Yes, it was a move in the right direction back then. Look, I don't necessarily think you need a 4 yr degree for an appraisal certification, but I think a 2 year or equivalent is a pretty basic barrier of entry. This isn't 1970, most everyone attends some form of higher learning these days (and really that's been the case for 30 years). And its safe to say, the ones that don't we don't want representing banks going into people's homes.
We can have the debate all day long about if a degree means anything. I agree it's not what it used to be.
But we have done all of the following in the last few years - about to remove the degree requirement, cut the required QE damn hear in half, and removed the experience/supervisor requirement. And that's just what I can think of. I assume you worked hard and paid your dues to get your license. I value mine and I'm sure you valued yours. When you have no hardship to get something, you don't value it. That's my issue.
That's part of protecting public trust.