A PDF copy of the course material (Concepts and Principles Manual – An
Instructor’s Application) will be emailed to you approximately four weeks prior to
the course start date. Students are encouraged to download a copy and begin studying.
Additionally, the Foundation will mail each participant a hard copy of the course
material at least two weeks prior to the start of the course.
USPAP® Instructor Certification
The eligibility, requirements, and application process to become certified and recertified to teach Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP®) courses.
Overview
The Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) USPAP® Instructor Program certifies experienced appraisers to teach the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP®) courses nationwide. This program ensures instructors meet rigorous standards for expertise, professionalism, and teaching ability.
Why Become Certified?
- Earn authorization to teach the Foundations’ official USPAP® courses (7-Hour and 15-Hour) nationwide.
- Maintain alignment with current USPAP® content through biennial instructor recertification.
- Access standardized course materials and instructor resources developed by the Foundation.
Instructor Expectations
Certified instructors are responsible for:
- Teaching the 15-Hour USPAP® Course and 7-Hour USPAP® Update Course using AQB-approved materials
- Maintaining a deep understanding of USPAP® updates
- Following AQB delivery standards and instructional guidelines
- Completing biennial instructor recertification
Eligibility & Requirements for Initial Certification
To qualify, applicants must:
- Have appraisal certifications, licenses, or other professional credentials in good standing with all jurisdictions and organizations
- Have at least 7 years of appraisal experience
- Possess 35 hours of direct appraisal-related teaching experience in the past 5 years
- Submit required application materials and fees
Certification Schedule: The Instructor Certification Course (ICC) is offered in person each spring of even-numbered years. The next offering is planned for Spring 2028. Enrollment details will be posted on this page in Fall 2027. To receive enrollment updates when they become available, email publications@appraisalfoundation.org and request to be added to the notification list.
Step 1: Review the Program Handbook
Start by reading the program guidelines and requirements.
Download the USPAP® Instructor Certification Policy.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Applications will open in Fall 2027.
The application requires your appraisal license information and teaching information including courses, dates, and references, and the completed application form.
Registration is first come, first served, with 35 seats available—so early application is strongly encouraged.
Virtual Audit Option
The Foundation® offers a virtual audit opportunity for Certified USPAP® Instructors and State Regulators. Auditing the ICC provides an opportunity to stay up to date on current course content and refresh your knowledge of instructional standards and best practices through webinar access to the course sessions. Audit applications will be available in Fall 2027. To receive audit enrollment updates when they become available, email publications@appraisalfoundation.org and request to be added to the notification list.
Step 3: Complete the Instructor Certification Course (ICC)
The ICC is a 2.5-day classroom course conducted by the Foundation approximately every two years. The curriculum focuses on effective teaching techniques, course content delivery, and the latest USPAP® updates.
If selected, you’ll attend a USPAP® Instructor course, which includes teaching methods, course delivery expectations, and updates on USPAP® content.
Format:
- Friday & Saturday: Full days of instruction
- Sunday morning: Three-hour certification exam. You must pass a written exam to be officially certified.
Instructor Recertification Course (IRC)
Course Availability and Information
The IRC is available to AQB-certified USPAP instructors seeking to maintain their instructor certification and must be completed every two years.
The Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) intends to make the IRC available from October 1 of odd-numbered years through March 31 of even-numbered years. For example, the most recent IRC was available from October 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. The next IRC will be available from October 1, 2027, through March 31, 2028.
For more information about IRC requirements and the IRC process, please consult the AQB’s Policy Statement on USPAP IRC Requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Foundation has a course registration deadline (this may be a different date than the hotel registration deadline). Individuals who cancel their ICC registration prior to the registration deadline will receive a full refund of their course fee ($525). However, the entire course fee will be forfeited if a cancellation is made after the registration deadline.
Yes. The Foundation also developed a 15-Hour Personal Property USPAP® Course, a 7-Hour USPAP® Update Course for Personal Property, and a 15-Hour Business Appraisal USPAP® Course. Most non-real property appraisers teach one of these courses.
No date has been set for the next ICC. Fill out the interest survey to be notified when the next date has been scheduled.
The Foundation will notify USPAP® Instructor Course attendees of their exam results within 30 days of course completion. Results will be provided as pass or fail only—specific scores will not be shared, and attendees are asked not to contact the Foundation for results. Those who pass will receive a confirmation letter along with the Instructor Performance Agreement, which outlines the terms of certification and the relationship between AQB Certified USPAP® Instructors and the Foundation.
To receive certification, instructors must return a signed copy of this agreement. Individuals who do not pass will receive a Strength and Weakness Report identifying the areas of the course where their answers were deficient.
Applicants may only re-take the exam once per each course. They may retake the exam for a $99 fee, with the retake scheduled shortly after the course.
Related Content
15-Hour National USPAP® Course Student Manual
