PAREA FAQs

The Appraisal Institute Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal (AI PAREA) is an alternative to the traditional supervisor and trainee requirement for experience for the Licensed Residential Real Property Appraiser (LR) and Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser (CR) credentials. It’s an online program providing simulations that show participants how to apply appraisal theory and methodology to real-world examples, with mentoring and guidance from appraisers who hold the most recognized designations in the profession and have a combined 150 years of experience.

With support from your assigned mentor, you will appraise properties in a simulated real world environment, applying the knowledge gained from your qualifying education to practical scenarios. Throughout the program, you’ll use a variety of guidance materials, such as instructional videos and resource documents, along with regular mentor meetings as you work through the Practice Assignments.

• 10 Practice Assignments for the Licensed Residential program program
• 5 Practice Assignments for the Certified Residential program program

These assignments are paired with immersive activities like simulated inspections, measurements, and virtual tours.

After the Practice Assignments, you’ll successfully finish the program by completing three graded USPAP compliant appraisal reports on your own.

The Licensed Residential program has 10 Practice Assignments + 3 Final Assignments.

The Certified Residential program has 5 Practice Assignments + 3 Final Assignments.

You will have an access window of up to 12 months to complete the Practice Assignments and up to 6 months to complete the Final Assignments. Completion time varies based on many factors including availability, preparedness, and consistency.

Generally, many participants may finish the Licensed Residential program in approximately 12 months and the Certified Residential program in approximately 6 months.

Completion time varies based on many factors including availability, preparedness, and consistency.

Participants can work on assignments around their availability, but progress milestones must be met. The hours-per-week required to meet progress milestones will vary from person to person. Some participants may need 10 hours per week to stay on pace, while others may need 20. The variables can include prior preparation from qualifying education, following guidance materials, familiarity with the software and an online learning environment, and efficiently addressing mentor feedback.

We recommend using your first Practice Assignment as a benchmark to gauge your pace.

• Aim for 35 days per Practice Assignment on average across all ten. That pacing keeps you aligned with the Minimum Progress Requirements.
• Be consistent. Regular submissions throughout the week, not bursts of activity followed by long gaps, are the strongest predictor of success. Inactivity and inconsistency make it significantly harder to complete the program at the required pace.
• Treat it like real appraisal work. Practicing appraisers typically work steadily, manage multiple assignments, and address feedback as it comes in. AI PAREA is designed to mirror that rhythm.

If your first assignment takes longer than you expected, adjust your weekly time commitment accordingly to stay on pace for the milestones ahead.

AI PAREA offers flexibility, but it is not a fully self-paced program. Participants are expected to remain actively engaged, make consistent progress, and meet established program milestones throughout their enrollment.

While participants can work on assignments around their personal and professional schedules, Minimum Progress Requirements must still be met.

The amount of time participants may require each week will vary from person to person. Some participants may stay on pace with approximately 10 hours per week, while others may require 20 or more depending on factors such as:

• Prior preparation from qualifying education
• Familiarity with Excel, appraisal software, and online learning platforms
• Ability to follow guidance materials and instructions
• Efficiency in applying mentor feedback and revisions

We recommend using your first Practice Assignment as a benchmark to help evaluate your personal pace and weekly time commitment.

The Practice Assignments in AI PAREA are also designed with structured mentor review checkpoints. Certain sections must receive a “Complete” grade from your mentor before additional sections or assignments become available.

This structure is by design. Each section of an appraisal report builds on the section before it. Decisions made early in an assignment affect the analysis and conclusions that follow. Addressing issues early helps prevent larger revisions later and supports stronger long-term development throughout the program.

While waiting for mentor feedback, participants are encouraged to continue reviewing resources in the Knowledge Center, guidance documents, videos, and training materials to strengthen their understanding and prepare for upcoming assignments.

Professional setup matters! We suggest the following:

• Computer with reliable internet access
• Dual monitors recommended (two minimum, three preferred)
• Microsoft Excel proficiency and installation
• Ability to install and use Appraise-It Pro software
• Ability to open, save, and manage PDF files
• A webcam and microphone for virtual meetings with your mentor is required
• Ability to share your screen during live meetings (Microsoft Teams)

Participants are expected to be fully prepared to participate in scheduled mentor meetings, including being on-camera, screen sharing and active engagement with their mentor.

Download our guide “Prepare for a successful adventure with AI PAREA” for additional suggestions and resources to help you prepare.

