INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF APPRAISERS

 Background and Mission Statement

The International Society of Appraisers (ISA) was established in 1979 as a for-profit corporation focused on the education and professionalism of personal property appraisers.  It became a not-for-profit corporation in 1994; and remains committed to the same goals. ISA has been a leader in rationalizing practices, theory, methodology and report writing standards directed to the appraisal of personal property. Our members include many of the country’s most respected personal property appraisers, consultants, estate liquidators, auctioneers, gallery owners and dealers.

ISA offers a comprehensive professional development program designed to build and enhance performance in the area of personal property appraisal practice as well as specialty studies.  Our four main divisions are comprised of:  1) antiques and residential contents; 2) fine art; 3) gemstones and jewelry; and 4) machinery and equipment. ISA’s professional development and credentialing programs, along with its strong code of ethics and professional conduct, serve as the foundation of the organizational mission—to advance the professionalism and effectiveness of personal property appraisers.

 

The ISA Commitment

The ISA philosophy embraces the protection of the public’s right to expect appraisals that reflect the utmost in accuracy, competency and integrity.

 

ISA Membership and Credentialing Levels

ISA appraisers are trained in one of the most comprehensive personal property appraisal education programs in North America.  Designed by appraisers for appraisers, the ISA Core Course in Appraisal Studies covers appraisal theory, ethics, law, business practices and principles.  Since the field of personal property appraising is dynamic and changes as time goes on, ISA requires that Members re-qualify every five years by passing an examination and documenting other continuing education requirements.  Below is a listing of the membership levels within ISA.

 

Member:

• Complete ISA Core Course in Appraisal Studies (or an approved equivalent course of

study).

• Document three or more years of market-based experience in the chosen specialty field, either appraising or working with specialty items that offer exposure to multiple markets, and

• Educated in USPAP.
  

 

Accredited Member (ISA AM)

• Satisfy all “Member” level requirements

• Demonstrate knowledge of the chosen specialty through education or specialty work in that field

Certified Member (ISA CAPP)

• Satisfy all “Accredited Member” level requirements (may bridge from the highest level of AAA or ASA).
• Pass the certification examination.

• Submit required appraisal reports for review and approval.

• Document required appraisal log hours of 500 within 5 years, and

• Document required professional development activities.

Members must qualify to become an Accredited Member (ISA AM) within 5 years.

Accredited Members and Certified Members must re-qualify every five years.

 

Life member

• Accredited or Certified member in good standing who has reached the age of 65 and maintained accreditation and/or certification for at least 20 years

 

Retired Member

• Is a member in good standing who has retired
• No longer professionally appraises
• Receives all membership benefits except voting
• Pays half the stated membership dues

 

Associate Member

• A dues paying non-credentialed member of ISA