An Accredited Equine Appraiser is an entry-level designation with the American Society of Equine Appraisers (ASEA). While accredited members have completed the organization's entry requirements and maintain an active membership, there are no mandatory continuing education requirements associated with this designation. As a result, an accredited appraiser may hold a current membership without having completed additional appraisal coursework or professional development beyond the initial requirements.
A Senior Equine Appraiser (the ASEA prefers the term Senior Appraiser rather than "Certified") has achieved a higher level of professional qualification. To earn this designation, an appraiser must successfully complete approximately 105 hours of professional appraisal education, satisfy the Appraiser Qualifications Board's (AQB) minimum qualification criteria for personal property appraisers, including at least 700 hours of appraisal experience, complete the 15-hour Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) course, and remain a member in good standing with the appraisal society. Although Senior Appraisers are encouraged to follow the AQB's continuing education recommendations every five years to maintain their designation, these requirements are not mandatory through the appraisal society.
At Daventry Appraisal Services Ltd., we believe professional education should extend well beyond minimum membership requirements. Our commitment is to maintain qualifications that meet or exceed the Appraiser Qualifications Board's minimum criteria for personal property appraisers. This includes completing the 7-hour USPAP Updating Course every two years, maintaining at least 70 hours of continuing education every five years, including a minimum of 20 hours in valuation theory, and continually expanding our knowledge to ensure our clients receive appraisal services that reflect current standards, methodologies, and best practices.
Our philosophy is simple: professional credentials are important, but ongoing education, practical experience, and a commitment to current appraisal standards are what provide clients with well-supported, credible, and defensible appraisal reports.
Our Senior Appraiser, Tracy Dopko, has gone a step further to ensure our clients receive thorough, well-supported, and defensible appraisal reports. Tracy is a Senior Member of the American Society of Equine Appraisers, a Certified Member of the International Society of Appraisers (ISA), and an Accredited Senior Appraiser with the American Society of Appraisers (ASA).
Achieving Certified Member status with the International Society of Appraisers required Tracy to complete an intensive program of appraisal studies, successfully pass two proctored examinations, and submit four complex appraisal reports—totaling more than 150 pages—for detailed review by an independent appraisal review panel. Maintaining this designation also requires mandatory requalification every five years, including successful completion of a requalification course, submission of an appraisal report for peer review, and earning a minimum of 100 hours of continuing professional development.
In addition to her ISA certification requirements, Tracy voluntarily maintains qualifications that meet or exceed the Appraiser Qualifications Board's (AQB) recommended criteria for personal property appraisers. This commitment reflects her dedication to remaining current with appraisal methodology, valuation theory, professional ethics, and evolving market conditions.
When selecting an appraiser, it is worthwhile to ask about more than professional memberships. Inquire about the appraiser's education, continuing professional development, adherence to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), and the steps they take to stay informed as markets, regulations, and appraisal methodology continue to evolve. Ongoing education is one of the strongest indicators of an appraiser's commitment to providing credible, well-supported valuation opinions.
To learn more about professional appraisal designations and what they mean for consumers, read Tracy's article, Choosing the Right Appraiser.