The Association of Online Appraisers had its genesis in 1999 as the leading advocate for the development of USPAP-compliant ethical and performance standards for those appraisers providing appraisal services by way of the then-new paradigm — via the Internet.

Since that time, the AOA has evolved into a not-for-profit professional membership society offering education, standards and designations to professional personal property appraisers whether appraising online or onsite. Today's appraiser seeks a reasonably-priced way to belong to a recognized society, to obtain the necessary education in appraisal theory and methodology, and to earn credentials as a professional appraiser. The AOA is here to fill that need.