Schedules of independent appraisers are considerably more variable. Appraiser experience and satisfactory scores on an examination are needed to be certified, but college education may be substituted for a portion of the experience requirements. Many community colleges and evening adult schools offer courses in real estate appraisal. Some colleges offer courses relating to appraisal that lead to a bachelor of science in real estate. Courses in economics, real estate, business administration, and mathematics provide a good background for this occupation.
Many companies provide classroom training for their beginning appraisers.
A long training period is necessary to become skilled in appraising the more complex types of real estate. Professional associations and colleges offer seminars and classes conducted by leaders in the field. In most cases, applicants must have a bachelor's degree to be considered for hire by government or by private companies. Many firms require an additional six to eight months' experience. A few lending institutions, however, will hire high school graduates who have had experience in real estate, construction, architecture, or building inspection.