Welcome To The Asheford Institute...
Our site now offers a full Course Prospectus related to the school's comprehensive decorative arts program. So, if you're interested in becoming an antiques & vintage dealer, a certified professional-level appraiser, an estate sale liquidator, or perhaps a combination of all three, then read on. As the largest home-study school of its kind, we're sure you'll find everything you need to get started right here...
A Brief History Of The School...
The Asheford Program is an internationally recognized and industry accredited instructional curriculum involving the study of antiques, vintage items, collectibles, estate sale liquidations and professional-level appraising services. Created in 1966, by school founder Peter C. Green, the Program has enrolled over one-hundred thousand students worldwide since its inception. With its emphasis on excellence in learning, training and innovative approaches to teaching, it has become recognized as one of the preeminent schools related to the development of distance-learning education that is geared specifically towards successful entrepreneurship in the field of antiques & vintage sales, collectibles, professional-level appraising, and estate sale liquidation services. The student body is comprised mainly of individuals who are actively seeking employment or self-employment within these fields of study.
Asheford Course Components & Requirements
ANYONE may apply for admission to the Asheford Institute Of Antiques Program. However, to be eligible to enroll in the Institute, it is recommended that you at least have a good fundamental working knowledge of the English language. Students are not required to have a GED equivalency test score but must demonstrate the ability to comprehend the subject matter at hand, via the submission of open-book Course examinations to faculty staff and instructors (*For International students residing outside of the United States and Canada, please refer to the school's International page for additional enrollment options and requirements).
Who's Taking The Asheford Program?
The school's base of students is diverse and ranges from complete novices to museum curators, from online antique collectors and enthusiasts to large scale vintage dealers and professional-level appraisers, from associates at major auction houses, to country auctioneers, and estate-sale planners. From every corner of the decorative arts world, you'll find a student from the Asheford Institute.
CURRENT TOP 10 ENROLLMENT CATEGORIES
1. Becoming an Antiques Dealer AND Certified Professional-level Appraiser in the field of antiques, collectibles and vintage items.
2. Becoming an Estate Sale Liquidator (learning how to conduct professional grade estate sales, along with training in the antiques, collectibles, vintage and appraising fields of study).
3. Becoming a Certified Professional-level Appraiser with extended PACC & USPAP credentials.
4. Becoming an Online Antiques dealer (including training on how to conduct online auctions).
5. Opening a storefront Antiques & Vintage business (learning how to operate a bricks & mortar "walk-in" concern).
6. Opening an art & antiques gallery (including vintage items).
7. Becoming an Auctioneer (learning about antiques, collectibles, vintage items and appraising for the auction market).
8. Interior Designers (becoming an "antiques" interior designer - also for client education).
9. Antique Collectors & Enthusiasts (general knowledge and interest with an eye towards appraising).
10. Real Estate Representatives looking to add Estate Sale Services to their resume.
The Asheford Program consists of over 137 equivalent classroom credit hours. This equivalency number is based on the average statistical hours required to complete the curriculum (average completion range is between six to twelve months, although up to four years is allowed).
ACADEMIC ACCREDITING STANDARDS
The Asheford Course is administered by expert instructors and is open to all participants who have a willingness to learn and a desire to expand their entrepreneurial horizons. The Program follows resident school methods in its teachings and evaluates student progress based on a series of reflective academic criteria. The Asheford Program is designed to cultivate learning, enhance business opportunities, and enrich the lives of individuals regardless of their age, sex or educational background.
The Institute is internationally recognized in the field of antiques, collectibles and professional-level appraising. As the largest school of its kind, the Institute's accreditation is based on a two-tiered system of third-party, peer reviewed recognition (outside specialists in the field of antiques), as well as in-house criteria that is established and reviewed by the school's board of directors and antique experts alike. The Institute’s curriculum and certified credentialing process is also accredited by the Decorative Arts & Accreditation Council (DAAC). Appraisers are subjected to rigorous examination standards, including Professional Appraiser Code of Conduct (PACC) testing, as well as the Uniform Standards Of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) certification process.
*Note: The Asheford Institute does not accept nor pay for any third party recognition, or endorsements from organizations claiming to offer credentialing status for a fee. Our third-party peer reviewed credentialing process is based on unbiased reviews from individuals and organizations with no financial connection or affiliation to the school in any way.
Asheford Mission Statement
The practical application of these initiatives is evidenced by students who are curious, focused, and socially responsible. Whether it’s finding creative ways to learn through their Study Plans, or developing new and unique ideas when it comes to the selling and marketing of antiques and appraisal services, Asheford students are taught how to be innovative, and are given all the tools necessary to motivate them to succeed. The school's ethos has always been one of providing excellence and quality education above all else.
Course Formats & Materials
The complete Asheford Program is divided into Five Plans Of Study.
Each Plan of Study is further categorized into four main modules of learning: Pleasure, Profit, Appraising, and Care & Restoration. Additional Teaching Aids including, Instructional Audio Segments, Price Guides, Research Service, Newsletters, Books on Antiques or Collectibles, plus much more are also included. These Teaching Aids are designed to accompany each Plan of Study as part of the school's overall curriculum.
Upon the successful completion of the program, students are awarded the internationally recognized Asheford Institute Of Antiques Diploma, as well as full Appraisal Certification status in the field of antiques and the decorative arts.
Mapping Out A Strategy
If you want to know why the Asheford Institute of Antiques is the recognized world authority when it comes to antiques, collectibles, vintage items, and appraisal education, then we encourage you to read on. If working within the decorative arts field has always been something you've dreamed of, then look no further, with offices in the United States, Canada and England, we're sure to be able to map-out a plan of success for you no matter where your interests may lie. Contact us Toll Free at: 1-877-444-4508, or email us at: [email protected] for more information.
The AIA's staff and instructors keep abreast of all the latest breaking trends which affect the world of antiques, while keeping you updated, so that you stay informed.
You'll be connected to the best online publications, websites and periodicals about today's antiques and decorative arts, as well as current market conditions and future buying trends. You'll also learn how to source fantastic deals and make some great buys.
View The Course Prospectus & Tuition Pages
FIND WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR
Below you will find links to our Course Prospectus page, as well as our Course Tuition page. To get a detailed understanding of how the Asheford Program works, select the Course Prospectus link. For information on tuition payment options and payment plans please select the Course Tuition & Enrollment link.
Course ProspectusClick below to view the Full Online Course Prospectus about the Antique, Collectible, Vintage & Appraising Distance-Learning Program being offered by the Institute... |
Course TuitionTo view the AIA Course Enrollment Contract, including all Tuition Payment Plan Options for the Asheford Program, visit the school's Enrollment page... |
Read What The Press Has To SayFrom the nation's oldest leading antiques publication, to the Toronto Star and all other papers in between, you'll find great stories written about the Institute over the last fifty years! |
Student TestimonialsRead what our past graduates and present students have written about the Asheford Program - where they've gone with it - and what they've done to be successful. |
Who We Are... Meet The Staff |
FAQ's About The Asheford CourseClick below to view a few of the more frequently asked questions regarding the Asheford Institute and its comprehensive study program... |
Student & Graduate NewsIf you're already an AIA member, click here for members news & updates. We've got all the latest school news, events, and updates on our students page... |
Condensed Outline Of Course Subjects
Get an idea of what our curriculum offers by viewing a Condensed Outline of subject titles and topics covered by the Asheford Course. |
Enroll OnlineWhen you're ready to register, you can simply fill-out your enrollment application online, or call the Registrar's Office toll free at: 877-444-4508 and a representative will be happy to assist you. |
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