24 Del. Admin. Code § 2930-2.0

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 5, November 1, 2024

Section 2930-2.0 - Appraiser Licensing and Certification

2.1 Qualifications for Appraiser Licensure and Certification

2.1.1 The qualifications for licensure or certification shall conform to the criteria established by the Appraisal Qualifications Board (AQB) of the Appraisal Foundation for:

2.1.1.1 certified general real property appraiser;

2.1.1.2 certified residential real property appraiser;

2.1.1.3 licensed real property appraiser; and

2.1.1.4 trainee real property appraiser.

2.1.2 The Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria set by the AQB is available online from The Appraisal Foundation website at https://www.appraisalfoundation.org.

2.1.3 Trainee Real Property Appraiser

2.1.3.1 Examination: There is no examination requirement for the Trainee Appraiser classification, but the Trainee Appraiser shall pass the appropriate end-of-course examinations in all of the prerequisite qualifying education courses in order to earn credit for those courses.

2.1.3.2 Qualifying Education

2.1.3.2.1 Application Prerequisites

2.1.3.2.1.1 For an applicant before January 1, 2026, the applicant must have completed 75 AQB-approved hours of qualifying education as specified in the Required Core Curriculum.

2.1.3.2.1.2 For an application beginning January 1, 2026, an applicant must have completed 83 AQB-approved hours of qualifying education.

2.1.3.2.1.3 All applicants must pass the course examinations and pass the 15-Hour National USPAP Course (or its AQB-approved equivalent) and examination as part of the required hours. All qualifying education must be completed within the 5 year period immediately preceding the date of application for a Trainee Appraiser credential.

2.1.3.2.2 Required Core Curriculum

2.1.3.2.2.1 Basic Appraisal Practices - 30 hours

2.1.3.2.2.2 Basic Appraisal Procedures - 30 hours

2.1.3.2.2.3 15-Hour National USPAP Course or its equivalent - 15 hours

2.1.3.2.2.4 Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations or its equivalent, beginning January 1, 2026 - 8 hours

2.1.3.3 Responsibilities of Supervisors of State Licensed Trainees

2.1.3.3.1 A state licensed appraiser trainee may assist in the completion of an appraisal report, including an opinion of value, and may co-sign an appraisal, provided that the appraiser trainee is actively and personally supervised by a state certified real property appraiser, provided that the appraisal report is reviewed and signed by the state certified real property appraiser, and provided that the certified appraiser accepts total responsibility for the appraisal report. An appraiser trainee is permitted to have more than 1 supervising appraiser. As of January 1, 2008 and in accord with the AQB qualification criteria in effect as of that date, only certified appraisers in good standing may supervise trainees.

2.1.3.3.2 A state certified real property appraiser may employ a person as a state licensed appraiser trainee to assist in the performance of real estate appraisals, provided that the state certified real property appraiser:

2.1.3.3.2.1 Provides direct supervision of the state licensed appraiser trainee; "Direct Supervision" means to:

2.1.3.3.2.1.1 Personally inspect with the trainee the interior and exterior of each property appraised, until such time as the Supervisory Appraiser determines the Trainee Appraiser is competent to inspect the property in accordance with the COMPETENCY RULE of USPAP for the property type;

2.1.3.3.2.1.2 Personally review and sign each appraisal report prepared by the trainee;

2.1.3.3.2.1.3 Accept full responsibility for the report;

2.1.3.3.2.1.4 Assign work to the trainee only if the trainee is competent to perform such work;

2.1.3.3.2.1.5 Approve and sign the report as being independently and impartially prepared and in compliance with USPAP, these rules and regulations, and applicable statutory requirements; and

2.1.3.3.2.1.6 Co-sign with the trainee a Council-approved appraiser trainee checklist relating to the trainee's work involved in the appraisal report. The trainee shall complete the appraiser trainee checklist and the completed and co-signed checklist shall be made part of the appraisal report submitted to the client.

