Our Mission

The mission of ISA is to advance the professionalism and effectiveness of personal property appraisers.

Membership & Credentialing Levels

The International Society of Appraisers (ISA) was formed 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 dedicated to the same goal: enhancing the professionalism of personal property appraisers everywhere. ISA was a leader in standardizing appraisal principles, theory, methodology, and report writing standards directed specifically to the appraisal of personal property.

The ISA Core Course in Appraisal Studies is the foundation for the rest of the ISA educational program. Specialty knowledge courses are written to incorporate specific information appraisers need to know as well as straight “product knowledge,” or connoisseurship. The Core Course provides a structure of consistency for the accumulation, analysis and communication of this data.

ISA Member Levels and Designations

Membership is held by individuals only. Business entities or organizations may not hold membership or advertise as members.

Entry level Candidate:

• Cannot advertise connection with ISA in any way
• Are eligible to receive ISA discounts on qualified products, courses, and events.

Member:

• Complete the ISA Core Course in Appraisal Studies (or an approved equivalent course of study)
• Document three or more years of market related experience in your chosen specialty field, either appraising or working with specialty items in ways that expose you to multiple markets
• Must obtain Accredited Member status within five years.

Accredited Member (ISA AM):

• Satisfy all “Member” level requirements
• Demonstrate knowledge of their chosen specialty field through an approved course of study

Certified Member (ISA CAPP):

• Satisfy all “Accredited Member” level requirements (may bridge from highest level of AAA or ASA)
• Pass the certification examination
• Submit required appraisal reports for review and approval
• Document required appraisal log hours
• Document required professional development activities

Members, Accredited Members, and Certified Members must requalify every five years.

Affiliate Member:

• Shares common interests and pursuits, but is not actively engaged in appraising as a career (e.g., museum curator, private collector)
• Does not perform appraisal services
• Pays half the stated annual membership dues
  

Retired Member:

• Any member in good standing who has retired and no longer professionally appraises
• Does not perform appraisal services
• Receives all membership benefits except voting
• Pays half the stated annual membership dues