ME201 Introduction to Machinery & Equipment Valuation & Cost Approach To Value

Class Date/Time

Thursday, October 16- Sunday, October 19, 2025
9:00am-5:00pm Atlantic Standard Time

Class registration will close on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

Class Format - HYBRID

ASA is offering the opportunity for students to attend this class live and in person and live via the internet as a remote participant. Virtual students share the same educational experience as the students in the classroom and can participate live just as if they were attending physically.

Registration Includes

Virtual Attendees

• Access to virtual zoom sessions will be accessible via education dashboard (login required)
• Electronic student materials*

In-person Attendees

• AM and PM beverage breaks (on course days)
• Electrical outlet for laptops/electronic devices
• Electronic student materials*

*All course materials included with your registration are PDF Download Only items made available to students prior to the start of the class and are not for resale or distribution. All downloadable materials are accessible via your education dashboard (login required). Once eMaterials have been posted for download, the class is no longer refundable.

Class Schedule

Times Listed in Atlantic Standard US

• Day 1 - Thursday, October 16, 9:00am - 5:00pm 
• Day 2 - Friday, October 17, 9:00am - 5:00pm
• Day 3 - Saturday, October 18, 9:00am - 5:00pm
• Day 4 - Sunday, October 19, 9:00am -12pm 

*The final exam will be administered and proctored on Sunday, October 19, 2025. Exams are no longer provided in a written format and students MUST have a personal laptop or computer device to complete ASA online exams. For any exam questions or technical/logistic concerns, contact education@appraisers.org. Registrants will be provided more detailed information before class concludes.

Please note: Partial credit will not be awarded for this offering. Students must participate in all the live session(s) virtually or in-person to complete the course and receive full credit following successful completion of the final exam. The virtual session(s) will not be recorded and/or made available after class.

Continuing Education (CE) Credit

Class provides 37.2 ASA CE Instructional Hours and 3 Exam Hours.

Class Pre-Requisites

Please make sure to check the Class Contents Page to complete the ME201 Primer and pre-requisites for this class. 

The revised ME201 course includes a mandatory assignment that must be completed by the last day of class. Students are strongly encouraged to complete this assignment prior to the start of the course, as it provides essential preparation and supports a successful learning experience.

*IMPORTANT NOTE*

If interested in attending onsite in Puerto Rico, please do NOT book any travel arrangements until the class is officially confirmed. 

This recently revised course is three days, followed by the exam on day four. Students have the option to take the proctored exam immediately following the conclusion of class. In the event students cannot complete the exam, an alternative option will be provided via ASA's partner, ProctorU. More information will be provided to attendees. 

Course Description

This course will introduce appraisal terminology and concepts and provide students with a solid foundation for a career in appraisal of machinery and equipment. This course covers MTS Appraisal Process And Theory; Appraisal Terminology And Definitions; Introduction Of The Three Approaches To Value; Ethics, Valuation Standards, And Performing Appraisals; Scope Of Work, Purpose And Use; Levels Of Trade/Standards Of Value; Performing A Field Inspection And Asset Classification; Development Of Useful Life Estimates; Direct Cost Estimating Methods; Depreciation Identification And Methodologies (Physical Depreciation, Functional Obsolescence, Economic Obsolescence; Effective And Weighted Age Calculations; Inutility And Excess Operating Costs.

Instructional Methods

Methods include lectures, discussions and individual/ group exercises, homework and assignments.  

Course Audience

Appraisers, accountants, attorneys, auctioneers/liquidators, lenders, engineers, leasing company staff, farm managers, forensic consultants, shop staff, and the appraisal community at large – anybody involved in the valuation of machinery and equipment.

Required Reading

ASA’s Valuing Machinery and Equipment: The Fundamentals of Appraising Machinery and Technical Assets 4th Ed is the authoritative textbook on the theory and methodology of appraising machinery, equipment, and technical assets. The 2020 edition includes revised and updated chapters on topics like the sales comparison approach, appraisal report writing, and valuations for financial reporting, completely rewritten chapters on topics like aircraft appraisals, and a new chapter on ad valorem tax appraisals. It also includes updated appendices with appraisal research sources, an enhanced index, and a wholly rewritten and improved glossary. 

In particular, for this course, the following chapters should be read and understood:

• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: Classification and Description of Machinery and Equipment
• Chapter 3: Cost Approach
• Chapter 10: Ethics

Purchase - Valuing Machinery and Equipment, 4th Edition

Learning Level 

Fundamental 

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 

• Communicate basic appraisal theory 
• Understand general appraisal terminology and definitions
• Describe the three approaches to value
• Understand basic appraisal theory and process
• Appreciate appraisal specific standards and ethics
• Identify appraisal scope of work, purpose and use 
• Understand the levels of trade and how they apply to the standard of value utilized
• Recognize asset classifications and accounts
• Comprehend direct and indirect cost development methodologies 
• Understand various depreciation methodologies and how they apply
• Communicate the requirements of an appraisal (either as an appraiser or someone needing an appraisal)
• Assess the scope of work and qualifications needed to perform an appraisal assignment

Continuing Education and Contact Hours

37.2 Hours of CE are provided upon completion of the course (including exam hours) due to being 3.5 days. 

Additional Information

ASA-accredited members (AM, ASA, FASA) who would like to attend this class will receive a 50% discount. This discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

*IMPORTANT NOTE* If interested in attending onsite in Puerto Rico, please do NOT book any travel arrangements until the class is officially confirmed.

