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The Appraisal Foundation

<p>The Appraisal Foundation&#xAE; (the Foundation) is not a government agency. It is a nonprofit organization formed by a group of appraisal membership organizations in the wake of the Savings and Loan Crisis of the 1980s. The Foundation was authorized by Congress in 1989 under Title XI of Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act (FIRREA) to maintain standards and minimum qualifications for the real property appraisal profession. Congress granted this congressional authority because it wanted to emphasize appraiser independence in the wake of the Savings and Loan Crisis. The Foundation was established to provide private sector expertise that would not be swayed by political winds or changing administrations.</p>

The Appraisal FoundationŽ (the Foundation) is not a government agency. It is a nonprofit organization formed by a group of appraisal membership organizations in the wake of the Savings and Loan Crisis of the 1980s. The Foundation was authorized by Congress in 1989 under Title XI of Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act (FIRREA) to maintain standards and minimum qualifications for the real property appraisal profession. Congress granted this congressional authority because it wanted to emphasize appraiser independence in the wake of the Savings and Loan Crisis. The Foundation was established to provide private sector expertise that would not be swayed by political winds or changing administrations.

Is the Foundation a government agency?

About The Appraisal Foundation®

Does the Foundation receive direct federal funding through congressional appropriation?

Does the Foundation advocate on behalf of appraisers?

Do the Foundation’s boards take input from the public or regulators when developing the standards and qualifications?

Do the boards use subject matter experts when making decisions regarding the standards and qualifications?

What is the difference between the Foundation’s 3 Boards?

Does the Board of Trustees direct what changes are made to the standards and qualifications?

About the Boards

How do I become an appraiser?

How can I find a supervisor?

Can states exceed the qualification criteria set by the AQB?

Aspiring Appraisers

Where can I find an appraiser?

How can I file a complaint against an appraiser?

What is the difference between the 7-hour and 15-hour USPAP® courses?

Consumers of Appraisal Services

Is the new Fair Housing and Valuation Bias Course in the 2026 Criteria still going to be required?

Where can I find and take courses to become an appraiser or maintain my credential/designation?

What materials/books do I need for USPAP® courses?

How do I file a complaint against a USPAP® Instructor?

Courses

How much does a practicum differ from other ways to gain experience?

Where can I find an approved practicum course?

Does a practicum course count toward experience hours?

How many experience hours can I earn through a practicum course?

Are practicum courses a new option?

Who approves a practicum course?

What must a practicum course include to meet the Criteria?

Is there additional guidance for course developers?

Do I need both AQB and state approval?

What is the AQB approval process through CAP?

Will a CAP-approved practicum be accepted by all states?

Practicum

Is USPAP® required for all types of appraisers?

Do PAREA® participants also need to follow USPAP®?

Does USPAP® control how appraisal reporting forms are developed and written, what they say, or how they should be used?

USPAP®

How much does the Instructor Certification Course (ICC) cost?

I have registered for the ICC. How do I obtain the Instructor ICC material?

What is the Foundation's ICC cancellation policy?

What if I am a business or personal property appraiser, can I apply to the program?

When will the ICC be offered?

After Attending the Instructor Certification Course

USPAP® Instructor Certification

Who do I contact about shipping and returns questions?

I accidentally entered the wrong shipping address. What do I do?

I never received my order, but the tracking details show that it was delivered. What can I do?

What if my organization is tax exempt, can that status be applied to our orders?

I ordered the wrong digital version. Can I return or exchange it?

Store

Is the Foundation a government agency?Updated 3 months ago