When potential clients contact me, they often inquire regarding the various acronyms following my name. The letters represent designations awarded by the National Auctioneers Association (NAA). The NAA offers six advanced designations.
Having NAA designations doesn’t confer automatic competency. What it does indicate is an auctioneer’s commitment to acquiring advanced knowledge relating to their profession. An explanation of each designation follows:
Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) – CAI is a three year curriculum designed to promote business leadership and impart advanced auction marketing skills to auctioneers. Participants gather for one week a year at the University of Indiana in Bloomington to attend classes taught by experts within and outside of the auction industry. Candidates must pass an exam at the end of each year and complete required projects. CAI auctioneers spend 120 hours in class and are required to obtain 24 hours of continuing education every three years. NAA Education Institute records indicate that 762 auctioneers currently hold the CAI designation.
Accredited Auctioneer, Real Estate (AARE) – AARE is an advanced curriculum for auctioneers who sell real estate. The program consists of three classes, AARE 100, AARE 200 & AARE 300. AARE candidates complete 42 hours of classroom work, must pass an exam at each level and submit an auction summary report with proof of having produced at least 10 real estate auctions. AARE designees are required to obtain 24 hours of continuing education every three years. NAA Education Institute records indicate that 299 auctioneers currently hold the AARE designation.
Graduate Personal Property Appraiser (GPPA) – GPPA provides personal property appraisers with the knowledge necessary to produce Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices (USPAP) compliant appraisals. GPPA studies also enhance appraisal practices and appraisal writing skills. Participants receive 35 hours of classroom training, must pass an exam, submit a USPAP compliant appraisal for review and provide affidavits for two more appraisals performed within one year. GPPA designees are required to take the USPAP Certification course and maintain their credentials by attending the USPAP Recertification course as needed, usually every two years. GPPA designees must complete 24 hours of continuing education every three years. NAA Education Institute records indicate that 226 auctioneers currently hold the GPPA designation.
Certified Estate Specialist (CES) – CES offers auctioneers advanced training and insight into the disposition of estates. Enrollees attend 21 hours of classroom work and must pass an exam upon completion. CES designees are required to take 24 hours of continuing education every three years. NAA Education Institute records indicate that 325 auctioneers currently hold the CES designation.
Auction Technology Specialist (ATS) – ATS is designed to advance an auctioneer’s understanding of how technology and online auctions can benefit their professional activities. Participants attend 21 hours of classroom instruction, must pass an exam and conduct at least three online auctions. ATS designees are required to complete 24 hours of continuing education every three years. NAA Education Institute records indicate that 61 auctioneers currently hold the ATS designation.
Benefit Auction Specialist – BAS instructs auctioneers on processes relating to the production of successful benefit auction events. BAS auctioneers learn the skills necessary to assist organizations in meeting and exceeding their fund raising goals in an efficient and cost effective manner. Candidates attend 21 hours of classroom instruction, pass an exam and submit a summary report on a benefit auction they conducted. NAA Education Institute records indicate that 178 auctioneers currently hold the BAS designation
NAA Education Institute records indicate that 7 auctioneers hold six designations, 9 have five and 29 have been awarded four of the six that are listed above.
