Antique Home Study Course & Classes - Asheford Institute Of Antiques

Why Choose Asheford For Appraisal Education & Certification?
The Asheford Institute Of Antiques, "Certified Appraisers Foundation" (CAF), was established in 1967, and was incorporated into the Asheford Course as an integral part of the schools educational curriculum on antiques and collectibles. It was designed to offer students of the Institute the chance to expand their knowledge and vocational base into the field of antiques appraising.

The incorporation of the CAF within the Asheford Program, allowed the Institute to foster and develop a new set of academic standards and principles for those interested in becoming "certified professional-level appraisers."

These new principles were brought about by the need to harmonize and bring together the various entities within the world of antiques, collectibles and appraising. To ensure that dealers of glass, knew something of furniture, that collectors of porcelain knew something of wood, that restorers knew something of age and provenance, and that appraisers knew a little something of everything. It was an idea predicated on joining the various disciplines of the "antiques" community under one umbrella. A chance to offer students "professional" educational training into all facets of the antiques and collectibles marketplace - including appraising.

After almost half a century of implementation, and thousands of graduates later, the Asheford appraisal program continues to impress with its highly developed curriculum, innovative training techniques, and its comprehensive testing practices. Asheford appraisers continue to exhibit the uppermost form of professional conduct, and represent the finest degree of excellence within their respective fields.

What distinguishes Asheford appraisers from everyone else comes down to one simple concept - training. Individuals at the Institute, who are interested in becoming appraisers in the field of antiques and collectibles, must first complete the entire Asheford program on “product knowledge” (antiques, collectibles, memorabilia, etc.) before they can even begin to work on the “methodology” practices (PACC rules, theory and regulations), associated with appraising.

Although prior experience in the antiques and collectibles field can be an asset, it is simply not enough of a credential to warrant certification as a professional-level appraiser. In today’s marketplace, appraisers must now demonstrate to prospective clients, some kind of formal training and study in their respective field, just as an engineer, doctor, or any other professional would. The Asheford Institute is the only program of its kind that requires a two-fold approach to instruction, in order to certify its students as "Professional-level Appraisers.

                                                         Students Must Be Proficient In...

                      1.     Product Knowledge – the study of antiques, collectibles and related fields.
        
                              And, must have a thorough, comprehensive and "tested" understanding of,

                      2.    Methodology – and the study of the principles and practices behind appraising.

                        This is what sets the Asheford Program apart from all others.

Until recently, the primary client for most appraisers was usually an "individual."  However, today's appraisers are just as likely to be hired by organizations such as banks (contents related to home foreclosures), attorneys, real estate agents, insurance companies, estate sale representatives, auction houses and even revenue collection agencies, such as the IRS and Revenue Canada. Many of these organizations are now requiring that appraisers meet a whole new set of criteria, based on updated standards of testing and certification, in order to conduct personal property evaluations. The Asheford program for training appraisers in this field not only meets these requirements, but exceeds them in every respect - students not only learn "methodology principles," but can also demonstrate a clear understanding of "product knowledge" to prospective clients and organizations alike.

The Asheford two-fold approach to instruction within the field of appraising allows clients to see that graduates of the Institute not only have theoretical training in the principles behind evaluation, but that they are also well versed in the practical recognition of the items that they are actually appraising. To large organizations such as banks and insurance companies, this standardization of knowledge and testing required of Asheford students is invaluable. Simply put, it instills confidence in their decision when it comes to hiring appraisers in the field of antiques and collectibles.

With thousands of appraisers around the globe, our student base is as diverse, as it is knowledgeable. Asheford graduates represent an international association of professional-level appraisers (CAF), whose expertise in the field of antiques, collectibles, and all areas of the decorative arts, is unrivaled.  With an exceptionally high degree of specialization within virtually every aspect of the antiques marketplace, Asheford appraisers are more than qualified when it comes to today's demanding client expectations. Our appraisers are widely regarded as "the best" in their field, with many holding posts at universities, curatorships at museums, as auction house specialists, and even as "consulting experts" on major network television shows related to antiques and collectibles. Whether they're representing a high-profile international client, or simply appraising locally in their own community, all Asheford appraisers are backed by the same ethos everywhere... "The application of Experience, Knowledge, Honesty, Professionalism, and Diligence... above all else. "

If becoming an appraiser of antiques and collectibles is something that you've always thought about, even as a novice...  Or, you're currently running your own antique business, or estate sale service, but would like to branch out into the field of "professional-level appraising", or perhaps you're already an appraiser, but would like to be professionally certified by the Institute, then don't wait... Call today, and ask to speak to a "Course Specialist."  Our experts are no more than a phone call away, and can explain all the benefits the Asheford  Course and certification program offers.  Or, if you wish to get started immediately, simply contact the Registrar's Office, and they'll be glad to help  assist  you with your enrollment application.

                               REGISTRAR'S OFFICE AND INFORMATION: TOLL FREE: 877-444-4508

              "For almost half a century we've been teaching students about antiques, collectibles and 
                              appraising... our students succeed, because we know what works!"
                                                              - A.I.A. Founder, Peter Green