2.1.3.3.2.2 Reviews all appraisal reports and supporting data used in connection with appraisals in which the services of a state licensed appraiser trainee is utilized;

2.1.3.3.2.3 Complies with all provisions of subsection 4.1.7 regarding appraisal reports;

2.1.3.3.2.4 Reviews and approves a trainee's experience log maintained pursuant to subsection 2.1.3.4.2.2. The supervisor shall make available to the trainee a copy of any appraisal report that the trainee assisted in preparing that is requested for review by the Council;

2.1.3.3.2.5 Beginning January 1, 2008, a supervising appraiser shall not supervise more than 3 trainees at 1 time.

2.1.3.3.2.6 Signs an affidavit affirming that the Supervisory Appraiser is a state certified real property appraiser and that the Supervisory Appraiser shall comply with all rules and policies regarding supervisory appraisers; and

2.1.3.3.2.7 Immediately advises the Council in writing when the certified appraiser is no longer supervising the trainee. The writing shall include the last known address of the appraiser trainee along with a copy of the letter from the supervisor to the trainee advising the trainee that his/her employment has been terminated or the letter of resignation from the trainee to the supervisor, whichever is applicable.

2.1.3.3.3 Effective July 1, 2009, any certified appraiser who has been sanctioned by the Council within the preceding 3 years shall not be eligible to supervise trainees for 3 years after the date of completion of the sanction. Where the sanction is a letter of reprimand, the date of completion is the date that the letter is signed and mailed. Where the sanction is a fine, the date of completion is the date that the fine is paid. Where the sanction is probation or suspension, the date of completion is the date when the license is reinstated in full with no restrictions or limitations. State certified appraisers who were sanctioned by the Council prior to July 1, 2009 are exempt from this provision.

2.1.3.3.4 Effective January 1, 2014, a State-certified Supervisory Appraiser shall have been state certified for a minimum of 3 years prior to being eligible to become a Supervisory Appraiser. A State-certified Supervisory Appraiser shall be in good standing and not have been subject to any disciplinary action within the last 3 years that affects the Supervisory Appraiser's legal ability to engage in appraisal practice.

2.1.3.3.5 Effective January 1, 2015, the Supervisory Appraiser shall be required to complete a course that, at a minimum, complies with the specifications for course content established by the AQB prior to supervising a trainee appraiser. The course shall be oriented toward the requirements and responsibilities of supervisory appraisers and expectations for trainees. The course must be completed by the trainee appraiser prior to obtaining a trainee appraiser credential, and completed by the supervisory appraiser prior to supervising a trainee appraiser.

2.1.3.4 Responsibilities of State Licensed Appraiser Trainees

2.1.3.4.1 All appraiser trainees must be licensed as required under 24 Del.C. Ch. 40. All qualifying education must be completed within the 5 year period prior to the date of submission of an application for a trainee appraiser license. A trainee appraiser is permitted to have more than 1 supervisory appraiser.

2.1.3.4.2 A State licensed trainee may assist in the performance of real estate appraisals provided that:

2.1.3.4.2.1 The trainee shall only work under the direct supervision of 1 or more State certified real property appraiser; an individual who is no longer supervised shall not engage in the act of appraising until a new license is issued showing a new supervisor;

2.1.3.4.2.2 The trainee shall maintain an appraisal experience log on a form provided by the Council and certified by the supervising appraiser;

2.1.3.4.2.3 The trainee shall inspect the property and participate in the appraisal process to receive experience credit for the hours spent. For the trainee to receive experience log credit, either the contribution of the trainee shall be identified in the report, with the trainee identified by name, state and license number, or the trainee shall sign the appraisal report in compliance with subsection 4.1.7.

2.1.3.4.2.4 The trainee shall ensure that the log is available at all times for inspection by the Council;

2.1.3.4.2.5 When performing appraisal assignments, the trainee shall carry on his/her person the license issued by the Council; and

2.1.3.4.2.6 The trainee co-signs with the supervising appraiser a Council-approved appraiser trainee checklist relating to the trainee's work involved in the appraisal report. The trainee shall complete the appraiser trainee checklist and the completed and co-signed checklist shall be made part of the appraisal report submitted to the client.

2.1.3.4.3 Effective January 1, 2015, the Appraiser trainee shall be required to complete a course that, at a minimum, complies with the specifications for course content established by the AQB prior to obtaining a trainee appraiser license. This course is in addition to the qualifying education hours needed for trainee licensure. The course shall be oriented toward the requirements and responsibilities of supervisory appraisers and expectations for trainees. The course must be completed by the trainee appraiser prior to obtaining a trainee appraiser credential, and completed by the supervisory appraiser prior to supervising a trainee appraiser.

