MAI Designation
Eligibility for the General Candidate for Designation Program
First, the prerequisites.
You don’t need to be affiliated with AI to begin your journey, though we recommend you join as a Practicing Affiliate to take advantage of education discounts and other benefits.
- Be a Certified General Real Property Appraiser (or equivalent)
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (if not a certified general real property appraiser)
- Provide proof of Standards course (i.e., USPAP, IVS)
- Complete AI Business Practices and Ethics
- Pass exam for Advanced Income Capitalization
- Pass exam for Advanced Market Analysis and Highest & Best Use
- Pass exam for Advanced Concepts & Case Studies
- Pass exam for Quantitative Analysis
Once you’ve met these prerequisites, you’re ready to enter the General Candidate for Designation program working towards MAI Designated membership.
Achieving the MAI Designation
You’re on your way to becoming a Designated Member!
Now, the requirements.
As a Candidate for Designation, you’ll need to complete the following requirements within four years to achieve your designation.
- Pass the General Comprehensive Exam.
View the full details in the Comprehensive Exam Guidebook. - Complete the General Demonstration of Knowledge.
View the full details in our Official Guide to the Demonstration of Knowledge Requirement: General. - Complete 4,500 hours of specialized experience.
View the full details in the Experience Credit Candidate Guidebook. - Submit your MAI Designated membership application.
Get Started
The first step in your journey is to create your personal interactive prerequisite checklist.
Although affiliation is not required to complete prerequisites, we encourage you to join AI as a Practicing Affiliate to take advantage of up to a 30% discount on educational offerings and additional benefits.
We’re here to help! Our team of specialists will guide your progress from Practicing Affiliate to Candidate to Designated membership.
Time Requirements
As a Candidate for Designation, you’re required to complete the program requirements within four years from the date of your admission to candidacy.
If you can’t meet the deadline, you can request a new four-year timeline. If you’re no longer eligible to request a new time period, you can maintain your affiliation as a Practicing Affiliate.
Candidate Policy Manual
All the information you need, compiled into one document.
Review the full program requirements, alternative paths and additional resources in our Candidate for Designation Policy Manual.
Scholarships
We have scholarships to help you achieve your goals.
See if you’re eligible for a scholarship offered by the Appraisal Institute Education and Relief Foundation.
Designated Education
Are you undecided about pursuing a designation?
Take one of our designation courses to elevate your knowledge. You don't have to be a Candidate to work on prerequisite requirements.