How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in Montana (2026)
Montana appraisers serve one of the country's fastest-growing real estate markets. Bozeman's tech migration has pushed median home prices past $600,000, while Missoula and Billings drive steady residential demand. Montana's unique approved mentor system and low $99 PSI exam fee set it apart from most states.
Trainee Course Cost
$1,205 - $1,375
Time to Licensed Res.
8 - 22 months
Montana Appraiser Salary
$64K - $98K
PSI Exam Fee
$99
Montana Appraisers Are Regulated by the Montana Board of Real Estate Appraisers
The Montana Board of Real Estate Appraisers (MBREA), part of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, issues four credential levels. Montana uses PSI Services (formerly AMP) for the national exam at $99 -- one of the lowest exam fees in the US. CE: 28 hours every other renewal year (biennial). Licenses renew annually (Feb 1 - Mar 31). Apply at boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov.
Montana has a unique APPROVED MENTOR SYSTEM: supervisory appraisers must separately apply to the Montana Board for mentor endorsement ($100 fee) before they can supervise trainees. You cannot work under just any certified appraiser -- your supervisor must hold board-approved mentor status. Find approved mentors at boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov.
Top Montana Appraiser Schools at a Glance
Montana has two major approved online providers for appraiser qualifying education: The CE Shop (best price at $1,205) and McKissock Learning ($1,375 with AI tutor, live Q&A, and a Livestream option). Champions School of Real Estate does not offer Montana qualifying education packages.
1. The CE ShopBest Price
Montana's best-priced trainee package at $1,205 for all 87 hours of required qualifying education. USPAP is delivered live-online in 4 flexible sessions. Includes digital USPAP manuals and a proctored final exam. Approved by both AQB and the Montana Board.
From $1,205
MT Trainee Standard Package (87 hrs)
2. McKissock LearningLivestream Available
Premium learning experience at $1,375 with 1-year subscription access, AI Rubi Tutor, weekly live Q&A (Thursdays 8pm ET), printed textbooks, and access to the McKissock Appraisal Community. A Livestream package (live instructor-led, Sat/Sun sessions Apr-Aug 2026) is available but fills quickly due to limited enrollment.
From $1,375
MT Trainee Learning Subscription (87 hrs)
Best Montana Appraiser Licensing Courses
All 2 schools are Montana Montana Board of Real Estate Appraisers-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
The CE Shop
Best PriceStarting at
$1205
- Best price for Montana trainee QE at $1,205
- USPAP delivered live-online in 4 flexible sessions -- no rigid schedule
- Proctored exam included; digital USPAP manuals included
- Montana Board and AQB approved; mobile-friendly platform
- A la carte options available if you only need individual courses
Available Packages (1)
Montana 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 and Fair Housing Laws (effective Jan 2026)
- 4-Hr Supervisory Appraiser/Trainee Course (Montana-specific)
- Digital USPAP manuals
- Proctored final exam
McKissock Learning
Livestream AvailableStarting at
$1375
- AI Rubi Tutor included -- personalized study assistance
- Weekly live Q&A every Thursday 8pm ET
- Livestream package available (Apr-Aug 2026, Sat/Sun sessions) -- limited seats
- Montana-specific Supervisor/Trainee course (4 hrs) included
- Printed textbooks, study calendars, and monthly Pro-Series webinars
- McKissock Appraisal Community + professional discounts
Available Packages (3)
Montana Trainee Learning Subscription (87 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- 15-Hr National USPAP Course
- 8-Hr Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws
- 4-Hr Supervisor/Trainee Course (Montana-specific)
- Printed textbooks and study calendars
- AI Rubi Tutor
- Weekly live Q&A (Thursdays 8pm ET)
- 1-year subscription access
- McKissock Appraisal Community access
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
What Is a Montana Real Estate Appraiser License?
A Montana appraiser license is issued by the Montana Board of Real Estate Appraisers (MBREA) and is required to perform real property appraisals for federally related transactions. Montana offers four credential levels. The entry credential is the Trainee Appraiser -- 87 hours of qualifying education (effective Jan 2026), no experience required, no exam required. Montana's unique requirement: your supervisory appraiser must hold board-approved mentor endorsement. All credentials renew annually (Feb 1 - Mar 31); CE (28 hours) is required every other year.
