When you hire someone to appraise your home, you might assume all appraisers are equally qualified. They’re not. Appraisal credentials fall into distinct levels — and the difference between a licensed appraiser and a certified residential appraiser can affect whether your lender accepts the report, whether you can use it in court, and ultimately whether the valuation holds up under scrutiny.
Here’s what you need to know before you hire.
The Four Levels of Appraiser Credentials in Georgia
The Appraisal Foundation sets national standards, and Georgia’s Real Estate Appraisers Board enforces them at the state level. There are four credential levels:
Trainee Appraiser
A trainee is learning the trade under the supervision of a certified appraiser. They can assist with appraisals but cannot sign reports independently. If you receive an appraisal signed only by a trainee, that’s a red flag — it should always carry a supervisory appraiser’s signature as well.
Licensed Residential Appraiser
A licensed appraiser can independently appraise non-complex residential properties — typically single-family homes with a transaction value under $400,000, in areas with established comparable sales. They are not eligible to complete FHA appraisals or appraise complex or high-value properties on their own.
Certified Residential Appraiser
This is the credential most homeowners and lenders rely on. A certified residential appraiser has completed significantly more education and experience hours than a licensed appraiser, passed a more rigorous exam, and holds certification from the state. Certified residential appraisers can appraise any one-to-four-unit residential property, regardless of value or complexity. They are also approved to complete FHA appraisals.
To put the difference in perspective: licensed appraisers in Georgia must complete 150 hours of qualifying education and 1,000 hours of field experience. Certified residential appraisers must complete 200 hours of education and 1,500 hours of experience — with at least 1,000 of those hours in one-to-four-unit residential work.
Certified General Appraiser
A certified general appraiser can appraise all real property types — residential and commercial. This is the highest credential level and requires the most education and experience.
Why Certification Matters for Your Appraisal
Lender requirements
For most mortgage transactions — purchase, refinance, cash-out — lenders require an appraisal completed by a certified residential appraiser or higher. A report from a licensed-only appraiser may be rejected, which can delay or derail your closing.
FHA loans specifically require certified appraisers
FHA-insured loans have a specific requirement: the appraiser must be on the FHA Roster, which is only open to certified residential and certified general appraisers. A licensed appraiser cannot complete an FHA appraisal, full stop.
Legal and estate use
For estate appraisals, divorce appraisals, and tax appeal appraisals, the report may be reviewed by an attorney, a judge, or a county board of equalization. A certified credential adds credibility and holds up better under challenge.
High-value or complex properties
If your home is over $400,000, has unusual features, or sits in a rural area with limited comps, certification matters even more. A certified appraiser is trained to handle complex assignments that fall outside the scope of a licensed appraiser.
What to Ask Before You Hire
Before you order an appraisal — especially for a mortgage, legal matter, or high-stakes transaction — ask the appraiser directly:
- Are you a certified residential appraiser or certified general appraiser?
- Are you on the FHA Roster? (if relevant)
- Are you licensed in the state where the property is located?
You can also verify credentials directly through the Georgia Real Estate Appraisers Board.
Mac Valuations Is Certified and FHA Approved
Stephen MacDonald at Mac Valuations holds a certified residential appraiser designation and is approved by the FHA. Mac Valuations serves homeowners, lenders, attorneys, and county boards across Northwest Georgia — including Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Floyd, Paulding, and surrounding counties.
If you need a certified appraisal for any reason — mortgage, estate, tax appeal, divorce, or pre-listing — we can typically deliver your report within 48 hours.
Once you know you’re working with a certified appraiser, your next question is probably about timing — read How Long Does a Home Appraisal Take in Georgia? for a full breakdown of the inspection visit and report turnaround. And if you want to make the most of your visit, see our guide on how to prepare your home for an appraisal.
Ready to get started? Call us at (770) 881-6049 or order your appraisal online.