At its November meeting, the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (TALCB) discussed the implementation of a new federal fair housing education requirement, the upcoming launch of the Real Estate and Appraiser License Management Portal (REALM Portal), and multiple rule amendments to streamline licensing, implement legislation, and reduce barriers to entry.
New Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Education Requirements Begin January 2026
Beginning January 1, 2026, all appraiser license holders and new applicants will be required to complete education on valuation bias and fair housing laws and regulations. This requirement—adopted by the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) in June 2023—includes:
- Eight hours of qualifying education.
- Seven hours of continuing education.
- Applies to all license types.
- Applies to anyone whose license expires January 2026 or later, and all applicants approved on or after January 1, 2026.
- After initial completion, license holders must take a 4-hour valuation bias course every two years.
REALM Portal Launching December 10
TALCB is preparing to launch the REALM Portal on December 10, 2025. This new system will serve as a one-stop online tool for license holders to conduct business with the agency.
Transition Period
From December 2 at 5 p.m. CT until the morning of December 10, 2025:
- License holders cannot access or log in to the current online services system.
- The agency and its website remain open.
- The license holder search and license-specific information will be temporarily unavailable.
License holders will receive an email invitation to register for the REALM Portal using the email address on file with the agency.
Those who are due for renewal during November and December are encouraged to renew early—before the transition period—or wait until after December 10, 2025.
Rule Adoptions
Licensing Those With Criminal History
The Board adopted amendments updating procedures for applicants with criminal history. These changes align with
- Senate Bill 1080 (effective May 27, 2025), which modified Chapter 53 of the Texas Occupations Code regarding revocations and licensing of individuals with criminal convictions.
- New flexibility for certain prison work programs that help individuals obtain licensure.
- Updated processes reflecting the upcoming REALM Portal, shifting from paper forms to an online submission system.
Practicum Programs and Experience Requirements
The Board adopted amendments and new rules designed to expand pathways for gaining appraisal experience—a long-standing barrier for many entering the profession.
Amendments Adopted
- §153.1, Definitions
- §153.15, Experience Required for Licensing
These amendments add a definition for Practicum Courses and allow such courses—approved by the AQB or TALCB—to count toward experience hours under Chapter 1103.
- §153.42, Approval of Practicum Providers and Courses
- §153.43, Providers and Courses: Compliance and Enforcement
These rules establish a full approval process for practicum programs, including provider requirements, course standards, and compliance procedures.
The Board continues exploring ways to reduce barriers to entry. Currently, most Texas trainees gain experience through the supervisor-trainee model, which can be difficult for those without personal industry connections. Practicum programs would provide an additional pathway for completing required experience hours.
This initiative follows insight shared at the previous Board meeting by Melissa Bond, creator of Mississippi’s practicum program, which has since expanded to multiple states.
Military Service Member, Veteran, or Spouse Applications
Amendments were adopted to align Board rules with recent changes from Senate Bill 1818 and House Bill 5629, both effective September 1, 2025.
These legislative updates strengthen reciprocity and streamline licensing for military service members, veterans, and spouses. Key changes include:
- Applicants with a current, substantially similar out-of-state license in good standing must be issued a Texas license.
- License issuance timeline shortened from 30 days to 10 business days.
- Clarifications for military spouse practice duration following divorce.
Rules Proposed for Public Comment
The Board proposed amendments to the following rules, which are now open for public comment and will be considered for adoption at the February 20, 2026 meeting:
- §153.13, Education Required for Licensing
- §153.21, Appraiser Trainees and Supervisory Appraisers
- §153.40, Approval of Continuing Education Providers and Courses
Highlights of the proposed changes include:
- Clarifying acceptable coursework for licensure.
- Removing the requirement for trainees and supervisory appraisers to retake the Appraiser Trainee/Supervisory Appraiser course every four years.
- Allowing applicants to complete the course after applying, rather than prior.
- Aligning approval durations and provider requirements with current processes.
- Reducing unnecessary education requirements to further lower barriers to entry.
A Model for Other States
The Board received a positive update: Utah is implementing a mentorship program modeled after TALCB’s. Utah regulators consulted Board staff while developing the program.
Meeting Materials
View TALCB’s November 14, 2025 Agenda, Meeting Materials, and Meeting Video.
The Board will meet again on February 20, 2026. Materials and the livestream link for this meeting will be published online as the date approaches.
