What is necessary for an appraiser to start appraising?

To begin appraising, it is essential for an appraiser to have an active or reinstated appraiser license. This requirement is foundational in the appraisal profession, ensuring that the appraiser has met the necessary educational, examination, and experience standards set by the regulatory authorities. The licensure process typically includes completing specific coursework and passing a state examination, which signifies that the appraiser possesses the knowledge and skills required to conduct appraisals in accordance with applicable laws and ethical guidelines.

While completed training courses are important for educational qualification, they alone do not authorize an individual to perform appraisals without an active license. Similarly, a letter of recommendation may be beneficial in the context of career advancement or networking, but it does not fulfill the legal requirement to conduct appraisal work. Finally, pending application approval indicates that an application is under review; however, until an appraiser's license is granted or reinstated, they cannot legally begin their appraisal activities. Thus, having an active or reinstated appraiser license is critical to commencing work in this field.