Membership Levels
Certified Master Appraiser (C.M.A.)
A Certified Master Appraiser must have met the requirements for "Senior Member" in addition must have been engaged in the practice of writing gem and jewelry appraisals for at least seven (7) years. A Certified Master Appraiser must have successfully completed the NAJA Appraisal/Value Theory Home Study Course as well as the Practical appraisal examination. A Certified Master Appraiser must have an accredited Gem Laboratory.
Certified Senior Member (C.S.M.)
An applicant for "Certified Senior Member" designation must be previously designated as a Senior Member and pass the Certified Senior Member Examination. This examination consists of a four (4) hour, closed book examination on appraisal theory and methodology, a five (5) hour practical examination in which applicants are required to write a Fair Market Value Appraisal on two (2) items of jewelry to the level required by The National Association of Jewelry Appraiser Minimum Report Writing Standards and the Internal Revenue Service.
Certified Member (C.M.)
An applicant for "Certified Member" designation must be previously designated as a "Member" and pass the Certified Member Examination. This examination consists of a four (4) hour, closed book examination on appraisal theory and methodology and a five (5) hour practical examination in which applicants are required to write an insurance replacement appraisal on two (2) items of jewelry to the level required by The National Association of Jewelry Appraiser's Minimum Report Writing Standards.
Senior Member
As a Senior Member. the appraiser must have a minimum of 5 years of full-time appraisal experience and accumulate a total of nineteen (19) points in education.
Member
A Member has fulfilled all requirements for membership and who has had a minimum of two years experience as an appraiser as well as gemological and/or trade education.
Candidate Member
A prospective member who does not meet any of the other designated membership level requirements may join the Association as a "Candidate Member." Candidate members are students completing their gemological studies or individuals who may not have enough years of experience or sufficient education for Member level. Such members agree to commit to a program of professional training leading to the next highest designation.
