit proof of QE completion (within 5 years), supervisory appraiser info, and all required disclosures. Upon approval, begin accumulating supervised experience.
Complete Upgrade Education and Accumulate Experience
Complete remaining QE: 150 hrs total (Licensed), 200 hrs (CR), 300 hrs (CG). Accumulate: 1,000 hrs / 6 months (Licensed); 1,500 hrs / 12 months (CR); 3,000 hrs / 18 months with 1,500 non-res (CG). Maryland has adopted PAREA as an alternative experience pathway.
Apply, Register with PSI, and Pass the $100 Exam
Submit your upgrade application online ($370 fee: $250 state + $120 National Registry). Upon Commission approval, receive a registration number to schedule the NULCE through PSI (not Pearson VUE). Pay $100 — saving $125 vs. most states. Pass 75 of 125 scored questions. Your Maryland appraiser credential is valid for 3 years. Renew with 42 CE hours including 7-hr USPAP Update.
Maryland Appraiser License Requirements
Eligibility
- Age 18+
- MD-certified supervisory appraiser required
- Both complete MD-specific 4-hr Supervisor/Trainee Course
- 5-year lookback — all QE within 5 years of application
- PAREA available as alternative experience pathway
- Online applications only (labor.maryland.gov since 8/15/2024)
Education
- Trainee: 75 hrs state standard (verify AQB 2026 adoption)
- Licensed: 150 total hrs
- Certified Residential: 200 total hrs
- Certified General: 300 hrs + Bachelor's
- McKissock online (83 hrs) ⚠️ may not include Valuation Bias
- CE Shop (87 hrs) and Champions (87 hrs) ✓ include Valuation Bias
PSI Exam (not Pearson VUE)
- NULCE via PSI — $100 (vs. $225 Pearson VUE)
- Use Commission-issued registration number to schedule
- Pass 75 of 125 scored questions, 4-hour time limit
- Not required for Appraiser Trainee
- In-person at PSI testing centers
Maryland-Specific Rules
- 3-year license term (triennial)
- $150 Trainee / $370 Licensed+CR+CG ($250+$120 registry)
- 42 CE hours per 3-year cycle (7-hr USPAP mandatory)
- Champions: no CG education for MD
- McKissock Livestream (91 hrs) ✓ includes VB; online (83 hrs) ⚠️
Maryland Appraiser License Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Trainee QE (Champions 87-hr or CE Shop 87-hr — recommended) | $1,100 – $1,205 |
| MD Commission Trainee Fee (3-year) | $150 |
| Licensed upgrade education (75 hrs) | $950 – $1,449 |
| MD Commission Licensed/CR/CG Fee (3-year) | $370 |
| PSI NULCE Exam (Maryland) | $100 |
| Total Estimated Cost | ~$2,320 – $3,677+ |
All government fees are non-refundable. Verify current amounts with MD Commission before applying.
