The Appraisal Institute is an international membership association of professional real estate appraisers, with more than 18,000 members and 99 chapters throughout the United States, Canada and abroad. Its mission is to support and advance its members as the choice for real estate solutions and uphold professional credentials, standards of professional practice and ethics consistent with the public good.

The Appraisal Institute is the acknowledged worldwide leader in residential and commercial real estate appraisal education, research, publishing and professional membership designation programs. Its extensive curriculum of courses and specialty seminars provides a well-rounded education in valuation methodology for both the novice and seasoned practitioner.

Members of the Appraisal Institute form a network of highly qualified professionals throughout the United States and abroad. They are identified by their experience in and knowledge of real estate valuation and by their adherence to a strictly enforced Code of Professional Ethics and Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.

Membership is open to appraisal practitioners as well as to individuals from allied fields. Designated members may hold the MAI, SRPA or SRA membership designation. Currently, the Appraisal Institute confers one general (commercial) designation, the MAI, and one residential designation, the SRA. The associate member category is for individuals who engage in activity governed by the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. Affiliate membership is open to individuals who are not performing USPAP-related work but wish to be allied with the Appraisal Institute such as bankers, attorneys, and government agency representatives. See How to Join for more details.

As the world's largest publisher of real estate appraisal literature, the Appraisal Institute offers a wide range of books and other materials on a variety of subjects ranging from basic valuation theory and techniques to advanced applications.

The Appraisal Institute is also active in advocacy efforts on behalf of its members and the industry at large. Primarily through its Public Affairs office in Washington, D.C., the organization communicates regularly with legislators and regulators to encourage the adoption of appraisal policies that best serve the public interest.