# COMAR Title 09 — Maryland Department of Labor

## Subtitle 19 — Commission of Real Estate Appraisers, Appraisal Management Companies, and Home Inspectors — Real Estate Appraisers

### Chapter 01 — Appraiser Classifications

**Authority:** Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§16-101(k), 16-208(a), 16-216, 16-220, 16-503(f), and 16-509, Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective date: September 30, 1991 (18:19 Md. R. 2099)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01 amended as an emergency provision effective December 1, 1991 (18:25 Md. R. 2748); emergency status expired May 1, 1992; adopted permanently effective September 28, 1992 (19:19 Md. R. 1705)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01 amended effective November 24, 2014 (41:23 Md. R. 1371)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01E adopted as an emergency provision effective December 1, 2000 (27:25 Md. R. 2277); emergency status expired June 1, 2001; adopted permanently effective February 18, 2002 (29:3 Md. R. 219)

#### Regulation .01 Appraiser Classifications.

*COMAR 09.19.01.01*

A. An individual who is a licensed real estate appraiser is entitled to provide real estate appraisal services in connection with noncomplex one to four residential units having a transaction value less than $1,000,000, complex one to four residential units having a transaction value of less than $250,000, and commercial properties having a transaction value of less than $250,000.

B. An individual who is a certified residential real estate appraiser is entitled to provide real estate appraisal services in connection with one to four residential units without regard to value or complexity and commercial properties having a transaction value of less than $250,000.

C. An individual who is a certified general real estate appraiser is entitled to provide real estate appraisal services in connection with all types of real property without regard to value, complexity, or whether the property is residential or commercial.

D. In addition to the appraisal services stated in §§A—C of this regulation, a certified or licensed appraiser may provide real estate appraisal services in accordance with regulations adopted by a federal financial institutions regulatory agency or the Resolution Trust Corporation pursuant to 12 U.S.C. §3341.

E. An individual who is a real estate appraiser trainee may provide real estate appraisal services in accordance with Business Occupations and Professions Article, §16-101, Annotated Code of Maryland, and as stated in §§A—D of this regulation, while:

  (1) Under the supervision of a certified residential or certified general real estate appraiser; and

  (2) In training to become a certified or licensed real estate appraiser.

### Chapter 02 — Educational Requirements

**Authority:** Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§16-208(a), 16-216, 16-220, 16-302(d)(1) and (3) and (g), 16-308,16-309, 16-503(b)(1)(iii), (3), and (4), (e), and (f), 16-511, and 16-5A-01, Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective date: September 30, 1991 (18:19 Md. R. 2099)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01 amended effective January 14, 2008 (35:1 Md. R. 17); January 1, 2015 (41:23 Md. R. 1372); January 27, 2020 (47:2 Md. R. 62)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01A amended as an emergency provision effective January 1, 1998 (25:2 Md. R. 73); emergency status expired June 30, 1998; amended permanently effective August 24, 1998 (25:17 Md. R. 1360)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01B amended effective September 12, 1994 (21:18 Md. R. 1509)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01C amended as an emergency provision effective January 1, 1998 (25:2 Md. R. 73); emergency status expired June 30, 1998; amended permanently effective August 24, 1998 (25:17 Md. R. 1360)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01D adopted as an emergency provision effective December 1, 2000 (27:25 Md. R. 2277); emergency status expired June 1, 2001; adopted permanently effective February 18, 2002 (29:3 Md. R. 219)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02 amended effective January 14, 2008 (35:1 Md. R. 17)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02A amended effective September 12, 1994 (21:18 Md. R. 1509)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02A amended as an emergency provision effective January 1, 1998 (25:2 Md. R. 73); emergency status expired June 30, 1998; amended permanently effective August 24, 1998 (25:17 Md. R. 1360)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03 amended effective January 14, 2008 (35:1 Md. R. 17)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03A amended as an emergency provision effective January 1, 1998 (25:2 Md. R. 73); emergency status expired June 30, 1998; amended permanently effective August 24, 1998 (25:17 Md. R. 1360)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03B amended effective September 12, 1994 (21:18 Md. R. 1509)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03C amended as an emergency provision effective January 1, 1998 (25:2 Md. R. 73); emergency status expired June 30, 1998; amended permanently effective August 24, 1998 (25:17 Md. R. 1360)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03D, E amended effective January 1, 2015 (41:23 Md. R. 1372)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03E, F adopted as an emergency provision effective December 1, 2000 (27:25 Md. R. 2277); emergency status expired June 1, 2001; adopted permanently effective February 18, 2002 (29:3 Md. R. 219)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03G adopted effective March 31, 2003 (30:6 Md. R. 420)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04A amended as an emergency provision effective December 1, 2000 (27:25 Md. R. 2277); emergency status expired June 1, 2001; adopted permanently effective February 18, 2002 (29:3 Md. R. 219)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04A amended effective March 17, 2014 (41:5 Md. R. 343)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04A, B amended as an emergency provision effective January 1, 1998 (25:2 Md. R. 73); emergency status expired June 30, 1998; amended permanently effective August 24, 1998 (25:17 Md. R. 1360)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04A, B amended effective March 31, 2003 (30:6 Md. R. 420)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04B amended as an emergency provision effective January 14, 2026 (53:8 Md. R. 354)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04B, D amended effective May 15, 2023 (50:9 Md. R. 378)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04D, E amended effective January 1, 2015 (41:23 Md. R. 1372)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04F adopted effective January 7, 2013 (39:26 Md. R. 1663)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .04G adopted effective January 1, 2015 (41:23 Md. R. 1372)

