Appraisal Subcommittee

Frequently Asked Questions of the Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC)
 

Please click on the questions/topics below to find more information.

National Registry

What is the National Registry?

The National Registry is a database consisting of State Licensed, State Certified Residential and State Certified General Appraisers who are eligible to perform appraisals in connection with federally related transactions. The information on these individuals is received directly from the State that issued the credential and is provided at least monthly. Individuals with a trainee level credential (such as a State registered or associate appraiser) will not appear on the National Registry. This is because the trainee level is not federally recognized and they are not able to independently appraise property for federally related transactions.

How do I use the National Registry?

On our website, www.asc.gov, click first on National Registries and then click on Find an Appraiser. You may search for an appraiser or list of appraisers by name, city or State. You may also choose one of the quick search links at the bottom of the page. You may also use the advanced search. Select or fill in the fields in the Search Key column applicable to your search. Click the check box in the Display in Results column for data you wish returned. By clicking Select All at the top, all fields will be displayed.

How do I update credentials?

The State Appraiser Regulatory Agency is responsible for all entries and updates of appraiser credentials on the National Registry.  Any updates to your National Registry information must be made through your State Appraiser Regulatory Agency.  You may use the State Appraiser Regulatory Programs tab on our website to find your State’s contact information.  You may not expedite the process by providing information to the ASC.

How do I correct incorrect information in my record on the National Registry?

Any changes to your National Registry information, such as a change in your address, phone number, etc, must be made through your State Appraiser Regulatory Agency. You may use the State Appraiser Regulatory Agencies tab on our website to link to your State’s contact information.

How do I create a mailing list from the National Registry?

You may download a complete listing of all appraisers or establish a listing based on particular specifications using our National Registry. It may be accessed via our website (www.asc.gov). Select National Registries, Find an Appraiser, and choose from one of the quick searches such as Download a State or the United States.
To control the results returned, click on National Registries tab, Find an Appraiser and select the Advanced Search. Use the listing provided to establish your desired search criteria as indicated with a check mark. Select Active under status to limit the search to only currently active appraisers. Leave as many fields as possible blank to return a larger listing of appraisers. Leave the licensing State blank if you want all States. Put a check mark in the Select All box then scroll down to the bottom of the page and select Get Search Results or Download Search Results.
Some fields such as company name, phone number, and county code are not required fields and, as such, may not be provided by the States for all appraisers.

Where do I find statistical information on the National Registry?

You may find the number of active appraisers as of today on our website, www.asc.gov. Click on the National Registries heading and then the Active Appraiser Credentials tab.

Disciplinary Actions on the National Registry:

The National Registry reports as public information active disciplinary actions that limit an appraiser’s ability to appraise (current revocations, suspensions, and voluntary surrenders in lieu of discipline). If you require further information regarding other types of disciplinary action, completed disciplinary actions, or license specific information, please contact the State agency directly.

How do I apply for the FHA appraiser roster?  

FHA provides instructions on applying for the FHA Appraiser Roster. FHA Application Process:  As part of its application and renewal process, HUD/FHA relies on the National Registry, which is a database the ASC maintains. HUD is another Federal agency. The ASC staff does not participate in the processing of applications or renewals for the FHA Appraiser Roster. Any questions about your FHA application or renewal must be directed to HUD. Appraisers may contact the FHA Resource Center by phone at 1-800-CALLFHA (225-5342) or by email at answers@hud.gov.  The Resource Center can provide information on how to proceed in this regard. We also suggest you consult the HUD website: https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/appr

Because HUD, in part,relies on our database (the National Registry) we suggest that while on our website (www.asc.gov) you use the National Registry tab to ensure your credential information is correct. You do not need a user name and password. Simply select the National Registry tab and select one of the query features to ensure your new or renewed credential information has been updated and is correct.

 

Where do I find help for the FHA Roster? 

Appraisers may contact the FHA Resource Center by phone at 1-800-CALLFHA (225-5342) or by email at answers@hud.gov to speak with a representative who can provide information on how to proceed in this regard. We also suggest you consult the HUD website. You may find answers to FHA Appraiser Roster frequently asked questions at the following site:  https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/appr. 

Why do I get FHA Appraiser Roster error messages? 

We understand that, on occasion, information provided to us by the States for inclusion on the National Registry is not the same as that provided on the State issued license or certificate. In order to register for the FHA Appraiser Roster, you must find your name on the National Registry and make sure your name, license number and other information is entered in the FHA application EXACTLY as it appears on the National Registry. 
HUD/FHA relies on the National Registry to verify your credentials. Your credentials are sent to us directly from your State regulatory agency. Your credentials must be updated in the National Registry before you are able to update the FHA Appraiser Roster. In order to protect the integrity of the National Registry, we must receive all information directly from the States. 
HUD is another Federal agency. The ASC staff does not participate in the processing of applications or renewals for the FHA Appraiser Roster. Any questions about your FHA application or renewal must be directed to HUD.  Appraisers may contact the FHA Resource Center by phone at 1-800-CALLFHA(225-5342) or by email at answers@hud.gov  to reach a representative who can provide information on how to proceed in this regard. We also suggest you consult the HUD website.

