The Colorado Division of Real Estate published their Bimonthly Notification with an update regarding new education requirements for real estate appraisers beginning for license renewals in 2026
Appraisal Licensee Advisory: Valuation Bias
As an appraiser, you are required to follow the Colorado Appraiser Practice Act (§§ 12-10-601 through 12-10-623, C.R.S.) and the Rules Governing the Practice of Real Estate Appraisers of the Board of Real Estate Appraisers (4 C.C.R. 725-2). On November 2, 2023, the Board of Real Estate Appraisers (“BOREA”) reviewed and updated its rules for implementation on January 1, 2024. Among other changes, the rules include requirements that licensees must take education courses in (1) valuation bias and (2) fair housing laws training requirements.
Many practitioners have heard about valuation bias or read articles pertaining to the importance of compliance with fair housing laws. In recent years, these concepts have received increased attention. This advisory is to provide information on the Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations course. After careful consideration and consultation with practitioners, fair housing attorneys, and other stakeholders, the Appraisal Qualifications Board (“AQB”) developed a Valuation Bias and Fair Housing laws and Regulations course. In Colorado, the course will be mandatory after January 1, 2026 and may take three forms:
- a seven (7) hour course,
- an eight (8) hour course which is the seven (7) hour course plus a one (1) hour examination, and
- a four (4) hour course for practitioners in subsequent license cycles after having taken either (A) or (B) above in a previous license cycle.
As set forth by the AQB in the course outline, the principal course topics are:
- Understanding Real Estate Bias,
- Federal Fair Housing and Antidiscrimination Laws and Regulations,
- Valuation Bias, and
- Case Studies
The course is heavily weighted towards a historical perspective on these topics and is designed to provide students with information on the role that industry and government decisions made long ago still affect the current real estate market today.
According to BOREA Rule 7.2.C, this course will be required every two (2) years beginning after January 1, 2026. The first time an existing licensee completes the continuing education requirement for this course, the course length will be seven (7) hours. If a Licensee successfully completed a seven (7) hour (plus one (1) hour exam) course as part of their Qualifying Education, they have satisfied this requirement. Most recently in May 2025, the AQB updated their Q&A Document. This important guidance contains several changes but perhaps the most significant revision involves clarification on when an appraiser must complete the initial 7-hour or 8-hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing course under the 2026 Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria. Specifically, the updated guidance now clarifies that appraisers must complete the initial 7-hour CE version (or the 8-hour QE version with exam) within the first two calendar years after the 2026 Criteria becomes effective.
Thereafter, the course length must be at least four (4) hours. All practitioners should be advised that successful completion of the four (4) or seven (7) hour Valuation Bias and Fair Housing Laws and Regulations Courses will be credited toward the required twenty-eight (28) hours of Continuing Education required during every two (2) year licensing period.
As education providers develop these important appraisal courses, BOREA will approve those classes, and licensees will find them on the Division’s Approved Continuing Education course list. RMAA plans to offer a course in early 2026 – stay tuned for details!
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