How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in Michigan (2026)
Michigan has a state-specific Certified General rule — only 2,500 hours of experience required (500 fewer than AQB), but over a 24-month minimum (6 more months than national standard). All applications have a 1-year completion window. Detroit Metro appraisers average $90K–$120K+ at the CG level.
Trainee Education
$1,159 – $2,097
Time to Licensed Res.
8 – 22 months
Detroit CG Appraisers
$90K – $120K+
Exam Fee
$225 (Pearson VUE)
Michigan Appraisers Are Regulated by LARA — Bureau of Professional Licensing
The Michigan State Board of Real Estate Appraisers (LARA/BPL) issues four credential levels. Michigan's Certified General requires only 2,500 hours (vs. AQB's 3,000) but a 24-month minimum (vs. AQB's 18). Exam: Pearson VUE ($225). License renewal: biennial, expires July 31 of even years. CE: 28 hours every 2 years.
Michigan's 1-Year Application Window: All LARA appraiser applications expire after 12 months. If you don't complete and submit all requirements within one year of your application date, you must reapply and repay the fee. This applies to every credential level. Do not apply for a higher credential until you are close to meeting all requirements.
Top Michigan Appraiser Schools at a Glance
McKissock is the only school covering all Michigan credential levels and is the only provider with Livestream sessions for MI. The CE Shop covers Trainee only. Champions School and VanEd do not operate in Michigan.
1. McKissock LearningOnly Full-Service Provider
Michigan's only online school with packages for all four credential levels. Offers Livestream (live Zoom, Summer 2026 schedule) plus self-paced Basic and Subscription options. Instructor Q&A and live webinars included with Subscription. Only provider covering Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, and Certified General upgrade education for Michigan.
From $1,159
MI Trainee Basic Package (87 hrs)
2. The CE ShopTop-Rated UX
Modern mobile-friendly platform with live-online USPAP course and USPAP digital manuals included. Michigan Board-approved for Trainee level. Proctored exam included. Trainee Appraiser only — use McKissock for Licensed, Certified Residential, and Certified General upgrade education.
$1,205
MI Trainee Standard Package (87 hrs)
Best Michigan Appraiser Licensing Courses
All 2 schools are Michigan LARA-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
McKissock Learning
Only Full-Service ProviderStarting at
$1159
- Only Michigan Board-approved school with complete packages for all four credential levels
- Trainee Appraiser, Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, and Certified General packages
- Livestream option available for MI Trainee (Summer 2026: Sat/Sun Zoom sessions) — unlike most competitor states
- Instructor Q&A, live webinars, and printed textbooks included with Subscription packages
- Covers Michigan's unique 2,500-hr/24-month Certified General experience requirement in course materials
- Only school offering Licensed, Certified Residential, and Certified General upgrade paths for Michigan
Available Packages (12)
MI Trainee Basic Package (87 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- 15-Hour National USPAP Course
- 8-Hour Valuation Bias & Fair Housing Laws & Regulations (2026)
- 4-Hour AQB Supervisory Appraiser/Trainee Course
- 6-month course access
The CE Shop
Top-Rated UXStarting at
$1205
- Modern mobile-friendly platform — Michigan Board-approved for Trainee level
- Includes live-online 15-hr USPAP course (not pre-recorded) with USPAP digital manuals
- 8-Hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing and 4-Hr Supervisory Appraiser/Trainee Course included
- Proctored final exam included with package
- Trainee Appraiser level only — no upgrade packages for MI (use McKissock for Licensed, CR, CG)
Available Packages (1)
MI Trainee Standard Package (87 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- 15-Hr National USPAP Live-Online Course
- 8-Hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing
- 4-Hr Supervisory Appraiser/Trainee Course
- USPAP digital 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 Michigan Appraiser License?
A Michigan appraiser license is issued by LARA's Bureau of Professional Licensing under the Michigan State Board of Real Estate Appraisers. Michigan offers four credential levels. The standard 87-hour Trainee pathway follows AQB requirements. Michigan's most notable state-specific rule: Certified General requires only 2,500 hours of experience (500 fewer than AQB's 3,000), but over a 24-month minimum — 6 more months than the AQB standard. All applications have a strict 1-year window to complete requirements.