#### Regulation .01 Eligibility to Take Examination or Obtain Original Trainee License.

*COMAR 09.19.02.01*

A. Licensed Real Estate Appraisers. Except as provided in COMAR 09.19.04, to be eligible to sit for the licensed real estate appraisers examination, an applicant shall hold a valid trainee appraiser license and shall have successfully completed 150 classroom hours of study in accordance with the Appraiser Qualifications Board core curriculum as set forth in Regulation .03B of this chapter that includes:

  (1) The 15-hour National USPAP Course or an equivalent course approved by the Appraisal Qualifications Board; and

  (2) 75 hours in:

    (a) Residential market analysis and highest and best use — 15 hours;

    (b) Residential appraiser site valuation and cost approach — 15 hours;

    (c) Residential sales comparison and income approaches — 30 hours; and

    (d) Residential report writing and case studies — 15 hours.

B. Residential Real Estate Appraisers. To be eligible to sit for the certified residential real estate appraisers examination, an applicant shall have successfully completed:

  (1) 200 classroom hours of study; and

  (2) One of the following:

    (a) A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university;

    (b) An associate’s degree, or higher, from an accredited college, junior college, or community college in a field of study related to:

      (i) Business administration;

      (ii) Accounting;

      (iii) Finance;

      (iv) Economics; or

      (v) Real estate;

    (c) 30 semester credit hours of college-level courses that cover 3 semester hours in each of the following specific topic areas:

      (i) English composition;

      (ii) Microeconomics;

      (iii) Macroeconomics;

      (iv) Finance;

      (v) Algebra;

      (vi) Statistics;

      (vii) Computer science;

      (viii) Business or real estate law; and

      (ix) 2 elective courses in any of the topics listed in §B(2)(c)(i)—(viii) of this regulation or in accounting, geography, agricultural economics, business management, or real estate;

    (d) Successful completion of at least 30 semester hours of college-level examination program (CLEP) examinations from each of the following subject matter areas:

      (i) College algebra — 3 semester hours;

      (ii) College composition — 6 semester hours;

      (iii) College composition modular — 6 semester hours;

      (iv) College mathematics — 6 semester hours;

      (v) Principles of macroeconomics — 3 semester hours;

      (vi) Principles of microeconomics — 3 semester hours;

      (vii) Introductory business law — 3 semester hours; and

      (viii) Information systems — 3 semester hours; or

    (e) Any combination of §B(2)(c) or (d) of this regulation that ensures coverage of all topics and hours identified in §B(2)(c) of this regulation.

C. As an alternative to the requirements of §B(2)(c) of this regulation, an individual who has held a real estate appraiser license for a minimum of 5 years may qualify for a residential real estate appraiser certificate by satisfying all of the following:

  (1) No record of any adverse, final, and non-appealable disciplinary action affecting the licensee’s legal eligibility to engage in appraisal practice within the 5 years immediately preceding the date of application for a residential real estate appraiser certificate; and

  (2) Successful completion of the required Appraiser Qualifications Board core curriculum as set forth in Regulation .03B of this chapter; and

  (3) Successful completion of the additional required qualifying education as set forth in §D of this regulation.

D. An individual holding valid trainee appraiser license may satisfy the educational requirements for a residential appraiser certificate by successful completion of Appraiser Qualifications Board core curriculum as set forth in Regulation .03B of this chapter.

E. An individual holding a valid real estate appraiser license may satisfy the educational requirements for a residential real estate appraiser certificate by successful completion of the:

  (1) Appraiser Qualifications Board core curriculum as set forth in Regulation .03B of this chapter; and

  (2) Additional qualifying education including:

    (a) Statistics, modeling, and finance — 15 hours;

    (b) Advanced residential applications and case studies — 15 hours; and

    (c) Appraisal subject matter electives — 20 hours.

F. An individual holding a valid trainee appraiser license may qualify for a real estate appraiser license by satisfying the college-level education requirements as set forth in §B(2) of this regulation.

G. An individual holding a valid real estate appraiser license who does not meet the requirements set forth in §C of this regulation may qualify for a residential appraiser certificate by satisfying the college-level education requirements as set forth in §B(2) of this regulation.

H. General Real Estate Appraisers. To be eligible to sit for the certified general real estate appraisers examination, an applicant shall have completed:

  (1) 300 classroom hours of study; and

  (2) A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

I. To be eligible for a real estate appraiser trainee license, an applicant, within the 5 year period prior to the date of submission of an application for a real estate appraiser trainee license, shall have completed:

  (1) 75 hours of classroom study which comply with this regulation; and

  (2) A Commission-approved course oriented toward trainee appraiser expectations and responsibilities.

#### Regulation .02 Minimum Requirements for Approved Courses.

*COMAR 09.19.02.02*

A. A course hour may not be considered as part of the 90-hour, 120-hour, or 180-hour, or on and after January 1, 2008, the 150-hour, 200-hour, or 300-hour, requirement of Regulation .01 of this chapter unless it has been approved by the Commission.

B. A course may not be approved by the Commission unless the:

  (1) Course is at least 15 hours in length; and

  (2) Individual passes an examination at the completion of the course.

