Accreditation

Rigorous Accreditation Process

Each individual seeking membership must obtain accreditation from the American Society of Appraisers and furnish professional and personal references and be subject to local credit and background investigations.  In addition, the Los Angeles Chapter conducts personal interviews and evaluate the practices of all applicants to assure that only the most qualified can obtain ASA accreditation.

The American Society of Appraisers enforces a strict Code of Ethics that all ASA-accredited appraisers must adhere.  The ASA also enforces a strict reaccredidation process whereby designated members must regularly submit evidence of professional growth through participation in professional activities and continuing education. This ensures that ASA appraisers keep their knowledge up-to-date.

The process of obtaining ASA-accreditation is generally known within appraiser circles as being the most intensive in the industry.  Accreditation forms and check list are provided by discipline.  For more information visit ASA-accreditation.

Obtaining ASA Accreditation

In addition to adhering to the American Society of Appraisers strict Code of Ethics, reaccredidation requirements and reference checks and interview screening, to receive ASA accreditation, an appraiser must successfully complete an intensive and comprehensive appraisal education program and experience requirements.

Appraisers must complete over 140 hours of intensive appraisal coursework, successfully pass in succession four extensive written appraisal examinations and submit representative appraisal reports that are highly scrutinized by peers and the American Society of Appraisers.  In addition, all appraisers holding the ASA designation must demonstrate that she/he has extensive appraisal experience. In doing so, appraisers must submit an extensive appraisal experience log demonstrating at least five years of full-time appraisal experience within their specific discipline (e.g., business valuation, machinery & technical appraisal, real property appraisal, personal property appraisal or gems & jewelry appraisal).

Every accredited appraiser must start his or her ASA membership as a Candidate member.  In order to be accepted for Candidate membership, the prospective Candidate must be interviewed and approved by the American Society of Appraisers.  Subsequently, each Candidate must pass ASA's Ethics Examination and an examination on the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) within a specified period of time.