In Canada, the most recognized appraisal designations are from the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC) and include the AACI for commercial and residential work or the CRA solely for residential. It typically takes 4-6 years for an appraiser to achieve their designation. All members of this appraisal organization must have high level education, ethical standards and errors and omissions insurance. Their annual dues and insurance costs are very high.

Appraisers are trained to be detailed, thorough and neutral. They have one service, appraisal. Their services are not governed by the outcome. Realtors may give opinions but mortgage lenders, courts, government agencies and insurance companies require certified appraisals by an AIC designated appraiser. Realtors may have ulterior motives, such was wanting the listing which does not put them into a neutral position. As well, few Realtors are trained in appraisal save for cursory courses and their errors and omissions insurance limits the work that they can undertake. In simple terms, Realtors give opinions, appraisers give certified valuations.

Mortgage brokers rely on the valuation expertise of AIC-designated appraisers to provide unbiased opinions of value during the mortgage financing and refinancing process. They are also involved in real estate consulting, reviews of appraisals, and pre-sale market value appraisals.