The information contained below is designed to provide a summary of the minimum education, experience and examination requirements established by the Montana Board of Real Estate Appraisers.

The information can be found in the Board’s website. However, we recommend that you contact the Board for more detailed information.

Levels of Licensure

• Trainee Appraiser
• Licensed Appraiser
• Certified Residential Appraiser
• Certified General Appraiser

Licensure Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Have a high school diploma or its equivalent
• Submit proof of completion of the educational requirements for each level of licensure
• Submit proof of completion of the experience requirements for each level of licensure
• For Certified Residential level: Provide proof of satisfactory completion of either a 2 year associates degree or higher, OR a total of 21 semester hours consisting of: English Composition; Principles of Economics, (either Macro or Micro); Finance; Algebra; Geometry or higher mathematics; Statistics; Computer Science; and either Business Law or Real Estate Law
• For Certified General level: Provide proof of satisfactory completion of either a 4 year bachelors degree or higher, OR a total of 30 semester hours consisting of: English Composition; Micro Economics, Macro Economics; Finance; Algebra; Geometry or higher mathematics; Statistics; Computer Science; and either Business Law or Real Estate Law. Also must include any 2 or the following courses: Accounting; Geography; Agricultural Economics; Business Management. Or Real Estate
• Find an approved mentor for the Trainee Appraiser level
• Pass the state examination (Trainee Appraisers are not required to take a state exam)
• Submit application, required documents, and associated fees

Education Requirements:

On February 20, 2004, the Appraiser Qualifications Board of The Appraisal Foundation adopted changes to the Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria that went into effect on January 1, 2008. These changes represent the minimum national requirements that each state must implement for individuals applying for a real estate appraiser license or certification as of January 1, 2008. The Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria and Interpretations of the Criteria provides in depth information on the new criteria and may be accessed by clicking the hyperlink or is available on The Appraisal Foundation website. The educational hour requirements for MT are:

• 75 hours for the Trainee Appraiser which consist of the following courses:
  • Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hours)
  • Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hours)
  • The 15 Hour National USPAP course or its equivalent (15 hours)
• 150 hours for the Licensed Appraiser which consist of the same 75 hours for Trainee Appraiser AND:
  • Residential Report Writing and Case Studies (15 hours)
  • Residential Market Analysis and Highest & Best Use (15 hours)
  • Residential Appraiser Site Valuation & Cost Approach (15 hours)
  • Residential Sales Comparison & Income Approach (30 hours)
• 200 hours for the Certified Residential Appraiser
• 300 hours for Certified General Appraiser

Experience Requirements:

• Trainee Appraiser - No experience required
• Licensed Appraiser - 2000 hours in no less than 18 months
• Certified Residential Appraiser - 2500 hours in no less than 24 months
• Certified General Appraiser - 3000 hours in no less than 30 months

Continuing Education:

• All appraiser licenses expire annually on March 31st
• Every other renewal, appraisers must complete 28 hours of continuing education courses
• 7 hours must cover the USPAP Update course