Indiana Real Estate Appraiser License Types Explained
February 28, 2026
Indiana licenses real estate appraisers through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) at three credential levels. The credential determines what types of property the appraiser can value and under what circumstances.
The Three Credential Levels
Certified General Appraiser
A Certified General appraiser has the highest credential level and may appraise all types of real property — residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural — with no limitation on property value or complexity.
When you need a Certified General appraiser:
- Commercial or industrial property (office, retail, warehouse, manufacturing)
- Apartment buildings with 5 or more units
- Mixed-use properties
- Agricultural land
- Any property too complex for residential credentials
Indiana requirements to obtain:
- 300 hours of qualifying education
- 3,000 hours of experience (at least 1,500 in non-residential work)
- Pass the AQB-approved Certified General exam
Certified Residential Appraiser
A Certified Residential appraiser may appraise all 1–4 unit residential real property regardless of transaction value or complexity. This includes luxury homes, unique properties, and situations where lenders may require a certified credential.
When you need a Certified Residential appraiser:
- Single-family homes with no value ceiling
- Complex properties (unusual design, atypical land, limited comparables)
- Jumbo mortgage loans that require a certified credential
- Any residential assignment where the Licensed Residential scope is insufficient
Indiana requirements to obtain:
- 200 hours of qualifying education
- 1,500 hours of experience over at least 12 months
- Pass the AQB-approved Certified Residential exam
Licensed Residential Appraiser
A Licensed Residential appraiser may appraise non-complex 1–4 unit residential properties valued up to $1,000,000. This credential covers the majority of standard Indiana residential appraisal work.
When a Licensed Residential appraiser is appropriate:
- Standard single-family homes under $1M
- Condominiums and townhomes under $1M
- Non-complex duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes
Indiana requirements to obtain:
- 150 hours of qualifying education
- 1,000 hours of experience over at least 6 months
- Pass the AQB-approved Licensed Residential exam
How to Verify an Indiana Appraiser’s Credential
All three credential types are issued and tracked by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. You can verify any appraiser’s credential, status, and expiration date at the IPLA online verification portal.
IN Appraiser Pros shows the credential type and license number on every appraiser profile, updated automatically from IPLA records.