The CSAA's education program is one of the most comprehensive educational programs within the North American agricultural appraisal profession. The program ensures that members earning their designation do so with the assurance of a strong educational foundation that prepares them to meet the ever-changing demands of the profession. The entire process is designed to develop valuation professionals who have the specialized skills needed to excel in this multi-faceted career.

The CSAA strictly adheres to these Appraisal Foundation standards and are requirements for all CSAA Members. The CSAA offers several categories of CSAA membership based on an appraiser's career path or their current role within the agricultural appraisal profession in Canada.

Candidates for Membership

Candidates for membership are individuals who are beginning the CSAA's educational program and taking the necessary steps to become an agricultural appraiser and may specialize in one of three areas - Livestock, Farm Equipment or Equine appraisals, or may choose to apply for a combination of divisions or all three, depending on their background and experience.

Requirements:
Must be 21 years of age or older
Extensive background in the agricultural industry
Bachelor's Degree or higher OR 30 semester credit hours from an accredited college or university (minimum of 10 courses or two full semesters)
Valid driver's licence
No criminal history
Candidates must submit a current Certified Criminal Record Check with their application which can be obtained from their local police or RCMP detachment
Candidates are required to obtain Errors & Omission insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000 liability coverage and provide proof of insurance to CSAA annually
Complete a 15-hour United Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) personal property course within three months of candidate approval
Complete the CSAA Introductory Course in Agricultural Appraisals within three months of candidate approval

If the CSAA Candidate does not complete the 15-hour USPAP course and CSAA Introductory Course in Agricultural Appraisals within three months of Candidate for Membership approval, Candidate will be dropped from the membership.

CSAA Member

CSAA Candidates who successfully pass the 15-hour USPAP course and complete the CSAA Introductory Course in Agricultural Appraisals are considered CSAA Members once the following minimum membership requirements are met:
Payment of the yearly membership fee
Complete the CSAA Advanced Course in Agricultural Appraisals within three months of their CSAA Member approval
Complete a 7-hour USPAP personal property updating course every two years
Provide proof of Errors & Omission insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000 liability coverage annually

If the CSAA Member does not complete the CSAA Advanced Course in Agricultural Appraisals within three months of Member approval, the member will revert back to the Candidate designation. CSAA Members have three years to advance to the Accredited Member level. If this is not achieved within a three year period, the member will revert back to the Candidate designation.

CSAA Members typically work in the profession as entry-level appraisers, including the right to prepare and take responsibility for appraisal reports. CSAA Members must adhere to CSAA's continuing education requirements; complete 70 hours of continuing education every 5 years, which must include a 7-hour USPAP personal property updating course every two years and at least 20 hours of coursework related to valuation theory. These guidelines satisfy the requirements of the Appraiser Qualifications Board's personal property appraiser minimum qualification criteria as set out by The Appraisal Foundation.

CSAA Accredited Member

The CSAA Accredited designation is granted to current CSAA Members who have completed:
CSAA Advanced Course in Agricultural Appraisals
Minimum of 700 hours of agricultural appraisal experience
Must submit an insurance appraisal report for review
7-hour USPAP personal property updating course every two years
Provide proof of Errors & Omission insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000 liability coverage annually

CSAA Accredited Members must adhere to CSAA's continuing education requirements; complete 70 hours of continuing education every 5 years, which must include a 7-hour USPAP personal property updating course every two years and at least 20 hours of coursework related to valuation theory. These guidelines satisfy the requirements of the Appraiser Qualifications Board's personal property appraiser minimum qualification criteria as set out by The Appraisal Foundation.

CSAA Senior Member

The CSAA Senior Member designation is granted to current CSAA Accredited Members who have:
Performed a minimum of 1,800 hours of agricultural appraisal experience
Must submit a broad evidence appraisal report for review
7-hour USPAP personal property updating course every two years
Provide proof of Errors & Omission insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000 liability coverage annually

CSAA Senior Members must adhere to CSAA's continuing education requirements; complete 70 hours of continuing education every 5 years, which must include a 7-hour USPAP personal property updating course every two years and at least 20 hours of coursework related to valuation theory. These guidelines satisfy the requirements of the Appraiser Qualifications Board's personal property appraiser minimum qualification criteria as set out by The Appraisal Foundation.