The 6 best real estate appraisal schools to launch your career by Gina Baker for HousingWire

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Have you ever wanted a career in real estate, but knew sales wasn’t for you? Well, I have good news for you–appraisals! Becoming a real estate appraiser can lead to a rewarding and successful career without having to make cold calls or wait for a commission check.

Whether you’re just starting out in real estate or switching careers, finding the right school to start your real estate appraisal journey is the first step. We’ve handpicked the six best real estate appraisal schools in the country – whether you’re looking for affordable, flexible options or in-person classes and a strong support system. Let’s get started on your new journey and find the right fit for you.

6 best real estate appraisal schools for 2025: Our top picks

Best for industry reputation and advanced credentials

Appraisal Institute

From $1190

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VISIT

Best for flexible, interactive online learning

The CE Shop

From $1055

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VISIT

Best for career growth and learning tools

McKissock Learning

From $889

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VISIT

Best for hands-on support and classroom learning style

Champions School of Real Estate

From $840

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VISIT

Best for affordable self-paced courses

VanEd

From $959

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VISIT

Best for live, online continuing education

Appraiser eLearning

From $80 for CE Only

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VISIT

Appraisal Institute: Best for industry reputation and advanced credentials

Starting price: $1190

The Appraisal Institute is one of the most highly respected names in the real estate appraisal industry. It was formed in 1991 through the merger of two long-standing organizations, and since then, they’ve been known for their high learning standards and advanced course offerings. If you’re up for it, they allow you the ability to earn the prestigious Member, Appraisal Institute (MAI) and Senior Residential Appraiser (SRA) credentials. These credentials help propel your career to the next level while demonstrating your commitment to excellence as a real estate appraiser.

While the Appraisal Institute may not offer as many courses as some of the other providers on our list, its reputation speaks for itself through a strong commitment to ethics, professionalism and the desire to advance knowledge throughout the appraisal profession. If you’re just starting your career or if you’re a seasoned veteran looking to advance your career, the Appraisal Institute is the perfect choice to achieve your long-term career goals.

Pros & Cons

• Highly respected in the appraisal industry
• Offers advanced designations like MAI and SRA
• Specialized training
• Extensive resources
• Interactive study groups

• Priced a bit higher than other providers
• More advanced learning options can be limited for beginners
• Not as user-friendly as more modern providers
• No exam prep
• Scheduling can be limited

Features

• Course formats: Online and in-person at local chapters
• Course access: Up to 180 days, depending on the course
• Refund policy: Within 90 days and less than 25% complete; $60 cancellation fee applies
• Guarantees: No pass guarantee or satisfaction guarantee
• Exam prep: Offered on select courses
• Student support: National support for online courses; Local support dependent on local resources
• Final exam: Proctored exams required for prelicensing education
• Mobile Access: None

Pricing

The Appraisal Institute provides a high-quality education for both those aspiring to be an appraiser and seasoned professionals.

• Prelicensing courses ($1190): The 75-Hour Appraiser Trainee Licensing Package includes courses like Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hours), Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hours), and the 15-Hour National USPAP Course.
• Continuing education ($195): USPAP Update Course is offered at $250 for non-members and $195 for Appraisal Institute members.
• Exam prep ($60): The “Practice Examination Questions for Real Estate Appraisers” guidebook is available for $75, with a discounted price of $60 for members.

Enroll at Appraisal Institute

The CE Shop: Best for flexible, interactive online learning

Starting price: $1055

The CE Shop is a trusted name in real estate education, and they’ve added real estate appraisal licensing to their roster. Their courses are fully online and self-paced, allowing you to learn where you want and how you want. Each course is designed to meet state-specific requirements while keeping you engaged with interactive content and progress tracking.

If you’re looking to take it slow, The CE Shop offers stand-alone courses that will allow you to learn at your own pace. If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, they offer bundled packages that offer discounts and bonus features like e-books and exam prep. They don’t offer CE courses in every state just yet, but The CE Shop is still a great overall pick for students looking for affordability and flexibility.

Pros & Cons

• Mobile-friendly, interactive platform
• High pass rates
• Available in multiple states
• Excellent customer service and student support
• Promotions and discounts available

• Limited CE options
• Not available in all states
• No live or virtual classroom courses available
• No mentorship or coaching opportunities available
• Newer school in the industry

Features

• Course formats: 100% online, self-paced courses
• Course access: 6 months from the date of purchase
• Refund policy: Full refund within 30 days of course purchase and less than 50% complete
• Guarantees: Pass guarantee available in select states
• Exam prep: Included in course packages
• Student support: Available via phone, email, or live chat
• Final exam: Required to pass the course
• Mobile Access: Yes

Pricing

Specializing in online real estate education, The CE Shop offers real estate appraisal courses in various states with a focus on flexibility and interactive learning.