Prerequisites

Students, please note the following pre-class requirements for ME201:

• You are required to complete the ME201 Primer prior to the last day of class. This is a self-paced, 4–5-hour introductory video that includes knowledge checks designed to prepare you for the course.

• Additionally, two mandatory assignments must be completed before the first day of class.

Please visit the Class Contents tab to access and complete your pre-class assignments.

eMaterials

All course materials included with your registration are PDF Download Only items made available to students prior to the start of the class and are not for resale or distribution. All downloadable class materials are accessible via your class Handouts tab. Once eMaterials have been posted for download, the class is no longer refundable.

Accessing eMaterials

eMaterials are provided electronically in PDF format and posted to the class within class Handouts tab for all registrants to securely access prior to the start of the class. Attendees should come to class prepared with an electronic or printed copy of all eMaterials to use as a reference. OnDemand course registrants receive access to materials immediately following registration.

PDF course materials are presented in color, are bookmarked, and comment enabled. When opting to print downloaded materials, it is recommended that personal print settings be adjusted to print in black and white (or grayscale) and consider printing double-sided on recycled paper.

Certificate of Completion

Please allow 5-10 business day following successful completion of the course or final exam to receive a formal status notification and access to a certificate of completion. The certificate will be available to view and download/print from within the class Certificate tab.

Financial Assistance

ASA’s Educational Foundation recognizes students who choose to invest their time in appraisal studies by providing assistance to students demonstrating a financial need. Please visit the Educational Foundation's webpage for more information and to download an application.

*IMPORTANT NOTE*

If interested in attending onsite in Puerto Rico, please do NOT book any travel arrangements until the class is officially confirmed. 

Hotel

Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino 200 Convention Boulevard San Juan, PR 00907 +1 787-993-3500

Consistently ranked among the top hotels in San Juan, the Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort & Casino is a contemporary urban retreat. Ideally located in the vibrant Convention District and just steps from Distrito T-Mobile, the resort is only 10 minutes from the international airport and five minutes from historic Old San Juan. Featuring newly renovated guestrooms, enjoy a stunning rooftop infinity pool overlooking San Juan Bay, diverse on-site dining, a full-service spa, an exciting 24/7 casino, and a convenient shuttle to Old San Juan and Escambrón Beach. With these exceptional amenities, the resort will offer an unforgettable stay for the 2025 ASA International Conference.

Special Group Rate: $299 single/double, $30 amenity fee

Amenity fee includes:

• Daily credit of $30.00 on Food and beverage consumed in The Bay Pool Bar & Grille and Choices dinner experience
• Enhanced high speed internet access in guestrooms and public areas of the hotel
• Two (2) Complimentary bottles of water in guest rooms, replenished daily
• Complimentary shuttle to Escambron Beach and Old San Juan
• Daily Yoga, Aqua & Salsa Classes

Reservation Cutoff Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025 (10:59pm EDT)

Reservations made after the cutoff date will be subject to availability and current room rate. To make hotel reservations online, visit the ASA dedicated hotel reservation site. To make reservations by phone, contact Marriott reservations at +1 866-932-8269 or the hotel directly at +1 787-993-3500. Be sure to mention the 2025 ASA International Conference to receive the group rate.

Parking

Self Parking: $20/day (rate as of March 2025)

Valet Parking: $28/day (rate as of March 2025)

Travel/Airport

Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) is located approximately 7 miles from the hotel.

Transportation

Uber Minimum one-way charge is approximately $15. Service can be accessed via mobile app. Be sure to check pickup locations for your specific arrival terminal. Rates will vary based on traffic conditions.

Taxi A cab ride costs approximately $19 from the airport to the hotel. Rates may vary based on traffic conditions.

Rental Car Luis Munoz Marin International Airport offers on-site car rental and is serviced by most major car rental companies.

Important: Review Before Joining Your Exam Session

To ensure a smooth and successful exam experience, please carefully review the following guidelines:

1. ASA's Online Exams: ASA has moved to online exams to facilitate continuous learning. If you encounter technical issues or get disconnected, it's strongly advised to keep a written record of all answers on separate paper. This allows for quick re-entry into the exam software or backup submission via email to ASA HQ if needed. However, please be aware that we cannot guarantee the recovery of answers if technical disruptions occur, and we apologize for any inconvenience.
2. Device Requirements: You must use a PC, Mac, or laptop with a working webcam to take your online exam. Mobile devices are not permitted.
3. Proctoring: Your exam session will be monitored by an online proctor (either an ASA staff member, instructor or proctoring service). They will provide their contact information or reference the education team in the event assistance is needed during the exam.
4. Joining the Exam Session: On the day of your exam, log in to your examination session using the Zoom or virtual meeting link provided in the Join Session tab or email.
5. Webcam & Audio Settings: Your webcam must be turned on, and your microphone should remain muted throughout the session.
6. Accessing Your Exam: You can find and start your exam from the class page on your dashboard.

Note:

• Join the open examination session via the Zoom/virtual meeting link 5 minutes early to ensure enough time for check in.
• Reliable internet service, a webcam and a personal computer/Mac/ laptop are required; note Device Requirements above. 
• A secondary device (i.e. phone or tablet) should be available if you need to contact the proctor during them exam.
• You have one hour to complete the USPAP exam and three hours to complete the ASA POV exams. For ME204, you have four hours. Once your allotted time expires, your exam will be automatically submitted. Exam completion may be course specific, be sure to verify with your proctor. 

Questions? 

Email education@appraisers.org.

Procedures

*If you cannot attend your exam please see the ProctorU tab on your education dashboard.