Who orders this
- Brokers whose lender specifies a designation
- Commercial borrowers needing an AACI-signed report
- Lawyers and accountants who need a credible expert
- Homeowners in Quebec looking for an évaluateur agréé
Appraisal Institute of Canada designations
The Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC) grants two main designations to members who complete the required education, supervised experience and examinations. Designated members must follow the Canadian Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (CUSPAP). Which designation a file needs depends mainly on the type of property being appraised.
A CRA appraiser in Canada has nothing to do with the Canada Revenue Agency; the letters simply match. If you are searching for a CRA appraiser for a tax matter, what you likely need is a qualified appraiser who can provide a fair market value report your accountant can rely on.
- CRA, P.App (Canadian Residential Appraiser): residential properties, generally dwellings of up to four units and residential building lots
- AACI, P.App (Accredited Appraiser Canadian Institute): all types of real property, including commercial, industrial, multi-family, land and farms
In Quebec: the OEAQ and the évaluateur agréé title
In Quebec, évaluateur agréé (É.A.) is a reserved professional title governed by the Ordre des évaluateurs agréés du Québec (OEAQ) under the province’s Professional Code. Members are bound by the Ordre’s rules of practice and professional inspection. Many Quebec lenders, notaries and courts expect an évaluateur agréé to sign the report, and some appraisers hold both the OEAQ title and an AIC designation.
Tell us what your lender requires
Requirements vary by lender and purpose. A bank may accept a CRA for a house but want an AACI for a mixed-use building; a private lender may keep its own list; a court may expect an expert report with specific statements. Name the lender or end user and any instructions when you order, and we match the file to an appraiser across Canada who fits them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between AACI and CRA appraisers?
Both are Appraisal Institute of Canada designations. A CRA, P.App is qualified for residential properties, generally up to four units. An AACI, P.App is qualified for all property types, including commercial, industrial and land. Lenders often require an AACI for anything beyond a standard home.
How do I find an AIC designated appraiser across Canada?
You can check credentials in the Appraisal Institute of Canada’s public directory. Or order through AppraisalDesk, tell us the designation your lender requires, and we assign an appraiser who holds it for your property type.
Is a CRA appraiser connected to the Canada Revenue Agency?
No. CRA here stands for Canadian Residential Appraiser, an AIC designation, and has no link to the Canada Revenue Agency. For tax matters, ask your accountant what kind of valuation report they need, then order it with that purpose stated.
What is an évaluateur agréé?
An évaluateur agréé is a member of the Ordre des évaluateurs agréés du Québec, the professional order that governs this reserved title in Quebec. Many Quebec lenders, notaries and courts look for the title on appraisal reports for Quebec properties.
Does my lender accept any designated appraiser?
Not always. Some lenders keep approved panels or require a specific designation for certain property types or loan sizes. Ask your broker or lender, then enter those requirements on the order so the report is usable the first time.