Criteria / Practicum

A pathway for aspiring appraisers to fulfill experience requirements.

Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

A practicum is a structured course that allows aspiring appraisers to apply the knowledge gained in their qualifying education through supervised, real-world appraisal assignments. Practicum courses are designed to provide experience, not additional education, and serve as an alternative pathway to the traditional supervisor/trainee model and Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal (PAREA®) for meeting appraisal experience.

The Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) developed the practicum option to expand access to meaningful experience opportunities in a controlled and instructional setting.

A practicum course:

• Counts as experience, not qualifying education
• Is a structured and approved course 
• Covers pre-approved content aligned with the Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria (Criteria)
• Results in the individual gaining experience credits for successfully completing the approved content
• Must be delivered by a qualified instructor or instructional team

While the term “practicum” is not explicitly defined in the Criteria, the requirements and expectations for these courses are clearly outlined. In practice, an appraiser practicum is an approved course that provides experience credit by allowing participants to complete instructor-guided appraisal assignments that simulate actual practice.