International Society of Appraisers

What International Society of Appraisers does

The International Society of Appraisers (ISA) is a Schaumburg, Illinois-based not-for-profit professional association founded in 1979 that operates as the largest credentialing body for personal property appraisers. Its core products are the ISA AM (Accredited Member) and ISA CAPP (Certified Appraiser of Personal Property) credentialing programs, supported by the 25-lesson Core Course in Appraisal Studies, USPAP-compliant 7-Hour and 15-Hour courses, requalification coursework, specialty studies, and the annual Assets Conference. Technology infrastructure centers on a learning management system delivering narrated lessons, online quizzes, discussion forums, and proctored online exams (via ProctorU), plus a public-facing "Find an Appraiser" searchable directory that connects consumers and businesses with credentialed members.

ISA serves a two-sided audience: individual appraisers seeking USPAP-compliant credentials and continuing education (art scholars, curators, antique dealers, auctioneers, estate liquidators, museum staff), and downstream consumers and institutions — insurers, legal professionals, donors, executors, and litigants — who need IRS-qualified, USPAP-compliant appraisals for estate planning, equitable distribution, charitable donations, insurance coverage, damage claims, and expert witness testimony. The organization generates revenue from four streams: recurring membership dues (ISA AM and CAPP), course and education fees (Core Course at $1,500 members / $1,700 non-members; Requalification at $645), annual Assets Conference registration, and credentialing application fees. Distribution is primarily direct-to-consumer through the website, supplemented by local chapters (including North Texas and Canadian), in-person and virtual events, and display advertising partnerships with adjacent service providers such as Heritage Auctions, Freemans Auction, and Crozier Fine Arts.

Name

International Society of Appraisers

Legal name

International Society of Appraisers

Website

https://isa-appraisers.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The International Society of Appraisers (ISA) is a Schaumburg, Illinois-based not-for-profit association founded in 1979 that provides credentialing (ISA AM and ISA CAPP designations), USPAP-compliant education, and a Find an Appraiser directory for personal property appraisers serving insurance, estate, legal, and donation markets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Appraisal Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Professional Organizations (81392)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Machinery, Equipment & Fixed Asset Appraisal (FSAEAHAK)

Keywords

• Personal property appraisal
• Professional credentialing programs
• Appraisal education courses
• USPAP training
• Appraiser membership association

Headquarters

HQ city

Schaumburg

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: ISA generates revenue through annual membership dues from ISA AM (Accredited Member) and ISA CAPP (Certified Appraiser of Personal Property) members. Members receive access to credentials, peer network, business support, and exclusive training.
2. Education and Course Fees: Revenue from course fees including the Core Course in Appraisal Studies ($1,500 members, $1,700 nonmembers), Requalification courses ($645 for members), USPAP courses, specialty studies, Summer Institute, Fall Institute, and webinars. Also includes fees for course materials and manuals.
3. Annual Conference Revenue: Revenue from the annual Assets Conference registration fees, including educational sessions, networking events, and awards programs.
4. Credentialing Fees: Fees associated with ISA's credentialing program including initial accreditation and requalification processes for ISA AM and CAPP designations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

ISA is a not-for-profit professional membership association that delivers education, credentialing, and member services for personal property appraisers. Its core offerings include the Core Course in Appraisal Studies (a 25-lesson methodology course), the ISA AM (Accredited Member) and ISA CAPP (Certified Appraiser of Personal Property) credentialing program, USPAP training courses, requalification courses, specialty institutes, an annual Assets Conference, webinars, and a Find an Appraiser searchable directory connecting consumers with credentialed appraisers.