C. In determining whether a course is 15 hours in duration, the time during which the required examination is given is counted as part of the 15 hours.

D. A classroom hour is 50 minutes out of each 60-minute segment.

E. An individual may be given up to one half of an individual's continuing education requirement for participation, other than as a student, in appraisal educational processes and programs. Credit for instructing any given course or seminar may be awarded only once during a continuing education cycle.

F. The Commission may approve courses taken at any time. All courses, however, whether taken before or after July 1, 1990, shall meet the requirements of this regulation, including but not limited to the 15-hour and examination requirements.

#### Regulation .03 Required Courses.

*COMAR 09.19.02.03*

A. Effective January 1, 2008, in order to meet the 150-hour requirement set forth in Regulation .01 of this chapter, an applicant shall, at a minimum, have completed the required Appraiser Qualifications Board core curriculum for the licensed education requirements, as follows:

  (1) Basic appraisal principles — 30 hours;

  (2) Basic appraisal procedures — 30 hours;

  (3) The 15-hour national Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice course or its equivalent — 15 hours;

  (4) Residential market analysis and highest and best use — 15 hours;

  (5) Residential appraiser site valuation and cost approach — 15 hours;

  (6) Residential sales comparison and income approaches — 30 hours; and

  (7) Residential report writing and case studies — 15 hours.

B. Effective January 1, 2008, in order to meet the 200-hour requirement set forth in Regulation .01 of this chapter, an applicant shall, at a minimum, have completed the required Appraiser Qualifications Board core curriculum for the certified residential education requirements, as follows:

  (1) Basic appraisal principles — 30 hours;

  (2) Basic appraisal procedures — 30 hours;

  (3) The 15-hour national Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice course or its equivalent — 15 hours;

  (4) Residential market analysis and highest and best use — 15 hours;

  (5) Residential appraiser site valuation and cost approach — 15 hours;

  (6) Residential sales comparison and income approaches — 30 hours;

  (7) Residential report writing and case studies — 15 hours;

  (8) Statistics, modeling and finance — 15 hours;

  (9) Advanced residential applications and case studies — 15 hours; and

  (10) Appraisal subject matter electives — 20 hours.

C. Effective January 1, 2008, in order to meet the 300-hour requirement set forth in Regulation .01 of this chapter, an applicant shall, at a minimum, have completed the required Appraiser Qualifications Board core curriculum for the certified general education requirements, as follows:

  (1) Basic appraisal principles — 30 hours;

  (2) Basic appraisal procedures — 30 hours;

  (3) The 15-hour national Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice course or its equivalent — 15 hours;

  (4) General appraiser market analysis and highest and best use — 30 hours;

  (5) Statistics, modeling and finance — 15 hours;

  (6) General appraiser site comparison approach — 30 hours;

  (7) General appraiser site valuation and cost approach — 30 hours;

  (8) General appraiser income approach — 60 hours;

  (9) General appraiser report writing and case studies — 30 hours; and

  (10) Appraisal subject matter electives — 30 hours.

D. Effective January 1, 2015, in order to meet the 75-hour requirement and the Trainee Appraiser Expectation and Responsibilities Course set forth in Regulation .01D of this chapter, an applicant shall, at a minimum, have completed the required Appraiser Qualifications Board core curriculum for the trainee education requirements, as follows:

  (1) Basic appraisal principles — 30 hours;

  (2) Basic appraisal procedures — 30 hours;

  (3) The 15-hour national Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice course or its equivalent — 15 hours; and

  (4) Trainee appraiser and responsibilities course.

E. Continuing education credit may be granted for educational offerings that:

  (1) Are consistent with the purpose of ensuring that appraisers participate in a program that maintains and increases their skill, knowledge, and competency in real property appraising; and

  (2) Cover real property related appraisal topics, including, but not limited to:

    (a) Ad valorem taxation;

    (b) Arbitration and dispute resolution;

    (c) Courses related to the practice of real estate appraisal or consulting;

    (d) Development cost estimating;

    (e) Ethics and standards of professional practice under the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice;

    (f) Land use planning and zoning;

    (g) Management, leasing, and timesharing;

    (h) Property development and partial interests;

    (i) Real estate law, easements, and legal interests;

    (j) Real estate litigation, damages, and condemnation;

    (k) Real estate financing and investment;

    (l) Real estate appraisal related computer applications;

    (m) Real estate securities and syndication;

    (n) Developing opinions of real property value in appraisal that also include personal property and/or business value;

    (o) Seller concessions and impact on value; and

    (p) Energy efficient items and “green building” appraisals.

F. Requirement for Appraisal Standards of Conduct and Ethics.

  (1) Effective January 1, 2003, individuals seeking to meet the educational requirement under this regulation shall successfully complete the 15-hour national Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) course or its equivalent for qualifying education, as determined by the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) of the Appraisal Foundation.

  (2) The course shall be taken from an instructor who is:

    (a) An AQB certified USPAP instructor; and

    (b) A State certified residential appraiser or State certified general appraiser.

#### Regulation .04 Continuing Education.

*COMAR 09.19.02.04*

A. Renewal Requirements.

  (1) In order to be considered for renewal as a certified general real estate appraiser, certified residential real estate appraiser, licensed real estate appraiser, or appraiser trainee, the applicant shall have completed 14 hours of continuing education for each year or portion thereof the applicant has been certified or licensed, since the initial issuance of the license held or, if appropriate, the most recent renewal. These courses shall be approved by the Commission as set forth in this regulation.

