Membership Levels

Certified Master Appraiser (C.M.A.)

A Certified Master Appraiser must have met the requirements for Certified Member and, 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 Studies Course as well as the practical appraisal examination. A Certified Master Appraiser must have an NAJA Accredited Gem Laboratory.

Certified Senior Member (C.S.M.)

A Certified Senior Member must have been previously designated as a Senior Member. A Certified Senior Member must have successfully completed the NAJA Appraisal Studies Course, as well as the practical appraisal examination.

Certified Member (C.M.)

A Certified Member must have been previously designated as a Member. A Certified Member must have successfully completed the NAJA Appraisal Studies Course, as well as the practical appraisal examination.

Senior Member

As a Senior Member, the appraiser must have a minimum of 5 years of full-time appraisal experience and accumulate nineteen (19) points in education.

Member

A Member has fulfilled all requirements for membership and 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.

Notes
  • Membership dues and renewals do not vary within the various categories.
  • All categories of membership above Candidate require USPAP compliance.
  • Originally conceived as a home study course in 1999, the online version of the Appraisal Studies Course was launched in 2019 and undergoes periodic updating and revision due to changes in USPAP, advancements in gemology, and developments in the industry. All categories of Certified Members are required to achieve sixteen (16) hours of continuing education each year to maintain their certified status.
  • Due to the trust and nature of jewelry work, NAJA’s policy is not to permit membership for those who have been convicted of, or plead guilty to, a felony.