How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in Vermont (2026)
Vermont appraisers work in a high-demand, low-supply market where limited appraiser workforce drives above-average fees. Burlington's active lending market, Stowe's luxury ski resort properties, and Vermont's rapidly appreciating home values make this one of New England's most rewarding appraisal markets for certified professionals.
Trainee Education
$1,159 – $1,525
Time to Cert. Residential
14 – 24 months
VT Appraiser Avg Salary
$65K – $98K
Exam Fee
$225 (Pearson VUE)
Vermont Appraisers Are Regulated by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation
The Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), under the Secretary of State, licenses all real estate appraisers in Vermont. Vermont offers four AQB-compliant credential levels. The entry credential is the Appraiser Trainee -- 87 hours of qualifying education (83 QE + 4-hr Supervisor/Trainee course), no experience required, no exam required. All credentials renew biennially on May 31. Vermont requires 28 hours of CE per renewal cycle. Apply online at sos.vermont.gov/opr/online-services/.
Vermont's primary career path goes directly from Trainee to Certified Residential Appraiser -- not through Licensed Residential. Most education providers and the VT OPR guide new appraisers to target Certified Residential from the start.
Top Vermont Appraiser Schools at a Glance
Two nationally recognized AQB-approved schools offer Vermont trainee qualifying education online. The CE Shop and McKissock Learning both include all required Vermont courses -- Basic Appraisal Principles, Basic Appraisal Procedures, 15-hr USPAP, 8-hr Valuation Bias and Fair Housing, and the required 4-hr Vermont Supervisor/Trainee course.
1. McKissock LearningMost Recognized
McKissock is the most recognized national appraisal school. Vermont packages include all 87 hours (83 QE + 4-hr VT Supervisor/Trainee course), AI tutor (Rubi), live Q&A every Thursday, and printed textbooks. Learning Subscription adds monthly Pro-Series webinars and 1-year access. A Vermont Livestream Package (Summer 2026, Sat/Sun format) is also available for candidates who prefer live instructor-led sessions.
From $1,159
VT Trainee Basic Package (87 hrs)
2. The CE ShopBest Value
The CE Shop offers the most affordable Vermont trainee package at $1,205 -- and includes USPAP digital manuals and a proctored exam. The 15-hour USPAP course is delivered live-online with 4 flexible sessions. All courses are fully online and self-paced, with the USPAP component scheduled around your availability.
From $1,205
VT Trainee Standard Package (87 hrs)
Best Vermont Appraiser Licensing Courses
All 2 schools are Vermont VT OPR-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
McKissock Learning
Most RecognizedStarting at
$1159
- All 87 hours AQB-approved and accepted by Vermont OPR
- Includes mandatory 4-hour Vermont Supervisor/Trainee Course
- AI tutor (Rubi) + live Q&A every Thursday
- Learning Subscription includes printed textbooks + Pro-Series webinars
- Vermont Livestream Package available (Sat/Sun format, April-August 2026)
Available Packages (3)
VT Trainee Basic Package (87 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- 2024 15-Hr National USPAP Course (15 hrs)
- 8-Hr Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations (8 hrs)
- Supervisor-Trainee Course for Vermont (4 hrs)
- 6-month access
The CE Shop
Best ValueStarting at
$1205
- Most affordable Vermont trainee package at $1,205
- USPAP digital manuals and proctored exam included
- 15-hr USPAP delivered live-online with 4 flexible session windows
- All courses AQB-approved and accepted by Vermont OPR
- Includes mandatory 4-hr Vermont Supervisor/Trainee Course
Available Packages (1)
VT Trainee Standard Package (87 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- 15-Hr National USPAP Live-Online Course (15 hrs)
- Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws (8 hrs)
- Supervisory Appraiser/Trainee Appraiser Course (4 hrs)
- USPAP digital manuals included
- Proctored exam included
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
What Is a Vermont Appraiser License?
A Vermont appraiser license is issued by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) and required to perform real property appraisals for federally related transactions. Vermont offers four AQB-compliant credential levels. The entry credential is the Appraiser Trainee -- 87 hours of qualifying education (83 AQB + 4-hr Supervisor/Trainee course required by Vermont), no experience required, no exam required. Vermont's primary career path goes directly to Certified Residential Appraiser -- bypassing Licensed Residential in most cases.
