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. Applicants should possess an inquisitive nature and sound judgment. They must also be able to write and speak clearly, and make mathematical calculations. More advanced positions such as senior, principal, and chief appraiser involve supervisory duties as well as more difficult appraising assignments. Promotion in governmental agencies is usually by competitive examination.