Appraiser Certification
A required section of every appraisal report in which the appraiser makes specific attestations about the appraisal, including independence, USPAP compliance, inspection status, and the basis for the value opinion.
The certification is a series of signed statements required by USPAP and expanded by GSE guidelines. The appraiser certifies that they have no undisclosed interest in the property, have not been influenced by the client, have personally inspected the property (or not, as applicable), have complied with USPAP, and that the reported analyses support the value conclusion. Additional GSE-required certifications cover prior services, license status, and whether the appraiser acted as an independent contractor. The certification carries legal weight — false statements can result in license revocation, fines, and criminal prosecution.
Related Terms
Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)
USPAPThe nationally recognized ethical and performance standards for the appraisal profession, established by The Appraisal Foundation.
Appraiser Independence
The legal requirement that appraisers must be free from improper influence, coercion, or pressure from parties with a financial interest in the transaction outcome.
USPAP Ethics Rule
The USPAP rule establishing requirements for appraiser conduct, management, confidentiality, and record keeping.
Appraisal Report
Under USPAP, a written report that summarizes the appraiser's analysis and conclusions in sufficient detail for the intended users to understand the basis of the value opinion.
More in Appraisal Process
View allScope of Work
The type and extent of research and analysis performed in an appraisal assignment.
Effective Date (Date of Value)
The date on which the appraiser's opinion of value applies.
Extraordinary Assumption
An assumption that is directly related to a specific assignment and, if found to be false, could alter the appraiser's opinions or conclusions.
Hypothetical Condition
A condition that is contrary to known fact but is assumed for the purpose of analysis.