Delaware Appraiser License Requirements
Do you want to know how to become a real estate appraiser in Delaware or how to upgrade your current license? This page outlines Delaware’s specific requirements. Review the steps needed to earn or upgrade your Delaware appraisal license, then get started by enrolling in the required courses.
McKissock offers flexible, convenient appraisal course packages to help you reach your career goals on your own timeline.
Delaware Appraiser License: Trainee
How to become an appraiser in Delaware
If you’re ready to become a real estate appraiser in Delaware, start by earning your Appraiser Trainee license. As a Trainee, you will gain mandatory on-the-job experience while training under a Certified Supervisory Appraiser. Your supervisor will teach you the nuts and bolts of the profession, such as how to perform on-site inspections, gather property information, conduct market research, and write appraisal reports.
Follow these steps to become a registered Appraiser Trainee in Delaware:
Step 1: Complete 79 hours of required appraisal education, including 75 hours of AQB Basic Qualifying Education and a 4-hour Supervisor-Trainee orientation course.
Step 2: Find a Certified Supervisory Appraiser who will sign on to oversee your on-the-job training.
Step 3: Submit your completed application, along with any required fees, to the Delaware Council on Real Estate Appraisers. You must use their approved online application system.
Important: Verify all steps and requirements with the Delaware appraisal board. For more information, contact the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) Council on Real Estate Appraisers at 302.744.4500.
Once I have my Trainee license, then what?
Once your Delaware Appraiser Trainee credential has been issued, you can begin to work and earn money under your supervisor. On top of logging your required appraisal work experience, you will also need to complete some additional licensing and certification courses and pass the national exam to become a Licensed, Certified Residential, or Certified General Appraiser in Delaware.
Go to the “Licensed,” “Certified Residential,” and “Certified General” tabs at the top of this page to learn the specific requirements for each license level.
Delaware Trainee Appraiser (79 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
75 QE Hours.
15-hr Nat’l USPAP Update or Equivalent.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hrs.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hrs.
2015 AQB Supervisor/Trainee Course Requirement: Both the Trainee Appraiser and Supervisory Appraiser shall be required to complete a course that, at minimum, complies with the specifications for course content established by the AQB. The course must be completed by the Trainee Appraiser prior to obtaining a Trainee Appraiser credential, and completed by the Supervisory Appraiser prior to supervising a Trainee Appraiser.
Experience: N/A
College Education: N/A
Online Limitations
Roster
Governing Agency
FAQs about earning your Delaware appraisal license
Should I earn my Delaware appraisal license?
Delaware real estate appraisers can build a flexible, adaptable career with a high rate of satisfaction. By establishing your own business, you can attract clients independently, work with appraisal management companies, or offer a variety of appraisal services to diversify your income. Even during periods when the market slows down, appraisers are in demand for tasks like estate planning, divorce settlements, and tax assessments.
How long does it take to become an appraiser in Delaware?
The first step—becoming an Appraiser Trainee—can be completed in as little as a few weeks or a couple months, depending on how long it takes you to complete your Trainee courses, find a supervisor, and wait for your application to be processed (usually takes a few weeks).
To help expedite the process, McKissock offers both livestream courses and self-paced, on-demand courses that you can complete on your own schedule.
Once your Trainee license has been issued, you can begin working and earning money under your supervisor while working toward becoming a fully licensed or certified real estate appraiser. The process to become a Licensed, Certified Residential, or Certified General Appraiser in Delaware will require at least an additional 6 months, 12 months, or 18 months, respectively.
Go to the “Licensed,” “Certified Residential,” and “Certified General” tabs at the top of this page to learn the specific requirements for each license level.
What type of appraiser makes the most money?
Generally, the higher your license level, the more you can earn. The highest license level is the Certified General classification. Also known as commercial appraisers, Certified General Appraisers typically earn the most money.
According to Salary.com, Delaware commercial appraisers earn as high as $157,868 per year.1 For comparison, Delaware home appraisers earn as high as $119,706 per year. 2
Helpful resources:
- Delaware Licensing Information
- AQB Appraiser Qualification Criteria
- Guide: Is an Appraisal Career Right for You?
- FAQ: How do I find a supervisory appraiser?
Sources cited:
Delaware Appraiser License: Licensed
How to become a Licensed Appraiser in Delaware
In the state of Delaware, a Licensed Appraiser (also called a home appraiser or Licensed Residential Appraiser) can appraise:
- Non-complex 1-4 residential units with a transactional value of less than $1 million
- Complex 1-4 residential units with a transaction value less than $400,000
- Vacant or unimproved land for which the highest and best use is for 1-4 family purposes
Follow these steps to become a Licensed Appraiser in Delaware:
Step 1: Complete 154 total hours of required appraiser education (75 hours in addition to the 79 hours needed to become a Trainee).