Appraiser Trainee
87 hrs QE (AQB standard)
Under supervisor; no independent signing
Licensed Residential
75-hr upgrade + 1,000 exp hrs / 6 mo
Non-complex 1–4 unit residential
Certified Residential
125 hrs + 1,500 exp hrs / 12 mo
All 1–4 unit residential; no value limit
Certified General
300 hrs + 2,500 exp hrs / 24 mo (MI)
All property types · MI state variant
Michigan Appraiser Credential Levels (2026)
| Credential | QE Hours | Experience | Degree | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Appraiser Trainee Standard AQB · No exam required | 87 hrs | None (work under MI-certified supervisor) | None | |
Licensed Residential First independent credential | 75-hr upgrade (150 total) | 1,000 hrs / min. 6 months | None | |
Certified Residential All residential; no restrictions | 125 hrs from Trainee (200 total) | 1,500 hrs / min. 12 months | Bachelor's, Associate's, 30 credit hrs, or 5-yr Licensed alt. | |
Certified General MI VARIANT: 2,500 hrs / 24 months · AQB is 3,000/18 mo | 300 hrs total | 2,500 hrs / min. 24 months (Michigan-specific) | Bachelor's required (no alternatives) |
Michigan CG State Variance: AQB requires 3,000 hours over 18 months minimum. Michigan requires only 2,500 hours but over a 24-month minimum — 6 more months of time commitment, despite 500 fewer hours. Verify current non-residential experience breakdown at michigan.gov/lara. Application fees are not confirmed; check LARA before applying.
How Much Do Michigan Appraisers Earn?
Appraiser Trainee / Entry
$38K – $52K
Working under supervisor
Licensed / Cert. Residential
$62K – $75K
Michigan state average
Detroit CG Appraiser
$90K – $120K+
Commercial / all property types
Typical Residential Fee
$325 – $550
Per residential appraisal in Michigan
MI Median Home Price
~$230,000
Zillow, 2025 — strong volume in Detroit Metro & Grand Rapids
Top Michigan 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 Michigan Appraiser License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- +Fewer CG Hours: Michigan's Certified General requires only 2,500 experience hours — 500 fewer than the AQB national standard of 3,000. If you work efficiently, you can reach CG status with less total work.
- +Diverse Michigan Market: From Detroit's complex urban real estate to Grand Rapids' booming suburbs to Traverse City's lakefront resort properties — Michigan offers a wide range of appraisal specializations.
- +Livestream Option: McKissock offers live Zoom appraisal courses for Michigan (Summer 2026) — one of the few states with this scheduling flexibility for those who prefer live instruction.
- +Strong CG Salary: Detroit Metro CG Appraisers earn $90,000–$120,000+ handling commercial properties — well above Michigan's average residential appraiser salary.
👎 Cons
- -24-Month CG Minimum: Michigan's Certified General requires a 24-month minimum experience period — 6 months longer than the AQB standard. Even if you accumulate 2,500 hours faster, you must wait the full 24 months.
- -1-Year Application Window: Michigan's strict 12-month application expiration is unusual and adds scheduling complexity. If you miss the window, you pay fees again and restart the clock.
- -Limited School Options: No Champions, no VanEd. McKissock is the only full-service provider; CE Shop covers Trainee only. Less competition means fewer pricing alternatives.
- -Application Fees Unconfirmed: LARA does not publish application fees clearly online. Budget for application costs and verify at michigan.gov/lara before submitting.
How to Become a Licensed Appraiser in Michigan
Complete 87 Hours of Trainee Qualifying Education
Complete 87 hours of LARA and AQB-approved qualifying education: 30 hrs Basic Appraisal Principles, 30 hrs Basic Appraisal Procedures, 15 hrs National USPAP, 8 hrs Valuation Bias & Fair Housing (effective Jan 1, 2026), and 4 hrs AQB Supervisory/Trainee Course. McKissock (Basic $1,159 / Subscription $1,525 / Livestream $2,097) and The CE Shop ($1,205) are both Michigan-approved. McKissock is the only option with a live Livestream schedule for MI.