Frequent FHA Appraiser Roster Errors: 

EXPIRATION DATE CANNOT EXCEED ASC EXPIRATION DATE (mm/dd/yyyy) 

Many times an appraiser receives their renewed appraiser credential and tries to update the HUD/FHA roster before the information is listed on the National Registry. HUD will not accept the new information until it is listed on the National Registry. The National Registry data updates are not performed in real time. Federal law and ASC Policy require each State to provide submissions at least monthly. It may take up to 30-35 days for information pertaining to an appraiser’s new license or certificate to appear on our website. In recognition of the fact that updates are not performed in real time the status for all existing appraisers will remain active for 30 days past the expiration date, and then converts to inactive after that time. The National Registry system updates as files are processed each day to reflect new data received from the States. You may continue to monitor the status on our website (www.asc.gov) by searching for the name under the National Registry tab, then click on Find an Appraiser. 

LICENSE ID/TYPE DOES NOT MATCH NATIONAL REGISTRY 

Many times an appraiser receives their upgraded credential prior to it being listed on the National Registry. HUD will not accept the new information until it is listed on the National Registry. The National Registry data submissions are not always performed in real time. Federal law and ASC Policy require each State to provide submissions at least monthly. It may take up to 30-35 days for information pertaining to an appraiser’s new license or certificate to appear on our website. In recognition of the fact that updates are not always performed in real time, the status for all existing appraisers will remain active for 30 days past the expiration date, and then converts to inactive after that time. The National Registry system updates at midnight each day to reflect new data received from the States. You may continue to monitor the status on our website (www.asc.gov) by searching for the name under the National Registries tab, and then Find an Appraiser tab, and use one of the available queries. 

LICENSE ID/TYPE MATCHES NATIONAL REGISTRY BUT NAME/SSN DOES NOT 

Some States do not provide the appraiser’s social security number to the ASC for inclusion on the National Registry. For tracking purposes, the ASC or the State will assign a unique number to the file in place of the social security number. If your State does not provide the social security number to the ASC for inclusion on the National Registry, you must contact HUD directly and ask to have your social security number corrected. Appraisers may email the FHA Resource Center at answers@hud.gov or call 1-800-CALLFHA(225-5342). 

NATIONAL REGISTRY SAYS AQB STATUS IS NOT "YES" 

A "yes" in the "Meets AQB" column means the appraiser met The Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria as set forth by the Appraiser Qualifications Board on education, experience, and examination. A "no" in the column typically means the appraiser was not required to demonstrate the hours of education or experience. It may also mean the appraiser failed to demonstrate the hours of education or continuing education set forth in AQB Criteria. An appraiser may have the "no" changed to a "yes" by applying with their State and meeting all AQB Criteria. 

NATIONAL REGISTRY SAYS LICENSE IS INACTIVE 

Many times an appraiser receives their renewed appraiser credential and tries to update the HUD/FHA roster before the information is listed on the National Registry. HUD will not accept the new information until it is listed on the National Registry. The National Registry data updates are not always performed in real time. Federal law and ASC Policy require each State to provide submissions at least monthly. It may take up to 30-35 days for information pertaining to an appraiser’s new license or certificate to appear on our website. In recognition of the fact that updates are not always performed in real time, the status for all existing appraisers will remain active for 30 days past the expiration date, and then converts to inactive after that time. The National Registry system updates at midnight each day to reflect new data received from the States. You may continue to monitor the status on our website (www.asc.gov) by searching for the name under the National Registries, then Find an Appraiser, and use one of the available queries. 

NOT ON THE NATIONAL REGISTRY 

HUD uses the National Registry to verify an appraiser’s license information.You should check your license information on the National Registry. When you enter your information on the HUD/FHA site, your name, credential number, license type, and expiration date must MATCH EXACTLY as it is listed on the National Registry, regardless of what your paper credential shows. If you determine your information on the National Registry is incorrect, contact your State Appraiser Regulatory Agency. The ASC cannot change your information on the National Registry. 
Many times an appraiser receives their new appraiser credential prior to it being listed on the National Registry. HUD will not accept the new information until it is listed on the National Registry. The National Registry data submissions are not always performed in real time. Federal law and ASC Policy require each State to provide submissions at least monthly. It may take up to 30-35 days for information pertaining to an appraiser’s new license or certificate to appear on our website. In recognition of the fact that updates are not always performed in real time the status for all existing appraisers will remain active for 30 days past the expiration date, and then will convert to inactive after that time. The National Registry system updates at midnight each day to reflect new data received from the States. You may continue to monitor the status on our website (www.asc.gov) by searching for the name under the National Registries tab and using one of the available queries.