Step 2: Gain 1,000 hours of supervised appraisal experience in no fewer than 6 months.
Step 3: Submit your completed application, including proof of education and experience as well as any required fees, to the Delaware Council on Real Estate Appraisers. You must use their approved online application system.
Step 4: Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Licensed Residential Appraisers.
You do not need any college education to become a Licensed Appraiser in Delaware.
Important: Verify all steps and requirements with the Delaware appraisal board. For more information, contact the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) Council on Real Estate Appraisers at 302.744.4500.
Delaware Licensed Appraiser (154 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Qualifying Education:
150 QE Hours.
15-hour Nat’l USPAP or Equivalent.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
Residential Market Analysis & Highest and Best Use – 15 hours.
Residential Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach – 15 hours.
Residential Sales Comparison and Income Approaches – 30 hours.
Residential Report Writing and Case Studies – 15 hours.
Experience: 1,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in not less than 6 months.
College Education: No college-level education required.
Online Limitations
Roster
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Licensed Appraiser in Delaware
Once I have my Delaware appraisal license, then what?
After you become a licensed or certified appraiser, you can begin appraising properties independently (without a supervisor). You can may choose to launch your own appraisal business, or you can seek full-time employment at a bank, government agency, or large appraisal firm.
You will need to maintain your Delaware appraisal license by completing Continuing Education (CE). You must complete 28 hours of Delaware CE courses every 2 years to renew your license, including the 7-hour USPAP Update Course.
How much do home appraisers make in Delaware?
According to Salary.com, residential real estate appraisers in Delaware typically earn between $52,498 and $105,764 per year, depending on experience level.1,2 The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the mean annual wage of Delaware property appraisers and assessors as $61,860.3 Glassdoor gives a much higher number, listing the average salary of Delaware home appraisers as $137,196 per year.4
An appraiser’s income can vary widely due to factors like license level, location, years of experience, advanced skills or certifications, and number of hours worked per week.
Helpful resources:
- Delaware Licensing Information
- Real Estate Appraiser Exam Prep
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade
Sources cited:
- Appraiser (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Delaware (Salary.com)
- Appraiser Sr. (Residential Real Estate) Salary in Delaware (Salary.com)
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Property Appraisers and Assessors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Residential Real Estate Appraiser Salaries in Delaware (Glassdoor)
Delaware Appraiser License: Certified Residential
How to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Delaware
In Delaware, a Certified Residential Appraiser (also called a home appraiser) may appraise 1-4 unit residential properties without regard to transaction value or complexity, as well as vacant or unimproved land for which the highest and best use is for 1-4 family purposes.
Follow these steps to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in Delaware:
Step 1: Complete 204 total hours of required appraiser education (125 hours in addition to the 79 hours needed to become a Trainee).
Step 2: Gain 1,500 hours of supervised appraisal experience in no fewer than 12 months.
Step 3: Submit your completed application, including proof of education and experience as well as any required fees, to the Delaware Council on Real Estate Appraisers. You must use their approved online application system.
Step 4: Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified Residential Appraisers.
You must also meet one of the following college education criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree in any field of study
- Associate degree in a field of study related to Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Economics, or Real Estate
- 30 semester hours of college credit in specified topics
- 30 semester hours of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations in specified topics
- Any combination of college credit or CLEP credit that includes all the specified topics
- Exception: No college education is required for Licensed Appraisers who have been licensed for a minimum of 5 years and have been in good standing for the past 5 years.
Important: Verify all steps and requirements with the Delaware appraisal board. For more information, contact the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) Council on Real Estate Appraisers at 302.744.4500.
Delaware Certified Residential Appraiser (204 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Qualifying Education:
200 QE Hours.
15-hour Nat’l USPAP or Equivalent.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
Residential Market Analysis & Highest and Best Use – 15 hours.
Residential Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach – 15 hours.
Residential Sales Comparison and Income Approaches – 30 hours.
Residential Report Writing and Case Studies – 15 hours.
Statistics, Modeling and Finance – 15 hours.
Advanced Residential Applications and Case Studies – 15 hours.
Appraisal Subject Matter Electives – 20 hours.
Experience: 1,500 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in not less than 12 months.
