Appraiser Training Seminars

In today’s fast-paced business environment, the demand for qualified, professional appraisers is rising faster than ever. Whether you’re aiming to earn accreditation, sharpen your understanding of appraisal reports, or secure Continuing Education Credits to maintain your credentials — CPPAO training is your pathway to success. Don’t wait. Sign up today or contact us to explore how our program can give you and your business a competitive edge.

The CPPAO Course will be invaluable to the following industries and professions:

Auctioneers

Bailiffs

Estate Trustees

Lawyers

Oilfield and Forestry Specialists

Accountants and Tax Firms

Banks and Lenders

Heavy Equipment Dealers

Museum Curators

Real Estate Appraisers

Industrial Plant & Machinery Dealers

Antiques Resellers

Downsizing Service Providers

Insurance Professionals

Non-profit Organizations

Trustees in Bankruptcy

Upcoming Online Seminars

Register Online Today.  A $100 Early Bird Discount applies when you register 3 weeks prior to the course start date.  Supplement your existing business activities by enrolling today and start earning thousands more by increasing your appraisal potential .

 

DAILY ITINERARY

(Eastern / Toronto Timezone)

Thursday Evening: 6:30pm – 9:00pm

Friday: 9:00am – 6:00pm

Saturday: 9:00am – 6:00pm

Sunday Morning: 9:00am – 11:30am

November 6 - 9, 2025

Toronto, ON Timezone

Register before October 20th, 2025, and save $100!

Cost: $1,320.00 (plus $171.60 HST) Total: $ 1,491.60

Before Oct. 20th, 2025: $1,220.00 (plus $158.60 HST) Total: $ 1,378.60

Registration deadline: October 31st, 2025

In order to meet the continuing demand for Canadian Personal Property Appraisers, the CPPAO appraisers training and accreditation program has been successfully adapted to provide online learning. You may now stay safe at home and fully participate from the comfort of your own home or office. You will need a high-speed internet connection in order to fluidly participate. A desk top or a lap top computer will provide the best learning experience. Please register early so that we may properly facilitate our set-up requirements and communicate back to you with proper instructions.

PLEASE EMAIL OUR OFFICE IF YOU REQUIRE FURTHER
INFORMATION.

admin@cppao.com

Course Instructors

ANDREW CURRAN

CSA, CEA, CPPA, CPPAO
Orangeville, ON

With over 40 years of experience in appraising machinery and equipment, Andrew is a seasoned veteran when it comes to valuations in the following industries: Machine Tools, Plastic, Woodworking, Food Processing, Printing, Transportation and Pulp and Paper.

Andrew has been a regular instructor for the former Canadian Personal Property Appraisers Group and is a graduate of the Southwestern Ontario School of Auctioneering.

* (USPAP) Personal Property Appraisal Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice Course (2015)

* (CEA) Certified Machinery & Equipment Appraiser with the Association of Machinery & Equipment Appraisers (AMEA)

* (CSA) Senior Certified Appraiser with the Equipment Appraisers Association of North America

* Accredited Appraiser – Canadian Personal Property Appraisers Group

* Member – Machinery Dealers National Association (Secretary Canadian Chapter, Voluntary Board Member)

JOHN CHARLES CHASTY

M. Ed, B. Ed, B.A., B. Sc.
Toronto, ON

John Chasty is the President of VICTORCREEK SERVICES Inc., an Ontario consulting firm which provides bilingual appraisal/marketing/investigative services and strategic leadership direction to clients. 

John retired from public education in 2020 after 32 years. As a Superintendent of Education in the Toronto District School Board he was responsible for safeguarding the largest public Fine Art, Archival, and Artifact Collection in Canada.  Over 12 years he led the process to conduct appraisals for thousands of artworks, put in place a fine art insurance policy, established a strategic partnership with the Art Gallery of Ontario and collaborated with Indigenous Elders to curate the permanent First Nations, Métis, and Inuit fine art exhibition Debwewin

Earlier career experiences include art teacher, medical illustrator and arts marketing consultant.  He has been a Canadian Personal Property Appraisers Group (CPPAG) graduate and member since 2016 and completed the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) in 2025 through the International Society of Appraisers.

STEVE SNIDER

CPPA
London, ON

With over 22 years of experience in both the auction industry and the appraisal of construction and transportation equipment, I’ve dedicated my career to mastering these fields. A member in good standing with a professional appraisal organization since 2016, I currently serve as the Operations Manager for Canada and the East Coast of the US at a global leader in online auctions. In this role, I apply my deep knowledge to oversee operations and ensure seamless execution, contributing to the company’s continued reputation and success in a highly competitive market.

MOIRA ALEXANDRA FREEMAN MCKEE

M.A., B.A. (Hons), CPPA
London, ON

Moira McKee is a Senior Appraisal Specialist with J.S. Held LLC, a Global Consulting Firm where she provides comprehensive appraisals for insurance, estate planning, tax purposes, charitable donations, and resale valuation for their high-net-worth client division. A professionally trained appraiser and expert witness, Moira completed her B.A., Honours Specialization in Art History & Criticism from Western University (2011), followed by Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) (2012), Appraisal Studies in Fine & Decorative Arts, New York University (2012), and M.A., Art History & Curatorial Studies from Western University (2022) with additional experience working as the Director of a contemporary international art gallery and in the auction house sector.

