As the world's leading organization of professional real estate appraisers, the Appraisal Institute has general appraisal members who hold the MAI, SRPA, or SREA designations and residential appraisal members who hold the SRA or RM designation. Identified by their experience and knowledge of real estate valuation, these members adhere to a strictly enforced Code of Professional Ethics and Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. Currently, the Appraisal institute confers one general designation, the MAI, and one residential designation, the SRA.

Appraisal Institute professional membership designations are conferred on individuals who have met stringent educational requirements and have demonstrated appraisal experience. Each prospective candidate must submit an Application for MAI Designation and/or an Application for SRA Designation after meeting all requirements. Once designated, members participate in a program of continuing education. Training in up-to-date valuation techniques, coupled with experience and integrity, make Appraisal Institute members the preferred source for high-quality appraisal services.

	The MAI (Member Appraisal Institute) membership designation is held by appraisers who are experienced in the valuation and evaluation of commercial, industrial, residential, and other types of properties, and who advise clients on real estate investment decisions.
	The SRA (Senior Residential Appraiser) membership designation is held by appraisers who are experienced in the valuation of single-family homes, townhouses, and residential income properties of up to and including four units.
	The SRPA (Senior Real Property Appraiser) membership designation is held by members who are experienced in the valuation of commercial, industrial, residential, and other types of properties.

In addition to its professionally designated members, the Appraisal Institute also has associate and affiliate membership categories. Both receive such benefits as discounts on education programs and publications, subscriptions to informative periodicals, and insurance programs, as well as valuable opportunities to network with appraisers and others in related professions.

Associate Membership

Associate members of the Appraisal Institute are actively pursuing the MAI or SRA designation. Many benefits and opportunities are available to those who pursue an Appraisal Institute designation. If you are interested in a career in commercial appraising, you are invited to complete MAI designation requirements; those interested in a career in residential appraising are invited to fulfill SRA designation requirements.

To be an associate member you must meet the minimum requirements established by the Appraiser Qualifications Board of The Appraisal Foundation. For instance, meeting a state's requirements for becoming a state certified real estate appraiser would fulfill these criteria. By having the experience and education required by the AQB, you are exempt from the Level I education requirements of the Appraisal Institute, with the exception of the Standards of Professional Practice Course, Part A (Course/Exam 410).

As an associate member of the Appraisal Institute, you demonstrate to your clients that you are educating yourself beyond the level necessary for state certification - you are on your way to reaching the pinnacle in the appraisal field.

Affiliate Membership

Affiliate members are individuals who are interested in alliance with the Appraisal Institute, but are not necessarily interested in achieving an Appraisal Institute designation. The affiliate category includes government or review appraisers, international appraisers, appraiser trainees/para-appraisers, attorneys, bankers, students, and others.

Affiliates enjoy the many benefits of membership in the Appraisal Institute - newsletters, magazines, and discounts on publications, courses and seminars.