  (2) A total of not less than 42 hours of continuing education during each license term is required for renewal.

  (3) A licensee or certificate holder shall complete the continuing education required by §A(1)—(2) of this regulation prior to filing any application for renewal of a license or certificate, notwithstanding the expiration date for the license or certificate to be renewed.

  (4) Failure to complete the continuing education required by §A(1) — (2) of this regulation in advance of filing any application for renewal of a license or certificate may be considered by the Commission to be a violation of Business Occupations and Professions Article, §16-701(a)(1)(i), Annotated Code of Maryland, among other potential violations related to failure to complete the required continuing education hours.

B. Required Subject Matter for Continuing Education.

  (1) Required Continuing Education in Professional Appraisal Standards, Ethics, Fair Housing, Discrimination, and Bias.

    (a) Effective January 1, 2003, all currently licensed appraisers, certified appraisers, and appraiser trainees, at least once every 2 calendar years, shall successfully complete the 7-hour national Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) update course, or its equivalent as determined by the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) of the Appraisal Foundation.

    (b) For licenses and certificates expiring on or after March 1, 2026:

      (i) Any currently licensed appraiser, certified appraiser, and appraiser trainee shall complete a 7-hour course the first time they meet the AQB education requirement for Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations Outline; and

      (ii) All currently licensed appraisers, certified appraisers, and appraiser trainees applying for license or certificate renewal shall successfully complete during the preceding 3-year license cycle a 4-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations course.

    (c) If obtaining a new credential or upgrading an existing credential individuals shall complete an 8-hour course to meet AQB education requirements in Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations Outline that includes 7 hours of instruction and a 1-hour exam; and

    (d) Every 2 calendar years thereafter, the course length must be at least 4 hours.

  (2) The course required by §B(1)(a) of this regulation shall be taken from an instructor who is:

    (a) An AQB certified USPAP instructor; and

    (b) A State certified residential appraiser or State certified general appraiser.

C. A classroom hour is 50 minutes out of each 60-minute segment.

D. The Commission may not approve a continuing education course unless the course:

  (1) Is at least 2 hours in duration;

  (2) Is taught by an approved educational provider; and

  (3) Covers real estate appraisal-related topics, including but not limited to:

    (a) Ad valorem taxation;

    (b) Arbitration and dispute resolution;

    (c) Courses related to real estate appraisal or consulting;

    (d) Development cost estimating;

    (e) Ethics and standards of professional practice (USPAP);

    (f) Land use planning and zoning;

    (g) Management, leasing, and timesharing;

    (h) Property development and partial interests;

    (i) Real estate law, easements, and legal interests;

    (j) Real estate litigation, damages, and condemnation;

    (k) Real estate financing and investment;

    (l) Real estate appraisal related computer applications;

    (m) Real estate securities and syndication;

    (n) Developing opinions of real property value in appraisals that also include personal property and/or business value;

    (o) Seller concessions and impact on value;

    (p) Energy efficient items and “green building” appraisals;

    (q) Training in racial discrimination; and

    (r) Training in implicit bias or appraisal bias.

E. The Commission may approve up to one half of an individual’s continuing education credit for participation, other than as a student, in appraisal educational processes and programs. Examples of activities for which credit may be granted are teaching, program development, authorship of textbooks, or similar activities which are determined to be equivalent to obtaining continuing education.

F. The Commission may grant a licensee or certificate holder no more than 8 hours of credit for instruction per day for courses of continuing education.

G. The Commission may not grant a licensee or certificate holder credit for completion of the same continuing education course offering within the appraiser’s continuing education cycle, with the exception of the 7-Hour National USPAP Update Course, or its AQB-approved equivalent.

**Emergency Action:** 53:8  26-056-E  (Regulations .04) EMERGENCY ACTION IN EFFECT 1/14/2026 — 7/13/2026

#### Regulation .05 Approved Educational Providers.

*COMAR 09.19.02.05*

A. A course may not be credited towards the hours necessary to satisfy either the educational prerequisites for examination or for continuing education unless the course has been taught by a provider approved by the Commission.

B. Accredited universities and colleges, including community and junior colleges, are approved.

C. Other providers will be approved by the Commission if the Commission is satisfied that the provider is capable of providing courses which meet the educational requirements of this chapter.

### Chapter 03 — Work Experience Requirements

**Authority:** Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§16-208(a), 16-216, 16-220, 16-302(d)(1) and (2) and (g), and 16-503(b)(1)(iii) and (2), (e), and (f), Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective date: September 30, 1991 (18:19 Md. R. 2099)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01 amended effective January 13, 2022 (49:1 Md. R. 13)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01A amended effective March 15, 2004 (31:5 Md. R. 447)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01B, C amended effective August 24, 1998 (25:17 Md. R. 1360)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02 amended effective May 23, 2005 (32:10 Md. R. 924)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03 repealed effective January 14, 2019 (46:1 Md. R. 11)

#### Regulation .01 Eligibility to Take Examination.

*COMAR 09.19.03.01*

A. Except as provided in COMAR 09.19.04, to be eligible to sit for the licensed real estate appraisers examination, an applicant shall have 1,000 hours of appraisal work experience which complies with this regulation. This experience shall have been acquired over a period of no less than 6 months.

