How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in Virginia (2026)
Virginia's Certified General credential requires 304 hours — 4 above the national AQB minimum. Northern Virginia's DC-adjacent market offers some of the East Coast's highest appraiser salaries. Champions School operates in Virginia with full 87/162/207-hr programs.
Trainee Education
$1,100 – $2,097
Time to Licensed Res.
8 – 22 months
NoVA Appraiser Salary
$85K – $120K+
Exam Fee
$225 (Pearson VUE)
Virginia Appraisers Are Regulated by the Virginia Real Estate Appraiser Board (DPOR)
The Virginia Real Estate Appraiser Board (VREAB), under DPOR, issues four credential levels — Trainee, Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, and Certified General. Virginia-specific rule: Certified General requires 304 hours (4 above AQB's 300). First renewal requires a 7-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing course; subsequent renewals require 4 hrs. Exam: Pearson VUE ($225). Renewal: biennial (28 CE hours every 2 years).
Top Virginia Appraiser Schools at a Glance
1. McKissock LearningBest Value
VREAB-approved for all Virginia credential levels — Trainee through Certified General. VA Trainee from $1,159 (Basic) or $2,097 (Livestream). Licensed upgrade $975–$1,449. CR upgrade paths from Trainee and Licensed levels. CG packages $1,999–$2,925. Instructor Q&A and live webinars included.
From $1,159
VA Trainee Basic Package (87 hrs)
2. Champions School of Real EstateLive Instruction
Full program suite in VA — 87-hr Trainee ($1,100), 162-hr Licensed ($1,950), and 207-hr Certified Residential ($2,429). ChampionsLive! Zoom virtual classroom. Free textbooks, exam proctoring, and exam prep retakes (1 year) included. 75-hr Licensed upgrade available separately at $950. No Certified General program.
From $1,100
VA 87-hr Trainee Program (live Zoom)
3. The CE ShopTop-Rated UX
Modern platform with live-online USPAP, USPAP digital manuals, and proctored exam included. VREAB-approved for VA Trainee level. Includes 8-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing and 4-hr Supervisor/Trainee Course. Best mobile UX of the three. Trainee only — no upgrade packages.
$1,205
VA Trainee Standard Package (87 hrs)
Best Virginia Appraiser Licensing Courses
All 4 schools are Virginia VREAB / DPOR-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
Champions School of Real Estate
Live InstructionStarting at
$1100
- VREAB-approved; full suite of VA programs — Trainee (87 hrs), Licensed (162 hrs), Certified Residential (207 hrs)
- ChampionsLive! Zoom virtual classroom — all sessions instructor-led
- Free textbooks, free exam proctoring, and free exam prep retakes (1 year) included in all programs
- 75-hr Licensed Residential Upgrade available separately for existing VA Trainees
- No Certified General program — use McKissock for CG credential
Available Packages (4)
VA 87-Hour Appraiser Trainee Program
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- 15-hr National USPAP, 8-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing, 4-hr Supervisor/Trainee
- Free textbooks + free exam proctoring + free exam prep retakes (1 yr)
McKissock Learning
Best ValueStarting at
$1159
- VREAB-approved for all Virginia credential levels — Trainee through Certified General
- Includes 8-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing (2026 req) and 4-hr VA Supervisor/Trainee Course
- Licensed Residential upgrade packages (75 hrs) available with exam prep option
- Certified Residential upgrade paths from both Trainee and Licensed levels
- Instructor Q&A, live webinars, and Livestream option for VA Trainee package
- Note: VA Certified General requires 304 hrs (4 above AQB minimum) — McKissock covers this
Available Packages (11)
VA 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 (2026 requirement)
- 4-Hour VA Supervisor/Trainee Course
- 6-month course access
The CE Shop
Top-Rated UXStarting at
$1205
- Modern, mobile-friendly platform — VREAB-approved for VA Trainee level
- Includes live-online 15-hr USPAP course (not pre-recorded) + USPAP digital manuals
- 8-Hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing and 4-Hr Supervisor/Trainee Course included
- Proctored exam included with package
- Trainee-level package only — no upgrade packages for VA
Available Packages (1)
VA 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 VA Supervisor/Trainee Course
- USPAP digital manuals + proctored final exam
VanEd
Partial — 75 hrs onlyStarting at
$1359
- ⚠️ NOT a complete VA Trainee solution — 75-hr package is 12 hours short of the 87-hr requirement
- Missing: 8-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing (required Jan 1, 2026) and 4-hr Supervisor/Trainee Course
- VanEd VA currently shows "updating courses" — package may not reflect 2026 AQB requirements
- Individual courses: Basic Principles (30 hrs) and Procedures (30 hrs) at $336 each
- Not recommended as primary VA school without sourcing missing 12 hours from another provider
Available Packages (1)
VA Basic Appraisal Course Package (75 hrs — Incomplete)
- Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- USPAP and/or other standard courses (15 hrs)
- ⚠️ Missing: 8-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing + 4-hr Supervisor/Trainee (12 hrs)
- ⚠️ Must source missing content from another provider for complete VA 2026 QE
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
What Is a Virginia Appraiser Credential?
