The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) is an international organization of appraisal professionals and others interested in the appraisal profession. ASA is the oldest and only major appraisal organization representing all of the disciplines of appraisal specialists which include:
- Appraisal Review and Management
- Business Valuations
- Gems and Jewelry
- Machinery and Technical Specialties
- Personal Property
- Real Property
One of ASA’s primary objectives is to ensure ethical practices and procedures on the part of its members. The society is diligent in its efforts to strengthen and uphold the Principles of Appraisal Practice and Code of Ethics (the code of conduct to which all members must subscribe) in order to protect the client. Click here for the ASA Principles of Appraisal Practice and Code of Ethics document.
ASA-accredited appraisers are experts. The meticulous ASA accreditation process ensures that ASA-accredited appraisers are accurate, impartial, and credible. They are educated and experienced in their fields and are respected members of their communities. Most importantly, they deliver independent valuations that assure property is appraised in an unbiased manner.
The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) confers two designations upon qualified candidates – the Accredited Member (AM) designation and the Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) designation. Each of ASA’s appraisal disciplines have their own specific requirements to achieve these designations.
Experience
To qualify for Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) status, an individual must have a minimum of five (5) years of full-time appraisal experience or the equivalent. At least two (2) years of full-time appraisal experience or the equivalent are necessary for Accredited Member (AM) status.
Educations and Examinations
In general, each Candidate for a designation with ASA must have a four-year college degree or its equivalent (equivalencies are described in detail within each discipline accreditation guide). Most ASA disciplines also require the Candidate to pass a set of four (4) Principles of Valuation courses which lay the foundation for the remainder of the accreditation process. Some disciplines require candidates to pass a comprehensive exam before a designation is awarded to evaluate the technical appraisal proficiency of the Candidate and their acquaintance with the society’s ethics, principles and basic precepts.
Appraisal Reports
The submission of an appraisal report is a significant factor in the evaluation of the total accreditation application and should support and define the experience, education and appraisal qualifications of each applicant. Accreditation is awarded to those candidates who demonstrate proficiency in performing complex appraisal assignments. ASA’s International Board of Examiners will issue a final decision on all accreditation applications after all factors (experience, education, examination and appraisal reports) have been considered.
Reaccreditation
All designated members of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) are required to submit evidence of professional growth through continuing education and/or participation in professional activities every 5 years to remain an active AM, ASA or FASA.
Individual membership privilege in ASA is personal and cannot be transferred or applied to business organizations. Applicants and Candidates are not professionally designated and may not use any of the ASA’s professional designations. All members must be of legal age and good character and must be interested in the activities and objectives of the society.