How to Get Certified in Antique Appraisals in North Carolina

An appraiser must have a solid understanding of antiques.

Although certification is optional, becoming a certified antique appraiser in North Carolina will give you more authority within your profession. As a certified appraiser, you must be able to offer accurate appraisals of antique and collectible pieces. These professionals often work in auction houses, for antique dealers and for appraisal societies. The accuracy of an antique appraiser is extremely important -- particularly when working with lawyers, tax professionals or insurance companies to assess the value of a client's personal belongings.

Instructions

Get an Education in Antique Appraisals

1. Evaluate the various professional appraisal associations and their guidelines for certification. As an appraiser in North Carolina, you'll be eligible to apply for membership to to The Appraisers National Association (ANA), the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) and the American Society of Appraisers (ASA). All three of these organizations are highly regarded throughout the United States and have similar educational requirements for certification.

2. Fulfill the educational requirements for professional certification by completing a program of study in antique appraisals. The ISA offers a week-long "core" training course in the basics of appraising at its headquarters in Indiana. If traveling out of North Carolina isn't possible, you might consider a home study course, such as those offered by the College for Appraisers (CFA) in California. It offers both on-campus and home study courses that lead to either a certificate or associate degree in antique appraising. Courses offered by the CFA are recognized by the ANA.

3. Complete the 15-hour course and exam on the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). This course and exam are offered each spring by The Appraisal Foundation. Once you pass the exam, you'll receive a Certificate of Proficiency. To maintain your certificate, you'll need to take a 7-hour "refresher" course every two years.

4. Collect books on antique appraising and refer to them often. Each year, updated books are published that give the current value of antique and collectible items. Use these guides to increase your knowledge of antique appraising so you'll be able to offer your own appraisals more easily. You can also practice your appraisal skills during visits to antique shops and auction houses. Examine antique and collectible items, determine each piece's identifying characteristics and come up with your own appraisals. Compare these appraisals to each item's current book value to see how accurate your appraisal was.

5. Apply for professional certification with the society of your choice once you're completed the educational requirements and developed enough experience and confidence to conduct appraisals independently.

ANA Certification

1. Make sure you meet the association's requirements for certification. These requirements include a certificate in personal property appraising from The College for Appraisers or a similar educational institution and successful completion of the USPAP course and exam.

2. Request a membership application for the Appraisers National Association by calling 562-697-3797 or sending an email to [e-mail].

3. Complete the membership application form to become a certified appraiser. Your application form must include professional references, proof that you've met the association's educational requirements and a $35 application fee (as of 2011). Choose your references carefully, as they'll need to complete a short questionnaire and return it to the ANA before your certification is approved.

ASA Certification

1. Complete and sign the American Society of Appraisers membership form to begin the process towards professional certification. The membership application must include a resume or qualifications statement, three references and the required application fee.

2. Pass the open-book ASA Ethics exam on the ASA website within 10 months of becoming a member. You also have 10 months to pass the USPAP course.

3. Complete the four Principles of Valuation courses through one of the ASA's university partners. These partners include the Pratt Institute Center for Continuing and Professional Studies in Manhattan, Rhode Island School of Design and the University of California in Irvine. Each course is approximately three days in length and must be completed on campus.

4. Meet the minimum prerequisites for certification. This includes a minimum of two years experience in professional appraising, a 4-year college degree, completion of the Principles of Valuation courses and the completion of a comprehensive Appraisal Report that was prepared by the applicant for a client or employer. In lieu of education, applicants may substitute two years of professional experience for one year of education. These years of experience must be in addition to the minimum two years of appraising experience required of all applicants.

5. Complete the accreditation application to become an ASA-accredited Personal Property appraiser. This application must include proof of your education, a log of your experience as a professional appraiser, a comprehensive Appraisal Report and proof of USPAP certification.

References

• International Society of Apraisers: Become a Member
• College for Appraisers
• Appraisal Course Associates
• ASA: Membership Overview

Resources

• ANA: Membership
• ASA: Accreditation