Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)
The generally accepted standards for professional appraisal practice in North America. USPAP contains standards for all types of appraisal services. Standards are included for real estate, personal property, business and mass appraisal.
History of USPAP
These Standards are based on the original Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice developed in1986–87 by the Ad Hoc Committee on Uniform Standards and copyrighted in 1987 by The Appraisal Foundation. The effective date of the original Uniform Standards was April 27, 1987. Prior to the establishment of the ASB in 1989, USPAP had been adopted by major appraisal organizations in North America. USPA represents the generally accepted and recognized standards of appraisal practice in the United States.
At its organizational meeting on January 30, 1989, the Appraisal Standards Board unanimously approved and adopted the original USPAP as the initial appraisal standards promulgated by the ASB. USPAP may be amended, interpreted, supplemented, or retired by the ASB after exposure to the appraisal profession, users ofappraisal services, and the public in accordance with established rules of procedure.
Guidance
The ASB issues guidance in the form of Advisory Opinions, USPAP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) andmonthly questions and responses “USPAP Q&A.” These communications do not establish new Standards or interpret existing Standards and are not part of USPAP. They illustrate the applicability of Standards in specific situations and offer advice from the ASB for the resolution of appraisal issues and problems. The USPAP Q&A is published monthly and available on The Appraisal Foundation website. These questions and responses are compiled and published in the USPAP Frequently Asked Questions.
Changes to USPAP
Over the years, USPAP has evolved in response to changes in appraisal practice. The ASB has developed a process for developing both Standards and guidance based, in part, on written comments submitted in response to exposure drafts and oral testimony presented at public meetings.
Contacting the Appraisal Standards Board
The ASB invites questions about USPAP, commentary on USPAP and proposed changes to USPAP from all interested parties, including appraisers, state enforcement agencies, users of appraisal services, and the public.
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