Secure a Michigan-Certified Supervisory Appraiser
Find a Michigan Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser in good standing willing to supervise you. Both parties must complete the 4-hour AQB Supervisory/Trainee Course before supervision begins. Network through the Michigan Chapter of the Appraisal Institute, Detroit-area AMCs, appraisal firms, and staffing agencies. Up to 3 Registered Trainees may work under one supervisor at a time.
Apply for Trainee Appraiser License — LARA 1-Year Window Starts Now
Submit your Trainee application to LARA's Bureau of Professional Licensing with your education certificates, supervisory appraiser information, criminal history disclosure, and application fee. CRITICAL: Michigan applications are valid for only 1 year. All requirements must be completed and submitted within 12 months of your application date or you must reapply and repay fees. Verify the current Trainee application fee at michigan.gov/lara before submitting.
Complete Additional Education & Accumulate 1,000 Hours of Experience
Work under your supervisor while completing the 75-hour Licensed Residential upgrade coursework (McKissock Basic $975 or Advanced Pro $1,449). Accumulate 1,000 hours of supervised appraisal experience over at least 6 months. Maintain a detailed Appraisal Experience Log for every assignment — property address, type, date, hours, and supervisor signature. Education and experience can proceed simultaneously.
Apply for Licensed Residential and Pass Pearson VUE Exam
Submit your Licensed Residential application to LARA with your experience log, all education certificates, and application fee (verify current amount at michigan.gov/lara). Keep Michigan's 1-year window in mind — apply only when you're close to completing all requirements. Upon board approval, schedule the NULCE through Pearson VUE ($225). Pass 75 of 125 scored questions within 4 hours to receive your Michigan Licensed Residential Appraiser credential.
Renew Biennially — License Expires July 31 of Even Years
Michigan appraiser licenses expire July 31 of even-numbered years (e.g., July 31, 2026). Renew every 2 years with 28 hours of CE, including the 7-hour USPAP Update Course. CE must be completed through LARA-approved providers. Log into michigan.gov/lara to renew online. Plan your CE completion so you are not rushing near the July 31 deadline.
Michigan Appraiser License Requirements
Eligibility
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Criminal history disclosure required
- LARA reviews applications individually
- Secure a Michigan-certified supervisory appraiser
- Both trainee and supervisor complete 4-hr AQB Supervisor/Trainee Course
- 1-year application window — requirements must be met within 12 months or reapply
Education
- Trainee: 87 hrs AQB-approved QE (standard)
- Licensed Residential: 75-hr upgrade (150 total)
- Certified Residential: 125-hr from Trainee (200 total)
- Certified General: 300 hrs + Bachelor's degree required
- All levels: 15-hr USPAP + 8-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing (2026)
- Online AQB-approved providers (McKissock, The CE Shop) accepted
Exam (Pearson VUE)
- In-person at Pearson VUE testing centers
- NULCE · 150 total (125 scored + 25 pretest)
- Exam fee: $225 per attempt
- Passing score: 75 out of 125 scored
- Required for Licensed, Certified Residential, and Certified General
- Not required for Trainee registration
Michigan-Specific Rules
- Certified General: 2,500 hrs / 24 months (MI state variant; AQB = 3,000/18 months)
- 1-year application window — all credential levels
- Application fees: verify current amounts at michigan.gov/lara
- CE: 28 hours biennial; license expires July 31 of even-numbered years
- Certified Residential: 6 education pathways including 5-yr Licensed Residential alternative
- Up to 3 Trainee Appraisers per supervisory appraiser
Michigan Appraiser License Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Trainee qualifying education (87 hrs) | $1,159 – $2,097 |
| LARA Trainee Appraiser Application Fee | VERIFY AT LARA |
| Licensed Residential Upgrade (75 hrs) | $975 – $1,449 |
| LARA Licensed Residential Application Fee | VERIFY AT LARA |
| Pearson VUE Exam Fee (NULCE) | $225 |
| Background Check / Fingerprinting | VERIFY AT LARA |
| CE (biennial 28-hr renewal) | $100 – $300 |
| Education + Exam (confirmed costs only) | ~$2,359 – $3,771 |
* Michigan LARA application fees are not publicly confirmed. Verify current amounts at michigan.gov/lara or call (517) 241-0199 before submitting applications.