A Virginia appraiser credential is issued by the Virginia Real Estate Appraiser Board (VREAB) under DPOR and is required to perform real property appraisals for federally related transactions. Virginia offers four credential levels — standard AQB structure with two state-specific variances: Certified General requires 304 hours (not 300), and the first biennial renewal requires a 7-hour Valuation Bias course (subsequent renewals: 4 hours). Apply through the DPOR Online Services portal.
Trainee Appraiser
87 hrs QE
Under supervisor; no independent signing
Licensed Residential
75-hr upgrade + 1,000 exp hrs
Non-complex 1–4 unit residential
Certified Residential
125-hr from Trainee + 1,500 exp hrs
All 1–4 unit residential; no value limit
Certified General
304 hrs total (VA-specific) + 3,000 exp hrs
All property types — residential & commercial
VA-Specific Note: Virginia requires 304 hours for Certified General — 4 above the AQB minimum of 300. Verify the specific required course breakdown at dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Appraisers before enrolling in CG education packages.
Virginia Appraiser Credential Levels (2026)
| Credential | QE Hours | Experience | Degree | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Trainee Appraiser Entry level | 87 hrs | None (under 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-hr from Trainee (200 total) | 1,500 hrs / min. 12 months | Bachelor's, Associate's, or 30 credit hrs | |
Certified General VA: 304 hrs (not 300 AQB) | 304 hrs total (VA-specific) | 3,000 hrs / 18 months (1,500 non-res) | Bachelor's required |
* VA Certified General = 304 hours (AQB minimum is 300 — Virginia requires 4 additional hours). Source: VREAB / DPOR / AQB, 2026.
How Much Do Virginia Appraisers Earn?
Trainee / Entry
$42K – $56K
During supervised period
Licensed / Cert. Residential
$65K – $90K
VA state average
Cert. General (NoVA)
$90K – $130K+
Northern Virginia / DC metro
Typical Residential Fee
$350 – $600
Per residential appraisal in Virginia
VA Median Home Price
~$360,000
Zillow, 2025 — NoVA drives state average up
Top Virginia 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 Virginia Appraiser License Worth It?
👍 Pros
- +NoVA / DC Market: Northern Virginia's government contractor and federal employee market drives extraordinary demand for appraisers — with some of the East Coast's highest appraisal fees and salaries.
- +Full Champions Suite: Unlike many states, Virginia has Champions School's complete 87/162/207-hr program lineup — ideal for learners who prefer live virtual instruction over self-paced online.
- +Biennial Renewal: 28 CE hours every 2 years — a more manageable compliance burden than states requiring annual renewal.
- +Military Market: Virginia Beach / Hampton Roads military and defense contractor market provides consistent, recession-resistant appraisal demand.
