As an appraisal course provider, learn how to get approval for your course, event, or seminar before the start date.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we are allowing an exception to the rule for distance courses. You can submit an online course application through your DOL-established Box.com folder.
How to find approved courses
To find a list of approved appraiser courses, you can use the online Course Search. Each level of appraiser license requires specific appraiser education. Please make sure we approved the courses you take for your licensure level before you enroll. Courses must be approved for online/distance learning.
You may also contact community colleges and universities in your area to get a course list.
Who needs course approval?
Course providers must get courses, events, and seminars approved before their start date. This allows individuals to be eligible for appraiser licenses and renewal applications.
Before you apply for course approval
Get required pre-approval certificates as applicable. These are provided by the International Distance Education Certification Center (IDECC) and by the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) for Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
Gather all required documents listed on the application and convert them into one PDF. They must be in the order listed on the application form with the application form as page 1. (If you're unable to create a PDF, please contact us for a possible alternative.)
Next, set up account access and create or sign in to your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account.
New appraiser course providers
For new appraiser course providers, send your completed application and request a Box.com folder to reappraisers@dol.wa.gov. We will then send you an invitation and instructions on how to proceed.
Existing course providers
If you have an existing course, please log in to your SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account. If you are logging in to renew an active course, you can view all of your existing courses by linking to your license. Find the course and select the “Renew” button. If you do not see the course listed, please get in touch with us.
How to apply
There are 2 steps to complete the Real Estate Appraiser Course Approval Application:
- Log in or sign up online to apply and upload pre-approval certificates.
- Upload the course materials to your DOL-established Box.com folder.
Original course application
Allow at least 90 days for new course application review and processing, and at least 30 days for event or seminar application review and processing.
Renewal applications
We cannot renew events, seminars, or USPAP courses. If you need to make large changes or update the information for a course, you must submit a new application. Please submit your renewal request at least 2 weeks before the course expires. For more information please contact PSI or the school you are attending.
Pre-approval certificates
Course providers offering distance learning must have their delivery methods approved by the International Distance Education Certification Center (IDECC). Submit your approval certificate if you are a secondary provider of an online course. Do not provide the primary providers’ IDECC approval.
The Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) reviews courses for material relevancy and pre-approvals. The AQB also certifies all Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) instructors. We cannot approve any USPAP course application without an AQB Instructor Approval certificate.
Pre-qualifying courses
Use the links below to:
- See the requirements for registration, licensure, or certification
- See the list of required pre-qualifying courses to become a trainee
- Apply to take an appraiser examination
- Upgrade your license
Course/Seminar content guidelines
These reviews may be necessary before taking the state or national test which can help students prepare. To ensure your courses and seminars can get approved, they must meet the following guidelines:
- They must continue education related to real estate appraising or related topics
- The course must help to maintain or increase the knowledge, skills, and competence in performing appraisals in a manner that best serves the public
- Electives must be at least 15 hours and include a proctored examination
- Education topics must apply to the specific appraiser licensure levels applied for
Courses/Seminars that are not acceptable
Courses and seminars will not be approved if:
- The presented information is so basic that they will not meet the stated goal of continuing education
- They only contribute to personal development instead of the ability to perform appraisals
- They contribute only to the appraiser's general knowledge of the field rather than operating a business
- They are pre-examination review or examination preparation courses/seminars