The Michigan Appraiser Exam — What to Expect
Exam At a Glance
- Exam
- NULCE — National Uniform Licensing & Certification Exam
- Provider
- Pearson VUE (in-person)
- Questions
- 150 total (125 scored + 25 pretest)
- Time Limit
- 4 hours
- Passing Score
- 75 (out of 125 scored)
- Exam Fee
- $225 per attempt
- Required For
- Licensed, Certified Residential, Certified General
Key Exam Content Areas
- Real Property Concepts and Legal Considerations
- Market Analysis and Highest and Best Use
- Sales Comparison Approach — adjustments, paired-sales
- Cost Approach — depreciation methods, land valuation
- Income Approach — capitalization, GRM (CG level focus)
- Statistics, Modeling, and Finance
- USPAP — ethics, competency, reporting (~20–25% of exam)
About LARA — Michigan's Appraiser Regulator
Contact & Resources
- Full Name
- Michigan State Board of Real Estate Appraisers
- Parent Agency
- LARA — Bureau of Professional Licensing
- Website
- michigan.gov/lara
- Phone
- (517) 241-0199
- Mailing Address
- Bureau of Professional Licensing, P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909
Michigan-Specific Rules
- Certified General: 2,500 hrs / 24 months (AQB standard: 3,000/18)
- 1-year application window — all credential levels; reapply + repay if lapsed
- License renewal: biennial; expires July 31 of even-numbered years
- CE: 28 hours every 2 years; 7-hr USPAP Update Course required
- Application fees: not publicly confirmed — verify at michigan.gov/lara
- Up to 3 Trainee Appraisers per supervisory appraiser
- Certified Residential: 6 education pathways (or 5-yr Licensed Residential alternative)
How Long Does It Take? Realistic Michigan Timelines
Full-Time
8–10 months to Licensed
- 1.Complete 87-hr QE (3–5 weeks)
- 2.Apply for Trainee — 1-year window starts
- 3.Complete Licensed upgrade + 1,000 hrs / 6 months
- 4.Apply for Licensed ($?) + pass Pearson VUE ($225)
Part-Time
14–22 months to Licensed
- 1.Complete 87-hr QE evenings (8–16 weeks)
- 2.Apply for Trainee — track 1-year clock carefully
- 3.Complete Licensed upgrade + 1,000 hrs (12–18 mo)
- 4.Apply + pass exam; verify fee at LARA before submitting
Certified General
Min. 26–30 months total
- 1.Complete 300-hr QE; hold Bachelor's degree
- 2.MI CG = 2,500 hrs / 24 months minimum (fixed)
- 3.Cannot apply for CG before 24-month minimum — even if hours complete faster
- 4.Pass CG exam; apply to LARA ($?)
Michigan CG 24-Month Lock: The 24-month minimum for Certified General is a fixed floor — you cannot apply earlier even if you reach 2,500 hours in 20 months. Plan your CG pathway over at least 2 full years. Additionally, Michigan's 1-year application window means your CG application must be submitted and approved within 12 months of submission — don't submit until you're near the 24-month mark and have all 2,500 hours documented.
Ready to Launch Your Michigan Appraisal Career?
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Michigan Appraiser License Renewal
Michigan appraiser licenses renew every 2 years and expire on July 31 of even-numbered years (e.g., July 31, 2026). Complete 28 hours of CE before the renewal deadline, including the 7-hour USPAP Update Course. Renew through the LARA online portal at michigan.gov/lara. If your license lapses, you may need to reapply through the full initial application process — verify reinstatement rules at LARA.
Biennial
Renewal Cycle
July 31 (even years)
Renewal Deadline
28 hrs / 2 years
CE Requirement
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Michigan's unique Certified General experience requirement?
Michigan requires 2,500 hours of appraisal experience over no fewer than 24 months for the Certified General Appraiser credential. This differs from the AQB national standard of 3,000 hours over 18 months. Michigan's version requires 500 fewer hours but mandates a longer minimum time period — 24 months instead of 18. This means even if you accumulate 2,500 hours quickly, you must wait the full 24-month minimum before applying. Verify the current non-residential hour breakdown at michigan.gov/lara or call (517) 241-0199.