👎 Cons
- -304-Hour CG Requirement: Virginia's Certified General requires 4 more hours than the AQB minimum — a minor but real extra step for candidates pursuing the highest credential.
- -First-Renewal Valuation Bias Requirement: The 7-hour first-renewal CE requirement adds planning — ensure you complete this course specifically for your initial biennial renewal.
- -NoVA Cost of Living: High operating costs in Northern Virginia require substantial appraisal volume to achieve strong net income early in your career.
- -VanEd Incomplete: VanEd VA's package is currently incomplete (12 hrs short) — limits your school options to McKissock, Champions, and The CE Shop for compliant Trainee QE.
How to Become a Licensed Appraiser in Virginia
Complete 87 Hours of Trainee Qualifying Education
Complete DPOR and AQB-approved qualifying education: Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs), Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs), 15-hr National USPAP, 8-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing (effective Jan 1, 2026), and 4-hr AQB Supervisory/Trainee Course. McKissock from $1,159; Champions School 87-hr VA Trainee Program at $1,100 (live Zoom); The CE Shop at $1,205. Verify any course is on the DPOR-approved list at dpor.virginia.gov before enrolling.
Secure a Virginia-Certified Supervisory Appraiser
Find a Virginia Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser to supervise your work. Both you and your supervisor must complete the 4-hour AQB Supervisory/Trainee Course before supervision begins. A Certified Residential Appraiser can supervise residential appraisals only; a Certified General Appraiser can supervise all property types. Network through the Virginia Chapter of the Appraisal Institute, local AMCs, and appraisal firms in Richmond, Northern Virginia, and Virginia Beach.
Apply for Trainee Appraiser License Through DPOR
Submit your trainee application through the DPOR Online Services portal (dpor.virginia.gov) with proof of completed qualifying education, supervisory appraiser information, and the application fee (verify current amount at dpor.virginia.gov). Once DPOR approves your application, your Trainee Appraiser license is issued and you can begin accumulating supervised experience hours.
Complete 75-Hour Licensed Upgrade & Accumulate 1,000 Experience Hours
Complete the 75-hour Licensed Residential upgrade from a DPOR-approved provider while simultaneously accumulating 1,000 hours of supervised experience over at least 6 months. McKissock VA Licensed upgrade: $975 (Basic) or $1,449 (Advanced Pro with exam prep). Champions VA 75-hr upgrade: $950 (live Zoom). Maintain a detailed Appraisal Experience Log for every assignment — property address, type, date, hours worked, and supervisor co-signature.
Apply for Licensed Residential & Pass Pearson VUE Exam
Submit your Licensed Residential application through the DPOR portal with your experience log, all education certificates, and the application fee. Upon DPOR approval, schedule the NULCE exam through Pearson VUE ($225). Pass 75 of 125 scored questions. After passing, your Virginia Licensed Residential Appraiser credential is issued. Renew every 2 years with 28 CE hours (at first renewal: must include 7-hr Valuation Bias course; subsequent renewals: 4 hrs minimum).
