College Degree Alternatives

IAAO now accepts alternative qualifications in lieu of holding a college degree. A bachelor’s degree, or one of the following alternatives, is required for the CAE designation. An associate degree, or one of the following alternatives, is required for any of our specialist designations.

Bachelor's Degree Alternatives
Any one of the following three options can be used in lieu of holding a bachelor's degree*:

 
  • Years of Experience

    Ten (10) years of full time experience in appraisal and/or assessment.

  • College Course Completion

    Thirty (30) hours of accredited college course credit with a grade of "C" or higher in any of the following subjects:

  • English Composition
  • Economics, Finance, or Accounting
  • Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, or other higher level mathematics
  • Business Law, Real Estate Law, or Real Estate Valuation
  • Geography
  • Combination

    A combination of the two options above. The Degree Alternatives Form is used to employ the alternative and can assist in determining acceptable combinations.

Associate Degree Alternatives
Any one of the following three options can be used in lieu of holding an associate degree*:

 
  • Years of Experience

    Seven (7) years of full time experience in appraisal and/or assessment.

  • College Course Completion

    Twenty-one (21) hours of accredited college course credit with a grade of "C" or higher in any of the following subjects:

  • English Composition
  • Economics, Finance, or Accounting
  • Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, or other higher level mathematics
  • Business Law, Real Estate Law, or Real Estate Valuation
  • Geography
  • Combination

    A combination of the two options above. The Degree Alternatives Form is used to employ the alternative and can assist in determining acceptable combinations.

More Information

*High school completion, or equivalent, is required to employ these alternatives. Documentation of completion, or equivalent, is required and should be submitted with the Degree Alternatives Form.

          Please see IAAO Procedural Rules for specific information on how these alternative qualifications apply to each designation.

To see any applicable commonly asked questions and answers visit our Candidacy FAQ.

If your question is not addressed in the FAQs e-mail our designation program staff.

Associated Forms

Degree Alternatives Form
Use this form to request the application of an alternative if you do not possess the required degree for the designation you are seeking.

Experience Record
Candidates must list their professional experience on this form when employing years of experience in lieu of the required degree.


Content provided for informational purposes only. IAAO’s Designation Program is governed by 
IAAO Procedural Rules. In the event of a discrepancy, the Procedural Rules prevail.