 

Appraiser Information

How do I become an appraiser?

To become a State Licensed, Certified Residential or Certified General appraiser requires a specific amount of education and experience along with the successful completion of a comprehensive State administered examination.
In order to thoroughly research what is required to become a professional appraiser, we suggest you begin by familiarizing yourself with the laws and regulations of your State. The Appraisal Foundation provides information on finding a mentor/supervisor as well as information on the federally mandated minimum requirements.
It is not within the Appraisal Subcommittee’s authority to regulate individual appraisers and/or to establish educational or mentoring options. A few State Appraiser Regulatory Agencies have established trainee programs with specific experience opportunities. You may check to see if you are in a State that offers this type of service.

What are the different types of federally recognized appraiser classifications and what type of work may each perform?

 
There are three federally recognized appraiser classifications: (1) State Licensed; (2) State Certified Residential; and State Certified General. The difference is the examination and the number of hours of education and experience required to obtain the credentials, in addition to the scope of practice permitted for each once the credential is obtained.
The basic outline for these classifications is detailed in the publication entitled The Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria (AQB Criteria) as promulgated by the Appraiser Qualifications Board of the Appraisal Foundation. (https://www.appraisalfoundation.org)  Each State and Territory, in its laws and regulations, further defines requirements for the various categories and permitted practices. The requirements must at least meet, but may be more restrictive than, requirements set forth in the AQB Criteria. 

What does an AQB Compliant Mean?

A "yes" in the National Registry column identifying AQB Compliant means the appraiser met The Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria as promulgated by the Appraiser Qualifications Board on education, experience, and examination, when obtaining and/or maintaining the credential. A "no" in the column typically means the appraiser was not required to demonstrate the hours of experience set forth in the AQB Criteria for the credential level. It may also mean the appraiser failed to demonstrate the hours of education or continuing education set forth in AQB Criteria.
All appraisers with a status identified as active on the National Registry are eligible to perform appraisals in connection with federally related transactions within their allowed scope of practice. Certain users of appraisal services may elect not to use individuals who have a "no" in the AQB compliant column. A "no" indicates the individuals have not demonstrated to the State they possess the AQB Criteria minimums in every respect. The purpose of the AQB compliant column on our website is to aid those users in identifying these individuals.
To achieve AQB compliance, appraisers may be able to submit the information in the deficient area(s) sufficient to demonstrate they now meet AQB Criteria. Appraisers wishing to have their "no" changed to "yes" must contact their State Appraiser Regulatory Agency to obtain the appropriate application procedure.
The Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria as promulgated by the Appraiser Qualifications Board of the Appraisal Foundation may be viewed in its entirety on https://www.appraisalfoundation.org/.

Where do I Find Temporary Practice information?

Temporary Practice and Reciprocity

Title XI contemplates the reasonably free movement of certified and licensed appraisers across State lines.

Temporary Practice

Temporary practice enables a certified or licensed appraiser in one State to obtain a temporary permit from another State to perform an appraisal assignment in the other State. Title XI requires States to offer temporary practice for federally related transactions. Title XI prohibits States from imposing excessive fees or burdensome requirements, as determined by the ASC, for temporary practice. An out-of-State appraiser must comply with the host State’s real estate appraisal statutes and regulations and is subject to the host State’s full regulatory jurisdiction. States should utilize the National Registry to verify credential status on applicants for temporary practice.

Reciprocity

Reciprocity may enable a certified or licensed appraiser in one State to obtain a permanent certification or license from another State. Title XI, as amended by the Dodd-Frank Act, requires that in order for a State’s appraisers to be eligible to perform appraisals for federally related transactions, the State must have a policy in place for issuing reciprocal credentials if:

a. the appraiser is coming from a State (home State) that is "in compliance" with Title XI as determined by the ASC;

b. the appraiser holds a valid credential from the home State; and

c. the credentialing requirements of the home State (as they exist at the time of application for reciprocal credential) meet or exceed those of the reciprocal credentialing State (as they exist at the time of application for reciprocal credential).

An appraiser relying on a credential from a State that does not have such a policy in place may not perform appraisals for federally related transactions. A State may be more lenient in the issuance of reciprocal credentials by implementing a more open door policy. However, States cannot impose additional impediments to issuance of reciprocal credentials.