Appraiser Trainee
87 hrs
Under supervisor; cannot sign reports independently
Licensed Residential
158 hrs total
Non-complex 1-4 unit residential; value/complexity limits apply
Certified Residential
200 hrs total
All 1-4 unit residential; no value or complexity limit
Certified General
300 hrs total
Commercial, industrial, all property types
Vermont Appraiser Credential Levels (2026)
| Credential | QE Hours | Experience | Degree | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Appraiser Trainee Entry level | No exam | $115 application fee | 87 hrs (83 QE + 4-hr Supervisor/Trainee) | None (under supervisor) | None | |
Licensed Residential Not primary VT path -- verify with OPR | 158 hrs total | 1,000 hrs / min. 6 months | None | |
Certified Residential Vermont primary credential | All residential | 200 hrs total (incl. 83-hr trainee coursework) | 1,500 hrs / min. 12 months | Associate's or 21 credit hrs | |
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: VT OPR / AQB, effective January 1, 2026. Trainee application fee: $115. Verify all other application fees at sos.vermont.gov/real-estate-appraisers/.
How Much Do Vermont Appraisers Earn?
Trainee / Entry
$40K – $55K
Working under supervisor
Certified Residential
$65K – $98K
Vermont average (ZipRecruiter 2025)
Independent Fee Appraiser
$80K – $120K+
5-10 appraisals/week at $400-$700/each
Typical Residential Fee
$400 – $700
Per residential appraisal in Vermont
Vermont Median Home Price
$393,838
Zillow Vermont Home Values (2025) -- northwest VT corridor near $500,000
Top Vermont 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 Vermont Appraiser License Worth It?
👠Pros
- +Strong Demand, Limited Supply: Vermont's small appraiser workforce relative to market demand means certified appraisers can build strong independent practices with consistent appraisal volume and above-average fees.
- +Above-Average Fees: Vermont home values averaging $393,838 statewide -- with luxury markets in Stowe, Burlington, and northwest VT above $500,000 -- support per-appraisal fees of $400-$700 for standard residential assignments.
- +Affordable Entry Costs: Vermont's Trainee application fee of $115 is among the most affordable in New England. Total trainee education costs run $1,159-$1,525 for a complete 87-hour package.
- +Fully Online Education: Vermont has no limit on online qualifying education or CE hours. All 87 hours of trainee coursework can be completed online through McKissock or The CE Shop at your own pace.
👎 Cons
- -Finding a Supervisory Appraiser: Vermont's small appraiser community makes finding a willing, qualified supervisory appraiser the most challenging step for new candidates. Your supervisor must hold a Certified credential for the AQB-minimum number of years and be available to accompany you during property inspections.
- -Longer Path to Independent Work: Vermont's primary career destination is Certified Residential -- which requires 1,500 hours of experience over at least 12 months. You cannot sign appraisals independently until certification, which means 14-24 months before independent practice.
- -College Education Required for Certified Residential: Certified Residential requires an Associate's degree, 21 semester credit hours in specified subjects, or five years as a Licensed Residential Appraiser. Candidates without qualifying college coursework will need to complete it concurrently.
- -Application Fees Not Fully Confirmed: Only the Trainee application fee ($115) is confirmed. Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, and Certified General application fees must be verified directly with the VT OPR at sos.vermont.gov/real-estate-appraisers/ before submitting.
How to Become a Licensed Appraiser in Vermont
Complete 87 Hours of Trainee Qualifying Education
Complete 87 hours of AQB-approved qualifying education: 30 hrs Basic Appraisal Principles, 30 hrs Basic Appraisal Procedures, 15 hrs National USPAP (live-online), 8 hrs Valuation Bias and Fair Housing (required effective January 1, 2026), and 4 hrs AQB Appraiser Trainee/Supervisory Appraiser Course. McKissock Learning and The CE Shop both offer Vermont-accepted packages online. Find your supervisory appraiser first -- both of you must complete the 4-hour Supervisor/Trainee course before the supervisory relationship officially begins.
Find a Supervisory Appraiser and Register as Trainee
Secure a Vermont Certified Appraiser (Certified Residential or Certified General) who has held their certification for at least the AQB-minimum number of years (generally 2 years for Certified Residential, 3 years for Certified General) and is in good standing with the VT OPR. Submit your Trainee Appraiser application through Vermont's OPR online portal (sos.vermont.gov/opr/online-services/) with the $115 application fee. Use Vermont's licensee search portal or the ASC National Registry at asc.gov to identify potential supervisors in your area.