2.1.4 Licensed Residential Real Property Appraiser

2.1.4.1 General

2.1.4.1.1 The Licensed Residential Real Property Appraiser classification applies to the appraisal of non-complex 1-to-4 residential units having a transaction value less than $1,000,000, and complex 1-to-4 residential units having a transaction value less than $400,000.

2.1.4.1.2 Complex 1-to-4 unit residential property appraisal means one in which the property to be appraised, the form of ownership, or the market conditions are atypical.

2.1.4.1.3 For non-federally related transaction appraisals, transaction value shall mean market value.

2.1.4.1.3.1 The classification includes the appraisal of vacant or unimproved land that is utilized for 1-to-4 residential units, or for which the highest and best use is for 1-to-4 residential units.

2.1.4.1.3.2 The classification does not include the appraisal of subdivisions for which a development analysis/appraisal is necessary.

2.1.4.1.4 All Licensed Residential Real Property Appraisers must comply with the COMPETENCY RULE of USPAP.

2.1.4.2 Examination

2.1.4.2.1 The AQB-approved Licensed Residential Real Property Appraiser examination must be successfully completed. The only alternative to successful completion of the Licensed Residential examination is the successful completion of the Certified Residential or Certified General examination.

2.1.4.2.2 The prerequisites for taking the AQB-approved examination are completion of:

2.1.4.2.2.1 One hundred fifty AQB-approved class hours; and

2.1.4.2.2.2 Completion of the requirements specified in subsection 2.1.4.3 "Qualifying Education"; and

2.1.4.2.2.3 Satisfaction of the requirements of subsection 2.1.4.4 "Experience".

2.1.4.3 Qualifying Education

2.1.4.3.1 Prior to January 1, 2026, the Licensed Residential Real Property Appraiser classification requires completion of 150 AQB-approved class hours.

2.1.4.3.2 Beginning January 1, 2026, the Licensed Residential Real Property Appraiser classification requires completion of 158 AQB-approved class hours.

2.1.4.3.3 As part of the required hours, the applicant shall successfully complete the 15-Hour National USPAP Course, or its AQB-approved equivalent, and the examination. There is no alternative to successful completion of the USPAP Course and examination.

2.1.4.3.4 Appraisers holding a valid Trainee Appraiser credential may satisfy the educational requirements for the Licensed Residential Real Property Appraiser credential by successfully completing the following additional 75 educational hours:

2.1.4.3.4.1 Residential Market Analysis and Highest and Best Use 15 Hours

2.1.4.3.4.2 Residential Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach 15 Hours

2.1.4.3.4.3 Residential Sales Comparison and Income Approaches 30 Hours

2.1.4.3.4.4 Residential Report Writing and Case Studies 15 Hours

2.1.4.4 Experience

2.1.4.4.1 One thousand hours of appraisal experience are required to be obtained in no fewer than 6 months.; or

2.1.4.4.2 Successful completion of a Licensed Residential PAREA program as specified in subsection 2.1.7 "Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal (PAREA)".

2.1.5 Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser

2.1.5.1 General

2.1.5.1.1 The Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser classification qualifies the appraiser to appraise 1-to-4 residential units without regard to value or complexity.

2.1.5.1.1.1 The classification includes the appraisal of vacant or unimproved land that is utilized for 1-to-4 residential units purposes or for which the highest and best use is for 1-to-4 residential units.

2.1.5.1.1.2 The classification does not include the appraisal of subdivisions for which a development analysis/appraisal is necessary.

2.1.5.1.2 All Certified Residential appraisers must comply with the COMPETENCY RULE of USPAP.

2.1.5.2 Examination

2.1.5.2.1 The AQB-approved Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser examination must be successfully completed. The only alternative to successful completion of the Certified Residential examination is the successful completion of the Certified General examination.

2.1.5.2.2 The prerequisites for taking the AQB-approved examination are completion of:

2.1.5.2.2.1 Two hundred AQB-approved class hours;

2.1.5.2.2.2 Completion of the requirements specified in subsection 2.1.5.3 "Qualifying Education"; and

2.1.5.2.2.3 Satisfaction of the requirements of subsection 2.1.5.4 "Experience".

2.1.5.3 Qualifying Education

2.1.5.3.1 All college-level education must be obtained from a degree-granting institution accredited by the Commission on Colleges, a national or regional accreditation association, or by an accrediting agency that is recognized by the US Secretary of Education.

