Here are some frequently asked questions about becoming a Personal Property Appraiser.
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What is personal property?
Personal property is tangible, movable property that is utilitarian, collectible, decorative or a combination of the three. These can be items such as paintings, china, antiques, sculptures, photography, vintage music posters, toys, commercial advertising, musical instruments, professional camera equipment, fine watercraft or automobiles, silverware, jewelry, wine or other collectibles.
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What is a personal property appraiser?
A personal property appraiser identifies and provides a value for these types of objects. A personal property appraiser is a trained, objective, ethical individual the public can rely on to provide a competent, fair assessment of value.
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Why join ASA's family of personal property appraisers?
The American Society of Appraisers trains and accredits appraisers. An ASA personal property appraiser follows the code of ethics of the society to identify and value objects based on the appraiser's training, experience and accreditation. An ASA appraiser may also work with other specialists as required.
ASA accredits personal property appraisers in the following specialties:*
- African Art
- American Folk Art
- American Indian Art
- Antique and Collectible Glass
- Antique Firearms, Armor and Militaria
- Antique Furniture
- Antiques and Decorative Arts
- Asian Art
- Automotive Specialties
- Books and Manuscripts
- Clocks
- Dolls and Toys
- Ethnographic Art
- Fine Arts
- Fine Arts Photography
- Firearms
- Japanese Prints
- Musical Instruments (includes Automatic)
- Numismatics - coins and medals
- Oriental Rugs
- Pre-Columbian Art
- Residential Contents - General - any other household contents
- Silver & Metalware
- Sports Collectibles and Memorabilia
- Textiles
- Wines—Fine and Rare
If you wish to specialize in another area, please contact the Education and Accreditation Manager, Nicole Cruz, for more information.
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What if I’m interested in Personal Property but I don’t want to be an appraiser or I’m not ready yet?
ASA provides other resources and types of membership for this situation. Here are some other options.
Connoisseur
Professionals who would like to learn from the valuation professionals who value your collections—whether they are paintings, china, antiques, sculptures, photography, vintage music posters, toys, commercial advertising, musical instruments, professional camera equipment, fine watercraft or automobiles, silverware, jewelry, wine or other collectibles.
The connoisseur program is described here.
Affiliate
Affiliate membership is for attorneys, accountants, museum curators, insurers, bank and trust officials, and others who work with appraisers. Affiliates do not perform appraisals themselves.
Membership application
Student Affiliate
Full and part-time university / college students pursuing careers in valuation sciences may join the society as Student Affiliates. Student Affiliates have an interest in the appraisal profession but do not prepare appraisals or represent themselves as appraisal professionals. Once they become practicing appraisers, they must join ASA as an applicant and go through the accreditation process.
Membership application
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How do I get started to become an ASA personal property appraiser?
You can see the whole process on the ASA Accreditation page but just to get you started, you need to join ASA as an applicant and start your training.
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How do I bridge from another appraisal group to accreditation in ASA?
If you wish to bridge from another appraisal group to accreditation in ASA, please contact the Education and Accreditation Manager, Nicole Cruz, for more information.
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