ASA to Merge Associate and Candidate Membership Categories

From a recent ASA email to members. Effective July 1, 2009 the ASA Associate and Candidate membership categories will be merged into a single, Candidate Member category. Limits and guidelines for these changes, follow, along with a Q&A section. It appears as if candidate members can state under a membership section of a resume they are Candidate Members of ASA by not under a professional association listing, they also may may use the term Candidate Member of ASA on ASA internal publications and speaker listings, I assume if it is outside of ASA then you can not (something worth checking on), it also appears the candidate can not sign appraisal reports stating they are candidate members or associated with ASA. I would assume it is OK in the CV section under memberships, according to the explanation.

I am not an ASA member, so if you are either an associate or candidate member of ASA and need further clarification from the below email, I recommend you directly contact the American Society of Appraisers for additional information on the merged membership category and how to state your affiliation based upon document and publication.

From the ASA email:

Three years ago, the Board of Governors of the American Society of Appraisers (by Resolution CA-3-06) separated the non-accredited members of ASA into two categories: “Candidate Member” and “Associate” of the American Society of Appraisers. The change was made to recognize the diligent work of ASA Candidates who had completed their discipline education or Principles of Valuation requirements on the way to achieving accreditation, and at the same time commended the loyalty and dedication of those members who had yet to achieve that milestone.

In the ensuing years, the needs of the Society and its members have evolved and it has become clear that two non-accredited categories are no longer beneficial and have become a source of confusion among members and consumers.

Consequently, at its February 2009 board meeting, the ASA Board of Governors (Resolution 01-09-05) voted unanimously that, effective July 1, 2009, the two non-accredited categories (Associate and Candidate) will merge into one non-accredited category of membership to be known as “Candidate Member”. Candidate members will have all the rights, privileges, and limitations currently in effect which are as follows:

• Reference to Candidate membership may be made on a qualification sheet under the heading “Association Memberships” (but not under “Professional Memberships”) as follows: “Candidate Member, American Society of Appraisers”. Candidate members may use the words “Candidate Member, American Society of Appraisers” after their name or in a byline when acting as speakers or authoring articles for internal ASA activities, including conferences, seminars, journals and publications.
• Candidate members shall be entitled to vote for international officers, for discipline committee officers, or on questions or subjects at the region, national, or international level with the exception of changes to valuation standards, advancement requirements or changes to the ASA Constitution.
• Candidate members are able to seek and hold office at the chapter level.
• Candidate members may not use the ASA logo.

This change reflects ASA’s commitment to continually improve member service and streamline procedures for all of its members. Please see the Question and Answer section below to address any specific concerns, or call ASA Headquarters at 800-272-8258.

Sincerely,

Samuel Luceno, ASA

Chair, Admissions and Membership Committee

Download a printable version of this letter and Q & A document here.

Questions and Answers - Combining the Associate and Candidate Categories:

Q: I was an Associate and as a result of this change, I am now a Candidate. What ASA elections can I vote in?
A: Candidate members may vote in all international and discipline elections or on any question/subject at the regional, national or international level with the exception of changes to valuation standards, advancement requirements or changes to the ASA Constitution.

Q: Is there a limit to the length of time I can remain a Candidate Member before applying for accreditation? What will happen if I do not apply for accreditation?

A: While ASA certainly encourages all Candidate members to apply for advancement as quickly as possible so that they may obtain a designation and enjoy additional member benefits, Candidate members may stay at this status indefinitely.

Q: Will I be able to market myself as a member of ASA? What are the rules?
A: Reference to Candidate membership may be made on a qualification sheet under the heading “Association Memberships” (but not under “Professional Memberships”) as follows: “Candidate Member, American Society of Appraisers”. Candidate members may use the words “Candidate Member, American Society of Appraisers” after their name or in a byline when acting as speakers or authoring articles for internal ASA activities, including conferences, seminars, journals and publications

Q: Will I be able to sign my appraisal reports as a member of ASA?

A: No. Candidates may only use the term “Candidate Member” as outlined above which does not include using the term on an appraisal report.

Q: Will I be able to use the ASA logo in connection with my practice?

A: Use of the ASA logo is reserved for designated members of the Society.

Q: Doesn’t making a change like this cost ASA money by requiring database changes, reprinting of materials, etc.? Is this change worth the cost? Will this change last longer than 3 years?

A: While all change incurs cost, addressing a problem and making changes for the better was the reason behind the Board of Governors’ decision.

Q: Will Candidate Members be able to seek and hold office on the chapter level?

A: Yes, the CA-3-06 resolution made it possible for Candidate Members to seek and hold office on a chapter level.

Q: I am currently an applicant, how will this change affect me?

A: When you meet your applicant requirements (passing the ASA ethics exam and the USPAP exam) you will move directly to Candidate Member status while you complete your education and other requirements of accreditation.

Q: I am currently an Associate, how will this change affect me?

A: Your status will be changed to Candidate Member effective July 1, 2009 and you will be able to vote in all international and discipline elections or on any question/subject at the regional, national or international level with the exception of changes to valuation standards, advancement requirements and changes to the ASA Constitution. You will also be able to state that you are a Candidate Member on a qualification sheet under the heading “Association Memberships” (but not under “Professional Memberships”) as follows: “Candidate Member, American Society of Appraisers”. You may also use the words “Candidate Member, American Society of Appraisers” after your name or in a byline when acting as speakers or authoring articles for internal ASA activities, including conferences, seminars, journals and publications.

Q: I am currently a Candidate, how will this change affect me?

A: This change will not affect your current membership status with ASA

Q: I am a designated member (AM, ASA, FASA), how will this change affect me?

A: This change will not affect your current membership status with ASA.