2.1.5.3.2 Applicants with a college degree from a foreign country may have their education evaluated for "equivalency" by 1 of the following:

* An accredited, degree-granting domestic college or university;

* A foreign degree credential evaluation service company that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES); or

* A foreign degree credential evaluation service company that provides equivalency evaluation reports accepted by an accredited degree-granting domestic college or university or by a state licensing board that issues credentials in another discipline.

2.1.5.3.3 The Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser classification requires completion of 200 AQB-approved class hours. As part of the 200 required hours, the applicant shall successfully complete the 15-Hour National USPAP Course, or its AQB-approved equivalent, and the examination. There is no alternative to successful completion of the USPAP Course and examination.

2.1.5.3.4 Applicants for Certified Residential credential must satisfy at least 1 of the following 5 options:

2.1.5.3.4.1 Possession of a Bachelor's Degree in any field of study;

2.1.5.3.4.2 Possession of an Associate's Degree in a field of study related to:

* Business Administration;

* Accounting;

* Finance;

* Economics; or

* Real estate.

2.1.5.3.4.3 Successful completion of 30 semester hours of college-level courses that cover each of the following specific topic areas and hours:

* English Composition (3 semester hours);

* Microeconomics (3 semester hours);

* Macroeconomics (3 semester hours);

* Finance (3 semester hours);

* Algebra, Geometry, or higher mathematics (3 semester hours);

* Statistics (3 semester hours);

* Computer Science (3 semester hours);

* Business or Real Estate Law (3 semester hours); and

* Two elective courses in any of the topics listed above or in accounting, geography, agricultural economics, business management, or real estate (3 semester hours each).

2.1.5.3.4.4 Successful completion of at least 30 semester hours of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations from each of the following subject matter areas:

* College Algebra (3 semester hours);

* College Composition (6 semester hours);

* College Composition Modular (3 semester hours);

* College Mathematics (6 semester hours);

* Principles of Macroeconomics (3 semester hours);

* Principles of Microeconomics (3 semester hours);

* Introductory Business Law (3 semester hours);

* Information Systems (3 semester hours).

2.1.5.3.4.5 Any combination of subsections 2.1.5.3.4.2 and 2.1.5.3.4.4 above that ensures coverage of all topics and hours identified in subsection 2.1.5.3.4.3.

2.1.5.3.5 As an alternative to the requirements in subsection 2.1.5.3.4 above, individuals who have held a Licensed Residential credential for a minimum of 5 years may qualify for a Certified Residential credential by satisfying all of the following:

2.1.5.3.5.1 No record of any adverse, final, and non-appealable disciplinary action affecting the Licensed Residential appraiser's legal ability to engage in appraisal practice within the 5 years immediately preceding the date of application for a Certified Residential credential;

2.1.5.3.5.2 Successful completion of the additional required qualifying education as specified in subsection 2.1.5.3;

2.1.5.3.5.3 Successful completion of the required experience as specified in subsection 2.1.5.4;

2.1.5.3.5.4 Successful completion of the Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser examination as specified in subsection 2.1.5.2.1.

2.1.5.3.6 Appraisers holding a valid Trainee Appraiser credential may satisfy the educational requirements for the Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser credential by successfully completing the following additional educational hours:

* Residential Market Analysis and Highest and Best Use 15 Hours

* Residential Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach 15 Hours

* Residential Sales Comparison and Income Approaches 30 Hours

* Residential Report Writing and Case Studies 15 Hours

* Statistics, Modeling and Finance 15 Hours

* Advanced Residential Applications and Case Studies 15 Hours

* Appraisal Subject Matter Electives 20 Hours

TOTAL 125 Hours

2.1.5.3.7 Appraisers holding a valid Licensed Residential Real Property Appraiser credential may satisfy the educational requirements for the Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser credential by successfully completing the following additional educational hours:

* Statistics, Modeling and Finance 15 Hours

* Advanced Residential Applications and Case Studies 15 Hours

* Appraisal Subject Matter Electives 20 Hours

TOTAL 50 Hours

2.1.5.3.8 Appraisers holding a valid Trainee Appraiser credential wishing to change to the Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser classification must also satisfy the college-level education requirements as specified in subsection 2.1.5.3.4.

2.1.5.3.9 Appraisers holding a valid Licensed Residential Real Property Appraiser credential wishing to change to the Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser classification who do not meet the requirements outlined in subsection 2.1.5.3.5 must also satisfy the college-level education requirements as specified in subsection 2.1.5.3.4.