Product overview

The International Society of Appraisers (ISA) is a not-for-profit professional organization that provides education, credentialing, and member resources for personal property appraisers. The organization operates primarily as a membership-based association rather than a software product company. Its core offerings include the Core Course in Appraisal Studies (a comprehensive 25-lesson methodology course), the ISA Credentialing Program (offering ISA AM and ISA CAPP designations), and various continuing education courses including USPAP courses, specialty studies, and the annual Assets Conference. Additional services include a Find an Appraiser directory tool, online webinars, and requalification courses. ISA does not appear to offer a traditional software product or SaaS platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Core Course in Appraisal Studies The original complete appraisal methodology course for personal property appraising, consisting of 25 individual lessons covering appraisal theory, market research, ethics, and best practices for creating appraisals. Includes assigned instructor, online quizzes, and discussion forums. Priced at $1,500 for ISA members and $1,700 for non-members, with six months to complete and extensions available.
• ISA Credentialing Program Credentialing program offering ISA AM (Accredited Member) and ISA CAPP (Certified Appraiser of Personal Property) designations for personal property appraisers, recognized as the pinnacle of the ISA credentialing ladder and meeting AQB qualification criteria with USPAP compliance.
• Find an Appraiser Service A searchable directory service allowing consumers to find ISA-certified personal property appraisers by keyword, location, or name for insurance, estate, donation, and litigation valuation needs.
• USPAP Courses Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice courses including the 7-Hour and 15-Hour USPAP courses for personal property, required for ISA membership and credentialing compliance.
• 2026 Requalification Online Required update course for ISA's Appraisal Standards covering recent changes in the Core Course Manual, IRS, and insurance industry. Earns 23 Professional Development Credits and includes required preparation of a complete appraisal report for Federal function. Priced at $645 for members.
• Summer Institute Annual educational event featuring specialty courses and connoisseurship programs, held at various locations including the ISA Summer Institute at Doyle in New York City.
• Fall Institute (Canada) Regional educational event for ISA members held in Canada, part of the specialty studies and continuing education offerings.
• Assets Conference ISA's annual conference bringing together appraisers for educational sessions, networking, awards programs, specialty tours, and professional development.
• Webinars Online educational sessions on various appraisal topics available to ISA members for continuing education credits, delivered live and on-demand.

Quantifiable outcome

• 23 Professional Development Credits available through Requalification course
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Crozier Fine Artskey sponsorGTM or Marketing PartnerCrozier is a leading provider of fine art logistics and storage solutions. They serve as a key sponsor for ISA's educational events including regional workshops, specialty courses, webinars, and specialized educational programs. Crozier provides expertise in art logistics, storage, and transportation to enrich ISA's member offerings. The partnership supports ISA's educational initiatives and events through sponsorship.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Appraisal Institute: Largest US real estate appraisal association with the MAI and SRA designations. While primarily real estate focused, it is the dominant professional appraisal body in the US and competes for the same general 'appraisal professional' audience that ISA serves.
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS): Global chartered body for property professionals including valuation surveyors, with MRICS/FRICS credentials. Comparable membership/credentialing model and international reach, though broader in scope (real estate, infrastructure, built environment).

Emerging players

• Gemological Institute of America (GIA): Leading credentialing body for gem and jewelry professionals (GG, AGS credentials) with education, laboratory services, and a global footprint. Adjacent competitor for the gems & jewelry specialty segment within personal property appraisal.

Direct peers

• National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers (NAIFA): Long-standing US appraisal association providing credentialing and education to fee appraisers, with overlap into personal property alongside real estate. Comparable member-driven association model with similar course/conference structure.
• American Society of Appraisers (ASA): The other large US-based multi-discipline appraisal association offering credentials (ASA, AM, FASA) across personal property and machinery/technical specialties. Most direct competitor to ISA in personal property credentialing and member education.
• Appraisers Association of America (AAA): NYC-based association of personal property appraisers focused on fine and decorative arts. Competes head-to-head with ISA for the same art/antique appraiser member base and offers its own credentialing programs.

Others

• The Appraisal Foundation: Congressionally authorized US body that sets USPAP standards and oversees the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB). Not a direct competitor — ISA's curriculum is USPAP-aligned — but a key ecosystem participant that defines the rules ISA members must follow.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/isappraisers
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/international-society-of-appraisers
• Instagraminstagram.com/internationalsocietyappraisers
• Xx.com/isappraisers

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about International Society of Appraisers