ISA CAPP study guide
ISA CAPP · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Member designation, written ISA CAPP, is described by the International Society of Appraisers as its highest credential and, in ISA's words, the highest achievement in the appraisal industry, signifying appraising expertise, professional development, and advanced skills. It sits above the Accredited Member level (ISA AM) in ISA's credential ladder, which begins with the Member level reached through Core ISA training in appraisal theory, methodology, ethics, and report-writing standards, a 15-hour USPAP course, and three or more years of market-related experience. CAPP is therefore aimed at practicing personal property appraisers who already hold a declared specialty, have accumulated substantial documented appraisal work, and want a credential that signals advanced competence to clients, courts, insurers, and estate professionals. Per ISA, a CAPP member has 900 documented hours of appraisal reporting and has passed the CAPP examination. The ISA CAPP study guide has 4 sections and about 1,426 words.
01Personal Property Appraisal Theory and Methodology
This domain tests whether you can define the appraisal problem, select a defensible value premise, apply the approaches to value, and reconcile evidence for personal property. Personal property is movable, often unique, and frequently traded in thin or segmented markets, so method must fit the item and market.
351 words, about 2 min02USPAP Standards and Ethics
This domain tests USPAP as applied to personal property: Standard 7 development, Standard 8 reporting, the Ethics Rule, Competency Rule, Scope of Work Rule, and Record Keeping Rule. It also tests review under Standards 3 and 4.
416 words, about 2 min03Appraisal Report Writing Standards
This domain tests whether your personal property report communicates the assignment and supports the conclusion so an intended user can understand it without asking you. The governing reporting standard is USPAP Standard 8.
311 words, about 2 min04Declared Specialty Market Knowledge and Advanced Appraisal Skills
This domain tests depth in your declared specialty and the advanced judgment that separates a generalist from a specialist. Whether the specialty is fine art, jewelry, decorative arts, collectibles, or equipment, the exam expects specialty vocabulary, market structure, and disciplined use of expertise.
348 words, about 2 min