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Quick answers to your ISA questions:

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Finding and Selecting an Appraiser

I have an item that I'd like appraised. Can ISA recommend an appraiser for me?

Members of the public can use ISA's Find an ISA Member directory to search for an appraiser. The directory allows the user to search by location, specialty, or item to be appraised, among other filters. ISA does not make recommendations on appraisers.

How do I choose an appraiser?

We have compiled a helpful list of questions to ask an appraiser before selecting them to appraise your valuable item. Choosing the right appraiser, who has the experience and education required to competently appraise your particular item, can save you from headaches, financial risk, and more.

What makes a good/bad appraisal report?

Visit our Why Choose an ISA Member page for a look at what goes into a good appraisal report that is ISA USPAP compliant, and what to watch out for in a bad one.

Becoming an ISA member

I am a member of another appraisal organization. How do I join ISA?

ISA has a bridging program for individuals who are active members with ASA and AAA. Read our bridging policy.

What do I need to do to become a member?

This first step in joining ISA and becoming an ISA-credentialed appraiser is to apply for membership candidacy. Candidates are non-credentialed, dues paying members of ISA who are on a path to become a full ISA member. Applicants remain candidates for membership until education and experience requirements are fulfilled. Candidates for membership are not included in the ISA Find an ISA Member online directory and cannot advertise their connection with ISA in any way.

To become a candidate for membership, you must submit the application and fee, four references, and your resume. Get started.

Whom should I submit as references?

References can be personal or professional, as long as they are not related to you.

What happens after I apply for membership?

Once you have initiated the application process by submitting four references, your resume, and the application and fees, automated emails are then sent out to each reference. Once we have heard back from your references, you will have completed the application process and will be a Candidate for Membership. You will receive an email once this happens. To be a full member of the organization and reach the Member level of membership, you must complete the ISA Core Course and the 15-Hour USPAP course.

Reinstating Your Membership


How can I reinstate my membership?

If your membership has lapsed, you will need to reinstate your membership. To reinstate, you will pay a $75 reinstatement fee and the current year of membership dues. To reinstate your membership, call Liz Crawford at 312.981.6778.

ISA Credentialing

How do I become an Accredited Member?

Once you have reached the Member level, you have two ways of getting to the Accredited level. Option one is to take the Appraisal of Fine Arts course or the Appraisal of Antiques, Furnishings + Decorative Arts course. Once you complete the course, you will provide a log of 700 USPAP appraisal hours, proof of 30 hours of college credit and a completed appraisal project. Option two is available for Members who have a certain specialty (ex. Gems & Jewelry, fine wine, classic cars). Those individuals can submit an application to the Specialty and Advance Studies Committee.

How do I become a Certified Member?

Once you have reached the Accredited level you can choose to pursue the highest level of membership in ISA, known as Certified Member (CAPP). To reach the Certified Member level, you need to fill out the CAPP application, take an exam, and turn in an appraisal project.

Requalification

How often do I need to requalify?

ISA members at the Member, Accredited, and Certified membership levels need to complete the Requalification Process every five years. Life members must also complete the requalification process every five years.

What do I have to do to requalify?

Completing the requalification process requires four things:

  1. Successful completion of a Requalification course.
  2. Completion of a pre-course assignment involving the submission of an appraisal report done for a Federal function (donation, estate, gift or casualty loss) on three items. Details for this assignment will be included with your receipt.
  3. Submission of your completed Requalification Packet within 45 days of completing the Requalification course to ISA via isa@isa-appraisers.org.
  4. A current USPAP certificate on file with ISA.

Does a receipt and brochure of the seminars I attend for Continuing Ed. suffice as proof of hours?

Members are required to keep track of their own professional development credits. A receipt and brochure will suffice for submitting points within the Requalification Packet.

Does ISA notify me of my requalification deadline?

When you renew your ISA membership each year or when you change membership level, ISA will notify you of your Requalification deadline.

What if I fail to requalify by my deadline?

If credentialed members fail to requalify by December 31 of the applicable year, their professional designation will immediately be dropped to the next lower level. The designation can be restored by completing the applicable requalification requirements for the member level being restored.

Education and Courses

How often are specialty courses offered by ISA? Is a prerequisite required?

ISA specialty studies courses including The Fine Art course and Antiques, Furnishings + Decorative Arts course are offered as Distance Education courses and in-person courses, typically in Naperville, Illinois. Distance Education courses can be started at any time. Other specialty courses like Asian Art, Modernism, Oriental Rugs and others are offered periodically. View the Course Calendar to find available courses. No prerequisites are required for any specialty course.

ISA Webinars

Can I earn PDCs (Professional Development Credits) from a webinar?

Yes. One hour of online learning through a webinar session is the equivalent to one PDC for the International Society of Appraisers. Please save your confirmation email as proof of your attendance of the webinar to submit with your requalification materials at the appropriate time.

I missed a webinar I wanted to take/ the session filled up and I was not able to register. Is there another opportunity?

Yes. All past webinars are recorded and made available for others watch. Past sessions may be purchased through the webinar registration page.

Can I cancel my registration to a webinar?

Refunds will be issued for written cancellations received at least 24 hours prior to the start of the webinar. Phone cancellations will NOT be accepted. Please forward cancellation requests to isa@isa-appraisers.org. Under no circumstances will refunds be issued for technical difficulties on the part of the participant on the day of the webinar.

USPAP

What is USPAP?

USPAP stands for the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and is the generally recognized ethical and performance standards for the appraisal profession in the United States. USPAP was adopted by Congress in 1989 and contains standards for all types of appraisal services, including real estate, personal property, business and mass appraisal. USPAP is updated every two years so that appraisers have the information they need to deliver unbiased and thoughtful opinions of value. Learn more on The Appraisal Foundation website.

What are ISA's Policies Regarding USPAP?

ISA offers USPAP courses only for personal property appraisers. Please note if you are an appraiser of real estate, you are not eligible to complete USPAP through ISA.

ISA requires that its members initially complete the 15-Hour USPAP course followed by the 7-Hour USPAP course in each subsequent two-year USPAP cycle. USPAP cycles begin with the even year number. It is the responsibility of the ISA member to ensure that they are staying current with USPAP. As an ISA member, if you are unsure of when you last completed USPAP, you can look in Manage Your Profile under Credentialing Requirements in your online member profile (login required).

Making the Most of Your Membership

How can I become involved in ISA locally, regionally, or nationally?

ISA chapters are a great way to become involved locally with other ISA members. Local chapters serve the vital function of providing a forum of like-minded professionals to meet on a frequent basis.

ISA committees serve both the members and the organization, providing a training field for future leaders and ensuring group participation in problem solving, planning, and growth.

How can I connect with other ISA members?

There are many ways to connect with fellow ISA members and instructors, whether you're seeking an immediate answer or career advice.

  • Use the ISA Forum to ask questions, share challenges and start discussions with colleagues.
  • Email directorofeducation@isa-appraisers.org to ask a question of an ISA instructor. Your answer may appear on the ISA blog for the benefit of all members.
  • Enroll in the ISA Ambassador Program to connect with a seasoned member
  • Register for Assets, the ISA annual conference, where hundreds of ISA members and appraisers come together for education and networking.



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