Harga | Getting an Auctioneer's License

By Anne Benedetto

Being an auctioneer is both a unique and a challenging career. It is also one of those careers that is not overly populated so, depending on the area in which you live, there could be a demand for your services. Some auctioneers specialize in certain types of auctions. These include antiques, automobiles, real estate, fundraising and cattle just to name a few. Auctioning is also a profession that you can do either part-time of full-time. It is not necessary to own your own auction house. Many auctioneers freelance and only work when needed.

If you think auctioning is something that might interest you then you need to know what is involved when it comes to training and licensing. Not all fifty states require auctioneers to be licensed. Those states that do license their auctioneers all have different laws about training and/or schooling requirements.

Most of the licensing states require classroom instruction and have an average obligation of roughly 80 hours. Some states give their applicants a choice of traditional classroom instruction or an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program takes longer and requires you to have a licensed auctioneer as your sponsor. Being an approved auction apprentice allows you to sell in front of a live audience. For the most part, this is how you would receive most of your training. In order for you to call part or all of a sale, your sponsor must there at the auction with you.

Most states require apprentice auctioneers or those students that are in an official auction school to be 18 years or older. If you decide to research the specific requirements in your own state be on the lookout for wording. Some states use the term credit hours when discussing classroom instruction. A credit hour is not the same as a standard hour. For example, in Pennsylvania, the requirement is 20 credit hours of schooling. A credit hour is made up of 15 standard hours. There is a big difference between the two.

There are a couple of states that demand you post a bond through an authorized surety company before you can receive your license. Most of the states that provide licensing also require all school or apprentice graduates to pass either a written or an oral test.

Although most states have their own accredited auction schools, there is also the Missouri Auction School which offers separate classes geared to the different requirements of each state. All states recognize the Missouri Auction School curriculum and will issue licenses to those who pass their course. The majority of schools offer the necessary course at an average cost of somewhere between $1000 and $1200. If you do not live close to one of the accredited auction schools, hotel or motel bills would have to be figured into the overall cost.

Once you have received your license, which should cost $500 or less, some states will require continuing education credit. Texas and Indiana are two examples of those states. The majority of auctioneer licenses need to be renewed every two years.

Since auctioneer licenses are issued at the state level, once you have a license you must remember that it is only good for your state. Should you need to call an auction outside of your state's jurisdiction, you will need to contact the licensing board of the other state. Quite a few states offer reciprocity as long as the criterion for licensing in your own state is equal to or more stringent than their own. Obviously no action would be required if you plan to work in a state that has no licensing policy.

Securing a license is only part of what it takes to be a good auctioneer. Auctioneers are entertainers and performers as well. You must be able to hold the attention of a crowd with your wit, charm, sense of humor - whatever it takes. A love of talking and a strong voice wouldn't hurt either.

Anne Benedetto is a former auction house owner and former dealer in the antiques and collectibles business. She presently provides people with important details, behind the scenes information, helpful tips and first hand knowledge of the brick and mortar auction business. Visit Anne at http://AuctionHouseTalk.com which is an interactive site where interested people can talk about the ins and outs of auctions, antiques and collectibles.