Requesting course pre-approvals

Department of Revenue (DOR) or Department of Licensing (DOL) must pre-approve all trainings appraisers attend and request continuing education credits for (RCW 36.21.015 and WAC 458-10). Each agency has its own application process and timeline.  

If DOL approves a class, DOR approval is not necessary. Classes approved by DOL are eligible for accreditations and state appraisal licensing and certification. Classes approved by DOR are only applicable to accreditation. 

If approved, a certificate will be issued with an approval period between 1-2 years for DOR and 1-4 years for DOL. If class content remains largely the same, a one-year extension may be requested. 

When to apply

Applications must be received prior to class, specifically 10 business days for DOR and 90 for DOL. Before applying, make sure the class is not already pre-approved. 

Check for existing pre-approvals

For DOR classes, email dorpropertytaxeducation@dor.wa.gov.  

For DOL classes: 

  1. Go to DOL’s Course Search webpage. 
  2. Select “Appraisers” from the What program are you interested in? dropbox options. 
  3. Select “Continuing Education Course” from the Course Type dropbox options.  
  4. Enter the course title in the Course Name field. 
  5. Check the box next to the “I’m not a robot” text. 
  6. Click the Search button to display results.  

If the course is not listed in the results, try other title variations or search by sponsor. 

Required supporting documentation

In addition to the application form, contact the class sponsor to get a copy of: 

  • Comprehensive class description, syllabus, or outline.  
  • PowerPoint presentation, handout(s), homework, exam, and exam answer key. Content will be kept confidential. 
  • Instructor resume or biography describing qualifications.  
  • Instructor class specific credentials (e.g. IAAO/USPAP instructor certificate), if applicable.  

For IAAO content, contact Erin Eades at eades@iaao.org or (816) 701-8101. Missing or inaccurate information may cause processing delays. 

DOR applications

Eligible classes must: 

  • Relate to property appraisal topics. See WAC 458-10-050(7) for examples.  
  • Do not have a current DOL approval, and 
  • Are new, or 
  • Currently exist with DOR pre-approval, but substantial changes have been made since the last application.   

Instructions 

At least 10 business days prior to class: 

  1. Verify class eligibility as described above. 
  2. Obtain all required supporting documentation.  
  3. From the PTRC Forms page, download and save the newest version of the Continuing Education & General Interest Course Approval Application. Previous versions will not be accepted. 
  4. Complete the form: 
  5. In section 1, provide course provider/sponsor contact information. 
  6. In section 2, provide class details. 
  7. In section 3, sign and date the completed form.  
  8. Email signed form and required supporting documentation to dorpropertytaxeducation@dor.wa.gov. 
  9. Retain course approval certificate or denial letter. 

DOL applications 

Eligible classes must: 

  • Have AQB course approval, AQB USPAP Instructor approval, and/or IDECC approval certification (if applicable), and 
  • Are new and do not have a current DOL approval (DOR pre-approval is okay), or 
  • Currently have DOL pre-approval, but substantial changes have been made since the last application.   

See WAC 308-125-050, WAC 308-125-090, and WAC 308-125-100 for additional requirements and DOL’s Course Search webpage for examples of previously approved classes.  

Instructions

At least 65 days prior to class: 

  1. Verify class eligibility as described above.  
  2. Obtain all required supporting documentation. 
  3. Complete the Licensing Real Estate Appraiser Course Approval Application. 
  4. Sign and date the completed form. 
  5. To electronically submit the application and supporting documentation, use Box.com, an online document sharing software used by Licensing.  
  6. Request access to the folder by emailing reappraisers@dol.wa.gov.  
  7. Licensing will send an invitation and instructions on how to proceed.  
  8. Retain course approval certificate or denial letter and email a copy to dorpropertytaxeducation@dor.wa.gov and education@wsaca.net. 

Initial applications may take up to 90 days for a decision, renewals of existing pre-approved classes make take up to two weeks. For additional information, see DOL’s Approved appraiser courses webpage.