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October 2025
New course requirement for appraisers
The Department of Licensing (DOL) is implementing House Bill 1797, regarding the Valuation Bias and Fair Housing course requirement for both new and existing appraisers. This bill follows the guidelines established by the Appraisal Qualification Board for 2026 and onward. The relevant rules changes are detailed in WSR 25-17-097.
What is the Valuation Bias and Fair Housing course?
The course will provide an understanding of bias in both historical and modern appraisal practices. It will detail the federal fair housing and antidiscrimination laws and several relevant legal concepts. The course will also explore various forms of bias and will equip appraisers with best practices for identifying and mitigating bias in the valuation process.
What do I need to do as an appraiser or appraiser trainee?
All new and existing appraisers must complete the 7 hour course (plus 1 hour exam) before licensing, beginning January 1st, 2026. After completing the full 7 hour course, subsequent continuing education requirements for renewals will include a 4 hour refresher Valuation Bias and Fair Housing course.
When does this take effect?
January 1, 2026.
February 2025
Fair housing requirements for appraisers
Why is this happening
Appraisers are a federally regulated profession, and DOL follows the Appraiser Qualifications Board’s (AQB) guidelines for qualification criteria and continuing education requirements, which now include fair housing training.
What do I need to do
New appraisers and renewing appraisers will need to complete the mandatory Fair Housing course for licensure in 2026. Please reference the Appraisal Foundation’s Summary of Actions document for the course specifics.
DOL is undertaking rulemaking to reflect these changes in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). An updated course search will roll out in 2025, and DOL will update the forms on January 1, 2026.
Questions
Please email us at reappraisers@dol.wa.gov or call us (360)664-6504 Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
January 2024
Middle Housing in Washington
Along with the Department of Commerce (COM), we recently hosted a listening session for appraisers. Our goal was to get feedback on land use and appraiser licensing related to middle housing and accessory dwelling units.
- See a summary of the listening session.
- Visit Middle Housing in Washington (COM) for more information.