Certified Auctioneers Institute

CAI is different from NAA’s other designations. It’s a three-year program in which attendees spend a week each year onsite at Indiana University. It’s an intensive program involving late nights working on proposals and other projects that happen in the time between classes.

CAI, unlike other designations, focuses on the business of the auction industry rather than on a particular asset class. While attendees learn about different types of auctions, the focus is on business planning, development and structure. Attendees register for CAI I, CAI II, and CAI III in successive years. Gaps between CAI I, II and III of more than two years require approval of the Education Director, and often are addressed by having attendees audit CAI classes for a year before returning to the program.

Want to know more about CAI week?

• Click here to view 2022 CAI Week FAQs.
• Click here to view the IMU's Biddle Hotel Clean Promise
• Click here to view IU's COVID-19 Campus Info for Events and Conferences
• Click here to view Bloomington's COVID-19 information 

CAI Code of Conduct
NAA's Anti-Harassment Policy

Requirements for CAI

NOTE: To attend CAI an application must be submitted and approved

To apply for CAI you must:  

• Be at least 21
• Have at least two years in the auction industry
• Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent
• Submit an application with references

To obtain the CAI designation:

• Attend all three full weeks of instruction.
• Complete an auction proposal, which is critiqued by the CAI Committee (between CAI I and II)
• Work in committees to plan and execute the CAI Benefit Auction in CAI II
• Complete a business plan (between CAI II and III)
• Present the above business plan to their class and a team of examiners in CAI III
• Be a current member of the NAA

What CAI can do for you

Earning the CAI designation proves your commitment to the auction industry by taking the time to obtain the premier NAA designation. Many clients look for designations when trying to find the right auction professional, CAI sets you above the crowd as a well-rounded, elite auction professional who:

• Has strong professional relationships and networks
• Has a mastery of auction methods and asset classes
• Has educated business intelligence
• Is an ethical business professional
• Has business technology literacy
• Is an invested auction professional
• Has leadership mentality
• Is an exemplary #NAAPro

Trisha Brauer, CAI, BAS describes this class as helping you learn how to strategically grow your business and learn strategies to best service your clients. CAI covers all the bases of being a stellar auction professional and enables like-minded students to have the opportunity to network that sets graduates apart from the rest of the industry.

CAI Week:
March 27-31, 2023

CAI Class I students must apply and be approved for the program. 

Apply Now

Once approved, Class I students can register with the same form as Class II and III.
Registration for CAI 2023 will open in July.

CAI 2022 Class Rosters:

Class I

Class II

Class III

Tentative CAI Dates

March 27-31, 2023 
March 25 - 29, 2024
March 31 - April 4, 2025

Fees

CAI Member Registration Costs:

CAI I: $1270 (Early bird pricing by January 15, 2022) and $1370 (after January 15, 2022)
CAI II: $1270 (Early bird pricing by January 15, 2022) and $1370 (after January 15, 2022)
CAI III: $1270 (Early bird pricing by January 15, 2022) and $1370 (after January 15, 2022)

CAI designation renewal fees: $150 per year (due Sept. 30)

CAI Non-Member Registration Costs:

CAI I: $1595 (Early bird pricing by January 15, 2022) and $1770 (after January 15, 2022)
CAI II: $1595 (Early bird pricing by January 15, 2022) and $1770 (after January 15, 2022)
CAI III: $1595 (Early bird pricing by January 15, 2022) and $1770 (after January 15, 2022)

Money-Back Guarantee:

CAI I: We are so confident in the CAI program that after you complete year one, if you don’t pick up one nugget that will allow you to grow your auction business or become a more efficient auction professional, we’ll refund your CAI year one registration fee.

Cancellation:

Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing and received by the NAA no later than February 25. Canceled registrations will be refunded the registration fee minus the $250 non-refundable deposit. No refunds will be issued after February 25. Hotel reservation and full tuition must be paid by February 25 to attend CAI. 

Classes Overview

Click each CAI year below to view a list of classes. Click on an individual class to learn more.