AQS Certified Appraisal Program

Our program has several phases – if you are already appraising, you may be ready to be certified; you may feel you need additional training through our educational program; or, perhaps you are looking for someone to give an appraisal or to appraise your collection.

Quilt appraisals conducted by a certified appraiser have become more important than ever. Our goal is to provide a well-rounded program that provides training, certification and referral.

Becoming a Quilt Appraiser Certified by the American Quilter’s Society

Appraising is assigning realistic values that can be defended using factual data in a court of law, if necessary. Appraising, more than other professions, is subject to rules and regulations established by the government and the recognized certifying body. Qualified and accredited certifying organizations, such as the American Quilter’s Society (AQS), have the responsibility of testing and certifying only those candidates that exhibit the necessary skills, knowledge, experience, and ethical practices that conform to their uniform standards and practices.

Only those appraisers demonstrating such skills and practices are scheduled for testing. Candidates will not be scheduled for testing until the certifying committee feels they will have a positive result. All test candidates must have taken the Three-Day Appraisal Skills Course, and have appraisal experience. AQS is the only recognized and accredited organization that specializes in certifying Quilt Appraisers.

Appraisers are expected to assign values determined by using a variety of methods based upon factual data gathered from consummated sales in the current market place. This data reflects sales between a willing seller and a willing and knowledgeable buyer, neither being under any duress to either buy or sell. This is known as the Fair Market Value. Appraisals are prepared for Sale, Insurance, and Donation purposes. Appraisers are required to know how to prepare donation appraisals that conform to Internal Revenue Service rules and regulations.

Requirements for quilt appraisers begins with a solid foundation of quilt history as well as quilt styles, trends, fashion, and fabrics. These are just some of the determining factors in regard to the evaluation process. Developing a database containing current quilt sales is also helpful when establishing current values.

As a step toward quilt appraising, we encourage all interested parties to enroll in the Three-Day Appraisal Skills Courses offered in Paducah, Kentucky, each April. These classes are designed to give prospective quilt appraisers an idea of what they know, what they don’t know, and what they need to know in order to pass AQS testing before becoming a Quilt Appraiser Certified by the American Quilter’s Society.

AQS is not an appraisal school. Appraisal skills are acquired through experience and working in the field. We can however aid in the process. Information is available on the American Quilter’s Society web site.

See the Quilt Appraisal Certification Program.

Gerald E. Roy
Administrator
AQS Quilt Appraisal Certification Program

Certification Program

In order to begin the certification process, you must submit an application with a $100.00 fee. The Appraiser Certification Program Committee will evaluate the application and notify applicant of the results. If the application is accepted, the candidate is required to take a two-part test — a written examination and an oral evaluation during the annual show in April. The fee for testing is $150.00. The candidate should be knowledgeable and experienced in all of the certification requirements. All applications must be submitted by June 1 in order to be considered for certification evaluation the following April. Application available upon request.

Education Program

If you feel you are not ready to apply at this time, the skills courses offered at AQS QuiltWeek Paducah would be a good beginning as they teach the practices and procedures used by appraisers and taught by appraisers certified by the American Quilter’s Society. The 3-Day Appraisal Skills Course is required before application for certification. Taking the offered skills courses does not guarantee passing the certification process. The courses are offered every April in Paducah, Kentucky. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Thank you for your interest in the Appraiser Certification Program.

Appraiser Program Downloads

The following documents are available for prospective AQS Certified Appraisers.

The following documents are available for current AQS Certified Appraisers (Password Protected).

AQS Certified Quilt Appraisals

How much is your new or antique quilt worth? Have it appraised by an American Quilter’s Society Certified Appraiser to determine insurance replacement or fair market values. Click here to find an appraiser in your area. Quilt appraisals are also available on a walk-in basis during certain AQS QuiltWeek® events throughout the year. For more information, contact Bonnie Browning at 270-898-7903, ext. 146, or visit our show website.

Contact Us

For questions please email us at: appraisalcommittee@americanquilter.com.