The majority of our surveyors at Armitstead Barnett are qualified ‘Fellows’ of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV).  The designatory letters of ‘FAAV’ after a person’s name illustrates the qualification and fellowship. 

The CAAV is a national specialist professional body, which represents, briefs and qualifies those acting and advising on agricultural and rural property and business matters across the UK.  The areas covered by the association are extensive and include matters such as Landlord and Tenant legislation, Compulsory Purchase, Valuations, Purchase and Sale, Lettings, Utilities, Agricultural Management, Planning, Agricultural Subsidies, Taxation, Development, Auctioneering and Dispute Resolution etc.  

To gain professional qualification, candidates must complete a demanding two-day practical, written and oral examination, based on a wide-ranging syllabus, including all the items outlined above and more.  The exam is held annually, in November, with approximately 150 – 180 candidates sitting the assessment each year.

The exams use an operational farm and rural property for the basis of the practical exam, with questions being aimed at assessing the candidates’ ability to appraise and assess on-site scenarios.  Nationally set papers help to assess candidates’ wider knowledge, whilst an oral exam/interview aims to assess the candidates’ ability to deliver professional advice to clients.

Both Richard Furnival and I are now examiners for the CAAV, assisting with the setting of questions for on farm scenarios and completing the oral assessments, helping to ensure that all qualifying candidates have the knowledge and expertise to advise within the sector.