Appraiser Licensing · 2026 Requirements · Updated November 2026
How to Get Your Appraiser License in New York State
Every license level, the education and experience hours New York requires, the steps in order and where to take your qualifying courses online.
The Short Answer
Most New York appraisers start as an Appraiser Assistant. For applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026, that takes 87 hours of qualifying education, including a 4-hour supervisory course and an 8-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing course. You then work under a DOS-approved certified supervisory appraiser, log experience hours and upgrade to Licensed Residential, Certified Residential or Certified General by completing more education and passing the national exam.
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Manfred has partnered with The CE Shop for New York appraiser qualifying education. Take the courses for your license level online, at your own pace.
Explore NY Appraiser CoursesNew York Appraiser License Levels
These requirements apply to applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026, per the NYS Department of State. Experience must be earned over at least 24 months, within the 5 years before you apply.
| Level | Qualifying Education | Experience | College | State Fee (2 yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appraiser Assistant | 87 hours | None to start | None | $250 |
| Licensed Residential | 158 hours | 1,000 hours | None | $355 |
| Certified Residential | 203 hours | 1,500 hours | One of six options (below) | $355 |
| Certified General | 308 hours | 3,000 hours | Bachelor's degree or higher | $355 |
An Appraiser Assistant must work under a DOS-approved New York certified supervisory appraiser, who cosigns the assistant's appraisal reports. The Licensed Residential, Certified Residential and Certified General levels also require passing the national licensing exam for that level.
What's in the 87-Hour Assistant Education
Basic Appraisal Principles: 30 hours
Basic Appraisal Procedures: 30 hours
National USPAP: 15 hours
Valuation Bias and Fair Housing: 8 hours
Supervisory Appraiser/Trainee Course: 4 hours
Certified Residential College Options
Meet one of these:
1. A bachelor's degree in any field
2. An associate's degree in business, accounting, finance, economics or real estate
3. 30 semester hours of specified college courses
4. 30 semester hours of specified CLEP exams
5. A combination of options 3 and 4
6. Five years as a Licensed Residential appraiser with no final discipline in the prior 5 years
How to Become an Appraiser in NY: 5 Steps
Insider Advice
Finding a Supervisory Appraiser
Finding a supervisor is often the hardest step. Reach out to local appraisal firms directly, ask the real estate agents and lenders you know who they trust, and introduce yourself at local appraisal association events. Lead with what you bring: finished coursework, reliability and a willingness to learn their way of working.
What Does an Appraiser Do?
An appraiser develops an independent, unbiased opinion of a property's value. That means inspecting the property, researching comparable sales, analyzing the market and writing a report that follows USPAP. Lenders, buyers, sellers, attorneys and government agencies all rely on that work. As of November 2, 2026, residential reports for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac use the new UAD 3.6 format. See what UAD 3.6 means for New York appraisers.
Already Licensed? Manfred Has Your CE
New York appraisers complete 28 hours of continuing education every two years, including the 7-hour USPAP update. Manfred offers live CE webinars for New York appraisers. See the 2026 appraiser CE requirements.
Comps and Property Data for NY Appraisers
Good comparables don't always sit inside one local MLS. Manfred Membership Plus includes NYStateMLS and MYStateMLS access, plus Professional Search and eligible HouseCanary tools, so you can research beyond a single market. Learn how to join MYStateMLS.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do I need to become an appraiser in New York?
For applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026: 87 hours for Appraiser Assistant, 158 for Licensed Residential, 203 for Certified Residential and 308 for Certified General.
Can an Appraiser Assistant work independently?
No. An Appraiser Assistant works under a DOS-approved New York certified supervisory appraiser, who cosigns the assistant's reports.
How long does it take to become a Licensed Residential appraiser?
At least two years. New York requires 1,000 hours of experience earned over a period of at least 24 months, plus 158 hours of education and the national exam.
Do I need a college degree?
Not for Appraiser Assistant or Licensed Residential. Certified Residential requires one of six college options, and Certified General requires a bachelor's degree or higher.
How often do I renew, and how much CE do I need?
Every two years, with 28 hours of continuing education, including the 7-hour USPAP update. Manfred offers live appraiser CE webinars.
I'm licensed in another state. Can I appraise in New York?
Possibly, through reciprocity or a temporary practice permit. Requirements depend on your home state, so confirm with the NYS Department of State before you take an assignment.
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Step 1: Get Licensed
NY Appraiser Qualifying Education
Online courses for every New York license level through our partner, The CE Shop.
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Live Appraiser CE Webinars
Your 28 hours every two years, including USPAP, taught live by Manfred. Family-owned since 1987.
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Requirements and fees are from the NYS Department of State's real estate appraiser FAQ for applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026. Requirements can change; confirm current details on the Department of State's appraiser FAQ. Qualifying education is provided by our partner, The CE Shop.