Business appraiser credentials

Here are two to look for:

ASA, which stands for Accredited Senior Appraiser. This designation is issued by the American Society of Appraisers. Recients have at least five years full-time appraisal experience and a four-year college degree. To qualify, members must submit actual appraisal reports that then are validated for conformance with the requirements of the Society's Principles of Appraisal Practice Guidelines. The appraiser also must pass an examination.

CBA, which stands for Certified Business Appraiser. This credential is issued by the Institute of Business Appraisers (IBA). The IBA gives the CBA designation to members with a four-year college degree, who have passed an exam given by the IBA, and submitted two formal appraisal reports that conform to the IBA's Business Appraisal Standards.

Since designations don't necessarily ensure competence, be sure to ask for references, and then check them out.