An appraiser determines the value of a property using several specific standards. Appraisers are and continue to be in high demand due to their unique skills, by insurance companies, government agencies, tax assessment agencies, real estate lenders, lawyers, museums and private collectors. Due to the wide range of things that require appraisals, an appraiser can specialize in many different fields.

A real estate property appraiser evaluates not only residential property, but also commercial and agricultural property. A personal property appraiser determines the value of automobiles, art, jewelry, antique furniture and collections. A business appraiser evaluates the value of a business and all of its assets, including its brand name. An appraiser must be a good communicator and highly analytical. He or she must also be able to write concise, coherent reports for the client.

At this time, only appraisers who deal with real estate property are licensed at the state level. However, appraisers who wish to work with business or personal property can earn and receive a designation by an organization that trains appraisers. The Appraisal Foundation has developed The Appraisal Qualifications Board (AQB), which sets recommendations for real estate property appraisers attempting state licensure.

The minimum requirements recommended by the Foundation for a Licensed Residential Appraiser are a combination of 2,000 hours of experience in the field and 90 hours of education. To be a Certified Residential Appraiser, one must have 2,500 hours of experience and 120 hours of education. To be a Certified General Appraiser, which means that the appraiser can appraise any type of real estate, including commercial property, one must have 3,000 hours of experience and 180 hours of education. To be a personal property appraiser, one must have 1,800 to 4,500 hours of experience and 120 hours of education. A test is also required to reach each of these levels.

Many professional educational organizations offer training to become an appraiser. A college degree is usually not required, but a few appraisers associations grant higher designations only to appraisers with college degrees. Each state sets its own requirements regarding both the licensure test and the precise number of experience and education hours required. The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, which is published by the Appraisal Foundation, is widely accepted as the standard by which appraisers operate. Most states also require approximately 14 hours of continuing education every year.

For a person working to become an appraiser, the biggest part of the process is the experience required. Experience can be obtained by working as an apprentice to a licensed or certified appraiser. This may be the most important step in becoming an accurate and respected appraiser, as work in the field may teach an appraiser more than classroom work could ever accomplish.