Trainee Appraiser
87 hrs
Under board-approved mentor; cannot sign reports independently
Licensed Residential
158 hrs total
Non-complex 1-4 unit residential properties
Certified Residential
200 hrs total
All 1-4 unit residential; no value or complexity limit
Certified General
300 hrs total
Commercial, agricultural, all property types
Montana Appraiser Credential Levels (2026)
| Credential | QE Hours | Experience | Degree | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Trainee Appraiser Entry level - AQB standard - No exam | 87 hrs (83 hrs QE + 4-hr MT supervisor course) | None (under approved mentor) | None | |
Licensed Residential First independent credential | 158 hrs total (87 trainee + 71-hr upgrade) | 1,000 hrs / min. 6 months | None | |
Certified Residential All residential; no restrictions | 200 hrs total | 1,500 hrs / min. 12 months | Bachelor's or AQB-approved equivalent | |
Certified General All property types - highest earnings | 300 hrs total | 3,000 hrs / 18 mo (1,500 non-res) | Bachelor's required |
* Exam required for Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, and Certified General. Trainee is exam-exempt. Source: Montana Board of Real Estate Appraisers / AQB, 2026. Verify current application fees at boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov.
How Much Do Montana Appraisers Earn?
Trainee / Entry
$40K - $55K
Working under approved mentor
Licensed / Cert. Residential
$64K - $98K
Montana state average
Bozeman / Certified General
$90K - $120K+
Commercial / agricultural / premium markets
Typical Residential Fee
$350 - $600
Per residential appraisal in Montana
Montana Median Home Price
~$425,000
Zillow / Redfin (Montana, 2025) -- Bozeman median well above $600,000
Top Montana 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 Montana Appraiser License Worth It?
👠Pros
- +Low $99 PSI Exam Fee: Montana uses PSI Services (formerly AMP) at just $99 per attempt -- significantly lower than the $225 Pearson VUE fee charged in most other states. If you need multiple attempts, the savings add up quickly.
- +Bozeman Premium Market: Bozeman's explosive tech-driven growth has pushed median home prices past $600,000, creating strong demand for experienced residential appraisers and commanding premium per-appraisal fees of $500+ in many cases.
- +Diverse Property Types: Montana's mix of luxury resort properties, agricultural land, and residential markets means Certified General Appraisers can specialize in high-value niches -- ranch land, commercial, and recreational properties command some of the highest appraiser fees in the state.
- +Underserved Market: With only two major QE providers and a smaller total appraiser population, qualified appraisers in Montana face less competition than in large coastal markets. Rural counties are particularly underserved, creating opportunity for new entrants.
👎 Cons
- -Unique Approved Mentor Requirement: Montana's biggest hurdle: supervisory appraisers must separately apply for board-approved mentor endorsement ($100 fee). You cannot work under just any certified appraiser. Finding an approved mentor -- especially outside Bozeman and Missoula -- can significantly delay your start date.
- -Board Approval Adds Time: The Montana Board must approve both your qualifying education and your experience log before you can schedule the PSI exam. Application processing can take up to 6 weeks. Factor this into your timeline planning.
- -Annual Renewal Admin: While CE is only required every 2 years, Montana licenses renew annually (Feb 1 - Mar 31 window). Missing the annual renewal window results in additional reinstatement fees and inactive status.
- -Limited Local School Options: Only two major national providers offer Montana-approved qualifying education. There are no strong local Montana appraisal schools with publicly listed QE packages, so you are limited to CE Shop and McKissock for trainee coursework.
How to Become a Licensed Appraiser in Montana
Find a Montana Board-Approved Mentor Appraiser
Before enrolling in courses, identify a supervisory appraiser who holds mentor endorsement from the Montana Board of Real Estate Appraisers. This is NOT the same as simply finding a certified appraiser -- your supervisor must have applied for and received separate mentor endorsement ($100 fee). Use the Montana Board's mentor list at boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov to find approved mentors. Bozeman and Missoula have the most active approved mentors.
Complete 87 Hours of Montana-Approved Qualifying Education
Complete all 87 hours of qualifying education approved by both AQB and the Montana Board: 30 hrs Basic Appraisal Principles, 30 hrs Basic Appraisal Procedures, 15 hrs National USPAP, 8 hrs Valuation Bias and Fair Housing (required effective Jan 1, 2026), and 4 hrs Montana Supervisor/Trainee Course. The CE Shop ($1,205) offers the best-priced package with live-online USPAP. McKissock ($1,375) offers a subscription with AI tutor, weekly live Q&A, and a Livestream option for live instructor-led classes.