Virginia Appraiser License Requirements
Eligibility
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Criminal history disclosure required
- DPOR reviews each application individually
- Secure a VA-certified supervisory appraiser
- Both trainee and supervisor complete 4-hr Supervisor/Trainee Course before supervision begins
Education
- Trainee: 87 hours AQB-approved QE
- Licensed Residential: 75-hr upgrade (150 total)
- Certified Residential: 125-hr from Trainee (200 total)
- Certified General: 304 hours total (VA requires 4 hrs above AQB minimum of 300)
- All levels: 15-hr USPAP + 8-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing (2026 req)
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
- Required for Licensed, Certified Residential, Certified General
- Not required for Trainee Appraiser license
Application & Renewal
- Apply via DPOR Online Services — dpor.virginia.gov
- Biennial renewal — 28 CE hours every 2 years
- 9 mandatory CE hrs: 7-hr USPAP Update + 2-hr fair housing/bias
- First renewal: 7-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing course required
- Subsequent renewals: 4 hrs Valuation Bias minimum
- Max 3 trainees per supervisory appraiser
Virginia Appraiser License Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Trainee QE (87 hrs) | $1,100 – $2,097 |
| DPOR Trainee Application Fee | Verify at dpor.virginia.gov |
| Licensed Residential Upgrade (75 hrs) | $950 – $1,449 |
| DPOR Licensed Application Fee | Verify at dpor.virginia.gov |
| Pearson VUE Exam Fee (NULCE) | $225 |
| Background Check / Fingerprinting | Verify at dpor.virginia.gov |
| Total (to Licensed Residential) | ~$2,275 – $3,771+ |
The Virginia 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 & Legal Considerations
- Market Analysis & Highest and Best Use
- Sales Comparison Approach — adjustments, reconciliation
- Cost Approach — depreciation methods
- Income Approach — capitalization, GRM (CG focus)
- Statistics, Modeling & Finance
- USPAP — ethics, competency, reporting (~20–25%)
About VREAB & DPOR — Virginia's Appraiser Regulator
Contact & Resources
- Full Name
- Virginia Real Estate Appraiser Board (VREAB)
- Parent Agency
- Virginia Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation (DPOR)
- Phone
- (804) 367-2039
- Address
- 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233
- Apply Via
- DPOR Online Services portal — dpor.virginia.gov
Key VA Rules
- Certified General: 304 hrs QE (4 above AQB minimum of 300)
- First biennial renewal: 7-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing course required
- Subsequent renewals: minimum 4 hrs Valuation Bias
- 28 hrs CE biennial; 9 hrs mandatory (7 USPAP + 2 fair housing/bias)
- CG: 1,500 non-residential experience hours required
- Max 3 trainees per supervisory appraiser
How Long Does It Take? Realistic Timelines
Full-Time
8–10 months to Licensed
- 1.Complete 87-hr QE online (2–4 weeks)
- 2.Apply for Trainee license via DPOR (2–4 weeks)
- 3.Complete 75-hr Licensed upgrade + 1,000 hrs exp (6 months min)
- 4.Apply for Licensed + pass Pearson VUE ($225)
Part-Time
14–22 months to Licensed
- 1.Complete 87-hr QE evenings/weekends (6–10 weeks)
- 2.Apply for Trainee via DPOR (concurrent)
- 3.Complete Licensed upgrade + 1,000 hrs (12–18 months)
- 4.Apply + pass exam after hitting all requirements
Certified General
3–5 years total
- 1.Complete 304-hr QE (VA-specific — verify current course breakdown)
- 2.Hold Bachelor's degree
- 3.3,000 hrs (1,500 non-res) / 18 months min
- 4.Pass CG exam; verify 304-hr course list at DPOR
Ready to Launch Your Virginia Appraisal Career?
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Virginia Appraiser License Renewal
Virginia appraisers renew their license every 2 years with 28 hours of CE. Nine hours are mandatory: 7-hour USPAP Update Course + 2 hours of fair housing or appraisal bias content. The remaining 19 hours may be elective appraisal topics. First renewal only: requires the 7-hour Valuation Bias & Fair Housing Laws course. Renewal is managed through dpor.virginia.gov.
Biennial (2 yrs)
Renewal Cycle
28 hrs/cycle
CE Required
7-hr Valuation Bias
1st Renewal
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a real estate appraiser in Virginia?
To become a Virginia real estate appraiser: (1) Complete 87 hours of DPOR and AQB-approved qualifying education including the 4-hour AQB Supervisory/Trainee Course, (2) secure a Virginia Certified Appraiser to supervise your work, (3) apply for a Trainee Appraiser license through the DPOR Online Services portal at dpor.virginia.gov, (4) accumulate 1,000 hours of supervised experience over at least 6 months, (5) complete 150 total qualifying hours for Licensed Residential, and (6) pass the Pearson VUE national exam ($225).
Why does Virginia require 304 hours for Certified General instead of 300?