Complete Additional QE and Accumulate 1,500 Experience Hours
While working under your supervisory appraiser, complete the additional qualifying education required for Certified Residential (200 total hours from 87): Statistics, Modeling and Finance (15 hrs), Advanced Residential Applications and Case Studies (15 hrs), and Appraisal Subject Matter Electives (20 hrs) -- plus any remaining courses. Accumulate 1,500 hours of supervised appraisal experience over at least 12 months. Maintain a detailed Appraisal Experience Log signed by your supervisor for every assignment.
Submit Certified Residential Application to VT OPR
Once all education (200 hrs) and experience (1,500 hrs over 12+ months) requirements are met, submit your Certified Residential Appraiser application to the Vermont OPR via the online portal. Include proof of completed education, your signed experience log, college education documentation, and any required background disclosures. Verify the current Certified Residential application fee at sos.vermont.gov/real-estate-appraisers/ before submitting. Upon approval, the VT OPR will authorize you to schedule the national exam through Pearson VUE.
Pass the Pearson VUE National Exam (NULCE) -- $225
Schedule and pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination (NULCE) through Pearson VUE. The $225 exam fee is paid to Pearson VUE at scheduling. You must correctly answer at least 75 of 125 scored questions within 4 hours. Vermont Certified Residential exam topics include all three approaches to value, USPAP standards, statistics and modeling, and advanced residential applications. Upon passing, the Vermont OPR issues your official Certified Residential Appraiser credential. Renew every 2 years by May 31 with 28 hours of CE.
Vermont Appraiser License Requirements
Eligibility
- Must be at least 18 years old
- No prior appraisal experience required for Trainee
- Character and fitness review by VT OPR
- Secure a Vermont Certified supervisory appraiser
- Both trainee and supervisor complete 4-hr AQB Supervisor/Trainee Course
- Supervisory appraiser must have held credential for AQB-minimum years
Education
- Trainee: 87 hrs QE (83 AQB + 4-hr VT Supervisor/Trainee course)
- All levels: 15-hr USPAP + 8-hr Valuation Bias and Fair Housing (2026)
- Certified Residential: 200 total hrs QE
- Certified General: 300 total hrs QE + Bachelor's degree required
- All online AQB-approved courses accepted by VT OPR
- No limit on online QE or CE hours in Vermont
Exam (Pearson VUE)
- NULCE -- 150 total questions (125 scored + 25 pretest)
- Exam fee: $225 per attempt
- Passing score: 75 out of 125 scored questions
- Time limit: 4 hours
- Required for Licensed, Certified Residential, Certified General
- Not required for Appraiser Trainee credential
Application and Renewal
- Apply online at sos.vermont.gov/opr/online-services/
- Trainee application fee: $115
- Certified-level fees: verify with VT OPR
- CE: 28 hours biennial; includes 7-hr USPAP Update Course
- Certified Residential: Associate's degree or 21 credit hrs required
- Renewals expire May 31 biennially
Vermont Appraiser License Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Trainee qualifying education (87 hrs) | $1,159 – $1,525 |
| VT OPR Trainee Application Fee | $115 |
| Additional QE courses (Trainee to Certified Residential, ~117 hrs) | $400 – $900 |
| VT OPR Certified Residential Application Fee | Verify with VT OPR |
| Pearson VUE Exam Fee (NULCE) | $225 |
| Exam prep / study materials | $0 – $200 |
| CE (biennial 28-hr renewal) | $100 – $300 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $1,899 – $2,965+ |
All government fees are non-refundable. Verify current amounts with VT OPR before applying.
