Auctioneer Designations

What do these initials mean? 

Many auctioneers have a series of initials behind their names. Just like dietitians, nurses, lawyers, accountants and other professionals, auctioneers can gain certification in specialty areas by attending classes or seminars.

NAA - National Association of Auctioneers
Visit www.auctioneers.org for more information.

IAA – Indiana Auctioneers Association
Visit www.indianaauctioneers.org for more information.

KAA – Kentucky Auctioneers Association
Visit www.kentuckyauctioneers.org for more information.

The National Auctioneers Association Education Institute (NAAEI) offers several of these classes. The most highly recognized designations are:  

CAI - Certified Auctioneers Institute

Auctioneers who have the Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) designation hold the highest designation awarded in the auction industry. This designation is awarded by the National Auctioneers Association Education Institute, formally known as the Auction Marketing Institute. All members who hold the CAI designation have to qualify for admission to the program by having a minimum of two years experience in the auction industry.

The CAI program is an executive development course taught over three years in one- week sessions at Indiana University’s main campus in Bloomington. Instructors for the course are Indiana University business faculty, leading auctioneers in the United States and professionals who serve the industry.

Designed for decision makers in auction firms, the curriculum includes technology for auctioneers, management, finance, marketing, advertising, accounting, auctioning real estate and personal property, law, ethics, negotiating and presentation skills.

Auctioneers must successfully pass comprehensive exams each year and in their third year, must complete an auction summary report on one of their auctions.

Maintaining the designation requires adherence to NAA bylaws, standards of practice and code of ethics as well as earning a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education every three years.

AARE - Accredited Auctioneer, Real Estate

Auctioneers who have earned the Accredited Auctioneer Real Estate (AARE) designation have completed a three-part course on auctioning real estate at auction. The AARE designation is awarded by the National Auctioneers Association Education Institute, formally known as the Auction Marketing Institute. All members who hold the AARE designation must (1) successfully complete three two-day courses (2) pass comprehensive exams -on marketing real estate at auction and real estate financing, (3) submit an auction summary report on a real estate auction and (4) show proof of conducting a minimum of 10 real estate auctions.

The AARE program is focuses on real estate at auction and is taught in three two-day courses in different locations around the country.

AARE 102 focuses on marketing real estate at auction. Topics include marketing residential, agricultural, commercial and industrial properties and the tools and resources needed to get business.

AARE 201 focuses on the financial considerations of an auction, including financial and investment decisions, basic investment calculations, techniques and problems for evaluating cash flow, holding period analysis and problems, and tax consequences. Instructors for the course are Indiana University business faculty, leading auctioneers in the United States and professionals who serve the industry.

AARE 202 is the capstone course and revolved around a multi-parcel auction involving residential, commercial, industrial real estate and raw acreage. Working in groups, auctioneers evaluate the property, design a proposal for the client, plan, and conduct and prepare a post auction report.

Maintaining the designation requires adherence to NAA bylaws, standards of practice and code of ethics as well as earning a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education every three years.