Classroom vs Online vs Home Study Schools for Real Estate Appraisers

Taking courses is a requirement for all real estate appraisers as they prepare to enter an appraisal career, and after they become appraisers.  These courses can be taken in a classroom, online, or with materials mailed for home study.

The three types of courses a real estate appraiser can expect to take are:

1. Qualifying or Primary: requirement for licensing and certification
2. Exam Preparation: optional to assist with preparing for the licensing and certification examinations.
3. Continuing Education: ongoing requirement to maintain license and certification.

Having options for taking these three types of courses is a benefit to the real estate appraiser.  The options give flexibility to the individual’s schedule, their access to the type of course, and the way that they best learn material.

Which option is best for you?

Real Estate Appraiser Course Options

1. Classroom

Taking courses in a classroom is the most traditional way of learning.  Many appraisal students prefer a classroom setting because it is the form learning that they are used to, and it ensures that they adhere to a schedule.

Benefits for taking courses in a classroom setting:

• Able to interact directly with the instructor and other students.
• Day and evening classes are typically available, to be flexible with people’s schedules.
• Structured class schedule, which helps those who don’t have good time management skills.
• Many people prefer the traditional classroom setting.

Potential drawbacks to taking courses in a classroom:

• Classes meet on a schedule, so the student must plan their schedule around courses.
• Travel to and from the class location takes time.
• Classes are at structured pace.
• Availability may be limited in some areas.

2. Online

Taking courses online may be new for some students.  However, online courses are now common within all industries and topics of study.

Benefits to taking courses online:

• Complete flexibility to fit within the student’s schedule.
• The student can take courses at their own pace.
• Classes can start immediately.
• The student can refer back to previous instruction.
• At most institutions, the courses never expire.

Potential drawbacks to taking courses online:

• Interaction with other students is limited or non-existent.
• Must have good time management skills, as the courses are typically taken at the student’s leisure.

3. Home Study

Home study allows the student to have course materials mailed to them, so they can study the same materials that are traditionally used in a classroom.

Benefits to home study:

• Good for the student who prefers physical textbooks and class materials, but can not travel to the class location.
• Complete flexibility to fit within the student’s schedule.
• The student can take courses at their own pace.
• Classes can start immediately.
• The student can refer back to the course materials at any time, because they own the materials.

Potential drawbacks to home study:

• Interaction with other students is limited or non-existent.
• Must have good time management skills, as the courses are typically taken at the student’s leisure.

Final Thoughts on the Course Options for Real Estate Appraisers

Aspiring real estate appraisers, as well as currently licensed and certified appraisers are fortunate to have options when taking courses for their real estate appraiser career.  There are benefits and potential drawbacks for each type of course option: classroom, online, and home study.

Most states have a list of approved providers, which is helpful for finding classroom courses.  There are links to each state’s website in the state pages on the Appraiser Sidekick website.  Click here to find your state.