How to become a registered appraiser
To qualify as a registered property appraiser under ORS 308.010, you must meet certain training and education criteria, then file an application and pass an exam. To take the appraiser registration exam, you must submit an application online.
NOTE: The Oregon Department of Revenue has oversight of appraisers registered under ORS 308.010 for ad valorem tax purposes only. If you are interested in becoming a certified or licensed residential appraiser in Oregon, refer to the website for the Oregon Appraiser Certification and Licensure Board.
Exam information
We'll review your application within 14 days after you submit it and notify you by email whether you've met the qualifications to take the appraiser exam. The proctored exam is offered on the first and third Thursdays of each month. There is no charge to take the 100 multiple-choice question exam that covers the following.
- General appraisal concepts
- Principles, processes, and definitions
- Surveying and mapping
- Vocabulary
- Appraisal processes
- Valuation
The maximum time allowed to take the exam is three hours, and a score of 70 or better is required to pass. If you pass, you will be a registered appraiser, eligible for employment in county assessors' offices or the Department of Revenue (DOR). Passing the appraiser exam is not a guarantee of employment.
Minimum Qualifications
To take the exam, you must demonstrate that you meet the following minimum qualifications:
- An associate of science degree (or higher) in property appraisal, real estate technology, building construction/inspection technology, engineering or forestry technology, business administration, or a related field; or
- Any combination of experience or education equivalent to two years in a field that would demonstrate the capacity to work as a property appraiser. (Examples include property appraisal, public or business administration, real estate, finance, civil engineering, urban planning.); or
- Completion of the DOR County Appraiser Trainee Exam Preparation Course.
How to apply
To submit your application, follow the “Apply" link above to complete the application online. Only complete applications will be considered. Be sure to answer all “Application Questions." Responses to the “Application Questions" will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications. Transcripts and work history may be requested.
The Oregon Department of Revenue will generally, on request, provide aid and services to persons with disabilities so they can participate in programs, services, and activities. This includes qualified sign language interpreters, documents in Braille, and other ways of making information and communications accessible to everyone. For more information visit our ADA Accommodations webpage.
Exam resources
Below is a list of resources that are helpful in preparing for the property appraiser examination.
- Department of Revenue manual Appraisal Methods of Real Property, 150-303-415
- National real estate appraisal courses (for example, International Association of Assessing Officers, Appraisal Institute, American Society of Appraisers)
- The Appraisal of Real Estate Manual from the Appraisal Institute
- County Appraiser Trainee Exam Preparation Course (available to employees of county assessment offices)
Maintaining your registration
After passing the county property appraiser exam, you must complete continuing education coursework to maintain your registration. You must complete 60 credit hours in the first two calendar years after becoming registered and 30 credits every two years after that.
County Appraiser Trainee Program
The appraiser trainee program is an on-the-job training program for county assessment staff to meet the requirements to take the property appraiser examination. You may be able to work as an appraiser trainee while training to become a registered appraiser depending on the county you are employed by and its position qualifications. This program is separate and unrelated to ACLB's Registered Appraiser Assistant designation.
How to be an appraiser trainee
Please contact your local county assessor's office. A county assessor must submit your name to the Department of Revenue for you to be an appraiser trainee. You will need to meet all requirements set forth by the county and assessor. The program may not exceed two years from the date of enrollment.
It's the trainee's responsibility to complete all necessary education and training requirements. The county assessor monitors and reviews the trainee's progress.
Upon completion of the program, the trainee is eligible to take the exam to qualify as a registered appraiser. To take the exam, the trainee must submit an application.