New AQB (Federal) Education Requirements: Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations

Effective date: January 1, 2026

Applies to: All California real estate appraiser licensees and all new applicants (Trainee, Licensed Residential, Certified Residential, Certified General)

What's Changing and Why

The Appraisal Qualifications Board (AQB) adopted new education requirements to strengthen competency in Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations. Beginning January 1, 2026, these requirements become part of both continuing education (CE) for renewing licensees and qualifying education (QE) for new applicants.

Bottom line:You must meet the Valuation Bias and Fair Housing education requirements described below:

• If you renew your license on or after January 1, 2026

• If your initial or upgrade license is going to be issued (i.e. the exam result is received) on or after January 1, 2026.

For details, please click here: New Education Requirements

Notice of Proposed Action

The California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers has released the Notice of Proposed Action to amend Section 3705 of Title 10 of the California Code of Regulations related to Alignment of Appraisal Review Requirements with USPAP.

For details click here.

BREA Town Hall

Tuesday, September 9th at 9:00 am

The Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers (Bureau) will hold a public stakeholder meeting in person and virtually via the Webex platform.

For agenda and event details click here.

New Pathways to a Career in Real Estate Appraisal!

Aspiring appraisers now have more options than ever before to earn their real estate appraiser license in California. For the first time in the history of licensure, candidates can choose from three distinct pathways to gain the experience required for licensure:

• Earn Experience Under a Supervisor
Follow the traditional supervisor-trainee model to build your skills through mentorship and fieldwork. Earn Experience Under a Supervisor

• PAREA (Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal)
A modern, technology-based alternative offering simulated, real-world experience.
➤ How to Get Started with PAREA

• New! Practicum Program
BREA’s newest approved pathway offers structured, hands-on training in a classroom or lab-style setting—no supervisor required. This model increases access and flexibility for those entering the profession.
(The first approved program: West Los Angeles Community College )

Whether you're just starting out or exploring alternative routes, California now offers more inclusive and accessible options to help you become a licensed real estate appraiser.

Check out the California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers' End-Year 2024 Newsletter!

This new edition has information that can be useful to the well-seasoned and newly licensed appraisers.