The Vermont Appraiser Exam — What to Expect
Exam At a Glance
- Exam
- NULCE -- National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination
- Provider
- Pearson VUE
- Questions
- 150 total (125 scored + 25 pretest)
- Time Limit
- 4 hours
- Passing Score
- 75 (out of 125 scored)
- Exam Fee
- $225 per attempt
- Trainee Exempt
- Yes — no exam for Trainee
Key Exam Content Areas
- Real Property Concepts and Characteristics
- Legal Considerations in Appraisal
- Market Analysis and Highest and Best Use
- Sales Comparison Approach -- adjustments and paired-sales analysis
- Cost Approach -- depreciation methods and land valuation
- Income Approach -- capitalization and GRM (Certified General focus)
- Statistics, Modeling, and Finance (Certified Residential and above)
- USPAP -- ethics, competency, reporting standards (approximately 20-25% of exam)
💡 Exam Prep Tips
- • Complete all qualifying education before scheduling the exam -- course content is directly tested
- • Budget 4-6 weeks of dedicated study after completing QE before scheduling
- • Focus heavily on USPAP -- it accounts for approximately 20-25% of exam questions
- • Vermont Certified Residential exam covers advanced topics including statistics and modeling -- plan accordingly
- • At $225 per attempt, thorough preparation is worth the investment
About VT OPR — Vermont's Appraiser Regulator
Contact & Resources
- Full Name
- Vermont Secretary of State -- Office of Professional Regulation, Real Estate Appraisers Section
- Phone
- See sos.vermont.gov/real-estate-appraisers/
- Address
- 89 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Montpelier, VT 05620
- Online Services
- sos.vermont.gov/opr/online-services/
- Address
- 89 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Montpelier, VT 05620
- Licensee Lookup
- professionals.vermont.gov
- Trainee App Fee
- $115
- CE Cycle
- 28 hrs biennial (May 31 renewal)
Key Vermont Rules
- Vermont OPR issues four credential levels: Trainee, Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, and Certified General
- Vermont primary career path: Trainee to Certified Residential (Licensed Residential not the primary track)
- Trainee: 87 hrs QE (83 AQB + 4-hr Supervisor/Trainee course), $115 application fee, no exam, no experience required
- CE: 28 hours every 2 years; includes mandatory 7-hr USPAP Update Course; renewals expire May 31
- No limit on online QE or CE hours in Vermont -- all coursework can be done online
- Certified General: 300 hrs QE + 3,000 hrs experience / 18 months (1,500 non-residential) + Bachelor's degree
- Both trainee and supervisory appraiser must complete 4-hr AQB course before supervision begins
- Application fees above Trainee level: verify with VT OPR at sos.vermont.gov/real-estate-appraisers/
How Long Does It Take? Realistic Vermont Timelines
Full-Time
14–18 months to Certified Residential
- 1.Complete 87-hr QE online (4-8 weeks)
- 2.Register as Trainee with VT OPR ($115)
- 3.Complete add'l QE to 200 hrs while accumulating 1,500 hrs / 12 months
- 4.Apply for Certified Residential; pass Pearson VUE ($225)
Part-Time
20–28 months to Certified Residential
- 1.Complete 87-hr QE evenings/weekends (10-16 weeks)
- 2.Register as Trainee with VT OPR
- 3.Complete remaining QE while accumulating experience (18-24 months)
- 4.Apply for Certified Residential; pass exam after requirements met
Certified General
3–5+ years total
- 1.Complete 300-hr QE; hold Bachelor's degree
- 2.3,000 hrs (1,500 non-res) / 18 months minimum
- 3.25-40% earnings premium over residential-only appraisers
- 4.Pass CG exam; apply to VT OPR for Certified General credential
Vermont's minimum timeline is gated by the 12-month experience requirement for Certified Residential. Finding a supervisory appraiser willing to work with you often determines your actual start date -- use Vermont's licensee lookup at professionals.vermont.gov or the ASC National Registry at asc.gov.
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Vermont Appraiser License Renewal
Vermont appraiser licenses renew every 2 years with credentials expiring on May 31 of renewal years. Complete 28 hours of CE before the May 31 deadline: the mandatory 7-hour USPAP Update Course plus 21 elective hours.
Vermont has no limit on online CE hours -- all 28 hours can be completed online through VT OPR-approved providers. Renew via the OPR online portal at sos.vermont.gov/opr/online-services/.
Biennial
Renewal Cycle
28 hrs / cycle
CE Requirement
7 hrs required
USPAP Update
21 hrs
Elective CE
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a certified appraiser in Vermont?
Vermont's recommended career path goes directly from Trainee to Certified Residential Appraiser (bypassing Licensed Residential). The minimum timeline is approximately 14-18 months for a full-time candidate, since Certified Residential requires at least 1,500 hours of experience over no fewer than 12 months. Most working professionals take 20-28 months. Finding a willing supervisory appraiser is often what determines your actual start date.
