In Indiana, real estate valuation is not just another service industry. It quietly supports lending decisions, property tax assessments, estate planning, divorce proceedings, and commercial development. When appraisals are done well, markets function more smoothly. When they are not, problems ripple outward. That reality is one reason Appraisal Continuing Education Indiana is structured the way it is.
Continuing education here is not a symbolic checkbox. It is a formal requirement overseen by the state and shaped by national standards. As the 2024–2026 cycle moves forward, new subject areas — particularly valuation bias and fair housing — have added complexity to renewal planning. Appraisers who treat CE as an afterthought often feel pressure at renewal time. Those who plan ahead rarely do.
The Regulatory Framework in Indiana
State Oversight and Licensing Authority
Appraiser licensing in Indiana operates under the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, commonly referred to as IPLA. Within that structure, the Indiana Real Estate Appraiser Licensure and Certification Board establishes qualification standards, renewal rules, and enforcement procedures.
National Standards and Alignment
At the national level, education criteria are shaped by the Appraisal Qualifications Board, which functions under The Appraisal Foundation. Indiana aligns its continuing education requirements with AQB criteria, meaning most nationally approved coursework is accepted as long as it meets state-specific parameters.
This layered oversight ensures Indiana appraisers remain consistent with both state law and national appraisal standards.
The 28-Hour Biennial Requirement
Indiana requires 28 hours of continuing education every two years. The renewal deadline typically falls on June 30 of even-numbered years, making June 30, 2026 the end of the current cycle.
There is no rollover between cycles. Completing extra hours in one period does not reduce the requirement in the next. Each two-year window stands alone.
In practice, this catches some professionals off guard. Completing 26 hours is not close enough. Indiana does not round up or make exceptions for partial completion.
Mandatory Components Within the 28 Hours
The 7-Hour National USPAP Update Course
Every renewal cycle requires completion of the 7-hour National USPAP Update Course. This course reflects the most current edition of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
USPAP changes are often subtle — wording shifts, clarified obligations, updated interpretations — but those changes directly affect report credibility and defensibility. Relying on outdated standards can create compliance issues even for experienced appraisers.
Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Education
Beginning with the 2026 criteria, Indiana incorporates required education focused on valuation bias and fair housing.
The initial requirement consists of a 7-hour course, followed by a recurring minimum of 4 hours every two calendar years. This training addresses how bias can influence data selection, neighborhood analysis, and valuation conclusions.
This requirement reflects increased national scrutiny around appraisal equity and is widely expected to remain part of future renewal cycles.
Timing the 2026 Renewal Cycle
Deadlines themselves are simple. Procrastination is where problems arise.
A practical strategy is to complete the USPAP update by late 2025. Bias and fair housing training should follow in early 2026, if not sooner. Finishing all 28 hours by May 2026 provides buffer time for documentation and avoids system congestion.
The IPLA’s MyLicense portal processes thousands of renewals across professions. Waiting until late June introduces unnecessary risk. Technical delays do not excuse noncompliance.
Understanding Course Approval
Indiana accepts AQB-approved courses, but appraisers licensed in multiple states should not assume universal reciprocity.
Before enrolling, confirm that the provider is Indiana-approved or offers AQB-recognized coursework accepted by Indiana. A course approved only in another state may not satisfy Indiana’s board.
This verification step takes minutes. Skipping it can delay renewal by months.
Leading Providers for Indiana Appraisal CE
McKissock Learning
McKissock Learning has been active in appraisal education for decades. Its subscription model appeals to appraisers licensed in multiple states. The platform is structured, predictable, and well-suited for professionals managing heavy workloads.
The CE Shop
The CE Shop emphasizes mobile-friendly, self-paced coursework. Many appraisers complete modules between site visits or during slower production periods. Pricing is competitive, with frequent discounts.
Appraisal Institute
For designation holders or those seeking advanced technical depth, the Appraisal Institute offers higher-level coursework, often in classroom or live virtual formats. These courses can be more rigorous, though scheduling flexibility may be limited.
Choosing a provider depends less on brand name and more on workflow preference.
Elective Strategy for the Remaining Hours
After completing USPAP and bias training, approximately 14 hours remain for electives.
Popular elective topics in Indiana include ANSI Z765 measurement standards, particularly as secondary market expectations increase. Courses on small residential income properties appeal to appraisers expanding their scope. Green building valuation is also gaining relevance in growing suburban markets.
Electives can be strategic. A well-chosen course can reduce revision requests or open new service opportunities. A poorly chosen one simply fills time.
How Indiana Compares to Other Licensing Structures
Indiana’s 28-hour biennial model is typical for appraisers, but other professions operate under different frameworks.
Mortgage professionals, for example, follow federal NMLS requirements rather than valuation standards. Reviewing mortgage or broker renewal guides highlights how hour totals, subject mandates, and compliance rules vary widely across licenses.
For professionals holding multiple credentials, aligning elective coursework where possible can reduce redundancy.
Common Compliance Pitfalls
Certain mistakes appear repeatedly.
Taking duplicate courses in the same cycle does not generate additional credit. Misunderstanding the 185-day exemption rule for newly licensed appraisers creates confusion during the first renewal period. Failing to retain certificates complicates audits years later.
Indiana typically relies on attestation at renewal rather than upfront submission, but audit risk remains. Retain certificates for at least three years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CE hours are required for Indiana appraisers
Indiana requires 28 hours every two years, including USPAP and valuation bias training.
Can continuing education be completed entirely online
Yes. Indiana permits approved self-paced online and live virtual courses. In-person options remain optional.
Is USPAP required every cycle
Yes. The 7-hour National USPAP Update Course is mandatory each renewal period.
What happens if CE is incomplete by the deadline
Incomplete CE may result in inactive status or delayed renewal until deficiencies are corrected.
What is the typical cost for 28 hours
Most full packages range from $350 to $650 depending on provider and format.
Practical Renewal Strategy
Treat continuing education as part of business operations, not an interruption.
Schedule coursework during slower months. Track hours in a simple spreadsheet. Verify course approval before purchase. Complete mandatory courses early and leave electives flexible.
Set a calendar reminder six months before expiration. Not because the rule is complex, but because professional routines are busy and small oversights add up quickly.
A Broader Perspective
Continuing education can feel repetitive, especially for seasoned professionals. Yet markets evolve, lending standards shift, measurement rules tighten, and regulatory expectations expand.
The 28 hours required every two years are modest compared to the responsibility appraisers carry when forming value opinions that affect financing, equity, and legal outcomes.
In that sense, Appraisal Continuing Education Indiana is less about satisfying a board and more about maintaining credibility in a profession built on trust. Standing still is not an option — and Indiana’s framework reflects that reality clearly.
