Based in the metropolitan Washington, DC area, the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) has more than 5,500 members. It was formed in 1952 through the merger of the American Society of Technical Appraisers and the Technical Valuation Society founded in 1936 and 1939, respectively. Three designations are recognized, the AM, ASA, and FASA. The ASA is the only major appraisal organization representing all of the disciplines of appraisal specialists, including business valuation, gems and jewelry, machinery and technical specialties, personal property, and real property.

Designations are earned based on engagement in the appraisal profession and experience, a college degree or its equivalent, intensive written and oral examinations, submission of acceptable appraisal reports, and two to five years of full-time appraisal experience. Continuing education is required to maintain the designation.

AM—Accredited Member. To qualify for the AM designation, an individual must have at least two years of full-time equivalent appraisal experience and a college degree or its equivalent.

ASA—Senior Member. To qualify for the ASA designation, an individual must have a minimum of five years of full-time equivalent appraisal experience and a college degree or its equivalent.

FASA—Fellow of the Society. To achieve the FASA designation, an Accredited Senior Appraiser must be recognized by ASA's International Board of Governors for outstanding services to the appraisal profession and/or the society.

Founded in 2010, the National Association of Appraisers is the association for all appraisers, giving appraisers an independent voice at the national level.  Our primary goal is to serve boots-on-the-ground appraisers.

The organization focuses on advocacy, information, and professional development.  The purpose of the NAA is to:

1. Unite those engaged in the real property appraisal profession for the purpose of exerting a beneficial influence upon the profession and to advocate appraiser interests. 

2. Promote member awareness through education and information services. 

3. Provide services as may be beneficial to the membership at a reasonable fee structure. 

4. Promote high standards of conduct of members.

The Appraisal Institute is based in Chicago, IL. With more than 15,000 members, it is the nation's largest trade organization for appraisers. There are five designations recognized, the MAI, SRPA, SREA, SRA and RM. Currently, the Appraisal Institute offers only two membership designations, MAI and SRA. The other designations are the result of a 1991 unification of two organizations that merged into the Appraisal Institute. These organizations were the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers, (founded in 1932) and the Society of Real Estate Appraisers (founded in 1935).Designations are earned based on approved education that includes passing a series of examinations, passing a comprehensive examination, obtaining a college degree or complying with specified alternatives, writing a narrative demonstration report, and maintaining the designation through continuing education.

a couple of these might be older designations.

MAI—Member Appraisal Institute. The MAI designation is earned by appraisers with experience in the valuation and evaluation of commercial, industrial, residential, and other types of properties, and to those who advise clients on real estate investment decisions.

SRPA—Senior Real Property Appraiser. The SRPA designation is held by appraisers who are experienced in the valuation of commercial, industrial, residential, and other types of properties.

SREA—Senior Real Estate Analyst. The SREA designation is held by appraisers who are experienced in real estate appraising and analysis, and advise clients on real estate investment decisions. To receive the SREA designation, an appraiser already must have received the SRPA or SRA designation.

SRA—Senior Residential Appraiser. The SRA designation is earned by appraisers who are experienced in the valuation of single-family homes, townhomes, and residential income properties of up to and including four units.

RM—Residential Member. The RM designation is held by appraisers who are experienced in the valuation of single-family dwellings and two-, three-, and four-unit residential properties.

AI-GRS --(General Review Specialist) is for general appraisers and it has a focus on risk assessment.
AI-RRS  --(Residential Review Specialist) is for appraisers that specialize in residential real estate, as well as risk assessment.

The National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers, founded in 1961, is based in St. Louis, MO, and has more than 3,800 members. Four designations are recognized, the IFA, IFAA, IFAC, and IFAS. The designations are earned by passing four to six courses, passing the comprehensive member examination (waived if state certification is passed), meeting experience requirements of at least two years, completing at least two years of college or its equivalent, and submitting demonstration appraisal reports. The designations are maintained through continuing education.

IFA—Member. The IFA designation is conferred to the residential appraisal specialist.

IFAA—Appraiser-Agricultural. The IFAA designation is awarded to the appraiser specializing in agricultural, farm, and rural appraisals.

IFAC—Appraiser-Counselor. The IFAC designation is conferred to the appraiser experienced in counseling.

IFAS—Senior Member. The IFAS designation is awarded to the income-producing property specialist.

Founded in 1982, the National Association of Master Appraisers is based in San Antonio, TX, and has more than 2,250 members. Three designations are offered, MFLA, MRA, and MSA. Those showing evidence of having a valid appraiser's license or certification (based on designation), shall be deemed to have completed the experience, education, examination, and demonstration appraisal report requirements for the respective designations. The designation is maintained through continuing education.

MFLA—Master Farm and Land Appraiser. The MFLA designation indicates that the person holding it specializes in appraising agricultural properties and land.

MRA—Master Residential Appraiser. The MRA designation indicates that the person holding it specializes in residential appraisal.

MSA—Master Senior Appraiser. The MSA designation is earned by appraisers doing both residential and/or commercial appraisals.

In 1991, the National Association of Realtors® established "The Appraisal Section" after the former American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers voted to disaffiliate with NAR and merge with the Society of Real Estate Appraisers to form the Appraisal Institute.

Today, there are approximately 3,500 members of the Appraisal Section. In 1994, the section created two designations, GAA and RAA, for Appraisal Section members who meet tested education and experience requirements that exceed the requirements for state licensing. Appraisal Section members also are Realtor® members or hold an Institute Affiliate membership in the National Association of Realtors®.