2.1.5.3.10 Appraisers holding a valid Licensed Residential Real Property Appraiser credential wishing to change to the Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser classification who meet the requirements outlined in subsection 2.1.5.3.5 do not need to satisfy the college-level education requirements as specified in subsection 2.1.5.3.4.

2.1.5.4 Experience

2.1.5.4.1 One thousand five hundred hours of appraisal experience obtained in no fewer than 12 months; or

2.1.5.4.2 Successful completion of a Certified Residential PAREA program as specified in subsection 2.1.7 "Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal (PAREA)".

2.1.6 Certified General Real Property Appraiser

2.1.6.1 General

2.1.6.1.1 The Certified General Real Property Appraiser classification qualifies the appraiser to appraise all types of real property.

2.1.6.1.2 All Certified General appraisers must comply with the COMPETENCY RULE of USPAP.

2.1.6.2 Examination

2.1.6.2.1 The AQB-approved Certified General Real Property Appraiser examination must be successfully completed. There is no alternative to successful completion of the exam.

2.1.6.2.2 The prerequisites for taking the AQB-approved examination are completion of:

2.1.6.2.2.1 Three hundred AQB-approved class hours; and

2.1.6.2.2.2 Completion of the requirements specified in subsection 2.1.6.3 "Qualifying Education"; and

2.1.6.2.2.3 Satisfaction of the requirements of subsection 2.1.6.4 "Experience".

2.1.6.3 Qualifying Education

2.1.6.3.1 Applicants for the Certified General credential must hold a Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. The college or university must be a degree-granting institution accredited by the Commission on Colleges, a national or regional accreditation association, or by an accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Applicants with a college degree from a foreign country may have their education evaluated for "equivalency" by 1 of the following:

* An accredited, degree-granting domestic college or university;

* A foreign degree credential evaluation service company that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES); or

2.1.6.3.2 The Certified General Real Property Appraiser classification requires completion of 300 AQB-approved class hours. As part of the 300 required hours, the applicant shall complete the 15-Hour National USPAP Course, or its AQB-approved equivalent, and the examination. There is no alternative to successful completion of the USPAP Course and examination.

2.1.6.3.3 Applicants must demonstrate that their education includes the core courses listed in these criteria, with particular emphasis on non-residential properties. Residential is defined as "composed of 1-to-4 residential units."

2.1.6.3.4 Appraisers holding a valid Trainee Appraiser credential may satisfy the educational requirements for the Certified General Real Property Appraiser credential by successfully completing the following additional educational hours:

* General Appraiser Market Analysis and Highest and Best Use 30 Hours

* Statistics, Modeling and Finance 15 Hours

* General Appraiser Sales Comparison Approach 30 Hours

* General Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach 30 Hours

* General Appraiser Income Approach 60 Hours

* General Appraiser Report Writing and Case Studies 30 Hours

* Appraisal Subject Matter Electives 30 Hours

TOTAL 225 Hours

2.1.6.3.5 Appraisers holding a valid Licensed Residential Real Property Appraiser credential may satisfy the educational requirements for the Certified General Real Property Appraiser credential by successfully completing the following additional educational hours:

* General Appraiser Market Analysis and Highest and Best Use 15 Hours

* Statistics, Modeling and Finance 15 Hours

* General Appraiser Sales Comparison Approach 15 Hours

* General Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach 15 Hours

* General Appraiser Income Approach 45 Hours

* General Appraiser Report Writing and Case Studies 15 Hours

* Appraisal Subject Matter Electives 30 Hours

TOTAL 150 Hours

2.1.6.3.6 Appraisers holding a valid Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser credential may satisfy the educational requirements for the Certified General Real Property Appraiser credential by successfully completing the following additional educational hours:

* General Appraiser Market Analysis and Highest and Best Use 15 Hours

* General Appraiser Sales Comparison Approach 15 Hours

* General Appraiser Site Valuation and Cost Approach 15 Hours

* General Appraiser Income Approach 45 Hours

* General Appraiser Report Writing and Case Studies 10 Hours

TOTAL 100 Hours

2.1.6.3.7 Trainee Appraisers, Licensed Residential Real Property Appraisers, and Certified Residential Real Property Appraisers wishing to change to the Certified General Real Property Appraiser classification must also satisfy the requirements in subsections 2.1.6.3.1 and 2.1.6.3.3.

