What Education and Certification Programs Does ASA Offer?

ASA (the American Society of Appraisers, whose site is appraisers.org) offers discipline-based education, professional certifications, and continuing-education resources across several appraisal specialties. The programs are organized by appraisal discipline, so the right path depends on which type of asset you value and whether you are seeking a credential, course credit, or ongoing professional development. The site's education section lists course libraries, upcoming classes and webinars, challenge exams, and a student center for enrolled learners.

Appraisal Disciplines Covered

ASA organizes its education around distinct appraisal disciplines. Based on the site's navigation, these include:

This structure means you can start from your asset category and follow the corresponding course library rather than browsing a single combined catalog.

Certification and Certificate Programs

Certified Equipment Management Professional (CEMP)

The CEMP credential sits within the Machinery & Technical Specialties discipline. The site presents it as a structured program with a dedicated "START HERE! Your Steps to Success" entry point, a CEMP curriculum, instructor introductions, investment and program details, a "Why Make the Investment" section, and a CEMP Certification Guide and Application. If equipment management is your focus, this is the flagship credential pathway described on the site.

Property Tax Program Certificate

The site lists a Property Tax Program certificate as a newer offering. It appears as a distinct certificate rather than a full discipline, so treat it as a specialized add-on for appraisers working in property tax contexts.

Challenge Exams

For several disciplines, ASA offers challenge exams that let experienced practitioners demonstrate competency instead of completing every course. The site references challenging an ARM course, a BV course or the 8-Hour BV Challenge Exam, and an MTS course. These are worth checking if you already have substantial experience in a discipline.

USPAP and Chapter Education

USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) education is offered through the Real Property section, including online USPAP and RP appraisal education. Separately, ASA supports chapter-level education: upcoming chapter education, chapter resources, chapter RP courses, chapter USPAP courses, course licensing, and chapter event marketing. Chapters can therefore deliver local courses and events in addition to national programming.

Conferences, Webinars, and Continuing Education

Beyond formal courses, ASA lists upcoming conferences and events, conference and event recordings, and a calendar view of upcoming classes and webinars. Prerecorded webinars are available by discipline (ARM, BV, MTS, RP), which supports continuing education for those who cannot attend live sessions. The Global Valuation Symposium is also listed as an event.

Financial Assistance and Student Resources

The site includes a financial assistance section with an application and a donation option, indicating support may be available for education costs. Enrolled learners use the Student Center, which provides a student dashboard, course material access, policies and FAQs, and virtual/hybrid class FAQs. Contact is available by phone at 800-ASA-VALU, and the site includes "Find an Appraiser," news, and account management links.

How to Choose a Path

• If you are new to a discipline: start with that discipline's course library and upcoming classes.
• If you already have experience: check whether a challenge exam applies to your discipline.
• If you want a specific credential: review the CEMP curriculum and application, or the Property Tax Program certificate.
• If you need USPAP or local training: look at the Real Property USPAP education and chapter course listings.
• If cost is a concern: review the financial assistance application before enrolling.

The site does not publish pricing on the pages reviewed, so confirm costs and any enrollment requirements directly through the linked program pages or by contacting ASA.