The AVAA Professional Standards are industry-wide standards that establish the framework within which the nation’s leading valuers and auctioneers undertake professional valuation and auction services. Developed through consultation with industry experts, the standards reflect the realities of professional practice and the expectations of government, regulators, insurers, courts, industry stakeholders, and the profession itself.

Developed by the Auctioneers and Valuers Association of Australia (AVAA), the Standards are a member-driven initiative of those holding the respected AVAA Certified Valuer (CVAu) and AVAA Certified Auctioneer (CAAu) credentials.

The AVAA Professional Standards are designed to operate as a practical framework for valuation and auction practice. They do not replace professional judgement. Instead, they establish the minimum professional expectations that apply across key aspects of professional valuation services and professional auction services. Each standard addresses a specific area of practice and sets out the conduct, systems, controls, documentation, and decision-making processes expected of members.

In practice, professional valuers and professional auctioneers are expected to apply the standards throughout the delivery of their services. This includes accepting instructions, managing conflicts of interest, maintaining professional competence, undertaking continuing professional development, maintaining professional indemnity insurance, managing records, handling complaints, protecting information, and complying with professional obligations relevant to the services being provided.

The standards are intended to be applied as part of everyday professional practice. A valuer preparing a valuation report may need to consider requirements relating to valuation instructions, independence, record keeping, minimum valuation report requirements, professional indemnity insurance, and continuing professional development. An auctioneer conducting an auction may need to consider requirements relating to auction conduct, auction client funds, anti-money laundering awareness, professional representations, engagement arrangements, and complaints management.

Importantly, the standards operate collectively. They are not standalone documents designed to be applied in isolation. Rather, they form an integrated professional framework that supports professionalism, consistency, accountability, transparency, and risk management across the valuation and auction sectors. Together, the standards establish a common benchmark for professional conduct and professional practice.

The standards also assist in raising professionalism throughout the valuation and auction industries. By establishing documented professional expectations, they provide clear guidance regarding the behaviours, systems, governance arrangements, and professional responsibilities expected of competent practitioners. This supports continuous improvement, strengthens professional accountability, and promotes confidence in professional valuation and auction services.

The AVAA Professional Standards operate alongside the AVAA Code of Ethics and AVAA Code of Practice. Together, these documents establish a comprehensive professional framework governing ethical conduct, professional competence, accountability, governance, and professional responsibilities. Compliance with the standards forms part of the broader obligations associated with holding AVAA credentials and membership.  A failure to comply with an applicable AVAA Professional Standard may give rise to disciplinary action.

Professionals who hold the CVAu or CAAu credential distinguish themselves through their commitment to recognised professional standards, ongoing professional development, ethical conduct, and professional accountability. The credentials provide visible recognition that a professional valuer or professional auctioneer operates within a structured framework designed to support high standards of valuation and auction practice.

For practitioners seeking to strengthen their professional standing, enhance their credibility, demonstrate their commitment to professionalism, and be recognised among Australia’s leading valuation and auction professionals, applying for the respected CVAu or CAAu credential represents an important step in professional development and industry recognition.

Interested In Finding Out More?

For further information on the AVAA Professional Standards, please send an email to standards@avaa.com.au or telephone 1300 928 165.  You can also stay up to date by following AVAA on LinkedIn, X/Twitter and Facebook.

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