2.1.6.4 Experience

2.1.6.4.1 Three thousand hours of appraisal experience obtained during no fewer than 18 months is required, of which at least 1,500 hours must be in non-residential appraisal work; or

2.1.6.4.2 Successful completion of a Certified Residential PAREA program as specified in subsection 2.1.7 "Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal (PAREA)" and at least 1,500 hours of experience in non-residential appraisal work. This combination of a PAREA program and non-residential appraisal work shall be obtained in no fewer than 18 months.

2.1.7 Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal (PAREA)

2.1.7.1 PAREA programs approved by the AQB may serve as an alternative to the experience requirements.

2.1.7.2 In order to qualify as creditable experience, PAREA programs must be AQB approved and meet all the required elements found in the PAREA section of the Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria.

2.1.7.3 Applicants using PAREA training as alternative experience must submit a certificate of completion, subject to the following:

2.1.7.3.1 Applicants may not receive partial credit for PAREA training;

2.1.7.3.2 Applicants may not receive a certificate of completion until all required components of PAREA training have been successfully completed and approved by a program mentor;

2.1.7.3.3 Certificates of completion must not contain an expiration date or other constraints that either limit or restrict the applicant's ability to receive appropriate credit.

2.1.7.4 Applicants successfully completing approved PAREA programs may receive the following experience credit:

2.1.7.4.1 Applicants completing an approved Licensed Residential PAREA program:

2.1.7.4.2 Licensed Appraiser Credential: up to 100% percent of the required experience hours.

2.1.7.4.3 Certified Residential Credential: up to 67% percent of the required experience hours.

2.1.7.4.4 Certified General Credential: up to 33% percent of the total required experience, none of which is eligible towards the required non- residential hours.

2.1.7.5 Applicants completing an approved Certified Residential PAREA program:

2.1.7.5.1 Licensed Appraiser Credential: up to 100% percent of the required experience hours.

2.1.7.5.2 Certified Residential Credential: up to 100% percent of the required experience hours.

2.1.7.5.3 Certified General Credential: up to 50% percent of the total required experience, none of which is eligible towards the required non-residential hours.

2.2 License and Certificate Renewal

2.2.1 In September of each odd numbered year, the Division of Professional Regulation will send renewal notices to the email address on file of all licensees and certificate holders. Certificates and licenses will expire on October 31st of each odd numbered year.

2.2.2 As a condition of renewal, all licensees and certificate holders, either resident or reciprocal, shall be required to satisfy the continuing education requirements set forth in subsection 2.3 of this Section.

2.2.3 A licensee or certificate holder shall not perform appraisals after a license has expired. A licensee or certificate holder may renew a certificate or license within 60 days of its expiration. After 60 days, the individual must reapply as a new applicant.

2.2.4 A licensee or certificate holder may apply for inactive status for an indefinite time period if he or she is not performing appraisals in Delaware.

2.2.4.1 Persons with an inactive license or certificate must complete the same continuing education requirement as active licensees or certificate holders. Evidence of completion is due at renewal as provided in subsection 2.3.

2.2.4.2 An inactive license or certificate can be reactivated by notifying the Council through the Council approved online system.

2.3 Continuing Education (CE)

2.3.1 All licensees and certificate holders are required to attest to the completion of continuing education according to the following schedule:

2.3.1.1 No continuing education is required for fewer than 6 months of licensure;

2.3.1.2 Fourteen hours of continuing education are required after at least 6 months but fewer than 12 months of licensure; and

2.3.1.3 Twenty-eight hours of continuing education are required after 12 months of licensure by the end of the first renewal cycle.

2.4 Proof of continuing education is satisfied with an attestation by the licensee that he or she has satisfied the requirements of subsections 2.3, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, and 2.9.

2.4.1 Attestation shall be completed through the Council approved online system.

2.4.1.1 Continuing education satisfying subsections 2.3 and 2.5 must be completed prior to attestation.

2.4.1.2 Licensees and certificate holders selected for random audit will be required to supplement the attestation with attendance verification pursuant to subsection 2.14.

2.5 All licensees and certificate holders, except as provided in subsection 2.3.1.1, must complete as a condition of each renewal:

2.5.1 The 7-hour National USPAP Continuing Education Course or its equivalent as determined through the AQB Course Approval Program or by an alternate method established by the AQB.