Participants are expected to:

• Remain actively engaged and make consistent progress
• Follow program instructions and guidance materials
• Submit complete and thoughtful work
• Communicate in a timely and professional manner
• Incorporate mentor feedback into assignment revisions
• Be prepared to actively participate in scheduled mentor meetings, including screen sharing and use of a webcam and microphone

AI PAREA is designed to reflect professional appraisal practice, and participants are encouraged to approach the program with the same level of professionalism, engagement, and responsiveness expected in the appraisal profession.

Don’t worry! We’ll assign you an experienced mentor to assist you throughout the program.

Though AI PAREA does not specifically include in-person interaction, by participating in the program, you get access to various in-person events through local AI chapters around the country, connecting you with a vast network of appraisers with tremendous knowledge and experience. 

AI PAREA practice assignments use properties throughout the country. You’ll complete assignments from multiple geographic areas. As a program participant, you also gain access to AI Chapter events, connecting you with local appraisers with knowledge of local markets and properties. 

Though we believe the access windows provided are sufficient, we understand that unforeseen circumstances can occur.

Participants who do not complete the Practice Assignments within the initial twelve (12) month Access Period and/or the Final Assignments within the full eighteen (18) month Access Period may be able to purchase additional time for completion at the AI’s discretion.

Extensions may be available to purchase at the end of the initial twelve (12) month Access Period and require payment of the current extension fee for each thirty (30) days of additional access.

AI PAREA includes Minimum Progress Requirements to help ensure participants stay on track.

Your qualifying education has prepared you with the knowledge to succeed in the AI PAREA program. However, it is possible that AI PAREA may determine, in its discretion, after reasonable program support, that your participation in the program will not be successful at this time.

Examples include, but are not limited to not incorporating mentor feedback into assignments, repeated incomplete assignment submissions, additional prerequisite knowledge needed, inactivity, exceeding the Maximum Mentor Support, not meeting the Minimum Progress Requirements, etc. 

Participants who do not demonstrate consistent engagement or fail to meet required milestones may be subject to additional review or termination. Continued lack of progress may result in removal from the program at the discretion of the Appraisal Institute.

Yes! You can resubmit each of the three final assignments twice. 

Yes. The AI PAREA program must be completed within the following Access Periods:

Up to 12 months: Practice Assignments, Immersive Activities, and Knowledge Center components

Up to 6 months: Final Assignments

There are Minimum Progress Requirements throughout the 12-month Practice Assignment Access Period.

The Minimum Progress Requirements are:

• Completion of the first Level 1 Practice Assignment within the sixty (60) day Engagement Period.
• Completion of all Level 1 Practice Assignments within six (6) months of enrolling.
• Completion of all remaining Practice Assignments within twelve (12) months of enrolling.
• Completion of the three Final Assignments within six (6) months of completing the last Practice Assignment.

This equates to completing approximately one Practice Assignment per month.

Participants who do not meet the Minimum Progress Requirements above will be terminated from the program at the discretion of AI.

Yes. Participants are expected to communicate professionally and respectfully with mentors and Appraisal Institute staff at all times. Maintaining a professional standard of communication is an important part of the program experience and reflects real-world appraisal practice. See the Event Code of Conduct.

Terms and Conditions

I understand and agree to the following:

I have reviewed the AI PAREA Frequently Asked Questions and am aware of the following:

• Total cost of the program
• Minimum technological requirements
• Cancellation and refund policy
• Contact information for inquiries, customer service and complaints
• Minimum Progress Requirements
• Maximum Mentor Support  

I certify that I am the person identified under Badge/Roster Information and that I will personally complete each assigned component of AI PAREA, and will not copy another AI PAREA participant's submission and present it as my own. Each registration for AI PAREA is for a single user only and no other users.

I understand that I am not allowed to share my login credentials, password, or Badge/Roster Information to anyone else.  I also understand and agree that I am responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of my login credentials, password, or Badge/Roster Information.  

I understand and agree that if I misrepresent my identity, arrange for someone else to represent himself or herself as me at any time during the program, or share my login credentials, password, or Badge/Roster Information to anyone else, I will be immediately removed from the program and I will not be entitled to any refund.

I will notify the Appraisal Institute of any known or suspected unauthorized use of my account, or any known or suspected break of security, including loss, theft, or unauthorized disclosure of my login credentials, password, or Badge/Roster Information.

Upon enrollment, AI PAREA participant will enter a sixty (60) day review period (“Engagement Period”). During this time, I understand that I am expected to demonstrate consistent engagement with the program, including actively participating in coursework and completing assignments in a timely manner. The first Level 1 Practice Assignment must be completed within the Engagement Period. If I show little or no progress during the Engagement Period, then I may be subject to additional review and, if necessary, and at AI’s sole discretion, may be removed from the Program. AI reserves the right to extend or modify the Engagement Period where appropriate to support participants’ success.