For purposes of implementing the reciprocity policy, States with an ASC Finding of “Poor” do not satisfy the “in compliance” provision for reciprocity. Therefore, States are not required to recognize, for purposes of granting a reciprocal credential, the license or certification of an appraiser credentialed in a State with an ASC Finding of “Poor.”

Contact the State directly for requirements for temporary practice and/or reciprocity. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of currently available State Appraiser Regulatory Agency websites and e-mail addresses of key personnel.

Registering Complaints

May I file a complaint about an appraiser with the ASC?

NO. Regardless of the nature of the complaint, whether investigated by local law enforcement concerning allegations not within the purview of the State Appraiser Regulatory Agency, or whether appraisal-related, and therefore appropriately referred to the State Appraiser Regulatory Agency, the local jurisdiction is the appropriate place to commence the complaint process. The investigating authorities will know whether investigation at other levels is appropriate. Title XI of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989, as amended, clearly authorizes State Appraiser Regulatory Agencies to handle such appraisal-related allegations. Nevertheless, you may keep us informed of any complaint registered with the State Appraiser Regulatory Agency. We will retain any such information in our files for consideration during our next Compliance Review of the State's Appraiser Regulatory program.
If your grievance is with the lending institution you should contact the federal regulator for that lending institution.
There are two websites that you can use to find the federal regulator for a lending institution.
Federal Reserve System – National Information Center website: https://www.ffiec.gov/nicpubweb/nicweb/nichome.aspx
FDIC website at the “Bank Find” webpage: https://research.fdic.gov/bankfind/

I am an appraiser and have a complaint filed against me.  Can the ASC provide me with advice?

NO. The Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC) monitors State appraiser regulatory programs for compliance with federal law. The ASC cannot provide legal advice, or otherwise, to individuals subject to a State’s supervision. This is a matter you will need to take up with the State appraiser regulatory program. 

Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs)

Questions related to GSEs

Questions or inquiries related to appraisal standards established by the GSEs should be addressed to one of the following:
Freddie Mac
Fannie Mae 
Federal Housing Finance Agency

Who do I contact regarding my questions or concerns about the Universal Appraisal Dataset (UAD) or the Uniform Collateral Data Portal (UCDP)?

Both the UAD and UCDP are components of the Uniform Mortgage Data Program and are jointly established by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under the direction of their regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to provide common requirements for appraisal and loan delivery data.  All questions or concerns regarding the UAD or UCDP should be directed to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, whichever government-sponsored enterprise is purchasing the loan.

ASC and the Dodd-Frank Act

What is changed in Title XI?

The ASC of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) was created on August 9, 1989, pursuant to Title XI of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (Title XI). The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (Dodd-Frank Act) mandates sweeping changes that will have significant impact on various participants in mortgage lending and banking including; federal agencies, appraisers, State appraiser regulatory programs, appraisal management companies, and consumers.
An unofficial ASC staff version of Title XI can be found here. The full text of the Dodd-Frank Reform Act is available at this link.

Where do I go to get help with customary and reasonable fees?

The appropriate agency to receive your concern about a creditor's compliance with the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), including the requirement for the creditor or the creditor's agent (includes AMCs) to pay an appraiser a customary and reasonable fee, is the agency that enforces TILA with respect to the creditor.

For a Federally insured credit union, the National Credit Union Administration is the appropriate agency.

For insured depository institutions of more than $10 billion and their affiliates, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is the appropriate agency.

For insured depository institutions of $10 billion or less, there are two websites to find the federal regulator for a creditor:

   Federal Reserve System - National Information Center website: https://www.ffiec.gov/nicpubweb/nicweb/nichome.aspx

FDIC website at the "Bank Find" webpage: https://research.fdic.gov/bankfind/
For other non-depository institutions, the appropriate agency to receive the complaint is the CFPB or the Federal Trade Commission.


If the concern regards payment of customary and reasonable appraisal fees is related to a specific appraisal assignment or assignments, you can also contact the State appraisal board or agency in which the property or properties are located to find out if they have enacted appraisal laws and/or regulations that address your concern. 
  

What is the timeline to have a National Registry for AMC’s in place?

Implementation of the National Registry of AMC's is a priority for ASC staff.

For further information on ASC oversight of State AMC Programs, see Bulletin 2015-01 issued by the ASC to State Appraiser Regulatory Officials.

As details and information become available, they will be posted on the ASC website at www.asc.gov. You may also register on our website for ASC Agency Updates Email Notices. Email notices will be sent periodically to disseminate important information, including announcements and FAQs relative to the Dodd-Frank Act.

Has the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB) member and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) member been added to the ASC?

The CFPB member was added to the ASC in January 2012.  The FHFA member was added to the ASC in November 2010. To see a list of the ASC members, go to the About the ASC tab and click on Board Members.