What is the Pearson VUE appraiser exam like in Vermont?
Vermont appraisers take the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination (NULCE) through Pearson VUE. The exam has 150 total questions (125 scored, 25 unscored pretest). You must answer at least 75 of 125 scored questions correctly (60% passing threshold) within 4 hours. Topics include USPAP standards, all three approaches to value, market analysis, statistics and modeling, and legal considerations. The exam fee is $225 per attempt paid to Pearson VUE at scheduling.
Does Vermont offer a Licensed Residential Appraiser credential?
Yes, Vermont technically has a Licensed Residential Appraiser level, but it is not Vermont's recommended career path. The VT OPR and most education providers guide new appraisers directly from Trainee to Certified Residential Appraiser. Certified Residential allows you to appraise any 1-4 unit residential property with no value or complexity restrictions, while Licensed Residential has limits. Many Vermont candidates skip Licensed Residential entirely and work toward Certified Residential from the start.
Do I need a college degree to become an appraiser in Vermont?
No college degree is required to become a Trainee or Licensed Residential Appraiser in Vermont. However, Certified Residential (Vermont's primary career path) requires AQB college education criteria: an Associate's degree in a related field, completion of 21 semester credit hours in specified subjects, or five years of good standing as a Licensed Residential Appraiser. The Certified General credential requires a full Bachelor's degree with no alternatives.
How much does it cost to become a certified appraiser in Vermont?
The total cost to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Vermont is approximately $2,245 or more according to The CE Shop. This includes trainee qualifying education ($1,159-$1,525), the Trainee application fee ($115 confirmed), additional QE courses to reach 200 hours ($400-$900), the Pearson VUE national exam fee ($225), and the Certified Residential application fee (verify with VT OPR). Vermont's Trainee application fee is among the most affordable in New England.
How do I find a supervisory appraiser in Vermont?
Finding a supervisory appraiser can be challenging in Vermont's small market. Effective strategies: use Vermont's licensee search portal at professionals.vermont.gov to find Certified Appraisers in good standing, check the ASC National Registry at asc.gov, reach out to appraisal management companies (AMCs) operating in Vermont, post on AppraisersForum.com, and network at local real estate industry events. Your supervisor must have held their Certified credential for at least the AQB-minimum number of years and must be available to accompany you during property inspections.
Who regulates appraisers in Vermont?
The Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR), under the Vermont Secretary of State, licenses and regulates all real estate appraisers in Vermont. The OPR sets and enforces education requirements, approves course providers, processes applications and renewals, and investigates complaints. All Vermont licensed and certified appraisers are listed in the ASC National Registry. Vermont renewals occur biennially, with credentials expiring May 31. Contact: sos.vermont.gov/real-estate-appraisers/ or 89 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Montpelier, VT 05620.
What is USPAP and why does it matter for Vermont appraisers?
USPAP stands for the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice -- the nationwide ethical and performance standards for all real estate appraisers. Vermont appraisers must complete the 15-hour National USPAP course as part of their trainee qualifying education and keep current with the 7-hour USPAP Update Course every 2 years (mandatory CE). USPAP governs how appraisals are conducted, reported, and certified. Non-compliance can result in license discipline by the VT OPR. USPAP topics represent approximately 20-25% of the Pearson VUE national exam.
How much do real estate appraisers earn in Vermont?
Vermont real estate appraisers typically earn $65,000-$98,000 per year. ZipRecruiter reports an average of approximately $97,577 in Vermont (June 2025). The national BLS median of $65,420 (May 2024) is a reliable baseline for entry and mid-level appraisers. Vermont's above-average home values ($393,838 statewide median; northwest Vermont corridor near $500,000) support per-appraisal fees of $400-$700 for standard residential assignments. Vermont's limited appraiser workforce relative to demand means certified appraisers with an established practice can earn $80,000-$120,000+ per year.
Can I complete Vermont appraiser qualifying education online?
Yes. Vermont has no limit on online qualifying education or CE hours -- all 87 hours of trainee coursework can be completed fully online through AQB-approved providers. McKissock Learning and The CE Shop both offer Vermont-accepted online packages covering all required courses including the mandatory 4-hour Vermont Supervisor/Trainee course. The 15-hour USPAP course from The CE Shop is delivered live-online with 4 flexible sessions to fit your schedule.