Become an MTS Appraiser

What is an MTS Appraiser?

MTS appraisers value all types of machinery and equipment, aircraft, marine assets, cost surveys, oil and gas resources, mines/ quarries, and public utilities.

sharon-desfor-helivalues“MTS appraisers live on the cusp of equipment, markets, and finance. You should become an equipment appraiser if you are interested in a variety of equipment but aren't an operator, find market trends intriguing but aren't a salesman, and understand some finance basics but aren't a banker. We make referrals and work together, even if we're competitors.”

 Sharon Desfor, ASA
ASA Past President

How Do I Become an MTS Appraiser?

To become an accredited equipment appraiser, you need the proper training and education to earn a designation from a recognized valuation organization. The American Society of Appraisers offers a Machinery & Technical Specialties designation, with specialties including Machinery & Equipment, Aircraft, Marine Survey - Commercial, and Marine Survey - Yachts.

The steps to becoming an ASA equipment appraiser with any of these specialties include:

  • Step 1: Join the American Society of Appraiser - complete your application online and provide a professional resume and references to become an ASA Applicant.
  • Step 2: Complete the online ethics exam and pass the 15-hour Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) course to become an ASA Candidate.
  • Step 3: Complete the four ASA Principles of Valuation (POV) courses for your equipment appraisal specialty. Different courses are available for those specializing in Machinery & Equipment, in Aircraft, and in the Marine Survey specialties.
  • Step 4: Submit an accreditation application, including an appraisal experience log and an equipment appraisal report for peer-review by ASA's Board of Examiners.
  • Step 5: Become an Accredited Member with at least two (2) years of full-time experience or an Accredited Senior Appraiser with at least five (5) years of full-time experience.

Join ASA Today

What Designations Does ASA Offer?

A professional designation from ASA demonstrates an individual has proven their skill and education as a professional appraiser through testing, confirmed work-experience and a peer-review approval process os a written appraisal report.  ASA offers two (2) Machinery & Technical Specialties designations (the Accredited Member (AM) and the Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) within three (3) MTS specialties:

  • The machinery and equipment specialty includes the valuation of assets like construction equipment, farm equipment, medical equipment, manufacturing equipment, and many other types of general machinery and equipment.
  • The marine survey specialty includes the appraisal of commercial and pleasure marine craft.
  • The aircraft specialty includes fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and related support equipment.