To become a land surveyor or appraiser, one must complete a certain number of hours of coursework, pass an exam, and work with a mentor. Each state has specific requirements, and continuing education is necessary. Equipment and computer knowledge are also helpful. Networking and contacting appraisal companies can help find work.
To become a land surveyor, you will generally need to take a certain number of hours of a field survey course, pass an exam, and work a certain number of hours with a mentor. Classes can be taken online, at a community college, or at an assessment training school. Each state or area has specific requirements, so check with the licensing authority in your area that you are following all of the requirements.
Many states require you to take a minimum of 90 hours of appraisal coursework before becoming a land appraiser. This course generally covers the basics of valuation and how to effectively, objectively and professionally value a piece of land. In addition to initial training, continuing education courses are often required as you continue your career so that you can maintain current assessment knowledge. There are a variety of schools that offer this required course. Some are traditional schools and others offer programs completely online.
Experience working as an apprentice appraiser is also required. The number of apprentice hours required to become a land appraiser can be as low as 700 or can exceed 2,000. Those numbers might seem daunting, but it’s often a crucial step needed to become a land appraiser. The mentoring appraiser can teach you a number of different tricks of the trade and other tips that can help you become a more effective and sought-after appraiser.
In addition to having the proper training, there are several pieces of equipment that can be used by a land surveyor. Knowledge of how to use this equipment can facilitate land assessment. Land surveyors can use cameras to take pictures of properties, maps, electronic charts and laser measurement systems. In addition to this equipment, land surveyors may use various software programs to complete an assessment, so knowledge of computers and computer applications can also be helpful.
Upon completion of all entry-level courses and licensing or certification requirements, you can begin working as a land surveyor. One way to find work is to make use of your contacts in the mortgage industry. Another way is to network with classmates in your assessment program. Even if you don’t have a network, it’s possible to find work as an appraiser. Calling appraisal companies and letting them know how passionate you are about becoming a land appraiser can help you land your first appraisal job.
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