B. To be eligible to sit for the certified residential real estate appraisers examination, an applicant shall have a minimum of 1,500 hours of appraisal work experience which complies with this regulation. This experience shall have been acquired over a period of no less than 12 months.

C. To be eligible to sit for the certified general real estate appraisers examination, an applicant shall have a minimum of 3,000 hours of appraisal work experience which complies with this regulation. This experience shall have been acquired over a period of no less than 18 months. Of the 3,000 required hours, at least 1,500 shall have been in nonresidential real property appraisal work.

#### Regulation .02 Acceptable Work Experience.

*COMAR 09.19.03.02*

Acceptable work experience includes but is not limited to the following:

A. Fee and staff appraisals;

B. Ad valorem tax appraisals;

C. Review appraisals which are performed in accordance with Standard 3 of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice which is incorporated by reference under 55 FR 53613 (December 31, 1990);

D. Appraisal analysis;

E. Real estate counseling;

F. Highest and best use analysis;

G. Feasibility analysis or study; and

H. Market analyses that are prepared in accordance with Standards 1 and 2 of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice which are incorporated by reference under 55 FR 53613 (December 31, 1990).

### Chapter 04 — Supervising Appraisers and Appraiser Trainees

**Authority:** Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§16-101(r) and (s), 16-216, 16-220, and 16-5A-03, Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective date: September 30, 1991 (18:19 Md. R. 2099)

**Administrative History:** Regulations .01—.02 repealed and new Regulations .01—.02 adopted effective November 9, 2015 (42:22 Md. R. 1377)

#### Regulation .01 Supervising Appraisers.

*COMAR 09.19.04.01*

A. To be eligible to serve as a supervising appraiser, an individual:

  (1) Shall be in good standing;

  (2) May not have been subject to any disciplinary action within the immediately preceding 3 years; and

  (3) Shall have held a certified residential or certified general real estate appraisal license for at least 3 years.

B. A supervising appraiser may supervise a maximum of three appraiser trainees at one time.

C. A supervising appraiser must complete a Commission-approved course that, at a minimum, complies with the specifications for course content established by the AQB and is oriented toward the requirements, expectations and responsibilities of supervisory appraisers.

D. A supervising appraiser shall notify the Commission on a form prescribed by the Commission of the commencement or termination of a supervisory relationship with a real estate appraiser trainee no later than 10 days after the commencement or termination.

E. A supervising appraiser shall approve, sign and accept responsibility for each appraisal report prepared by a trainee under the supervision of the supervising appraiser.

#### Regulation .02 Appraiser Trainees.

*COMAR 09.19.04.02*

A. A real estate appraiser trainee shall notify the Commission on form prescribed by the Commission of the commencement or termination of a supervisory appraiser relationship with a supervising appraiser no later than 10 days after the commencement or termination.

B. To obtain experience credit for appraisals, the real estate appraiser trainee must sign the appraisal report, sign the certification of the appraisal report, or have their name and significant appraisal assistance conspicuously identified in the appraisal report.

### Chapter 05 — Code of Ethics

**Authority:** Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§16-208, 16-216, 16-220, 16-302(d) and (g), and 16-503(b) and (f), Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective date: September 30, 1991 (18:19 Md. R. 2099)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01 repealed and new Regulations .01—.03 adopted effective August 30, 1993 (20:17 Md. R. 1345)

**Administrative History:** Chapter revised as an emergency provision effective February 1, 1996 (23:4 Md. R. 269); revised permanently effective July 1, 1996 (23:13 Md. R. 943)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01B amended as an emergency provision effective May 15, 1997 (24:11 Md. R. 791); emergency status expired November 14, 1997 (Emergency provisions are temporary and not printed in COMAR)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01B amended as an emergency provision effective February 12, 1998 (25:5 Md. R. 366); emergency status expired July 11, 1998; amended permanently effective August 24, 1998 (25:17 Md. R. 1360)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01B amended as an emergency provision effective March 31, 1999 (26:8 Md. R. 613); emergency status expired September 28, 1999

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01B amended effective November 1, 1999 (26:22 Md. R. 1691)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01B amended as an emergency provision effective February 25, 2000 (27:7 Md. R. 703); amended permanently effective August 21, 2000 (27:16 Md. R. 1523)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01B amended as an emergency provision effective February 20, 2001 (28:6 Md. R. 619); amended permanently effective June 25, 2001 (28:12 Md. R. 1106)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01B amended as an emergency provision effective January 31, 2002 (29:4 Md. R. 411); emergency status expired July 29, 2002; adopted permanently effective August 19, 2002 (29:16 Md. R. 1288)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01B amended as an emergency provision effective March 20, 2003 (30:8 Md. R. 538); emergency status extended at 30:25 Md. R. 1843; emergency status expired January 20, 2004; amended permanently effective March 1, 2004 (31:4 Md. R. 314)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01B amended effective January 6, 2005 (31:26 Md. R. 1861); August 1, 2005 (32:15 Md. R. 1320); September 10, 2007 (34:18 Md. R. 1579); October 6, 2008 (35:20 Md. R. 1774); November 15, 2010 (37:23 Md. R. 1610); October 29, 2012 (39:21 Md. R. 1378)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01B amended as an emergency provision effective January 1, 2014 (41:3 Md. R. 199); amended permanently effective May 12, 2014 (41:9 Md. R. 520)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01B amended as an emergency provision effective January 1, 2016 (42:26 Md. R. 1593); amended permanently effective May 23, 2016 (43:10 Md. R. 585)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01B amended as an emergency provision effective January 1, 2018 (45:5 Md. R. 284); amended permanently effective March 12, 2018 (45:5 Md. R. 285)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .03 adopted effective March 18, 2002 (29:5 Md. R. 502)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01 repealed and new Regulation .01 adopted effective July 12, 2021 (48:14 Md. R. 538)