2.5.2 Between January 1, 2026 and October 31, 2027, 7 or more hours for Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations or its equivalent as determined through the AQB Course Approval Program or by an alternative method established by the AQB. Beginning November 1, 2027, and thereafter 4 or more hours for Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations or its equivalent.

2.5.3 Beginning November 1, 2019, and thereafter 2 hours of continuing education on Delaware Law, Rules and Regulations.

2.6 Programs must be structured to maintain or increase an appraiser's skill, knowledge, and competency in real estate appraising. The following topics are appropriate but not exclusive:

* Influences on real estate value

* Legal consideration of appraisal

* Types of value

* Real estate markets and analysis

* Valuation process

* Property description

* Highest and best use

* Appraisal math & statistics

* Sales comparison approach

* Site value

* Cost approach

* Income approach

* Estimation of income and expenses

* Operating statement ratios

* Direct capitalization

* Cash flow estimates

* Measures of cash flow

* Discounted cash flow analysis

* Gross rent multiplier analysis

* Valuation of partial interests

* Appraisal standards and ethics

* Narrative report writing

* Appraisal Statistical concepts

* Ad valorem taxation

* Arbitration

* Development cost estimating

* Ethics and standards of professional practice

* Land use planning, zoning and taxation

* Management, leasing, brokerage, timesharing

* Property development

* Real estate appraisal (valuations/evaluations)

* Real estate financing and investment

* Real estate law

* Real estate litigation

* Real estate appraisal related computer applications

* Real estate securities and syndication

* Real property exchange

* Delaware law and regulations

* Topics on green buildings

* Seller concessions

* Developing opinions of real property value in appraisals (including personal property and/or business value)

2.7 Continuing education credit, up to 14 hours per licensure cycle, may also be granted for participation, other than as a student, in:

2.7.1 Teaching, not including preparation time.

2.7.2 Program development.

2.7.3 Authorship of textbooks.

2.8 Continuing education credit may be awarded for participation in field trips, conferences, and trade association meetings, excluding travel time, if those activities specifically relate to real estate appraisal education, but for no more than 8 hours per licensure period. Continuing education credit may be awarded for a single state appraiser regulatory agency meeting per continuing education cycle. The meeting must be open to the public and must be a minimum of 2 hours in length. The total credit cannot exceed 7 hours. The appraiser must sign in and out of the meeting in order to be awarded continuing education credit.

2.9 A creditable hour is defined as 50 minutes out of each 60 minute segment. The educational offering must be at least 2 hours.

2.10 The Delaware Council on Real Estate Appraisers may approve the content of a distance education course after approval of the delivery mechanism is approved from 1 of the following sources:

2.10.1 AQB approved organizations providing approval of course design and delivery, such as the International Distance Education Certification Center (IDECC);

2.10.2 A college that qualifies for content approval and awards academic credit for the distance education course; or

2.10.3 A qualifying college for content approval with a distance education delivery program that approves the course design and delivery that incorporates interactivity;

2.11 AQB-approved courses are automatically approved and do not need to be submitted for approval. All other courses must be approved by the Council to qualify as continuing education. Either the provider or the appraiser must apply to the Council for approval using the Council approved online system. Applicants seeking pre-approval must submit all required documentation at least 60 days before the scheduled offering.

2.12 A written, proctored examination is required for all qualifying education distance course offerings. AQB approved courses are automatically approved and do not need to be submitted for approval. The term written refers to an examination that might be written on paper or administered electronically on a computer workstation or other device.

2.13 Appraisers may not receive credit for completion of the same continuing education course offering within an appraiser's continuing education cycle.

2.14 Random audits will be performed by the Council to ensure compliance with the continuing education requirements. At least 25% of the licensees and certificate holders shall be audited at each renewal. The Council shall have the discretion to increase the percentage of licensees and certificate holders to be audited. Every licensee or certificate holder renewing during the permissible late period after the expiration of the license or certificate will be included in the audit.

2.14.1 The Council will notify licensees and certificate holders within 60 days after renewal that they have been selected for audit.

2.14.2 Licensees and certificate holders selected for random audit shall be required to submit verification within 30 days of the date of notification of selection for audit.

