Appraisal Institute is the acknowledged leader in real estate appraisal education, publishing, research, and professional membership designation programs. Appraisers are encouraged to go beyond minimum requirements of state licensing and certification by participating in our professional education programs. As a result, our membership represents the "cream of the crop" of the real estate appraisal profession.

Educating real estate appraisers for over 60 years, the Appraisal Institute is the acknowledged leader in residential and commercial appraisal education, research, publishing, and professional membership designation programs. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the Appraisal Institute has approximately 20,000 members and 121 chapters across the country. The Appraisal Institute remains faithful to the ideal of high appraisal standards. Its members are encouraged to adhere to these high standards through professional designation programs that recognize knowledge, training, and experience in residential and commercial real estate appraisal.

Appraisers who have earned one of the Appraisal Institute's general designations (MAI, SRPA, SREA) or residential designations (SRA or RM) are backed by years of appraisal education and experience and are highly respected by those seeking professional opinions of value - individual property owners, investors, government agencies, corporations, the courts, and others seeking professional appraisal services.

Appraisers who are associate and affiliate members must also adhere to the high standards of the Appraisal Institute and actively participate in educational and professional development programs as well as national and chapter governance. Attorneys, accountants, real estate agents, and others who are involved in real estate and real estate appraisal may also become affiliate members of the Appraisal Institute.