Course approval
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we are allowing an exception to the rule for distance courses. You can submit an online course application through your DOL-established Box.com folder.
Who needs course approval?
Course providers must get courses, events, and seminars approved before their start date. This allows them to be eligible for appraiser license and renewal applications.
Before you apply
Get required pre-approval certificates (IDECC and AQB USPAP Instructor), as applicable.
Gather all required documents listed on the application and convert them into 1 pdf. They must be in the order listed on the application form with the application form as page 1. (If unable to create a pdf, please contact us for a possible alternative.)
Review directions on how to set up account access. Create or sign in to your Secure Access Washington (SAW) account. Your login must be unique to an individual and not shared by another.
New appraiser course provider
Send your completed application and request for a Box.com folder to reappraisers@dol.wa.gov. We will then send you an invitation and instructions on how to proceed.
Existing course providers
Log in through SAW, then into our new system. Link to your existing business license. If you are logging in to renew an active course, linking should bring up all existing courses. Find the course and click on the “Renew” button. If you do not see the course, contact us.
How to apply
Complete the Real Estate Appraiser Course Approval Application. Submitting applications is a 2-part process:
- Log in or sign up online to apply and upload any pre-approval certificates.
- Upload the course materials to your DOL established Box.com folder.
Original course application
Allow at least 90 days for new course application review and processing. Allow at least 30 days for event or seminar application review and processing.
Renewal applications
We cannot renew events, seminars, or USPAP courses. Courses with large changes or updated information must have a new application submitted. Submit at least 2 weeks before the course expires.
Pre-approval certificates
Course providers offering distance learning must have their delivery methods approved by the International Distance Education Certification (IDECC). Submit your approval certificate if you are a secondary provider of an online course. Do not provide the primary providers’ IDECC approval.
Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) reviews courses for material relevancy and pre-approvals. The AQB also certifies all Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) instructors. We cannot approve any USPAP course application without an AQB Instructor Approval certificate.
Course/Seminar content guidelines
- Continuing education must be directly related to real estate appraising or related topics.
- The course must help to maintain or increase the knowledge, skills, and competence of performing appraisals in a manner that best serves the public.
- Electives must be at least 15 hours and include a proctored examination.
- Education topics must be applicable to the appraiser licensure levels applied for.
- Courses/Seminars aren’t acceptable if they:
- Present information so basic that they will not meet the stated goal of continuing education.
- Only contribute to personal development instead of the ability to perform appraisals.
- Contribute only to the appraiser's general knowledge of the field rather than operating a business.
- Are pre-examination review or examination preparation courses/seminars.
