The MAI 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 current requirements an appraiser must fulfill to receive the MAI designation are as follows.

Education:

• Receive a passing grade on eleven examinations that reflect 380 hours of classroom instruction and that test the appraiser's knowledge of: basic and advanced appraisal principles, procedures and applications; report writing; valuation analysis; and standards of professional practice.
• Receive a passing grade on a four-module, two-day comprehensive examination .
• Hold an undergraduate degree from a four-year accredited educational institution.

Experience:
Receive credit for 6,000 hours of experience, including 3,000 hours of specialized appraisal experience, all of which must meet strict criteria.

Demonstration Report:
Receive credit for a demonstration appraisal report relating to income-producing property that demonstrates the ability to present a properly supported value estimate or opinion evaluating the nature, quality or utility of a parcel of real estate or any interest in, or aspect of, real property, including handling physical incurable depreciation, or fulfill an approved comparable alternative.

The SRA professional membership designation is held by real estate solutions providers who are experienced in the analysis and valuation of residential real property. The current requirements that an appraiser must fulfill to receive the SRA designation are as follows.

Education:

• Receive a passing grade on seven 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.
• Hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited educational institution (or satisfy a specified alternative).

Experience:
Receive credit for 4,500 hours of experience, including 2,000 hours of residential appraisal experience, all of which must meet strict criteria.

Demonstration Report:
Receive credit for a demonstration appraisal report relating to a residential property that demonstrates the ability to present a properly supported value estimate or opinion evaluating the nature, quality, or utility of a parcel of real estate or any interest in, or aspect of, real property, or fulfill an approved comparable alternative.

Some designated members may also hold the SREA or RM membership designations, which were conferred by the Appraisal Institute's predecessor organizations. The SREA designation is held by appraisers who are experienced in real estate valuation and analysis and advise clients on real estate investment decisions. The RM membership designation is held by appraisers who are experienced in the valuation of single-family dwellings and two-, three-, and four-unit residential properties.