College Education:
1) Bachelor’s Degree in any field of study;
2) Associate’s Degree in a focused field of study, such as business, economics, or real estate;
3) Successful completion of 30 college semester credit hours in specified topics;
4) Successful completion of College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)1 exams equivalent to a minimum of 30 semester credit hours in specified subject matter areas; or
5) Any combination of #3 and #4 above that includes all of the topics identified.
6) A LICENSED RESIDENTIAL appraiser who has been licensed for a minimum of 5 years and in good standing for at least 5 years with no disciplinary actions that would affect the individual’s ability to appraise may upgrade to CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL without completing any college coursework.
Online Limitations
Roster
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified Residential Appraiser in Delaware
Do I need a degree to become a Certified Residential Appraiser in DE?
No, not necessarily. If you have been a Licensed Appraiser in good standing for at least 5 years, you do not need any college-level education to upgrade to Certified Residential. Otherwise, you will need to have at least some college credits or CLEP credits. See above for more detailed information about meeting the college education criteria for this credential.
How much do Certified Residential appraisers make in Delaware?
According to Salary.com, the yearly salary for upper-level residential real estate appraisers in Delaware typically ranges from $72,751 to $105,764 but may be as high as $119,706.1 Glassdoor gives a higher number, estimating that Delaware residential appraisers make an average salary of $137,196 per year.2
Appraisal earnings can vary widely due to license level, location, years of experience, hours worked per week, and advanced skills or professional certifications. Certified Residential Appraisers typically earn more than Licensed Appraisers because they are qualified to appraise a wider variety of residential properties, including luxury homes and other complex properties.
Helpful resources:
- Delaware Licensing Information
- Real Estate Appraiser Exam Prep
- Your Guide to an Appraisal License Upgrade
Sources cited:
Delaware Appraiser License: Certified General
How to become a Certified General Appraiser in Delaware
In Delaware, Certified General Appraisers (also called commercial appraisers) hold the highest level of credential. They are permitted to appraise all types of real property, including homes, businesses, industrial locations, vacant land, farms, and multi-family properties.
Follow these steps to become a Certified General Appraiser in Delaware:
Step 1: Complete 304 total hours of required appraiser education (225 hours in addition to the 79 hours needed to become a Trainee).
Step 2: Gain 3,000 hours of supervised appraisal experience in no fewer than 18 months, including 1,500 hours in non-residential appraisal work.
Step 3: Submit your completed application, including proof of education and experience as well as any required fees, to the Delaware Council on Real Estate Appraisers. You must use their approved online application system.
Step 4: Pass the National Uniform Licensing and Certification Exam for Certified General Appraisers.
You must also hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
Important: Verify all steps and requirements with the Delaware appraisal board. For more information, contact the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) Council on Real Estate Appraisers at 302.744.4500.
Delaware Certified General Appraiser (304 hours) – AQB recommended course order
Online Info
Qualifying Education:
300 QE Hours.
15-hour Nat’l USPAP or Equivalent.
Basic Appraisal Principles – 30 hours.
Basic Appraisal Procedures – 30 hours.
General Appraiser Market Analysis & Highest and Best Use – 30 hours.
General Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach – 30 hours.
General Appraiser Sales Comparison Approach – 30 hours.
General Appraiser Report Writing and Case Studies – 30 hours.
Statistics, Modeling and Finance – 15 hours.
General Appraiser Income Approach – 60 hours.
Appraisal Subject Matter Electives – 30 hours.
Experience: 3,000 hours of acceptable appraisal experience in no less than 18 months. A minimum of 1,500 hours of the required experience must be in non-residential appraisal work.
College Education: Must have a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
Online Limitations
Roster
Governing Agency
FAQs about becoming a Certified General Appraiser in Delaware
Why become a Certified General Appraiser in DE?
Certified General Appraisers are qualified to appraise all types of real property, including both residential and non-residential (commercial) properties. Upgrading your Delaware appraisal license to Certified General gives you more opportunities to grow your business, diversify your revenue by offering a wider array of appraisal services, and increase your income.
Certified General Appraisers, also called commercial appraisers, typically earn the most money compared to other types of real estate appraisers (namely, Licensed and Certified Residential).
How much do Certified General Appraisers make in Delaware?
According to Salary.com, commercial real estate appraisers in Delaware typically make between $46,100 and $140,002, depending on experience level.1,2 Glassdoor estimates that commercial appraisers in Delaware make $119,679 per year, on average.3
A Certified General Appraiser’s income is influenced by several different factors, including their location, years of experience, specialty area (e.g., commercial/industrial, agricultural, hospitality), and the number of hours they work per week.