The Maryland Appraiser Exam — What to Expect
Exam At a Glance
- Exam
- NULCE — National Uniform Licensing & Certification Exam (via PSI)
- Provider
- PSI
- Questions
- 150 total (125 scored + 25 pretest)
- Time Limit
- 4 hours
- Passing Score
- 75 (out of 125 scored)
- Exam Fee
- $100 per attempt
- Trainee Exempt
- Yes — no exam for Trainee
Key Exam Content Areas
- Appraisal Principles, Procedures, and Legal Concepts
- Market Analysis, Highest and Best Use, all three valuation approaches
- USPAP — ethics, competency, reporting (~20–25%)
💡 Exam Prep Tips
- • Maryland uses PSI — use your Commission-issued registration number (not a generic PSI account) to schedule
- • PSI exam fee is $100 — half the cost of Pearson VUE states
- • Study content is identical to Pearson VUE NULCE — standard AQB curriculum
About MD Commission — Maryland's Appraiser Regulator
Contact & Resources
- Full Name
- Maryland Commission of Real Estate Appraisers, AMCs and Home Inspectors
- Phone
- (410) 230-6200
- Address
- 1100 N. Eutaw Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
Key Maryland Rules
- PSI exam ($100) — NOT Pearson VUE ($225); use Commission-issued registration number to schedule
- 3-year license term (triennial); 42 CE hours per 3-year cycle
- 5-year lookback — all Trainee QE must be within 5 years of application
- Online-only applications since 8/15/2024 — paper no longer accepted
- McKissock online (83 hrs) ⚠️ may miss Valuation Bias; Livestream (91 hrs) includes it
- Champions MD: no Certified General education
- Fees: $150 Trainee / $370 Licensed+CR+CG ($250+$120 registry)
How Long Does It Take? Realistic Maryland Timelines
Full-Time
8–10 months to Licensed
- 1.Trainee QE (Champions $1,100 or CE Shop $1,205)
- 2.Apply Trainee online ($150) — 5-yr lookback applies
- 3.75-hr upgrade + 1,000 hrs / 6 months
- 4.Apply Licensed + PSI exam ($100)
Part-Time
14–22 months to Licensed
- 1.Trainee QE evenings (8–16 weeks)
- 2.Apply Trainee at labor.maryland.gov ($150)
- 3.1,000 hrs over 12–18 months
- 4.Apply Licensed + PSI exam ($100)
Certified General
3–5 years total
- 1.300-hr QE + Bachelor's (McKissock only for MD CG)
- 2.3,000 hrs (1,500 non-res) / 18 months
- 3.DC suburb CG avg $92K–$130K+
- 4.Apply CG ($370) + PSI exam ($100)
Maryland's 3-year license is a genuine advantage — you renew less often than biennial states. The PSI exam ($100) saves $125 per attempt. Budget around the $370 Licensed/CR/CG fee ($250 + $120 National Registry) which applies at every upgrade level.
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Maryland Appraiser License Renewal
Maryland licenses renew every 3 years (triennial). Complete 42 hours of CE including the 7-hour USPAP Update Course. Verify the renewal deadline and fee at labor.maryland.gov/license/reahi or (410) 230-6200.
Triennial (3-year)
Renewal Cycle
42 hrs / cycle
CE Requirement
~14 hrs avg
CE Hours / Year
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Maryland use Pearson VUE or PSI for the appraiser exam?
Maryland uses PSI — not Pearson VUE. The PSI NULCE exam fee is $100, compared to $225 in Pearson VUE states. After your application is approved, the Maryland Commission issues you a registration number and password to schedule through PSI. Reference the PSI Real Estate Appraiser Handbook at labor.maryland.gov/license/reahi.
Should I use McKissock online, McKissock Livestream, CE Shop, or Champions for Maryland?
CE Shop ($1,205, 87 hrs) and Champions ($1,100, 87 hrs) both include the 8-hr Valuation Bias and are safe choices. McKissock online packages (83 hrs, $1,145/$1,635) may not include Valuation Bias — verify before enrolling. McKissock Livestream (91 hrs, $2,182) includes it. For Certified General education, McKissock is the only option.
How does Maryland's 3-year license differ from other states?
Maryland issues 3-year triennial licenses instead of the 2-year biennial cycle used by most states. This means less renewal overhead over your career. CE requirement is 42 hours per 3-year cycle (vs. 28 hours per 2-year cycle in most states) — a similar annual pace of ~14 hrs/year.
What is Maryland's 5-year lookback rule?
All qualifying education for the Appraiser Trainee application must have been completed within 5 years before the application date. Courses completed more than 5 years ago expire and must be retaken. Start your education as close to your planned application date as practical.
How much do Maryland appraisers earn?
Maryland appraisers typically earn $70,000–$85,000/year. Proximity to Washington DC drives higher salaries — particularly in Montgomery County, Prince George's County, and the DC suburbs. Certified General Appraisers handling federal government properties and commercial real estate in the DC metro area earn $92,000–$130,000+.