Online appraisal classes give you the opportunity to learn how to appraise an item's value while allowing more scheduling flexibility than you are likely to find in a traditional classroom setting. Many online appraisal classes teach about real estate appraisal but, if that isn't your goal, you may want to start your search by finding classes that teach about the type of appraisal you want to learn. Once you've identified appropriate classes, you can check the courses' schedules to see when they start and just how much flexibility each will allow. The length of the course is another consideration, because a shorter course may enable you to begin appraising items relatively quickly, but it may not be as thorough or effective as a longer course. If you are seeking continuing education (CE) credit for the course, then you also should look for accredited appraisal courses that meet your CE needs.
One advantage of taking online appraisal classes is that you can take the classes at home instead of having to travel to a college or other classroom setting. Some classes may be flexible, with teachers simply requesting that you sign in at some point at least once a day, while others may require you to sign in at a specific time. Identifying such requirements and determining whether you can meet them without the class interfering with work or other obligations can go a long way toward picking the best online appraisal classes.
Just like most other courses, online appraisal classes are made to encompass a certain number of hours. Shorter courses likely will teach you appraisal skills quicker, but the courses may not be as comprehensive as you want and teachers may simply focus on tossing out as much information as possible in the time allowed. Longer courses are typically more comprehensive and give you more time to process the information, but they also will take longer to finish.
Many online appraisal classes focus on real estate appraisal, but you may want to learn how to appraise other things. Other things that are commonly appraised include websites, cars and antiques. Before enrolling in a class, you should ensure that it focuses on the type of appraisal you want to learn; if the syllabus does not specify, then the classes likely focus on real estate appraisal, though the instructor should be able to confirm this for you.
If continuing education is your goal, then you likely will want to see if online appraisal classes in which you are interested are accredited or if they are meant for higher learning. Accredited classes typically cost more but, if you graduate with good grades, you should receive an appraisal license. Non-accredited classes usually cost less and may lead to a better license, but you likely will not receive a license as a direct result of taking these classes. If a license is your end goal, then you may want to ensure that the courses are authorized to award you a license where you live. The laws of certain jurisdictions mean that the benefits of accredited classes may not be accepted in every state, country or region.