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Valuer - How to get into this job

Kaiwāriu

Entry Requirements

There are no specific entry requirements to become a valuer, but you need to complete on-the-job training with an employer or valuation company.

Valuers specialising in jewellery must pass international examinations in diamond grading, gemmology and jewellery appraising.

"You can't be an expert at everything so you've got to have the ability to ask for advice and to know where to get it."

Jim Harvey - Valuer

Secondary Education

Useful subjects depend on the area of valuation you want to work in. English, art, art history, maths, technical drawing, woodwork, and mechanics may be useful.

Get help with choosing school subjects

Relevant courses

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job, through being in auction rooms or attending sales. Valuers may build up private databases and keep their own records of what items sell for.

"I subscribe to the catalogues of the major auction houses in New Zealand, and I keep them in a library so I can refer to them regularly."

Jim Harvey - Valuer

Useful Experience

Useful experience for valuers includes:

work as an auction room attendant
digital photography experience (for taking catalogue pictures)
insurance work
work selling or servicing the items they want to value, such as in a second-hand dealership
engineering work.

"Working in an auction room is the ultimate environment to learn to value chattels, and art and antiques. There's nothing like standing there week after week seeing three-piece lounge suites or Victorian diamond rings."

Peter Wedde - Valuer

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Updated November 2008

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