#### Regulation .01 Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

*COMAR 09.19.05.01*

In compliance with Business Occupations and Professions Article, §16-208(b), Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commission adopts the most recent version of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (The Appraisal Foundation), including Preamble, Ethics Rule, Competency Rule, Scope of Work Rule, Jurisdictional Exception, Supplemental Standards, Definitions and Standards 1, 2, 3, and 4 with all related Standard Rules and Statements on Appraisal Standards, as it may be amended, modified, or updated from time to time.

#### Regulation .02 Compliance with State Law.

*COMAR 09.19.05.02*

While performing an appraisal, licensed and certified appraisers shall abide by each provision of the Maryland Real Estate Appraisers Act, Business Occupations and Professions Article, §16-101 et seq., Annotated Code of Maryland, including each provision of §16-701.

#### Regulation .03 Responsibilities of Licensees and Certificate Holders.

*COMAR 09.19.05.03*

A. A licensee or certificate holder shall respond to the Commission in writing within 30 days of receipt of a written communication from the Commission to the licensee or certificate holder.

B. The Commission shall send written communications by certified and first class mail to the last address furnished to the Commission by the licensee or certificate holder.

### Chapter 06 — Hearing Regulations

**Authority:** Business Occupations and Professions Article, §16-216, Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective date: October 28, 1991 (18:21 Md. R. 2307)

**Administrative History:** Regulations .01—.08 repealed and new Regulation .01 adopted effective March 15, 2004 (31:5 Md. R. 447)

#### Regulation .01 Contested Case Hearings.

*COMAR 09.19.06.01*

A. Except as provided in §§B and C of this regulation, all contested case hearings before the Commission are governed by COMAR 09.01.02.

B. Contested case hearings before the Commission shall be conducted before the Real Estate Appraisal Hearing Board in accordance with Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§16-210 and 16-211, Annotated Code of Maryland.

C. In accordance with Business Occupations and Professions Article, §16-211(d), Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commission or any of its members may file an exception to the decision of the Hearing Board within 15 days after the filing of the Hearing Board's decision.

D. If a timely exception under §C of this regulation is filed, the Commission shall set the matter in for a hearing before the Commission.

E. All contested hearings delegated to the Office of Administrative Hearings are governed by COMAR 09.01.03.

### Chapter 07 — Fees

**Authority:** Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§16-216, 16-217, 16-220, 16-303, 16-304(d), 16-308, 16-310, 16-505, 16-506(d), 16-510—16-512, 16-5A-01, and 16-5A-04, Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective date:

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01 adopted as an emergency provision effective September 4, 1991 (18:22 Md. R. 2391); emergency status expired February 4, 1992; adopted permanently effective June 8, 1992 (19:11 Md. R. 1015)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01 amended effective March 1, 1993 (20:4 Md. R. 371); March 15, 2004 (31:5 Md. R. 447); May 23, 2005 (32:10 Md. R. 924)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01 amended as an emergency provision effective May 6, 1993 (20:11 Md. R. 911); amended permanently effective August 30, 1993 (20:17 Md. R. 1345)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01A amended as an emergency provision effective May 1, 1994 (21:11 Md. R. 949); emergency status expired November 1, 1994; amended permanently effective November 7, 1994 (21:22 Md. R. 1875)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01A amended as an emergency provision effective December 16, 2005 (33:1 Md. R. 34); amended permanently effective May 22, 2006 (33:10 Md. R. 881)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01B amended as an emergency provision effective December 1, 2000 (27:25 Md. R. 2277); emergency status expired June 1, 2001; adopted permanently effective February 18, 2002 (29:3 Md. R. 219)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01B amended effective January 1, 2012 (38:25 Md. R. 1581)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01C amended effective September 26, 2016 (43:19 Md. R. 1071)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01C, D amended as an emergency provision effective February 24, 2012 (39:6 Md. R. 405); amended permanently effective May 28, 2012 (39:10 Md. R. 659)

#### Regulation .01 Fees Owed the Commission.

*COMAR 09.19.07.01*

A. Pursuant to Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§16-304(d) and 16-506(d), Annotated Code of Maryland, an applicant for examination or reexamination shall pay an examination fee of $100.

B. At the time a license or certificate is issued by the Commission, the licensee or certificate holder shall pay to the Commission $40 for each year for which the license is issued. This fee will be transmitted to the Appraisal Subcommittee of the Federal Financial Institutions Examinations Council as required by 12 U.S.C. §3338.

C. Pursuant to Business Occupations and Professions Article, Title 16, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commission shall set fees to produce funds to approximate the cost of maintaining the Commission. Fees charged by the Commission are as follows:

  (1) Copy of the annual roster — $25;

  (2) Certification of good standing — $15;

  (3) Reciprocal license application fee  — $250;

  (4) Reciprocal certificate application fee — $250;

  (5) Temporary permit — $75;

  (6) Original license application fee — $250;

  (7) Original certificate application fee — $250;

  (8) Original appraiser trainee application fee — $150;

  (9) Renewal license fee — $250;

  (10) Renewal certificate fee — $250;

  (11) Renewal appraiser trainee fee — $150;

  (12) Reinstatement license fee — $75;

  (13) Reinstatement certificate fee — $75.

