A new federal requirement from the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) means that all appraisers and applicants must now complete a Valuation Bias and Fair Housing course. Find approved Valuation Bias and Fair Housing courses.

Renewal Requirement

If your license expires on or after January 31, 2026, you must complete a 7- or 8-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing course as part of the 28 hours of continuing education (CE) required to renew. After the initial course, a 4-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing course will be required at each renewal.

Initial and Upgrade Applicants

If you are applying for an appraiser credential and your application is not approved by January 1, 2026, you must complete the 8-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing course before your license is approved. After taking the initial 8-hour course, you will need to complete a 4-hour version at each renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

My license expires on January 31, 2026, but I plan to renew early in October 2025. Do I still need to take the course?

 Yes. The requirement depends on your expiration date, not when you renew. 

I applied to become a licensed residential appraiser in March 2025 but haven’t passed my exam. Do I need the course?

 If you satisfy all requirements before January 1, 2026, you will not need the course until your first renewal. If you do not satisfy all requirements by that date, you must take the 8-hour course before approval. 

I am currently licensed but plan on upgrading my credential. Which course should I take?

 Take the 8-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing course. It can be applied toward your renewal and satisfies the qualifying education requirement for upgrading. The 7-hour course only applies to renewal CE and cannot be used for upgrading. 

What's the difference between the 7-hour and 8-hour courses?

Both cover the same content. The 8-hour course includes an exam and satisfies both renewal and initial application requirements. The 7-hour course only satisfies renewal CE. 

How often will I need to take the course? 

After your first 7- or 8-hour course, you must complete the 4-hour version at every renewal. 

Where can I find approved courses? 

Find approved Valuation Bias and Fair Housing courses.

Where can I learn more about this requirement?

This is a federal requirement. For additional details, visit the Appraiser Qualifications Board website and review the Summary of Actions for the 2026 Criteria.

I am reinstating my appraiser credential. Which course do I need to take?

Any reinstatement applications approved on or after January 1, 2026, must include the 7- or 8-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing course.

My credential is on inactive status, but I want to reactivate. Which course do I need to take?

Any return to active requests approved on or after January 1, 2026, must include the 7- or 8-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing course.