In fulfillment of this experience requirement, two years of experience credit shall be allowed for work performed during the completion of a master's degree, or three years of credit shall be allowed for work performed during the completion of a doctorate degree, providing that the graduate training was primarily in some aspect of minerals appraisal. In no case shall the total experience credit for academic work, above the baccalaureate degree exceed a total of three years.

Applicant must furnish specific and explicit descriptions of the qualifying work experience. Qualifying work experience specifically does not include routine activities, where the elements of initiative, professional judgment, and decision-making are lacking, nor does it include activities that do not use appraisal methods to process and interpret market data. Where pertinent, the description should include a bibliography listing published or unpublished reports of substantive original investigations or appraisal reports based on market data.

Specifically, and subject to change without notice by the Executive Committee, the requirements shall include education, experience, and a record of personal integrity as set forth in the following paragraphs. The interpretation and application of such requirements shall be within the sole discretion of the Executive Committee, which may in its judgment adopt and publish higher or additional requirements.

Educational requirements shall include:

1. baccalaureate or higher degree in geology, mining or petroleum engineering;
2. a minimum of one continuing education course in appraisal of minerals as recognized by the Executive Committee; or
3. in lieu of the forgoing, evidence satisfactory to the Executive Committee, or a committee of examiners duly appointed by it, of sound knowledge and proficiency in a field of appraisal of mineral's

Experience requirements for membership shall include a minimum of five years of appraisal of minerals experience after having satisfied the education requirements of the preceding paragraph.

Applicants for membership shall affirm their adherence to applicable professional and ethical standards and shall provide acceptable references from at least three minerals appraisers who have personal knowledge of the applicant's qualifications, integrity, and conduct, at least one of whom is a Member of the Institute.

CERTIFICATION PROCEDURES

The AIMA Board has established a three-person certification review committee to decide for and against applicants for certification. The committee will meet physically once each quarter to review completed applications. A unanimous decision will be required to certify or not certify an individual by the three-member committee. Applications receiving a split decision will automatically be forwarded to the Executive Committee of AIMA for its review. In this case, a two-thirds majority of the Executive Committee will be required to obtain certification.

No individual will be certified without submitting to the full application and review procedure. Individuals denied certification may petition for a personal hearing before the review committee that denied his or her original application.