GPPA & MPPA - Graduate Personal Property Appraiser and Master Personal Property Appraiser


Graduate Personal Property Appraiser (GPPA)

Enhance your appraisal skills with the Graduate Personal Property Appraiser program.

Those that have successfully completed the GPPA program have learned the responsibilities of the appraiser and have a good knowledge of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) guidelines. GPPA designated auctioneers and appraisers know not only how to conduct a complete and appropriate appraisal, but also know the various factors that affect the value of appraised items.

In addition to the above qualifications, Master Personal Property Appraiser designees have specialized in one or more of the following areas:

  • Antiques & Estates
  • Plant Machinery & Equipment
  • Construction & Agricultural Equipment
  • Small Business Valuation

Graduate Personal Property Appraiser (GPPA) Course Description

The GPPA class examines the responsibilities of the appraiser and discusses the factors affecting the value of appraised items. Experts and classmates will discuss industry trends, the function of the appraiser, identification, valuation and methodology of appraisals, as well as the responsibility the appraiser has to the client.

The GPPA course also provides basic information about appraisal work including teaching you how to search for comps, what to look for as far as condition, identifying marks and other conditions.

You will learn about personal property, antiques, machinery, equipment, farm, and construction equipment. The instructors will provide examples as well as materials to help you start your appraisal business. You will also learn about the GPPA appraisal template and practice preparing an appraisal report using the template.

You will be able to customize a standardized appraisal format, market your appraisal services, enhance your research skills and improve your appraisals. An examination is given at the end of this course.

On the final day of GPPA you will participate in the Appraiser as Expert Witness program.

Credit Hours: 35 (5 days)

Cost: $850.00 Early Enrollment Member Price

Who Should Attend? Auctioneers and appraisers who wish to appraise personal property.

For a schedule of upcoming courses, click here.


GPPA Designation Requirements:

Within 90 days of attending GPPA, submit:

  • Class appraisal report, which will be reviewed and accepted by your instructor
  • GPPA Application Form

Within one (1) year of attending GPPA and after the class appraisal has been accepted, submit:

  • Two (2) client appraisals, with permission slip
  • Attend USPAP 15 hour certification course and pass exam. You must recertify by taking the USPAP 7 hour course each time the USPAP regulations are revised. (Generally every two years.)

After receiving your designation, there is a yearly designation fee and a requirement to attend 24 hours of continuing education every three years.

Who Should Attend? Auctioneers, appraisers and antique dealers who wish to appraise.



Master Personal Property Appraiser (MPPA)

Upon completion of the GPPA designation program application may be made for the MPPA (Master Personal Property Appraiser) by submitting additional coursework or proof of appraisal experience. To obtain the designation you must complete a 4-page application which is reviewed by the Peer Review Committee. A fee of $125.00 must accompany the application form and all supporting materials of upper-level appraisal work. USPAP must be completed prior to this application and proof should be included in the materials submitted.

After receiving your designation, there is a yearly designation fee and a requirement to attend 24 hours of continuing education every three years.



The National Uniform Standards of Professional Practice (USPAP) Courses

15 Hour Course: The National Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) Course, 15-Hour Course (hereafter referred to as the National USPAP Course, 15-Hour) of The Appraisal Foundation focuses on the requirements for ethical behavior and competent performance by appraisers that are set forth in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). This course is unique in that it was developed in 1998 and is revised annually for The Appraisal Foundation with assistance from the Education Council of Appraisal Foundation Sponsors (ECAFS).

The course material emphasizes the role of the appraiser and the impartiality associated with this role. The special responsibilities of the appraiser with regard to impartiality are explored in detail.

In addition to lectures, the course includes Discussion Examples that show how USPAP applies to situations that appraisers encounter in everyday practice. These examples address issues frequently experienced by appraisers as professionals in the appraisal of real property, personal property, and businesses or intangible assets; in appraisal review; and in real property appraisal consulting assignments.

This course is designed to aid appraisers in all areas of appraisal practice seeking competency in USPAP, including those subject to state licensing or certification and continuing education requirements imposed by professional organizations, client groups, or employers.

The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice have been endorsed and adopted by major appraisal organizations of the United States and Canada. As required by federal law, USPAP must be used by states in their real estate appraiser certification programs.

This course provides at least 15 hours (50 minutes/hour) of instruction in USPAP and allows for a one-hour exam period.

7 Hour Course: The Appraisal Foundation's National Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) Update Course, 7-Hour, focuses on recent changes to USPAP requirements for ethical behavior and competent performance by appraisers. It also includes information intended to clarify some commonly misunderstood aspects of USPAP.

This course assumes that participants have previously completed the National Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) Course, 15-Hour, or an equivalent 15-hour course.

This update course is designed to aid appraisers in all areas of appraisal practice seeking competency in USPAP, including those subject to state licensing or certification and continuing education requirements imposed by professional organizations, client groups, or employers.

The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice have been endorsed and adopted by the major appraisal organizations. As required by federal law, states must incorporate USPAP in their real estate appraiser certification programs. Implementation and enforcement of USPAP occurs through its adoption, citation, or reference by an agency or other public body, or an organization or client group with legally enforceable jurisdiction over either the service an appraiser performs, or over the appraiser. The requirement to comply with USPAP may also occur as a result of an agreement to comply between the appraiser and the client, or it may be voluntary on the part of the appraiser.

For more information on the upcoming courses or for registration information, please email: education@auctioneers.org