2.14.3 Verification shall include such information necessary for the Council to assess whether the course or other activity meets the CE requirements in subsection 2.6, which may include, but is not limited to, the following information:

2.14.3.1 Proof of attendance. While course brochures may be used to verify contact hours, they are not considered to be acceptable proof for use of verification of course attendance;

2.14.3.2 Date of CE course;

2.14.3.3 Instructor of CE course;

2.14.3.4 Sponsor of CE course;

2.14.3.5 Title of CE course; and

2.14.3.6 Number of hours of CE course.

2.14.4 The Council shall review all documentation submitted by licensees and certificate holders pursuant to the continuing education audit. If the Council determines that the licensee or certificate holder has met the continuing education requirements, his or her license shall remain in effect. If the Council determines that the licensee or certificate holder has not met the continuing education requirements, the licensee or certificate holder shall be notified and a hearing may be held pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act. Unjustified noncompliance with the continuing education requirements set forth in these rules and regulations shall constitute a violation of 24 Del.C. § 4014(a)(5) and the licensee or certificate holder may be subject to 1 or more of the disciplinary sanctions set forth in 24 Del.C. § 4016.

2.15 [Reserved.]

2.16 Federal Appraiser Registry. Licensees and certificate holders are required to be enrolled in the federal roster or registry of state licensed and state certified real property appraisers. The fee established for that purpose shall be paid biennially by the license or certificate holder to the State of Delaware.

2.17 Experience for Initial or Upgade Applications

2.17.1 States must ensure that appraiser experience logs conform to AQB Criteria. States may not accept an affidavit for experience credit claimed by applicants for certification. Effective July 1, 2013, States may not accept an affidavit for experience credit claimed by applicants for any federally recognized credential. The requirements of USPAP shall not apply to the Board, its agents, and employees while conducting an appraisal review for the purposes of confirming an applicant's experience.

2.17.2 Validation Required. States must implement a reliable validation procedure to verify that each applicant's:

2.17.2.1 Experience meets AQB Criteria;

2.17.2.2 Experience is USPAP compliant; and

2.17.2.3 Experience hours have been successfully completed consistent with AQB Criteria.

2.17.3 Validation Procedures, Objectives and Requirements

2.17.3.1 Selection of Work Product. Program staff or State board members must select the work product to be analyzed for USPAP compliance; applicants may not have any role in selection of work product. States must analyze a representative sample of the applicant's work product.

2.17.3.2 USPAP Compliance. For appraisal experience to be acceptable under AQB Criteria, it must be USPAP compliant. States must exercise due diligence in determining whether submitted documentation of experience or work product demonstrates compliance with USPAP. Persons analyzing work product for USPAP compliance must have sufficient knowledge to make that determination.

2.17.3.3 Determination of Experience Time Periods. When measuring the experience time period required by AQB Criteria, States must review each appraiser's experience log and note the dates of the first and last acceptable appraisal activity performed by the applicant. At a minimum, the time period spanned between those appraisal activities must comply with the AQB Criteria.

2.17.3.4 Supporting Documentation. States must maintain adequate documentation to support validation methods. The applicant's file, either electronic or paper, must include the information necessary to identify each appraisal assignment selected and analyzed by the State, notes, letters and/or reports prepared by the official(s) evaluating the report for USPAP compliance, and any correspondence exchanged with the applicant regarding the appraisals submitted. This supporting documentation may be discarded upon the completion of the first ASC Compliance Review performed after the credential issuance or denial for that applicant.

24 Del. Admin. Code § 2930-2.0

4 DE Reg. 1504 (03/01/01)
6 DE Reg. 1668 (06/01/03)
9 DE Reg. 1377 (03/01/06)
11 DE Reg. 813 (12/01/07)
11 DE Reg. 1499 (05/01/08)
13 DE Reg. 123 (07/01/09)
16 DE Reg. 221 (08/01/12)
17 DE Reg. 444 (10/1/2013)
17 DE Reg. 927 (3/1/2014)
19 DE Reg. 70 (7/1/2015)
20 DE Reg. 65 (7/1/2016)
21 DE Reg. 244 (9/1/2017)
22 DE Reg. 867 (4/1/2019)
24 DE Reg. 64 (7/1/2020)
24 DE Reg. 947 (4/1/2021)
25 DE Reg. 633 (12/1/2021)
27 DE Reg. 442 (12/1/2023)
28 DE Reg. 396 (11/1/2024) (Final)