Membership

The Appraisers Association of America, established in 1949, is the premier national association of personal property appraisers who focus on fine and decorative arts. With a membership of over 800 independent appraisers and affiliated professionals covering over 100 different areas of specialization, the Appraisers Association's roster of well-established professionals has the widest range of experience and expertise in their respective fields. 

The Appraisers Association of America's admissions criteria are in alignment with the guidelines established by The Appraisal Foundation (TAF) for Minimum Requirements for Personal Property Appraisers. TAF is the congressionally mandated organization that oversees the valuation profession. The requirements include 120 hours of Qualifying Education, including a 15-hour USPAP Course & Exam.

How to Join

To begin the membership process we ask that you complete an initial screening application at the link below. We will use this information to help determine which membership track most accurately matches your level of experience.

Begin your application

If we determine that you are qualified to pursue membership, you will receive an email from us inviting you to become a Candidate for Membership. Once a Candidate, the remaining application process will include online courses and, eventually, a review of sample appraisals. The whole process can take as little as six months or up to two years to complete. 

Please contact Patrick McIntyre, Membership Manager, by calling 212.889.5404 x13 or by email with any questions.

CASP Track

If you are new to appraising or transitioning from a related field, e.g., curator, dealer, auction specialist, collector, attorney, etc., and have a basic level (less than five years) of appraisal or connoisseurship and marketplace experience, we typically recommend the Comprehensive Appraisal Studies Program, or CASP.

Apply directly to CASP

Accredited Track

If you have at least five years of appraisal and/or marketplace experience, we typically recommend the Accredited track, which will place you on the track to become an Accredited Member. Candidates for Accredited Membership are required to complete a series of Candidate Core Courses, including USPAP, Theory & Methodology of Appraising, Appraisal Writing Workshop, Research Methods for Appraisers, and Legal and Ethical Aspects of Appraising, followed by the submission of sample appraisal reports.

Learn more about Accredited Membership

Certified Track

If you have at least ten years of significant appraisal or related connoisseurship and marketplace experience, we may place you on the track to become a Certified Member. Candidates for Certified Membership are required to complete a condensed series of online courses with the Appraisers Association including USPAP, Theory & Methodology of Appraising, and the Appraisal Writing Workshop, and to submit sample appraisal reports as well as a Certification Exam which tests the depth of knowledge in your area of specialization.

Learn more about Certified Membership