• Prelicensing courses ($1055): State-specific; broker prelicensing package that includes exam prep and career essentials.
• Continuing education ($79): Various course topics available to satisfy your CE requirements with automatic reporting available.

Enroll at The CE Shop
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McKissock Learning: Best for career growth and learning tools

Starting price: $889

McKissock Learning has been a go-to provider in real estate appraisal education for over 35 years. Over the years, they’ve expanded their course offerings into other areas of the industry, including real estate licensing and home inspectors. McKissock offers a wide variety of course options to qualify you to become a licensed real estate appraiser.

In addition to typical course offerings and exam prep, McKissock Learning also offers professional development tools and career coaching. They also provide a CE membership, which gives you access to an unlimited number of CE courses for one yearly fee. It’s clear that McKissock is committed to your success, and they have the reputation to back it up.

Pros & Cons

• Over 35 years of experience
• Extensive course offerings
• CE Membership with unlimited access to CE courses year-round
• Career coaching included in premium packages
• Available in most states

• Higher price point
• Interface is less modern than some other providers
• No in-person course options
• No interactive study groups
• No 24/7 support

Features

• Course formats: 100% online, self-paced
• Course access: Typically 6-12 months, depending on the course
• Refund policy: Full refund within 30 days of purchase
• Guarantees: Satisfaction guarantee or refund per the terms described
• Exam prep: Available for most course packages
• Student support: Available by phone or email during business hours
• Final exam: Required for prelicensing education; online proctoring may be required
• Mobile Access: Yes

Pricing

McKissock Learning offers a variety of real estate appraiser courses, including prelicensing education, continuing education and exam prep at competitive prices.

• Prelicensing courses ($889): State-specific; broker prelicensing education basic, subscription and pro packages available.
• Continuing education ($825): Unlimited Learning Membership, granting access to a wide array of CE courses for a single price. 
• Exam prep ($229): Prepare yourself for the exam with self-paced online prep and live crammer sessions.

Enroll at McKissock Learning

Champions School of Real Estate: Best for hands-on support and classroom learning style

Starting price: $840

Champions School of Real Estate has a strong presence in Texas, especially for aspiring appraisers who prefer in-person learning. They have expanded their virtual classroom courses to include Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. If you prefer a fully online option, Champions School of Real Estate has partnered with McKissock Learning for expanded course options.

Champions offers the most structured learning environment out of all our picks for the best real estate appraisal schools. In Texas, you can choose from in-person or virtual classroom options. All other states are only available in the virtual classroom format, where you are in a live course at scheduled times throughout the length of the course. If you’re looking to get the most out of your education, they also offer bundled packages with additional features and exam prep included.

Pros & Cons

• Strong student support
• Virtual classroom learning available
• High pass rates
• Career services available
• Exam prep offered with some course packages

• Primarily available in Texas
• Less modern platform
• Class time required; not self-paced
• Limited CE options
• Online options are only offered through McKissock Learning

Features

• Course formats: In-person or virtual classroom (Online available through McKissock)
• Course access: Typically six months, but dependent on course format
• Refund policy: Available within five days from the date of purchase
• Guarantees: None
• Exam prep: Included in each course format
• Student support: Phone, in-person, and email support during regular business hours
• Final exam: Required for prelicensing education; proctoring may be required
• Mobile Access: Limited for virtual courses

Pricing

Champions School of Real Estate tailors its course offerings to each stage of an appraiser’s career. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, their in-person and virtual classroom courses are priced competitively to get you where you need to be.

• Prelicensing courses ($840): State-specific; broker prelicensing education packages available.
• Continuing education ($135): Stand-alone courses or bundled CE packages that count towards your renewal requirements.
• Exam prep ($250): Included in every prelicensing education purchase, but can be purchased separately.

Enroll at Champions School of Real Estate

VanEd: Best for affordable self-paced courses

Starting price: $959

If affordability is at the top of your radar, but you don’t want to sacrifice a quality education, be sure to take a look at VanEd. They specialize in state-approved real estate and appraisal education delivered on their simple, easy-to-use platform that is designed specifically for self-paced learners. You can purchase courses individually or in a package, allowing you to tailor your learning experience to your needs.

VanEd’s pricing tends to be lower than competitors as it focuses on self-paced, text-based learning rather than interactive elements or live support. However, if you’re an independent learner on a budget who craves a simple learning experience, you’ll have no problem completing your coursework with VanEd.

