Heads Up, Appraisers — Fair Housing and Valuation Bias Requirements Are Here
As of January 1, 2026, the Appraiser Qualifications Board’s (AQB) updated Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteriaareofficially in effect —here’swhat you need to know.
The new Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations course has been officially introduced into the required core curriculum for all appraiser credential levels. Whether you’re a trainee just entering the profession or an experienced appraiser upgrading your credential, this requirement is now part of your education landscape.
New appraisers at the trainee level must complete an 8-hour course to meet AQB qualifying education core curriculum requirements. This course also includes a one-hour mandatory exam.
Appraisers now must complete a 7-hour course the first time they meet the AQB continuing education requirement for Valuation Bias and Fair Housing. Every two calendar years after, appraisers must complete a shortened version of this course in their Continuing Education requirements (at least four hours of course material).
Let'swalk throughwhat’schanged, why the AQB adopted this update, and howit’sbeginning to shape appraisal practice — not just for appraisers, but for the real estateindustry as a whole.
New 8-Hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations Course
Under the 2026 AQB Criteria, appraisers applying for or upgrading a credential on or after January 1, 2026, must complete an 8-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations course (7-hour course, plus one-hour exam) as part of their core education.
This requirement applies uniformly to:
Trainee Appraisers
Licensed Residential Appraisers
Certified Residential Appraisers
Certified General Appraisers
The course focuses on how valuation bias can arise, how it intersects with federal Fair Housing laws and regulations, and how appraisers can recognize and mitigate bias throughout the appraisal process.
Qualifying Education Requirements as of January 1, 2026
As of January 1, 2026, these are the updated qualifying education course requirements for new appraisers.
Appraiser Course | Coursework Hours |
|---|
Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations Course | 8 Hours |
|---|
National Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) Course | 15 Hours |
|---|
Basic Appraisal Principles Course | 30 Hours |
|---|
Basic Appraisal Procedures Course | 30 Hours |
|---|
The AQB has published a summary of these and other updates as part of its rollout of the 2026 Criteria.
Find your Qualifying Education including the new Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations course.
Find your Continuing Education including the new Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws Regulations course.
Why the AQB Adopted This Change
The AQB updates the Qualification Criteria to reflect evolving expectations of the appraisal profession and the public trust it serves. The addition of required education on valuation bias and Fair Housing laws reflects a broader industry shift that’s been building momentum for several years. Namely, an industry that is highly aware of the flaws of its system.
The Appraisal Foundation has stated a clear goal of reducing bias in appraisal practice, and this education requirement aligns with that goal.
Leading up to these education changes,theAppraisalQualifications Boardhosted a discussion panelto explore ideas,joined by17 panelistsfrom appraisal education, appraisal regulatory agencies, and consumer/civilrights/fair housing advocacy groups.
“We all depend on an open housing market free from discrimination,” shared one of the panelists, Francois Gregoire, Chair of the Real Property Valuation Committee of the National Association of REALTORS®(NAR). “Discrimination distorts the market and prevents qualified buyers from accessing housing opportunities and the benefits of home ownership. As industry leaders, we must ensure appraisals are conducted free from bias and illegal discrimination.”
What This Update Means for the Real Estate Industry
Each part of the real estate transaction stands to benefit from improvements in training, even that of one professional. Let’s break it down.
What It Means for Appraisers
For appraisers, this update brings more structured and consistent education around valuation bias and Fair Housing regulations. In practice, that means:
A deeper understanding of how bias can influence data selection and analysis
Stronger alignment with Fair Housing laws and expectations
Clearer support for appraisal conclusions when questions or challenges arise
Over time, more standardized education can contribute to fewer disputes rooted in perceived bias and greater confidence in appraisal reporting.
What It Means for Real Estate Agents
Real estate agents rely on appraisal reports to guide pricing strategies, negotiations, and client expectations. As appraisers apply more consistent valuation frameworks, agents may begin to see:
More reliable comparable sale analysis
Fewer valuation surprises late in the transaction
Better alignment between market data and final appraised values
This change also aligns with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)’s recent implementation of a new mandatory Fair Housing training requirement. This cohesion can help make pricing conversations easier, and transactions smoother.
What It Means for Mortgage Lenders
For lenders, appraisal credibility is closely tied to underwriting risk. As the new education requirement takes hold, lenders maybenefitfrom:
Appraisal reports that are easier to review and defend
Fewer reconsiderations of value tied to bias concerns
Greater confidence that loan amounts align with supported property values
Similar to appraisal and real estate, the mortgage industry comes with its own consumer protections: the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
What It Means for Home Buyers, Sellers, and Communities
For consumers, this change reinforces a broader industry commitment to fairness and accuracy. Sellers may feel more confident that their property is being evaluated based on market-supported factors, and buyers get reassurance knowing they’re not overpaying. Though education and awareness isn’t always enough to eliminate all cases of bias or every valuation challenge, a little goes a long way in building trust in the appraisal process.
Not only that, but more consistent and unbiased property valuations can help support fairer property tax assessments for whole communities and help build more reliable local real estate data, all contributing to healthier housing markets.
Learn More About Real Estate Careers with The CE Shop
Now that you’ve got the big picture behind the changes, you can take action in your career. As appraisal standards and education requirements evolve, staying informed is part of staying effective. We’re here to support you as the profession continues to move forward.
Find your Qualifying Education including the new Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations course here.
Find your Continuing Education including the new Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws Regulations course here.
