California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 11321

(a) No person other than a state licensed real estate appraiser may assume or use that title or any title, designation, or abbreviation likely to create the impression of state licensure as a real estate appraiser in this state.

(b) No person other than a licensee may sign an appraisal in a federally related transaction.  A trainee licensed pursuant to Section 11327 may sign an appraisal in a federally related transaction if it is also signed by a licensee.

(c) No person other than a licensee holding a current valid license at the residential level issued under this part to perform, make, or approve and sign an appraisal may use the abbreviation SLREA in his or her real property appraisal business.

(d) No person other than a licensee holding a current valid license at a certified level issued under this part to perform, make, or approve and sign an appraisal may use the term “state certified real estate appraiser” or the abbreviation SCREA in his or her real property appraisal business.