Apply for Your Montana Trainee Appraiser License
Submit your Trainee Appraiser application to the Montana Board online at boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov. Required: education completion certificates (from AQB and Montana Board-approved courses), your approved mentor's information, fingerprints and background check, and the application fee (~$400 per CE Shop; verify current amount at boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov). Experience hours only count after your Trainee license is issued. Processing can take up to 6 weeks.
Complete Additional QE and Log 1,000 Supervised Experience Hours
Under your Montana-approved mentor, complete the remaining qualifying education to reach 158 total hours for Licensed Residential. Simultaneously accumulate 1,000 hours of supervised experience over at least 6 months. Keep a detailed Appraisal Experience Log for every assignment -- you must submit this to the Montana Board for approval before scheduling the exam. McKissock's Trainee + Licensed Residential combo package ($2,097) covers all required coursework.
Get Board Approval, Then Pass the PSI Exam ($99)
Submit your experience log and all documentation to the Montana Board for review. Do NOT schedule the PSI exam until you receive written confirmation from the Montana Board that your QE and experience are approved. Once approved, schedule the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam (NULCE) through PSI Services at psiexams.com/mtrap. Exam fee is $99. Pass 75 out of 110 scored questions within 4 hours. Submit your passing score to the Montana Board and pay the Licensed Residential application fee (~$515) to receive your credential.
Montana Appraiser License Requirements
Eligibility
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Fingerprints and background check required
- Must have a Montana board-approved mentor appraiser (not just any certified appraiser)
- Both trainee and mentor must complete the 4-hr Montana Supervisor/Trainee Course
- Experience hours only count after Trainee license is issued
- Montana Board must approve QE and experience before exam scheduling
Education
- Trainee: 87 hrs (83 hrs QE + 4-hr MT supervisor course) -- effective Jan 2026
- Licensed Residential: 158 hrs total (87 trainee + upgrade courses)
- Certified Residential: 200 hrs total QE
- Certified General: 300 hrs total QE + Bachelor's degree required
- All QE must be approved by both AQB and the Montana Board
- Online providers accepted: The CE Shop, McKissock Learning
Exam (PSI Services -- $99)
- PSI Services (formerly AMP) -- psiexams.com/mtrap/
- NULCE -- 125 total questions (110 scored + 15 unscored)
- Exam fee: $99 per attempt (significantly lower than Pearson VUE states)
- Passing score: 75 out of 110 scored questions
- Required for Licensed, Certified Residential, Certified General
- Not required for Trainee Appraiser credential
- Do NOT schedule with PSI until Montana Board sends written approval
Application and Renewal
- Apply online via Montana citizen portal at boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov
- Trainee application fee: ~$400 (includes background check)
- Licensed Residential application fee: ~$515
- Annual license renewal: Feb 1 - Mar 31 each year
- CE: 28 hours required at every other renewal (biennial CE)
- CE must include 7-hr USPAP Update Course
- Mentor endorsement for supervisors: $100 application fee
Montana Appraiser License Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Trainee qualifying education (87 hrs) | $1,205 - $1,375 |
| Montana Trainee Appraiser application fee | ~$400 |
| Licensed Residential upgrade coursework | ~$200 - $600 |
| Licensed Residential application fee | ~$515 |
| PSI Services Exam Fee (NULCE) | $99 |
| Fingerprinting / Background check | $20 - $75 |
| Exam prep / study materials | $0 - $200 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $1,034 - $2,589+ |
All government fees are non-refundable. Verify current amounts with MBREA before applying.
