Massachusetts § 178 - Classification of real estate appraisers; applications

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 178 — Classification of real estate appraisers; applications, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 178. Classification of real estate appraisers; applications

Section 178. There shall be four classes of real estate appraisers as follows:

(1) The state-certified general real estate appraiser classification, which shall consist of persons meeting the requirements for certification relating to the appraisal of all types of real property and passing a state administered examination, which requirements and examination are, at a minimum, consistent with the requirements and examination of the Appraisal Qualifications Board of the Appraisal Foundation for that category.

(2) The state-certified residential real estate appraiser classification, which shall consist of persons meeting the requirements for certification relating to the appraisal of certain residential real property and passing a state administered examination, which requirements and examination are, at a minimum, consistent with the requirements and examination of the Appraisal Qualifications Board of the Appraisal Foundation for that category.

(3) The state-licensed real estate appraiser classification, which shall consist of persons meeting the requirements established by the board for licensing pursuant to this chapter and passing a state administered examination, which requirements and examination are, at a minimum, consistent with and equivalent to the requirements of Title XI and any guidelines issued thereunder by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council or its Federal Appraisal Subcommittee.

(4) Real estate appraisal trainee classification, which shall consist of persons authorized only to assist a state-certified general real estate appraiser, state-certified residential real estate appraiser or state-licensed real estate appraiser in the performance of an appraisal assignment. Such real estate appraisal trainee shall obtain a trainee license and shall perform such functions as are consistent with regulations established by the board governing this category of licensure; provided, however, that such regulations are not inconsistent with the requirements of Title XI and any guidelines issued thereunder by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council or its Federal Appraisal Subcommittee.

The application for original certification or licensing, renewal certification or licensing and examination shall specify the classification of certification or licensure being applied for and previously granted.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 178

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 178 cover?

Section 178 ("Classification of real estate appraisers; applications") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 178?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 178" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 178 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.