I will be granted access upon enrollment to the AI PAREA platform, materials, and Practice Assignments for a period of twelve (12) months (the “Access Period”). I understand that I am expected to remain actively engaged during this Access Period and to complete all required components of the Program within such timeframe as described below.

I understand that AI PAREA includes Minimum Progress Requirements, and I agree to adhere to the following Minimum Progress Requirements:

• Completion of the first Level 1 Practice Assignment within the sixty (60) day Engagement Period.
• Completion of all Level 1 Practice Assignments within six (6) months of enrolling.
• Completion of all remaining Practice Assignments within twelve (12) months of enrolling.
• Completion of the three Final Assignments within six (6) months of completing the last Practice Assignment.

Participants who do not complete the Practice Assignments within the initial twelve (12) month Access Period may request additional time for completion. Extensions are granted at the AI’s discretion and require payment of the then-current extension fee for each thirty (30) days of additional access. Extension fees are non-refundable and must be paid in full prior to the commencement of the extension period. Participants who do not pay the applicable extension fee will not be granted continued access and may be withdrawn from enrollment. Extensions will not be granted for the six (6) month Final Assignment period.

Participants who do not meet the Minimum Progress Requirements above will be terminated from the program at the discretion of AI.

I understand AI PAREA includes Maximum Mentor Support, and that the Minimum Progress Requirements should be adhered to with the Maximum Mentor Support identified below:

• No more than 4.5 hours of Mentor assistance per Practice Assignment, including Mentor preparation and follow-up for assignment submission reviews and comments, email/Inbox correspondence, and Teams meetings. I understand that if I schedule a meeting with my Mentor and do not attend, without giving at least two (2) hours of prior notice, my Mentor will allocate 30 minutes of time to my Maximum Mentor Support hours. I understand that my Mentor may refuse to provide additional assistance (beyond required reviews) after the 4.5 hours have been reached for a particular Practice Assignment.  
   
• At my Mentor’s discretion, my Mentor will review and offer comments for no more than three (3) submissions of a particular upload (i.e., an upload is a specific part of an appraisal report for a Practice Assignment that is submitted for Mentor review). 
   
• All Mentor comments on an upload should be addressed before a subsequent upload is submitted for further Mentor review.  Uploads that only address some, but not all, comments may be rejected for review by my Mentor until all comments are addressed.  

I understand that if I do not satisfactorily complete assignments in accordance with the above Minimum Progress Requirements and Maximum Mentor Support, my participation in AI PAREA may be terminated at AI’s discretion and I will be issued a refund in accordance with the AI PAREA refund policy below.

I understand if I cancel my AI PAREA enrollment or AI terminates my enrollment from the program that:

• Within 10 business days of enrollment, I will receive a 100% refund of the entire registration fee minus a $150 cancellation fee.
• After 10 business days, there is no refund available.
• Extension fees are non-refundable and are not subject to the refund policy.

I understand that if my participation in the program is canceled or terminated and I decide to enroll again later, I will need to pay a new full registration fee and start the program over from the beginning.

I further understand that if I am a Designated member, Candidate for Designation, Practicing Affiliate, or Affiliate of the Appraisal Institute and participated in any misrepresentation of identity, by affirmative act or failure to act, I will be the subject of a peer review proceeding under Regulation No. 6 for violation of the Code of Professional Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice of the Appraisal Institute, and such peer review proceeding may result in termination of my Appraisal Institute membership, candidacy, and/or affiliation.

Further, I understand and agree with the following:

The contents of AI PAREA are intended for my personal, noncommercial use. All materials published on AI PAREA (including, but not limited to case studies, photographs, images, illustrations, audio clips and video clips, also known as the "Content") are protected by copyright and owned or controlled by the Appraisal Institute or the party credited as the provider of the Content. I shall abide by all additional copyright notices, information, or restrictions contained in any Content accessed through AI PAREA.

Without the express prior written approval of the Appraisal Institute, I may not reproduce, share, duplicate, distribute, copy, sell, resell, exploit, or otherwise publish any Content of AI PAREA with anyone.

I may not access parts of AI PAREA to which I am not authorized by the Appraisal Institute.

I understand that if I am unable to complete AI PAREA or meet the requirements for appraiser certification or licensure, I will not hold the Appraisal Institute or its directors, officers, employees, agents or representatives responsible in any manner.