The Montana Appraiser Exam — What to Expect
Exam At a Glance
- Exam
- NULCE -- National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination
- Provider
- PSI Services (formerly AMP -- Applied Measurement Professionals)
- Questions
- 125 total (110 scored + 15 pretest)
- Time Limit
- 4 hours
- Passing Score
- 75 (out of 110 scored)
- Exam Fee
- $99 per attempt
- Pass Rate
- Approximately 60-70% nationally (Montana-specific rate not publicly available)
- Trainee Exempt
- Yes — no exam for Trainee
Key Exam Content Areas
- Real Property Concepts and Legal Considerations
- Market Analysis and Highest and Best Use
- Sales Comparison Approach -- adjustments, paired-sales analysis
- Cost Approach -- depreciation methods, land valuation and site valuation
- Income Approach -- capitalization, GRM (Certified General focus)
- Statistics, Modeling, and Finance
- USPAP -- ethics, competency, reporting standards (~20-25% of exam)
💡 Exam Prep Tips
- • Do NOT schedule the exam with PSI until you receive written Montana Board confirmation that your QE and experience are approved
- • Focus on USPAP -- it accounts for approximately 20-25% of exam questions
- • At only $99 per attempt, thorough preparation is still strongly recommended to avoid delays
- • Complete all qualifying education before scheduling -- course content is directly tested
- • Site valuation, cost approach, and USPAP are emphasized in Montana's curriculum
About MBREA — Montana's Appraiser Regulator
Contact & Resources
- Full Name
- Montana Board of Real Estate Appraisers
- Phone
- (406) 444-6880
- Address
- Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Business Standards Division, PO Box 200513, Helena, MT 59620
- Phone
- (406) 444-6880
- Address
- PO Box 200513, Helena, MT 59620
- Exam Provider
- PSI Services -- psiexams.com/mtrap/
Key Montana Rules
- MENTOR SYSTEM: Supervisory appraisers must hold Montana Board-approved mentor endorsement ($100 fee) -- not just any certified appraiser can supervise trainees
- All QE courses must be approved by BOTH AQB and the Montana Board of Real Estate Appraisers
- Trainee Appraiser: 87 hrs QE (effective Jan 2026), no experience, no exam; must work under an approved mentor
- CE: 28 hours required at every other annual renewal (biennial CE); includes 7-hr USPAP Update Course
- Annual license renewal window: Feb 1 - Mar 31
- Exam: PSI Services at $99 (one of the lowest appraiser exam fees in the US)
- Do NOT schedule PSI exam until Montana Board provides written approval of QE and experience
- Certified General: 300 hrs QE + Bachelor's degree + 3,000 hrs / 18 months (1,500 non-residential)
- Application processing can take up to 6 weeks -- plan accordingly
How Long Does It Take? Realistic Montana Timelines
Full-Time
8-12 months to Licensed Residential
- 1.Find a Montana board-approved mentor appraiser
- 2.Complete 87-hr QE (3-5 weeks online; CE Shop $1,205 or McKissock $1,375)
- 3.Apply for Trainee license (up to 6 weeks processing)
- 4.Complete upgrade QE + 1,000 hrs / 6 months under approved mentor
- 5.Submit experience log to Montana Board for approval, then pass PSI exam ($99)
Part-Time
15-22 months to Licensed Residential
- 1.Find an approved mentor (can take weeks in rural areas -- start early)
- 2.Complete 87-hr QE evenings/weekends (8-12 weeks)
- 3.Apply for Trainee license with Montana Board
- 4.Complete upgrade QE + 1,000 hrs (12-18 months part-time)
- 5.Submit documentation, await Board approval, pass PSI exam
Certified General
3-5 years total
- 1.Complete 300-hr QE total; hold Bachelor's degree
- 2.3,000 hrs (1,500 non-residential) / 18 months minimum
- 3.Montana CG appraisers: agricultural land + commercial = premium fees
- 4.Bozeman and Missoula CG appraisers can earn $90K-$120K+
- 5.Pass CG exam via PSI; apply to Montana Board
Montana tip: Start your mentor search BEFORE enrolling in courses. Finding a Montana board-approved mentor (especially outside Bozeman and Missoula) is the most common cause of delays. Also factor in up to 6 weeks for Board application processing after submitting your Trainee application.
Ready to Launch Your Montana Appraisal Career?
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Montana Appraiser License Renewal
Montana appraiser licenses renew annually during the February 1 - March 31 window. The renewal fee is $200/year for Trainee and $225/year for Licensed, Certified Residential, and Certified General.
Continuing education (28 hours) is required at every OTHER renewal -- meaning every 2 years. The 28 hours must include the 7-hour National USPAP Update Course.
All CE courses must be approved by the Montana Board of Real Estate Appraisers. McKissock and The CE Shop both offer Montana Board-approved CE courses.
Montana has accepted the National USPAP Update Course online since October 2016.
Annual renewal (Feb 1 - Mar 31); CE biennial (every other renewal)
Renewal Cycle
28 hrs / cycle
CE Requirement
Feb 1 - Mar 31
Renewal Window
7 hrs required
USPAP Update
Every 2 years
CE Cycle
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a real estate appraiser in Montana?
