The American Society of Appraisers is an organization of appraisal professionals and others interested in the appraisal profession. International in structure, ASA is the oldest and only major appraisal organization representing all disciplines of appraisal specialists. The society originated in 1936 and incorporated in 1952.
The society is dedicated to the benefit of the appraisal profession. It is one of eight major appraisal societies that founded The Appraisal Foundation, a national nonprofit organization created to establish uniform criteria for professional appraisers. Since 1989 The Appraisal Foundation has been recognized by the U.S. Congress as the source for the development and promulgation of appraisal standards and qualifications.
Each designated member of ASA has earned a professional designation in one or more specialized areas of appraisal. To receive the a designation, the appraiser must pass intensive written examinations, submit representative appraisal reports for peer review and be screened for his or her ethical behavior.
To qualify for the Accredited Member designation (AM), an individual must have at least two years of full-time equivalent appraisal experience and a college degree or its equivalent. To qualify for the Accredited Senior Appraiser designation (ASA), an individual must have a minimum of 5 years of full-time equivalent appraisal experience and a college degree or its equivalent.
ASA has a mandatory reaccreditation 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.