Membership Categories
Voting Members
Certified Membership
Certified Membership represents the highest level of accomplishment for members of the Appraisers Association. Certified Members have the most extensive level of expertise, qualifying education, and a minimum of ten years of experience as an appraiser of personal property, specializing in the fine and/or decorative arts. Certified Members are included in the searchable “Find An Appraiser” database and are distinguished by the suffix “AAA” after their name. The Appraisers Association’s requirements for Certified Membership align with the Personal Property Appraiser Minimum Qualification Criteria established by The Appraisal Foundation (TAF). TAF is a congressionally mandated organization that oversees the valuation profession. The requirements include 120 hours of Qualifying Education, met by successfully completing the required courses, including a 15-hour USPAP Course and Exam. Applicants must then submit three sample appraisals following report templates provided by the Association, as well as pass a day-long Certification Exam in their Area of Specialization. Renewing Certified Members must meet a Continuing Education requirement of 70 hours every five years, including either a 15-hour or 7-hour USPAP Course every two years to remain USPAP compliant.
Life Certified Members
Life Certified Members have been Certified Members of the Appraisers Association for at least 25 years and are 75 years of age or older. Renewing Life Certified Members have met the Continuing Education requirement of 70 hours every five years and are USPAP compliant.
Accredited Membership
Accredited Members make up our core membership level and represent those with significant expertise, qualifying education and a minimum of five years of experience appraising personal property, specializing in the fine or decorative arts. Accredited Members are included in the searchable “Find An Appraiser” database. The Appraisers Association’s requirements for Accredited Membership align with the Personal Property Appraiser Minimum Qualification Criteria established by The Appraisal Foundation (TAF). TAF is a congressionally mandated organization that oversees the valuation profession. The requirements include 120 hours of Qualifying Education, including a 15-hour USPAP Course & Exam. Applicants must also submit three sample appraisals following the templates provided by the Appraisers Association. Accredited candidates do not take an exam in an area of specialization. Renewing Accredited Members must meet a Continuing Education requirement of 70 hours every five years, including either a 15-hour or 7-hour USPAP Course every two years to remain USPAP compliant.
Life Accredited Members
Life Accredited Members have been Accredited Members of the Appraisers Association for at least 25 years and are 75 years of age or older. Renewing Life Accredited Members have met the Continuing Education requirement of 70 hours every five years and are USPAP compliant.
Affiliates
Candidates for Accredited and Certified Membership
Candidates for Accredited or Certified Membership have been green-lighted to apply for membership, but have not yet completed the process. The rigorous application process can take up to two years to complete.
Associate Candidates
Associate Candidates are aspiring membership who have completed the Comprehensive Appraisal Studies Program (CASP) with the Appraisal Institute of America, including a 15-hour USPAP Course and Exam. Associate Candidacy is available for a period of three years following completion of CASP, at which time Associates are encouraged to advance to Candidacy for Accredited Membership.
Friends
Friend Affiliates are our supporters who are engaged in adjacent professions such as the financial sector, insurance, conservation, legal, and other related industries. Friends are not practicing appraisers.
CASP Students
These are students currently enrolled in our Comprehensive Appraisal Studies Program, or CASP.
New to the Appraisers Association?
If you're an appraiser interested in CASP or becoming an Accredited or Certified Member in the Appraisers Association of America, please complete our brief screening application at the link below. Please include a current resume or CV that highlights your appraisal and/or marketplace experience. We will use this information to determine which membership track matches your background.