How to Get a Residential Real Estate Appraiser License in Maryland

The many real estate transactions that occur in the state of Maryland every month require knowledgeable individuals to determine the fair market value of that real estate. Banks want to lend money to buyers of homes, but only if those homes are worth the money being lent. Homeowners want to borrow money against the value of their homes and buyers want confirmation that the money that they're offering to buy their homes for are priced fairly. All of these parties use residential real estate appraisers who are licensed by the Maryland Commission of Real Estate Appraisers and Home Inspectors.

In Maryland, there are four distinct levels of real estate appraiser licensure, each of which has a specific license and certification requirement. These levels are "Appraiser Trainee," "Real Estate Appraiser," "Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser" and "Certified General Real Estate Appraiser."

Every applicant for either of these levels must meet the following qualifications:

• The applicant must be at least 18 years old.

• The applicant must be of good character and reputation.

• The applicant must meet the current educational and experience requirements for each level of licensure.

• The applicant must satisfactorily complete the Board examination.

Each one of the four different licensure levels demands a different level of approved education.

• The Appraiser Trainee must pass a written state examination after having taken 75 hours of a state-approved course within five years of having been approved by the real estate appraisal board to take the exam.

• The Licensed Residential Appraiser candidate must pass a board-approved examination after having studied 90 hours of a state-approved course. The 75 hours of study engaged in for the Appraiser Trainee will count towards the 90 hours needed for the Licensed Residential Appraiser.

• The Certified Residential Appraiser must successfully pass a 120-hour approved course of which the 90 hours earned for the Licensed Residential Appraiser may be applied towards the 120 hours.