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Questions & Answers About The Asheford Program (FAQ's)
We've compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions about the school's curriculum below, but if we've missed something, or you have some additional queries, please don't hesitate to contact the Institute at your earliest convenience, and a representative will be happy to answer any further questions you might have. Contact Us.
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"Is the new e-Course version of the Asheford Program completely online or will I have to download it?"
No, there is absolutely nothing to download. The e-Course is entirely online, and is as easy to navigate as opening an email. All you'll need is a pass-code and you'll have immediate access to the courseware. You can study on any device, and anywhere that suits your schedule.
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"How long will I have access to my e-Course?"
Just like a set of books, access to the version of the e-Course you enrolled in is yours to keep for future reference. Your pass-codes will remain yours and do not expire, allowing you to use them on any device to access your Course materials at any time. ________________________________________________________________________________________________
"What about making a hard-copy... can I print-off pages of the e-Course?"
Yes. While the new e-Course is designed to be viewed online, you are welcome to print-off the entire program if you wish, so that you'll have a hard copy version for future reference.
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"Is the e-Course 'one' course of study?"
Yes. The e-Course consists of five online study modules (similar to chapters in a book) that comprise the entirety of the curriculum. Each e-Course module builds upon the preceding module, and is connected through content, tests, exams and themes to subsequent modules.
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"Does the program cover "all" areas of the decorative arts?"
Yes, the Asheford Program covers not only antiques and vintage items, but also collectibles, retro styles and pieces, along with memorabilia as well. All major areas of collecting within the decorative arts field are included within the Course curriculum.
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"How long does it take to finish the Course Plans?"
The Study Plans are self-paced and have been arranged to cover a period of approximately eight months to a year (137 classroom-equivalent hours). If it should take more than a year to complete the Course, then you are free to do so, and encouraged to work at your own speed. Students have up to four years to complete the Program.
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"Do I need any previous training or experience in Antiques, Appraising or Estate Sale Liquidation?"
No, our program covers, step-by-step, all the essential phases of learning about Antiques and Vintage items, Appraising and Estate Sale Services. The e-Course includes thousands of pictures, helpful illustrations, pop-up photos, videos, online-links, and much more. If you've had some previous training or experience in these fields, so much the better, but it is not at all essential for the successful completion of the Course Study Plans - the Asheford Program is designed for beginners and experts alike.
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"How comprehensive is the "appraisal" section of the program... will I be certified to appraise professionally?"
Yes. The core training principles that are taught throughout the Asheford Course are focused specifically on appraising - each topic, heading, and subheading is explained with an eye to its related connection to the world of appraising. These links of connectivity run throughout all five Plans of Study. The appraising component of the Asheford Program was designed for those that wish to pursue appraising on a "professional level." The AIA will give you all the necessary tools to help you know and understand antiques and collectibles in regard to appraising them. In the final Plan of Study, you'll learn the "methodology" of appraising, and how to apply this to the decorative arts you have learned about in your previous Plans. There is a separate Appraisal Exam that all students must take in order to be considered for certification credentialing.
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"Do you give examinations?"
Yes, there are open-book examinations for each Plan of Study, and an additional "appraisal examination" at the end of Plan Five. Exams are not proctored or timed allowing you to submit tests whenever you wish.
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"What if I need help... Are Mentors or Instructors available?"
Yes, each student is assigned an Instructor when they enroll, who is there to help advise and guide them throughout their studies. Should you have questions about the Course, the materials, your studies, or need assistance of any kind, they'll always be there to help.
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"I am quite busy and do not have much time for study. Could I really profit from your Plans by devoting about twenty minutes a day to your instruction?"
If you can, and will devote an average of twenty to thirty minutes each day to the Study Plans you will probably be surprised at the progress you will make.
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"Do you offer a Research Service?"
Yes, this is an invaluable service to students and is free to all students of the program. This is included in the price of your Course tuition.
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"Can I enter the field of Antiques without taking some kind of professional training?"
Perhaps, but it would mostly likely take a much longer period of time to acquire the necessary fundamental knowledge without the guidance of a qualified instructor, and a proper training program. With the degree of specialization that is taking place in the antique and appraising world today, it is almost essential to have some kind of formal training in order to be successful. As more and more individuals enter the antique world in a variety of different ways (i.e. the Internet), having the Asheford program behind you, will certainly give you a great advantage over others when it comes to succeeding in your chosen field.
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"I haven't finished high school. Do I have sufficient education to take your e-Course in antiques?"
Each plan is written so that it should be easily understood by the average adult student even though his or her preliminary education may have been limited.
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"Does the Course cover the business side as well as the artistic side of antiques and the decorative arts?"
Yes, such important subjects as choosing a good location, organizing a business, buying antiques and vintage items, sources of supply, establishing credit, how to deal with customers, selling online, adding services such as appraising, restoration of antiques, and many other subjects are covered in a clear, concise manner.
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"Does the Course go into the subject of antiques on the Internet, i.e. how to sell them, places to set up antique websites, online auctions... that sort of thing?"
Yes, the Course covers all aspects of the antique industry on the Internet - from online set-up to buying at Internet auction sites, and everything else in between. In fact, our in-depth sections on the Internet are updated monthly (including separate online newsletters), so that students can keep pace with the changing face of this medium and learn how it relates to them, antiques, and the decorative arts in general. Also, our website for students is constantly being updated with news and info about the latest happenings at the school, articles from internationally syndicated antiques columnist (and school founder), Peter Green, and information about other online students and their ventures, are all included as part of the Asheford online curriculum.
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"How long are the e-Course Modules?"
The e-Course study modules are broken down into thirteen online volumes, which are grouped into five Plans of study. The Course Textbooks consist of over 1,600 pages of text, pictures, and illustrations, while the e-Course numbers approximately 2,400 total pages, and also includes embedded videos, direct-connect links, pop-up pictures, audio files, quick-submit exams, and more.
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"Do you also teach using audio files?"
Yes, as mentioned above, audio lectures from instructors are included within the e-Course as a part of your Teaching Aids package. These recordings contain a series of supplemental lectures on topics and subjects directly related to the latest breaking trends and styles within today's antique and decorative arts marketplace.
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"Is there a way to contact others who've taken the program?"
Yes. While the Institute cannot give out personal contact information regarding past students and graduates due to privacy concerns, you are always welcome to search the Internet, where you will find plenty of Asheford graduates and their businesses listed publicly for everyone to see, along with their contact information.
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"When I have received my Appraisal Certification, do you help graduates find work?"
Yes. The AIA actively promotes its graduates in every respect, including directing appraisal inquiries that come to the Institute in order to match them with prospective graduates. The AIA also has a central database listing of graduates that is available to all major North American insurance companies. These companies are able to access this database, and then contact Asheford graduates directly.
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"When I have finished your Plans, will I receive a Diploma?"
Yes, when you have completed all Course examinations successfully, you will be awarded the Institute's internationally recognized diploma, acknowledging your completion of the 13-volume Course on antiques and the decorative arts, as well as your professional-level "certification" in the field of personal property appraising.
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"Are there any follow-up classes available or associations I can join after Graduating?"
Yes, once you have graduated from the Asheford Program, you can always add to your professional credentials through additional testing platforms such as the "optional" USPAP (Uniform Standards Of Appraisal Practice), or by joining the school's Associate Membership Society.
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