* (CPPA) Canadian Personal Property Appraisers Group – Graduate and Member since 2016

JIM SNIDER

CAI, CPPA
Owen Sound, ON

Jim is a second-generation auctioneer with over 40 years of experience in all aspects of the auction and personal property appraisal industries including: livestock and farm equipment, antiques and collectibles, homewares, automobiles as a wholesale auto auctioneer, heavy equipment as a contract auctioneer, and, real estate.  In 2000, Jim and his family built and operated the Rockford Auction Centre, a 10,000 square foot consignment auction facility which operated bi-weekly live, general auction sales until their transition into online auctions starting in 2015.

In 1998 Jim achieved the Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) designation through the Auction Marketing Institute of the National Auctioneers Association and Indiana State University.  Jim was 2 times President of the Auctioneers Association of Ontario, a Board Member for numerous terms and has been a Member in Good Standing since 1994.

Throughout his auction career, Jim has provided personal property appraisal services for numerous purposes including: Small-business loans, insurance post-loss and pre-loss, estate purposes for probate and equitable distribution, divorce, buy/sell agreements, charitable donations, museums and private purposes.  Jim has appeared as an expert witness in cases involving equitable distribution of marital assets.

In 1995 Jim co-founded Canada’s first appraiser training and accreditation organization known as the Canadian Personal Property Appraisers Group (CPPAG).  Up until the dissolution of CPPAG in the summer of 2025, the CPPAG organization trained and accredited more than 2200 appraisers across Canada with members from all provinces and territories.

Ready to get started?

Register for an online seminar today to become an accredited Canadian Personal Property Appraiser

Course Curriculum

Session 1: The Basic Principles of Appraisal

Whether your expertise is heavy equipment or antiques and collectibles, the core principles of appraisal remain consistent.  Our experienced instructors will break down these foundational approaches and guide you through their practical application.

Session 2: The Basic Elements of Appraisal

A professional appraisal report relies on several key elements. Understanding what they are and when to apply them will equip you to confidently handle any type of appraisal assignment.

Session 3: Many Approaches to Value

This section explores the various approaches to value, providing appraisers with the flexibility and insight needed to confidently prepare reports of any complexity.

Session 4: Insolvency Situations

Bankruptcy cases often involve unique circumstances that require careful consideration. We’ll guide you on how to navigate these situations while upholding the accuracy and integrity of your appraisal report.

Session 5: Business Assets and Heavy Equipment Appraisals

The demand for accurate appraisal services among bankruptcy trustees and inspectors and lenders continues to grow. We’ll demonstrate the critical role a professional appraisal report plays in meeting these needs effectively.

Session 6: Agricultural Appraisals

Our experienced instructors lead hands-on workshops focused on farm-related assets, equipping you to conduct accurate appraisals — even if you’re new to this area of expertise.

Session 7: Divorce and Separation Appraisals

In this section, our experts provide practical guidance for navigating the often sensitive nature of divorce appraisals. You’ll learn accurate valuation methods and efficient techniques that help establish your reputation as a trusted and reliable appraiser in these delicate situations.

Session 8: Estate Valuations

This in-demand area of appraisal work can be a valuable stepping stone to new opportunities. By learning how to handle these assignments effectively, you can enhance your credibility—and potentially boost your income.

Session 9: Insurance Appraisals

Our instructors will cover the key criteria and considerations involved in casualty loss appraisals, highlighting their scope, challenges, and potential opportunities.  Do insurance appraisals require a different approach?  In some cases, yes.  We’ll show you when and how to adapt your appraisal methods to meet these specific requirements.

Session 10: Case Study Comparable Sales Analysis Techniques

This section uses case studies and worksheets to provide students with hands-on experience in determining value, bridging theory with practical application.

Session 11: Report Writing and Sample Report:

Our program includes written sample reports that highlight the essential components needed to produce a credible, well-structured, and professional appraisal report.

Session 12: Sourcing Price Information

Discover how to research pricing information that supports and strengthens your appraisal report. Even when working with unfamiliar items, the process is simpler than you might expect — and we’ll show you how.

Session 13: CPPAO Code of Ethics

As with any respected professional organization, members are expected to uphold a strong code of ethics. In this section, we’ll review the CPPAO Code of Ethics and the standards of practice you’ll be required to maintain. We’ll also cover the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), widely recognized and adopted by appraisal organizations across North America.

Session 14: Liability of an Appraiser

Appraisers are fully accountable under the law. In this section, our instructors will explain your legal responsibilities and the importance of accuracy and integrity in every document you produce.

Session 15: Expert Witness Discussion

This section delves into courtroom procedures, the role of the appraiser, and the significance of your expert opinion. You’ll learn how to effectively present and defend your appraisal findings when serving as an expert witness.

Session 16: Organization and Preparation of a Professional Appraisal Report

Your appraisal report is a direct reflection of your expertise and professionalism. This section focuses on teaching you how to create clear, accurate, and well-organized reports that not only support your findings but also enhance your credibility and reputation as a qualified appraiser.

Session 17: Examination

A final examination will validate each participant’s comprehension of the course material. Upon passing the exam and submitting an approved Disclosure Form, you’ll be granted membership in the Canadian Personal Property Appraisers Organization. You’ll earn the Canadian Personal Property Appraisers Organization (CPPAO) designation and the right to display the CPPAO logo on your business cards, letterhead, and marketing materials. This prestigious credential not only elevates your professional standing but also enhances your visibility—and potential for referrals—throughout the business community.

Early Bird Discount

Register at least three weeks prior to the course date and receive a $100 discount off the full course price.

Membership Renewal

There is a $150 annual Membership renewal fee to maintain your status as a Member in Good Standing in the Canadian Personal Property Appraisers Organization.  Your first year of membership is included in the course cost.