These terms and conditions are subject to change at any time, with or without notice.

Your mentor is an experienced, designated appraiser whose role is to guide you through AI PAREA. They're here to help you succeed within the program’s structure that has been carefully designed to prepare you for the national exam and the profession.

Mentors strive to reply to all inquiries and assignment submissions within 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays.

To make sure every participant gets the attention they need, mentor support follows a consistent structure:

• Up to 4.5 hours of mentor assistance per Practice Assignment, including preparation, submission reviews, comments, correspondence, and Teams meetings. If you schedule a meeting and don't attend without giving at least 2 hours of prior notice, 30 minutes will be allocated to your support hours.
• Up to 3 submissions per upload (an upload is a specific part of an appraisal report for a Practice Assignment submitted for mentor review).
• All mentor comments must be addressed before a subsequent upload is submitted. Uploads that only address some comments may be returned for revision before review.

Most participants find this is more than enough when they come prepared and incorporate feedback the first time. If you find yourself approaching these limits, that's a signal worth a conversation with your mentor, not a sign to push harder for more support.

1. Education Hours: Before enrolling in AI PAREA, complete a readiness checklist to make sure you meet the minimum education requirements set by the Appraisal Qualifications Board (AQB). Our team will help you verify your qualifying education credits to ensure you’re eligible.  
2. Experience: AI PAREA fulfills the AQB experience requirement in many states. Check if it fulfills the requirement in your state! 
3. Examination: Once you meet the education and experience requirements, all that’s left is to pass the appropriate National Uniform Licensing and Certification Examination to become either a Licensed Residential Real Property Appraiser (LR) or Certified Residential Real Property Appraiser (CR). We have resources to help you prepare, including our practice exam course.

Participants who successfully complete an AI PAREA program earn experience credit toward the appraisal licensure or certification experience requirement, as defined by the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB). Experience credit varies based on the program and credential.

If you complete the Licensed Residential (LR) AI PAREA program, you will earn:

• Up to 100% of the required experience hours toward the Licensed Residential classification.
• Up to 67% of the required experience hours toward the Certified Residential classification.
• Up to 33% of the required experience hours toward the Certified General classification (does not apply to the required non-residential experience hours).

If you complete the Certified Residential (CR) AI PAREA program, you will earn:

• Up to 100% of the required experience hours toward the Certified Residential classification.
• Up to 50% of the required experience hours toward the Certified General classification (does not apply to the required non-residential experience hours).

Currently, there is not an available PAREA option for non-residential experience required to fully satisfy the Certified General experience requirement.

Check if your state accepts AI PAREA.

If your state does not accept AI PAREA:

The Appraisal Qualifications Board specifies that as a PAREA provider, AI must ensure our program is accepted in the state in which you plan to be credentialed before we can accept you into our program.

Before starting a PAREA program, you should check with your state regulatory board or authority to make sure the PAREA program experience will be accepted and determine if there are any additional requirements in your state. For example, some states may require additional state-specific education and/or that qualifying education be completed less than five years before applying for a license.

Until your state accepts PAREA, you will not be eligible to enroll. 

Reciprocity as an Alternative

Some states that do not accept PAREA will issue licensed residential and certified residential credentials if those credentials were earned in other states (this is called “reciprocity”). If you live in a state that doesn’t accept PAREA as an experience alternative, you may be able to obtain credentials in a different state from which reciprocity is accepted. 

Be sure to verify with your state regulatory board or authority before enrolling in PAREA.

Your assigned mentor is there to help guide you to the next step in your career, as well as complete the AI PAREA program. Use your regular meetings to lean on their support and expertise in achieving your goals. As a program participant, you’ll also have access to AI's vast network of local chapters, which is an invaluable springboard for career growth. 

Yes, but any hours you complete as a trainee cannot be applied to AI PAREA. Unlike the traditional experience model, which is based on the accumulation of hours, AI PAREA is proficiency-based. 

No. AI PAREA fulfills the AQB experience requirement. It is not an education offering.

No. AI PAREA assignments and activities can’t be applied toward designation requirements.  

Participants who complete a PAREA program for the LR credential earn 67% experience credit for the CR credential. It’s up to each state to decide if the remaining 33% can be earned through the traditional supervisor-trainee experience model to fully satisfy the CR experience requirement. 

Some states will require the completion of CR PAREA if LR PAREA was previously completed. Those states will not allow a combination of LR PAREA + 33% traditional experience to satisfy the CR experience requirement. 

You should check with your state regulatory board or authority to determine their requirements.