USPAP Standards
USPAP Standards (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) are the basic rules that all professional appraisers in the United States must follow when determining the value of art, antiques, or other valuable items. Think of it as a rulebook that ensures all appraisers work in a consistent, honest, and professional way. It's similar to how accountants follow GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) to maintain consistency in their work. When employers see USPAP on a resume, they know the appraiser understands and follows these important industry guidelines.
Examples in Resumes
Conducted over 200 art valuations following USPAP Standards guidelines
Maintained USPAP Standards compliance while appraising museum collections
Updated appraisal procedures to align with latest USPAP requirements
Typical job title: "Art Appraisers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Art Appraisers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle complex appraisals that involve multiple types of art or collections?
Expected Answer: A senior appraiser should explain their systematic approach to evaluating diverse collections, mention documentation methods, and discuss how they ensure USPAP compliance across different types of items.
Q: How do you stay current with USPAP updates and market trends?
Expected Answer: Should discuss continuous education, professional memberships, market research methods, and how they implement new USPAP requirements into their practice.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What documentation do you include in a USPAP-compliant appraisal report?
Expected Answer: Should mention key components like detailed descriptions, photos, market analysis, and value conclusions, explaining how each element meets USPAP requirements.
Q: How do you determine the appropriate approach to value for different types of art?
Expected Answer: Should explain the basic approaches (market comparison, cost, income) and when each is most appropriate, while maintaining USPAP compliance.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic USPAP Standards rules?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the fundamental principles of USPAP: ethics, competency, objectivity, and proper documentation requirements.
Q: How do you research comparable sales for an artwork?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic research methods using auction records, galleries, and online databases while following USPAP guidelines for market analysis.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of USPAP guidelines
- Simple artwork and antique appraisals
- Basic market research
- Standard report writing
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex appraisal report preparation
- Detailed USPAP compliance
- Multiple valuation approaches
- Specialty area expertise
Senior (5+ years)
- Expert level USPAP knowledge
- Complex collection valuation
- Team leadership and training
- Expert witness testimony
Red Flags to Watch For
- No formal USPAP training or certification
- Unable to explain basic valuation approaches
- Lack of continuing education in appraisal field
- No membership in professional appraisal organizations
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