The credible national organizations offer professional designations awarded on successful completion of appraisal courses with comprehensive examinations, proof of experience through personal interviews with admissions committees, and a demonstration appraisal report, which could be compared to a master's thesis. Once designated, an appraiser typically must participate in mandatory continuing education programs.

These organizations adhere to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, established by the Appraisal Foundation and adopted by various federal agencies. These standards must be adhered to by all state licensed and certified appraisers.

Designated members of many of the professional organizations have fulfilled rigorous educational and experience requirements, obtained a college degree or its equivalent, and must adhere to strict industry standards and a professional code of ethics. There are other appraisal organizations that require limited or no education or practical experience, no recertification, and no ethical expulsion provisions.

This appraiser has earned the SRA Designation with the Appraisal Institute (AI), and the IFA Designation, with the National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers (NAIFA). Both of these appraisal organizations are recognized by, and sponsors of, The Appraisal Foundation, which is authorized by Congress as the source of appraisal standards and appraiser qualifications.

SRA Designation

A "Senior Residential Appraiser", who is a member of the Appraisal Institute (AI), and experienced in the analysis and valuation of residential real property, and has met the following requirements:

• Must pass rigorous education requirements, including receiving a passing grade on six examinations that reflect 181 hours of classroom instruction, and that test the appraiser's knowledge of appraisal principles, residential valuation techniques, report writing and standards of professional practice.
• Must receive credit for 4,000 hours of experience, including 2,000 of residential appraisal experience, all of which meet strict criteria.
• Must submit evidence of an undergraduate college degree, or the equivalent thereof.
• Must provide proof of State Certification.
• Must receive credit for a demonstration appraisal report relating to a complex residential property, that demonstrates the ability to present a properly supported value estimate, applying the three approaches to value, or fulfill the approved alternative.
• Must conduct his or her professional activities in accordance with the Appraisal Institutes Code of Professional Ethics.
• Must adhere to strict continuing education requirements to ensure they are up-to-date with the evolving real estate field.

• Must be a "Declared Candidate", in good standing.
• Must submit the experience rating form prior to submission and grading of the demonstration report, subject to the approval by the Admissions Committee.
• Must submit evidence of a four (4) year college degree, or the equivalent thereof.
• Must provide proof of State Certification.
• Must submit evidence of successful completion of the NAIFA Ethics Course.
• Must submit a Demonstration Self-Contained Appraisal Report, or an expanded form report of a single family, or one to four unit residential property, subject to the requirements and grading criteria set forth by the Admissions Committee.
• Must adhere to strict continuing education requirements to ensure they are up-to-date with the evolving real estate field.
• Must conduct his or her professional activities in accordance with NAIFA's Code of Professional Ethics.

More information about the Appraisal Institute and NAIFA

Appraisal Institute: http://www.appraisalinstitute.org/