It was maybe 15 years ago when Frank came to me inquiring about attending auction school. We discussed the requirements and then he asked, “I have a past felony conviction … will that keep me from getting an auctioneer’s license?”
I remember telling Frank that it may or may not — depending upon the severity, length of time ago, and other factors. Frank attended auction school and eventually obtained his auctioneer’s license. However, was there a risk he could do all that, and then be denied a license?
That is the situation many aspiring licensees face. I can’t apply for a license until I’ve completed school and pay the fee, but I have an issue which might prohibit me from getting a license. Can’t the license agency tell me ahead of time, so I can proceed or not depending upon that answer?
Licensing agencies can indeed provide this service, and many states have enacted laws/rules which allow “auctioneer license predetermination.” Typically an application or form, possibly a fee, and the licensing agency responds with a “yes” or “no” that the prior circumstance will or won’t allow licensure.
This is the least license agencies can do especially in light of many legislatures considering eliminating many occupational licenses. We have written about that trend, including here: https://mikebrandlyauctioneer.wordpress.com/2019/01/21/auctioneer-licensing-might-be-changing/.
Regarding Frank, he got his license and he’s all good. However, for future licensees this type of service will help some of them make more informed decisions before attending auction school, serving an apprenticeship, studying for a test …
Every auctioneer license agency should offer this service. In fact, every occupational license agency should offer this service. The public deserves this information before they begin their trek to obtain any type of license.
Mike Brandly, Auctioneer, CAI, CAS, AARE has been an auctioneer and certified appraiser for over 30 years. His company’s auctions are located at: Mike Brandly, Auctioneer, RES Auction Services and Goodwill Columbus Car Auction. He serves as Distinguished Faculty at Hondros College, Executive Director of The Ohio Auction School, an Instructor at the National Auctioneers Association’s Designation Academy and America’s Auction Academy. He is faculty at the Certified Auctioneers Institute held at Indiana University and is approved by the The Supreme Court of Ohio for attorney education.
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