Virginia's Real Estate Appraiser Board requires 304 hours of qualifying education for the Certified General credential — 4 hours above the AQB minimum of 300. This is a Virginia-specific state requirement that reflects a state-mandated additional course or module beyond the national standard. Contact DPOR at (804) 367-2039 or visit dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Appraisers to confirm the current breakdown of all 304 required hours and which specific course accounts for the 4 additional hours.
What is Virginia's first-renewal Valuation Bias requirement?
At their first biennial renewal, Virginia appraisers must complete a 7-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws course as part of their 28-hour CE requirement. At all subsequent renewals, only 4 hours of Valuation Bias/Fair Housing content is required (not 7). Overall, the biennial CE total remains 28 hours, with 9 hours mandatory: 7-hour USPAP Update + 2 hours of fair housing or appraisal bias content. The remaining 19 hours may be elective appraisal topics.
How long does it take to become a licensed appraiser in Virginia?
The minimum timeline is approximately 8–10 months for a full-time candidate following the AQB-standard 6-month experience minimum for Licensed Residential. Most working professionals take 14–22 months, completing education evenings and weekends while accumulating hours under supervision. For Certified General — the highest level — plan for at least 2–3 years given the 3,000-hour experience requirement (18 months minimum) plus the Virginia-specific 304-hour education requirement.
Who regulates appraisers in Virginia?
The Virginia Real Estate Appraiser Board (VREAB), operating under the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), regulates all Virginia appraisers. Contact: (804) 367-2039 or dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Appraisers. Address: 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233. Applications are submitted through the DPOR Online Services portal. The Board enforces USPAP standards, processes applications, and maintains the Virginia portion of the national ASC appraiser registry.
How much do appraisers earn in Virginia?
Virginia appraisers typically earn $65,000–$80,000 annually statewide. Northern Virginia (NoVA) / DC metro appraisers earn significantly more — $85,000–$120,000+ — driven by the region's high government contractor and federal employee housing market and some of the highest home values on the East Coast. Virginia Beach military market and Richmond's growing commercial/tech sector also offer strong appraisal opportunities. Typical residential appraisal fees in Virginia range from $350–$600.
What are Virginia's supervisory appraiser requirements?
Virginia supervisory appraisers must hold an active Virginia Certified Residential or Certified General credential in good standing. Both the supervisor and trainee must complete the 4-hour AQB Supervisory/Trainee Course before the supervisory relationship begins. A Certified Residential Appraiser can supervise only residential appraisals; a Certified General Appraiser can supervise all property types. A supervisor may work with no more than 3 trainees simultaneously.
Can I take Virginia appraiser qualifying education online?
Yes. Virginia's DPOR accepts AQB-approved online courses for qualifying education. The DPOR website maintains a list of approved pre-license courses. McKissock Learning (all VA levels), The CE Shop (VA Trainee), and Champions School of Real Estate (VA 87/162/207-hr programs via Zoom) all offer Virginia-accepted courses. Verify any course is on the DPOR-approved list before enrolling. VanEd's VA package is currently incomplete — 12 hours short of the 2026 requirements.
What is the NULCE exam and how do Virginia appraisers schedule it?
The NULCE (National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination) is administered by Pearson VUE at in-person test centers. After DPOR approves your license application, you receive authorization to schedule the exam through Pearson VUE. The fee is $225 per attempt. Pass 75 of 125 scored questions (150 total; 25 are unscored pretest items). You have 4 hours. Topics include USPAP, valuation approaches, market analysis, and legal considerations. No exam is required for the Trainee Appraiser level.
Does Virginia offer appraiser license reciprocity?
Virginia participates in the national ASC registry system and offers reciprocity and temporary practice permits to appraisers licensed in other states. Contact the Virginia Real Estate Appraiser Board at (804) 367-2039 or dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Appraisers for current reciprocity procedures and eligible states. Appraisers from states with substantially equivalent standards are typically eligible for expedited review. Note that Virginia's 304-hour Certified General requirement (vs. AQB's 300) may affect CG reciprocity in some cases.