Why does Michigan have a 1-year application time limit?
Michigan's Bureau of Professional Licensing requires that all appraiser applications be completed within 1 year of the submission date. If you haven't met all education and experience requirements and submitted your completed paperwork within 12 months, your application lapses and you must submit a new application and pay fees again. This applies to every credential level — Trainee through Certified General. Don't apply for a higher credential until you're close to completing all requirements.
How long does it take to become a licensed appraiser in Michigan?
For a Licensed Residential Appraiser, the minimum is approximately 8–10 months full-time (3–5 weeks of qualifying education + the 6-month experience minimum). For Certified Residential, plan for 14–22 months. For Certified General, Michigan's 24-month experience minimum is fixed regardless of how quickly you accumulate 2,500 hours — so the minimum pathway is at least 26–30 months from Trainee to CG. Michigan's 1-year application window is another scheduling factor to manage carefully.
What college education does Michigan accept for Certified Residential?
Michigan's Certified Residential credential accepts six education pathways: (1) Bachelor's degree in any field, (2) Associate's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, economics, or real estate, (3) 30 semester hours of specific college-level coursework covering English composition, economics, finance, math, statistics, computer science, and business/real estate law, (4) CLEP examination equivalents for those subjects, (5) any combination of options 3 and 4, or (6) five years as a Michigan Licensed Residential Appraiser in good standing with no disciplinary actions in the past 5 years.
Who regulates appraisers in Michigan?
The Michigan State Board of Real Estate Appraisers, operating under the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Bureau of Professional Licensing, regulates all appraisers in Michigan. Contact: (517) 241-0199 or michigan.gov/lara. Address: Bureau of Professional Licensing, P.O. Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909. Michigan licenses renew biennially (every 2 years) and expire July 31 of even-numbered years (e.g., July 31, 2026).
How much do appraisers earn in Michigan?
Michigan appraisers typically earn $62,000–$75,000/year on average. The national BLS median for property appraisers is $65,420 (May 2024). Detroit metro appraisers (Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties) and Ann Arbor appraisers earn the most in the state. Certified General Appraisers in the Detroit area handling commercial properties can earn $90,000–$120,000+. Michigan's median home price of approximately $230,000 generates steady appraisal volume across the state.
What are the CE requirements for Michigan appraisers?
Michigan appraisers must complete 28 hours of CE every 2 years for license renewal. Michigan appraiser licenses expire July 31 of even-numbered years (e.g., July 31, 2026). Required CE includes the 7-hour USPAP Update Course and additional LARA-approved topics. Trainee appraisers are subject to CE requirements beginning after the first renewal cycle. Verify current Michigan-specific CE mandatory topics at michigan.gov/lara.
Can I work as an appraiser trainee in Michigan while completing education?
Yes. Michigan allows education and supervised experience to proceed concurrently. Many candidates begin working under a supervisor while completing later-stage qualifying education courses. However, keep Michigan's 1-year application window in mind — your Trainee application must be fully processed within 12 months, and experience hours accumulated before you receive your Trainee license may not count. Apply for your Trainee license as early in the process as possible.
Does McKissock offer Livestream courses for Michigan appraisers?
Yes — Michigan is one of the states where McKissock offers a Livestream (live Zoom) Trainee package. The Summer 2026 schedule runs Saturday/Sunday sessions starting in April. Orientation is April 23; Principles April 25–May 3; Procedures May 30–June 7; USPAP July 11–12; and Valuation Bias August 1. The Livestream package costs $2,097 and includes live instructor Q&A. Self-paced alternatives (Basic $1,159 or Subscription $1,525) are also available for more scheduling flexibility.
What is USPAP and why is it required in Michigan?
USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) is the national ethical and performance standard governing real estate appraisers. Michigan requires the 15-hour National USPAP Course as part of the 87-hour Trainee qualifying education. The 7-hour USPAP Update Course is required every 2 years as part of Michigan's 28-hour biennial CE requirement. USPAP governs how appraisals are conducted, documented, and signed. Non-compliance can result in disciplinary action by the Michigan State Board of Real Estate Appraisers.