As an experienced appraiser, there are many reasons you may decide to take on a trainee. You might be looking to grow your business, delegate tasks (e.g., property inspections), or prepare for retirement. Whatever the reason, supervisors play an essential role in the training and development of future appraisers. Are you ready to take on the responsibility — and enjoy the potential benefits — of adding a trainee to your team? In this post, we outline how to become a supervisory appraiser.
Steps to become a supervisory appraiser
Step 1: Meet the requirements
Make sure you meet the minimum supervisory appraiser requirements outlined in The Appraisal Foundation’s Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria as well as any additional state requirements that may apply. In a nutshell, you must be state-certified and be in “good standing” for at least 3 years prior to becoming a supervisor.
In other words, if you have been subject to any disciplinary action within the last 3 years that affects your legal eligibility to engage in appraisal practice, then you are not currently eligible to become a supervisory appraiser.
Step 2: Complete the Supervisor-Trainee course
Prior to taking on a trainee, you must complete a course that teaches the requirements and responsibilities of supervisory and trainee appraisers. The course content must be compliant with AQB specifications as well as any additional requirements specific to your state.
McKissock’s Supervisor-Trainee Appraiser course gives you the CE credits you need to become a supervisory appraiser. Find the Supervisor-Trainee course in your state.
Step 3: Hire the right trainee
It’s no secret that it takes time and energy to train future appraisers. Not to mention, it’s a big responsibility since you will have to sign off on their work and certify that the appraisal complies with USPAP. First and foremost, make sure that you can comply with the COMPETENCY RULE of USPAP for the property type and geographic location where the trainee will be supervised.
Secondly, look for trainees who can take work off your plate and bring new skills to the table. Interview candidates carefully to find out if they have skills that will benefit you and your business. For example, you might want to hire a tech-savvy trainee who can help you modernize your process, or a trainee with marketing experience who can help bring in more clients.
Answers to common questions
Can I supervise more than one trainee at a time?
Yes, supervisory appraisers are allowed to supervise up to three trainees at the same time. In certain jurisdictions, there may be a state program in place that enables you to supervise more than three people. Otherwise, three is the maximum number of trainees you can have at any given time.
Am I eligible to become a supervisory appraiser if I’ve been investigated by my state board within the last 3 years?
An investigation alone is not grounds for ineligibility. Say you’ve been investigated by your state board for an alleged violation of USPAP, but the case was dismissed and no disciplinary action was taken that would affect your legal eligibility to engage in appraisal practice. You are still eligible to supervise trainees, according to the AQB’s requirements. However, check with your state appraiser regulatory agency to confirm, because the state’s requirements could be more stringent.
What will I learn in the Supervisor-Trainee course?
The Supervisor-Trainee Appraiser course offered by McKissock Learning addresses the requirements and responsibilities of supervisory appraisers as well as expectations for trainee appraisers. In the course, you will:
Increase your understanding of the responsibilities and obligations of both the trainee appraiser and the supervisory appraiser within the context of the Trainee–supervisor relationship
Learn the applicable state and local jurisdictional requirements
Review relevant USPAP obligations
This course meets the requirements established by the AQB in its 2015 and 2018 Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria. Click here to find the Supervisor-Trainee course in your state.
For further information regarding the requirements and responsibilities of supervisory appraisers, please see the Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria and Additional Criteria Q&As provided on The Appraisal Foundation’s website.