Pros & Cons

• Affordable course options
• 100% self-paced and online content
• Easy to follow course content
• Mobile-friendly access
• Q&A with instructors

• Prelicensing education only available in seven states
• No exam prep available
• Limited interactive features
• No live support
• No professional development tools

Features

• Course formats: 100% online and self-paced
• Course access: 6-12 months depending on the course
• Refund policy: Within 72 hours of purchase, and have not completed any exams. Must be under 50% complete
• Guarantees: No pass guarantee
• Exam prep: Included in most packages
• Student support: By phone, email, and live chat during regular business hours
• Final exam: Required for prelicensing education; proctoring may be required
• Mobile Access: Yes

Pricing

VanEd offers budget-friendly online appraisal courses with a focus on simple, self-paced learning.

• Prelicensing courses ($959): Offers Basic Appraisal Procedures courses that meet the standards set by The Appraisal Foundation’s required core curriculum.
• Continuing education ($195): Offers a range of online appraisal CE courses, including the mandatory USPAP 7-Hour Update Course,
• Exam prep ($59): Online real estate appraisal exam prep course is priced at $59 and includes over 300 pages of review material and 1,500 practice exam questions.

Enroll at VanEd

Appraiser eLearning: Best for live, online continuing education

Starting price: $80 for CE Only

Appraiser eLearning is best known for its live Zoom and self-paced online continuing education courses for real estate appraisers. Each course is taught by experienced appraisers with real-world experience, allowing them to go beyond the basics and hold meaningful conversations with their students. With hundreds of CE classes with topics like the newest tech, legal issues and industry trends – there is sure to be one (or several!) that piques your interest.

Appraiser eLearning doesn’t currently offer prelicensing education, but we felt they were still worth mentioning. These courses are great for the everyday working appraiser to gain the knowledge and skills to grow their career. To top it off, you’ll have an opportunity to learn from the best leaders in the industry by attending one of their live, in-person events.

Pros & Cons

• High-quality, self-paced or live Zoom courses
• Experienced appraiser instructors
• Advanced topics available
• Refund guarantee
• Affordable pricing

• No prelicensing education courses available
• No exam prep
• Limited customer support hours
• Mainly focused on intermediate and advanced CE courses
• Some courses available at specific times only

Features

• Course formats: Online video courses and live webinars
• Course access: Typically six months
• Refund policy: Full refund within 14 days if the course has not been started
• Guarantees: None
• Exam prep: No exams; CE Only
• Student support: Available via email or live chat
• Final exam: Yes, for reported CE credit
• Mobile Access: None

Pricing

Appraiser eLearning offers competitively priced continuing education courses, depending on the topic and format.

• Continuing education ($119.95): Self-paced online and live Zoom course formats offering CE on topics such as appraisal review, market analysis, compliance, and other industry-specific topics.

Enroll at Appraiser eLearning

Methodology: How we chose the best online real estate appraisal schools

To find the best online real estate appraisal school, we have evaluated dozens of appraisal schools, reviewing both online and in-person programs. We’ve chosen schools with interactive content, hands-free audio, mobile learning and other convenient formats that will fit your studies into a busy schedule. Our real estate experts possess in-depth knowledge of licensing and online courses and evaluate real estate licensing programs based on pricing, course packages, course materials, teaching styles, online user experience, exam success rates, customer reviews and more.

The best real estate appraisal schools on our list are not only widely available — they offer economies of scale that make their course packages affordable — using tech that makes their online courses way more convenient than having to commute to attend in-person classes at a brick-and-mortar location. Unlike your local school, they have the scale to invest in leading-edge technology that makes getting prepped for your state real estate exam a snap.

Don’t believe us? Check out our real estate education page for more information about getting licensed and the best real estate schools available in your state. We recommend the schools on this list for their convenience, value for money, excellence in course materials and thoughtful user experience.

FAQs: Best real estate appraisal schools for 2025

Is now a good time to become a real estate appraiser?

Yes, now is a great time to become a real estate appraiser. If you’re looking for a stable career and longevity in this industry, becoming a real estate appraiser will give you a good return on your investment. Experienced appraisers are in demand in both the residential and commercial markets.

Mortgage lenders and homeowners rely on real estate appraisals for more than just home purchases, they also have them ordered for refinances, home equity decisions, personal use and more. With virtual learning on the rise, it’s never been easier to complete your licensing education.

On average, how much does a real estate appraiser make?

While this is going to vary by state and experience level, ZipRecruiter reports the average salary (as of April 2025) for real estate appraisers is about $92,000. Real estate appraisers are typically general contractors who are responsible for their own taxes and benefits, although there may be some opportunities allowing you to work as a W-2 employee.

Is an appraisal better than a CMA?

This depends on the situation, but in most cases it is more reliable. A comparative market analysis, or CMA, is conducted by a real estate professional using comparable properties that have recently sold in order to price a property for sale. They cannot be used as a true valuation of a property by a mortgage lender. On the other hand, appraisals are a formal, non-biased valuation conducted by a licensed appraiser with no little to no prior knowledge of the existing circumstances. Lenders can legally use these valuations to make decisions for lending purposes.

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