D. The failure without good cause to pay any of the fees or charges set forth in this regulation shall be grounds for disciplinary action under Business Occupations and Professions Article, §16-701(a)(1)(xiii), Annotated Code of Maryland.

### Chapter 08 — Temporary Permits and Reciprocity

**Authority:** Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§16-216, 16-220, 16-305, and 16-507, Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective date: March 2, 1992 (19:4 Md. R. 473)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01 amended effective March 15, 2004 (31:5 Md. R. 448); May 23, 2005 (32:10 Md. R. 925)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01B amended as an emergency provision effective January 30, 2006 (33:4 Md. R. 349); amended permanently effective May 22, 2006 (33:10 Md. R. 881)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02 amended effective September 26, 2016 (43:19 Md. R. 1072); March 31, 2025 (52:6 Md. R 267)

#### Regulation .01 Temporary Permits.

*COMAR 09.19.08.01*

A. The Commission may issue a temporary permit allowing an individual to provide, on a temporary basis, certified or licensed real estate appraisal services in the State, if the:

  (1) Individual is licensed or certified in another state;

  (2) Property to be appraised is located in Maryland;

  (3) Appraiser's business is of a temporary nature in Maryland;

  (4) Individual files an application for a temporary permit on a form prepared by the Commission; and

  (5) Individual pays the fee set by the Commission.

B. A temporary permit:

  (1) May be issued only for a particular appraisal assignment;

  (2) May include multiple properties; and

  (3) May not be renewed.

C. An individual may hold more than one temporary permit at a time.

D. More than one permit may be issued per year.

E. The term for a temporary permit:

  (1) Is 6 months from the date of issuance;

  (2) May not exceed the term of the license or certificate of the permit holder; and

  (3) Terminates automatically and immediately if the temporary permit holder's license from the other state expires or is suspended or revoked.

F. A temporary permit automatically expires on the date the specific assignment is completed or the expiration date specified on the temporary permit, whichever occurs first.

G. Upon request, the Commission may extend the term of a temporary permit.

H. When a temporary permit is in effect, it authorizes the individual to provide licensed or certified appraisal services only for the specific assignment listed on the temporary permit.

I. Subject to the hearing provisions of §16-602, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commission may deny or revoke a temporary permit for any applicable ground under Business Occupations and Professions Article, §16-701, Annotated Code of Maryland.

#### Regulation .02 Reciprocal Licenses and Certificates.

*COMAR 09.19.08.02*

The Commission may waive the examination requirement and issue a reciprocal license or certificate to an individual, if the individual:

A. Holds a valid license or certificate in another state;

B. Is licensed or certified by a state that is in compliance with Title XI of the federal Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989, as determined by the Appraisal Subcommittee of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council;

C. Files an application for a reciprocal license or certificate and, if the applicant is a nonresident, executes an irrevocable consent to service of process specifying that service of process on the Secretary of State is binding on the applicant in any legal action concerning the provision of appraisal services; and

D. Pays the fee required by COMAR 09.19.07.01D.

### Chapter 09 — License and Certificate Numbers

**Authority:** Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§15.5-216 and 15.5-513, Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective date: March 1, 1993 (20:4 Md. R. 371)

#### Regulation .01 License and Certificate Numbers.

*COMAR 09.19.09.01*

A. Each licensed and certified appraiser shall be assigned a license or certificate number by the Commission.

B. On each document which refers, directly or indirectly, to the licensed or certified status of an appraiser, the appraiser shall indicate the appraiser's classification and shall list the license or certificate number which has been assigned to the appraiser.

### Chapter 10 — Disciplinary Actions

**Authority:** Business Occupations and Professions Article, §16-216(2), Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective date: September 12, 1994 (21:18 Md. R. 1509)

#### Regulation .01 Definitions.

*COMAR 09.19.10.01*

A. For purposes of Business Occupations and Professions Article, §16-701, Annotated Code of Maryland, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

  (1) “Competence” means the ability of an appraiser to identify properly the task or assignment to be carried out and then to apply the required knowledge and experience to complete the assignment or task.

  (2) “Incompetence” means the physical or mental incapacity or inability to perform normally recognized duties as a certified or licensed appraiser.

  (3) “Negligence” means the failure to act with ordinary care. A certified or licensed appraiser acts with ordinary care when the certified or licensed appraiser exercises the amount of care which an ordinarily or reasonably prudent and careful appraiser would exercise under similar circumstances.

  (4) “Reasonable diligence” means the amount of effort which the average certified or licensed appraiser would exercise under similar circumstances.

#### Regulation .02 Incorporation by Reference.

*COMAR 09.19.10.02*

Minimum standards of reasonable care for federally related transactions, as defined in 12 U.S.C. §3350(4), are those set forth in 12 CFR §323.4, which is incorporated by reference. Minimum standards also require compliance with the appraiser's Code of Ethics set forth in COMAR 09.19.05.01.

