When it comes to valuing antiques, expertise matters—but credentials matter too. Certification helps distinguish trained, ethical professionals from informal dealers or hobbyists offering opinions of value. For collectors, estates, attorneys, and insurers, working with a certified antique appraiser provides confidence that the appraisal is credible, defensible, and prepared according to recognized professional standards.
This article explains what certification means in the appraisal world, why it matters, and how ISA certifications fit into professional antique appraisal practice.
Antique appraisal is not regulated by a single federal license, which means qualifications can vary widely. Certification helps fill that gap by establishing minimum standards for education, experience, ethics, and ongoing professional development.
A certified appraiser is expected to:
For legal, tax, and insurance purposes, certification is often a key factor in determining whether an appraisal will be accepted.
One of the most recognized professional organizations in the personal property appraisal field is the International Society of Appraisers. ISA is widely respected for its rigorous education requirements, peer review process, and commitment to ethical standards.
ISA focuses exclusively on personal property appraisals, including antiques, fine art, and collectibles—making its certifications particularly relevant for antique appraisal work.
ISA offers multiple certification levels, each reflecting increasing levels of education, experience, and demonstrated competence.
The ISA AM designation indicates that the appraiser has:
This designation is often held by appraisers early in their professional careers or those building specialization in specific antique categories.
ISA CAPP is a higher-level certification requiring:
ISA CAPP appraisers are qualified to handle complex assignments involving estates, charitable donations, litigation support, and insurance matters.
ISA-certified appraisers are trained to work in compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) when required by the intended use. Certification alone does not replace USPAP—but it demonstrates that the appraiser has the education and discipline necessary to apply professional standards correctly.
For many legal and tax-related assignments, ISA certification combined with USPAP compliance is a strong indicator of appraisal credibility.
Certification is an important benchmark, but it is not a substitute for subject-matter expertise. A certified appraiser should still have demonstrated experience with the specific types of antiques being appraised, whether that includes furniture, ceramics, Asian art, jewelry, or decorative objects.
When selecting an antique appraiser, it’s important to consider:
The strongest appraisals combine formal credentials with real-world specialization.
For clients, working with a certified antique appraiser helps ensure that:
This is especially important in high-stakes situations such as estate settlement, charitable donations, or disputes.
Certification plays a critical role in professional antique appraisal by setting standards for education, ethics, and competence. ISA certifications—such as ISA AM and ISA CAPP—are widely respected indicators that an appraiser has met rigorous professional benchmarks.
When accuracy, defensibility, and credibility matter, certification isn’t just a credential—it’s a safeguard for everyone relying on the appraisal.
