Coming soon: The Appraiser and Umpire Association is not yet an active association and is not accepting members or issuing certifications at this time. We are NOT affiliated with the IAUA (Insurance Appraisal and Umpire Association).
Appraiser & UmpireAssociation
PCAS

Property Claim Appraisal Specialist (PCAS)

A private professional certification for property claim appraisers who meet AUA education, examination, practical assessment and ethics standards.

To earn the Property Claim Appraisal Specialist (PCAS) credential, you must be an active AUA member, complete 14 instructor-led classroom hours over two days, and score at least 80% on both a 75-question, 90-minute knowledge exam and a practical case assessment. The credential is valid for two years.

Eligibility and requirements

  • Active AUA membership
  • 14 instructor-led classroom hours over two days
  • 75-question, 90-minute knowledge exam, minimum score 80%
  • Practical assessment, minimum score 80%
  • Agreement to the AUA Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct

What the classroom program covers

The two-day PCAS program, taught by Neal McLoughlin, EdD, covers:

  • Insurance and appraisal principles: policy structure, the appraisal clause, and the limits of appraisal
  • Estimating and valuation: scope of loss, replacement cost value (RCV), actual cash value (ACV) and depreciation
  • The appraisal process and documentation, from demand to signed award
  • Ethics, impartiality and conflicts of interest
  • An applied case study with award preparation

The exams

After the program you take a 75-question, 90-minute knowledge exam and a practical case assessment. You need at least 80% on each. Course completion alone does not confer certification.

Renewal

AUA credentials are valid for two years. Renewal requires good standing, compliance with the AUA Code of Conduct, and 14 AUA-approved continuing education hours during the two-year term.

Who should earn the PCAS?

Policyholder-side and carrier-side appraisers, public adjusters and adjusters who serve as appraisers, estimators and contractors moving into appraisal work, and anyone who wants to show clients, opposing appraisers, umpires and courts that their work meets a published professional standard. New to the field? Start with how to become a property claim appraiser.

Property Claim Appraisal Specialist (PCAS) and Property Claim Umpire Specialist (PCUS) are credential designations of Appraisal and Umpire Association Corp. They are not affiliated with any appraiser or umpire credential issued by another organization, including the Insurance Appraisal and Umpire Association (IAUA). AUA credentials are private professional credentials, not state licenses, and course completion alone does not confer certification. AUA is not yet issuing credentials.

For Information

Frequently asked questions

How long does PCAS certification take?

The classroom program is 14 instructor-led hours over two days, followed by the knowledge exam and the practical assessment.

What score do I need to pass the PCAS exam?

At least 80% on the 75-question, 90-minute knowledge exam and at least 80% on the practical assessment.

How long is the PCAS credential valid?

Two years. To renew, stay in good standing, follow the AUA Code of Conduct and complete 14 AUA-approved CE hours during the term.

Does the PCAS replace a state license?

No. It is a private professional certification. Where a state licenses appraisers, such as Iowa, you must also hold that license.