The application fee is $50, and the course fee is $525. The course fee includes the cost and shipping of the course materials.
This fee does not include the cost of travel or overnight hotel stays; however, the Foundation typically has a room block at the hotel where the course is held in order to provide a reasonable hotel rate for attendees. Attendees are responsible for making their own hotel and travel arrangements.
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
Step 1: Review the Program Handbook
Start by reading the program guidelines and requirements.
Download the USPAP® Instructor Certification Program Handbook.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Provide your appraisal license information and teaching information including courses, dates, and references, and the completed application form.
To become a USPAP® Instructor, apply here.
Application fee: Pay the $50 application fee as part of the initial application process.
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.
Step 4: Pass the Instructor Certification Exam
After training, you must pass a written exam to be officially certified.
Instructor Recertification Course (IRC)
Course Information
Course Availability
The IRC is offered online through the Foundation’s partner, McKissock, and is accessible from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
Deadline
You must complete the IRC by March 31, 2026, to renew your certification beyond this date.
Certification Extension
Successfully completing the IRC extends your instructor certification for two years, until March 31, 2027. For details on the certification cycle, see the USPAP® Instructor Recertification Policy Statement.
Examination
The online IRC does not include an examination.
Maintain Active Appraiser Credentials
Ensure you hold an active appraisal certification, license, or other professional credential which must be in good standing with all jurisdictions and organizations.
Report Disciplinary Actions
Notify the Foundation of any professional disciplinary actions taken against you since your last re-certification. This notification should occur within 30 days of the action.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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