### Chapter 11 — Volunteer Expert Review Appraiser Roster

**Authority:** Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§16-208(a), 16-216, 16-220, and 16-503(f), Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective date:

**Administrative History:** Regulations .01—.04 adopted as an emergency provision effective January 5, 2000 (27:2 Md. R. 140); adopted permanently effective June 26, 2000 (27:12 Md. R. 1139)

#### Regulation .01 Composition.

*COMAR 09.19.11.01*

A. The Commission may assemble and maintain a roster of licensed and certified real estate appraisers who:

  (1) Possess, in the opinion of the Commission, specific expertise and knowledge; and

  (2) Are willing to provide appraisal report reviews for the Commission on a volunteer basis pursuant to COMAR 25.02.01.02B(8).

B. The Application/Complaint Committee of the Commission may request the assistance of an appraiser from this roster to conduct research, gather data, and review and evaluate appraisal reports for compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

#### Regulation .02 Responsibilities of Volunteer Expert Appraisers.

*COMAR 09.19.11.02*

The volunteer expert review appraiser (VERA) roster participants shall:

A. Be licensees selected by the Commission who are State-certified or State-licensed appraisers;

B. Agree to provide their services on a voluntary basis;

C. Act in conformance with the Maryland Real Estate Appraisers Act and this chapter;

D. Keep a detailed log of the volunteer activities conducted as a participant of the VERA roster;

E. Submit a copy of this log to the Application/Complaint Committee at the end of each month during which volunteer activity occurred;

F. Provide the Committee with written results of the review based on information obtained through services provided pursuant to Regulation .01 of this chapter; and

G. Appear at an administrative proceeding and provide testimony pertaining to the volunteer services rendered to the Committee pursuant to Regulation .01 of this chapter.

#### Regulation .03 Review Process.

*COMAR 09.19.11.03*

When an appraisal report is submitted to a roster participant for review and evaluation for compliance with USPAP:

A. The assignment of the appraisal review will be based on the geographic location of the subject property, the type of property appraised, and the expertise and qualifications of the VERA roster participant;

B. The appraiser reviewing the report will be given specific written instructions by the Application/Complaint Committee as to the scope of the assignment;

C. The appraiser will have 30 days in which to complete a review for residential properties and 45 days for all other properties;

D. Extensions of the time for review may be granted upon written request from the appraiser to the Application/Complaint Committee;

E. The appraiser shall provide the Application/Complaint Committee with written results of the review;

F. Confidential information, such as the identities of the appraiser who prepared a report and the lender/client, will not be disclosed to the appraiser reviewing the report; and

G. The appraiser reviewing the report will keep all information and documents submitted as part of the review confidential.

#### Regulation .04 Application Process.

*COMAR 09.19.11.04*

A. A licensed or certified appraiser may apply to serve as a volunteer expert review appraiser by submitting to the Commission a resume, a letter of interest reflecting the applicant's qualifications, including education, experience, geographic location, and property type expertise and any other information which may support selection to the VERA roster.

B. The Commission may appoint a committee to review applications and make recommendations to the Commission.

C. The Commission will select applicants to be included in the VERA roster from among those applicants deemed qualified by the Commission based on the applicant's education, knowledge, and experience.

D. All applicants will be notified of the decision of the Commission in writing.

E. Appraisers selected to be included in the VERA roster shall serve for a 5-year term.

F. Upon 30 days notice, the Commission may remove an individual from the VERA roster for any reason.

G. Upon request, a list of appraisers then serving on the VERA roster will be made available to members of the public.

### Chapter 12 — General Regulations

**Authority:** Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§16-101(r), 16-216(2), 16-312(6), 16-220, 16-5A-03, and 16-701(a)(1)(xiii), Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective date:

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01 adopted as an emergency provision effective January 30, 2006 (33:4 Md. R. 349); emergency status expired June 19, 2006

**Administrative History:** Regulation .01 adopted effective September 25, 2006 (33:19 Md. R. 1559)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02 adopted effective September 10, 2007 (34:18 Md. R. 1579)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02A amended effective January 7, 2013 (39:26 Md. R. 1664); November 24, 2014 (41:23 Md. R. 1372)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02C adopted effective November 24, 2014 (41:23 Md. R. 1372)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02 repealed effective November 9, 2015 (42:22 Md. R. 1377)

**Administrative History:** Regulation .02 adopted effective January 14, 2019 (46:1 Md. R. 11)

#### Regulation .01 Time for Submitting License/Certification Application.

*COMAR 09.19.12.01*

A. An applicant who is approved by the Commission to sit for a license or certification examination shall be given up to 2 years from that approval date to sit for the appropriate examination.

B. An applicant who has successfully completed the license or certification examination shall apply and be approved for licensure or certification, including payment of all applicable fees, within 2 years of successfully completing the licensing examination in order for the applicant's test results to remain valid.

#### Regulation .02 Correspondence with the Commission.

*COMAR 09.19.12.02*

A. If an applicant or licensee receives from the Commission a written communication requesting a response, the applicant or licensee shall respond in writing within 30 days of the date of the mailing.

B. The Commission shall send a written communication by first-class mail to the last address furnished to the Board by the applicant or licensee.

C. It is the responsibility of an applicant or licensee to notify the Commission in writing if there has been a change in an applicant’s or licensee’s address.

D. Failure to respond as required by this regulation may be considered by the Commission to be a violation of Business Occupations and Professions Article, §16-701(a)(1)(xiii), Annotated Code of Maryland.