A Feather in Your CAPP

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 in Member Insights, Ask ISA

ISA is one the most recognized authorities in personal property appraising. We strive to ensure that our members are the most highly trained and rigorously tested independent appraisers in the world. Our highest level of membership is our Certified Member level (CAPP) which represents the highest achievement in ISA credentialing. It signifies that the ISA CAPP appraiser has the expertise, professional development and advanced skills in our membership.

The CAPP process is intentionally rigorous and not meant to be easy. It is designed to be challenging, reflecting the high level of skill and knowledge required. Applicants are expected to demonstrate mastery of current appraisal methodology and to apply it effectively in a comprehensive, multi-layered appraisal report. This includes using correct, up-to-date terminology, providing clear explanations, and presenting comparables in a well-supported manner. 

There is no handholding during the process of earning the CAPP designation. Applicants must rely on their own  problem-solving abilities and persuasive writing skills to develop their reports. The D&R chairperson is not responsible for instructing applicants on how to rewrite their submissions. Instead, the anonymous reviewers, comprised of current ISA CAPPs, thoroughly evaluate each appraisal, identify errors and areas that need clarification and provide feedback. It is then the applicant’s responsibility to research, revise, and correct those errors. This process mirrors real-world appraisal experience, where reports may be questioned or scrutinized by clients, attorneys, or other professionals, requiring the appraiser to defend conclusions confidently and accurately.

Plan your time carefully to balance studying for the exam and writing your report. Schedule dedicated appointments with yourself in your work calendar to ensure consistent focus. Embrace traditional study methods: handwriting flash cards is a powerful exercise for reinforcing memory and understanding. I also highly recommend reading the blog by Barbara Blades-Lines, linked here: Ready, Set, Get Your CAPP, where she shares her experience navigating the CAPP process. Her insights were incredibly motivating for me and gave me the confidence to pursue my own CAPP.

For those who have earned their CAPP designation, it is our responsibility to the public, our clients and our peers to stay current on ISA appraisal terminology and report writing standards. Delivering accurate, high-quality reports is not optional; it is expected. This commitment is why ISA is the only association that requires the Requalification course for all Accredited and CAPP members. Every member should welcome a thorough review of their written reports at the five-year mark. Careless, unedited, or template-style reports have no place in our profession.

Earning and maintaining the CAPP designation reflects the ISA mission of advancing excellence in the personal property appraisal profession. It embodies our core values of integrity, leadership, expertise and education, a collaborative culture, and being member-driven. By embracing these principles, CAPP appraisers demonstrate their commitment to the highest standards of professional practice and service to clients. As members of the International Society of Appraisers, we take pride in our rigorous training and strive to be the best personal property appraisers for our clients.

Len de Rohan, ISA CAPP
Certified Appraiser of Personal Property
President, ISA Board of Directors
President@isa-appraisers.org