GAA—General Accredited Appraiser. The GAA designation is awarded to appraisers specializing in commercial, industrial, and income producing properties.

RAA—Residential Accredited Appraiser. The RAA designation is awarded to appraisers specializing in residential real estate appraising.

With more than 4,000 members, the National Association of Real Estate Appraisers was founded in 1966 and is based in Alexandria, MN. The CCRA and CREA designations are earned by meeting two years of real estate experience, submitting two residential or commercial appraisal reports, and passing a residential or commercial exam. All members must be state-licensed.

CCRA—Certified Commercial Real Estate Appraiser. The CCRA requires two years of experience in commercial valuation, and is conferred to the appraiser who performs assignments including commercial, industrial, vacant land, and residential.

CREA—Certified Real Estate Appraiser. The CREA requires two years of experience in residential appraising, and is conferred to the appraiser who performs assignments on residential, condominiums, vacant land, and small commercial properties.

Founded in 1964, ERC currently has about 3,600 real estate appraisers on its rolls. With more than 4,600 Senior Certified Relocation Professional/Certified Relocation Professional (SCRP™/CRP™) members in its employer, real estate, appraiser, relocation service, and relocation management company categories, ERC has awarded the SCRP™ to 14 appraisers and the CRP™ to 305 appraisers.

The CRP™ designation is awarded through industry experience and by passing a comprehensive examination. The SCRP is awarded to CRPs who have earned ERC's Distinguished Service Award by giving back to the relocation industry through involvement on committees, speaking at ERC's national conventions, authorship in their publications, and other service-oriented activities.

Although the CRP™ does not signify ERC endorsement of an appraiser, it is more likely that the appraiser who has taken the time to earn the CRP™ will understand the industry's needs and respond to them.

RAC is the only professional organization consisting of real estate appraisers specializing in relocation appraisals. RAC was founded in 1989 by some of the nation's premier relocation appraisal specialists. Today, there are more than 125 appraiser members who are acknowledged by the users of relocation appraisals. Although a designation is not awarded, each member meets stringent standards to be considered for membership.

RAC members must show proof of recent relocation-related education and references from management level relocation clients. Furthermore, RAC members must demonstrate their understanding and ability to apply ERC appraisal guidelines, including forecasting, by providing demonstration reports that are reviewed by an admissions committee.

Alvin L. "Chip" Wagner III, CRP, IFA, is president, A. L. Wagner & Co. Real Estate Appraisers, Naperville, IL, and a member of MOBILITY's Editorial Advisory Committee. He is the 2000 vice president of the Chicagoland Corporate Relocation Council, and secretary of the Relocation Appraisers and Consultants. He can be reached at Chip@alwagner.com.

The Counselors of Real Estate is an invitation-only, professional organization for real estate advisors. Membership is determined by peer recognition as a leading professional in the industry. Members include brokers, appraisers, attorneys, bankers, and other executives. All members must have at least 10 years of experience in the industry and they must hold a senior position in their current firm. The mission of the organization is to provide support and opportunities to the leading counselors in the field. The organization also helps to facilitate networking between its members, including the exchanging of ideas and expertise.

The National Society of Real Estate Appraisers sets high standards of professional conduct and ethical behavior for its members. They award several designations, in addition to encouraging all of their members to continue to their educational pursuits, in order to improve their individual performance and the status of the profession as a whole.

RA-

- Must be a state certified appraiser
- Needs to have a minimum of 2 years experience
- Satisfy an education requirement set by the NSREA

CRA-

- Must be state certified appraiser
- Needs to have 3 years of experience (beyond those for certification)
- Must be a Residential Member of the NSREA for at least 2 years
- Satisfy an education requirement

MREA-

​- Must be a designated member (in good standing) of the NSREA
- Has to complete the NSREA’s Instructor Certification Program (or complete an equivalent program with another reputable association)

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The National Association of Real Estate Appraisers is a professional organization of real estate appraisers that was founded in 1966. They currently have over 10,000 members. Their mission is to provide universal standards and guidelines to their members in order to encourage the further professional development and continued success of all of its members. 

1. Certified Real Estate Appraiser (CREA)

2. Certified Commercial Real Estate Appraiser (CCRA).

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Their website is down.

The National Residential Appraisers Institute is an organization of real estate brokers, appraisers, and agents. Their objective is to advance and support the profession, in addition to empowering individuals within the industry. They expect their members to adhere to a code of ethics and continuing fostering the development of their professional knowledge. Additionally, they offer four designations to appraisers and market analysts

1. Certified Data Market Analyst (CDMA)
2. Graduate Senior Appraiser (GSA)
3. Senior Licensed Appraiser (SLA)
4. Senior Certified Appraiser (SCA)

The Real Estate Counseling Group of America (RECGA) is a small group of distinguished real estate counselors. Dr. William Kinnard, a former president of the American Real Estate and Urban Economics Association, founded the organization in 1970. The organization limits itself to 30 active members at any one time. Since its founding, it has counted among its membership many of the presidents of the Appraisal Institute, editors of numerous journals. As of a 2015 website update, 17 of the current members are also included in the invite-only Counselors of Real Estate organization. RECGA members specialize in a variety of areas including, development, market demand assessment, appraisal, refinancing, foreclosures, vacant land properties, and premise liability, among many others.