Who We Are and What We Stand For

Our Mission

The Appraisal Institute empowers valuation professionals through community, credentialing, education, body of knowledge and ethical standards. Appraisal Institute champions the valuation profession.

The Appraisal Institute is the leading professional association of real estate appraisers. The Appraisal Institute's Code of Professional Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice comprise requirements for ethical and competent practice, and advance equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in our profession. Our work includes an array of professional education and advocacy programs, and stewardship of the highest-level professional credentials in residential and commercial real estate appraisal. We encourage members and non-members alike to comment here and contact us any time. Welcome to all!

Our History

The Appraisal Institute was established in 1991, when the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers (AIREA) and the Society of Real Estate Appraisers unified. Founded in the 1930s, AIREA and the Society were created to help standardize the appraisal process by promoting professional education and upholding high ethical standards.

Who We Are

We are home to the largest group of real property valuers in the United States.

Our community includes real estate appraisers and property analysts who provide valuation-related services to mortgage lenders, financial institutions, government agencies, attorneys, financial planners and others.

We inspire our Designated Members, Candidates for Designation, Practicing Affiliates and Affiliates to succeed and advance. From students exploring the real property valuation profession, to seasoned appraisers staying on top of industry trends, we have a path for you, with tailored resources and extensive benefits to help you achieve your goals.

What We Do

We are the go-to resource for the valuation profession. Along with supporting our Professionals, we provide continuous learning opportunities, educate the public about our industry, and advocate critical issues.

The Gold Standard in Credentialing

Our Designated Members hold the prestigious MAI, SRPA, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS, SREA and RM designations, immediately signifying completion of advanced coursework, experience, and the highest levels of integrity. Explore our designations below.

Best-in-Class Education

We offer nearly 800 education programs annually to help you reach your career goals. Our offerings are led by experienced appraisers who tap their real world, in-the-field experience to make the learning timely, comprehensive and actionable.

Wherever you are in your career, we have courses to meet your specific needs, from licensing and certification requirements to designation requirements, continuing education and special education on advanced topics. We've designed the programs to meet various learning preferences: in-person classroom settings, self-paced online courses, convenient livestream experiences and more. Our education offerings also help other professionals understand appraisal techniques and processes.

Your Source for Industry News and Knowledge

We keep you informed about the latest industry developments, such as contemporary practice issues, advances in methodology and technology, the valuation of special purpose properties and more.

We also publish award-winning magazines and journals, as well as professional textbooks, and cultivate an extensive library of research articles and case studies, creating a core body of knowledge for the industry.

Advocating on Your Behalf

We are committed to a positive path forward for the valuation profession.

Through our office in Washington, D.C., we communicate regularly with legislators and regulators to promote appraisal policies that support valuation professionals while protecting the public’s best interest. We pursue opportunities for valuation professionals to testify before Congress and provide background briefings to legislators on critical industry issues.

We’ve also forged strategic coalitions with consumer groups, homebuilders, the mortgage insurance industry, and various related professional real estate associations.

A Global Leader

In a rapidly changing world, we work alongside the international appraisal community to promote and expand the valuation profession.