To become a Licensed Residential Appraiser in Montana: (1) Find a Montana board-approved mentor appraiser (your supervisor must hold mentor endorsement from the Montana Board -- not just any certified appraiser); (2) Complete 87 hours of qualifying education (effective Jan 2026: 30 Basic Principles + 30 Basic Procedures + 15 USPAP + 8 Valuation Bias + 4-hr MT Supervisor/Trainee course); (3) Apply for your Trainee license (~$400, with fingerprints and background check); (4) Complete additional QE to reach 158 total hours; (5) Log 1,000+ hours of supervised experience over at least 6 months; (6) Submit documentation to the Montana Board for approval; (7) After Board written confirmation, schedule and pass the PSI exam ($99); (8) Apply for Licensed Residential license (~$515). Total timeline: 8-22 months.
What is Montana's approved mentor requirement?
Unlike most states where any certified appraiser can supervise trainees, Montana requires supervisory appraisers to separately apply for and receive mentor endorsement from the Montana Board of Real Estate Appraisers (application fee: $100). When looking for a supervisor, use the Montana Board's approved mentor list at boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov to find qualified supervisors. You CANNOT begin logging experience hours under a certified appraiser who has not received mentor endorsement from the Board.
What exam does Montana use for appraiser licensing?
Montana uses PSI Services (formerly AMP -- Applied Measurement Professionals) to administer the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination (NULCE). The exam fee is $99 -- significantly lower than the $225 Pearson VUE fee in most other states. The exam is 4 hours long with 125 total questions (110 scored, 15 unscored practice questions). You must score 75 out of 110 to pass. You cannot schedule the exam with PSI until the Montana Board sends written confirmation that your qualifying education and experience have been approved.
What are the CE requirements for Montana appraisers?
Montana has annual license renewal (renew Feb 1 - March 31 each year), but continuing education (28 hours) is required at every other renewal -- effectively every 2 years. The 28 hours must include the 7-hour National USPAP Update Course. Montana has accepted the USPAP Update Course online since October 2016. All CE courses must be approved by the Montana Board of Real Estate Appraisers. Both McKissock and The CE Shop offer Montana Board-approved CE courses.
How much do real estate appraisers earn in Montana?
Montana real estate appraisers typically earn between $64,000 and $98,000 per year. McKissock's data shows Salary.com estimates $68,620-$98,299 for upper-level residential appraisers, while Glassdoor reports an average of $83,852. The national BLS median is $65,420 (May 2024). Montana's fastest-growing markets -- Bozeman (median home prices $600,000+) and Missoula -- have seen dramatic appreciation that increases both appraisal volume and per-appraisal fees. Certified General Appraisers handling agricultural land and commercial properties can command significantly higher rates.
Who regulates appraisers in Montana?
The Montana Board of Real Estate Appraisers (MBREA), part of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) Business Standards Division, regulates all real estate appraisers in Montana. Contact: (406) 444-6880 or boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/real-estate-appraisers/. MBREA issues Trainee, Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, and Certified General credentials. All appraisals for federally related mortgage transactions must be performed by an MBREA-credentialed appraiser.
Can I take Montana appraisal qualifying education online?
Yes. Montana permits online qualifying education. Both The CE Shop and McKissock Learning offer Montana Board and AQB-approved online QE packages. The CE Shop offers a $1,205 Standard Package (87 hrs) with live-online USPAP delivered in 4 flexible sessions. McKissock offers a $1,375 Learning Subscription with self-paced online courses, plus a Livestream option (live instructor-led Saturday/Sunday sessions, limited enrollment) for candidates who prefer structured classroom-style learning. Champions School of Real Estate does not offer qualifying education for Montana.
How do I find an approved mentor appraiser in Montana?
Finding a Montana board-approved mentor is the most critical -- and sometimes most challenging -- first step. Use the Montana Board's approved mentor list at boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/real-estate-appraisers/ to search for approved mentors in your area. Bozeman and Missoula have the most active approved mentors due to their market activity. In rural areas, the list may be short -- if this is the case, consider reaching out to appraisal management companies (AMCs) that operate in Montana or contacting the Montana Chapter of the Appraisal Institute. Start your mentor search BEFORE enrolling in courses.