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 the virtual CAI week? Click here to view 2021 virtual CAI Week FAQs.

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 makes you stand out in the crowd as someone 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.

The next offering of CAI will be in March 20-24, 2022

Fees

Virtual CAI Member Registration Costs:

CAI I: $1270 (Early bird pricing permanently extended for 2021)
CAI II: $1270 (Early bird pricing permanently extended for 2021)
CAI III: $1270 (Early bird pricing permanently extended for 2021)

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

Virtual CAI Non-Member Registration Costs:

CAI I: $1595 (Early bird pricing permanently extended for 2021)
CAI II: $1595 (Early bird pricing permanently extended for 2021)
CAI III: $1595 (Early bird pricing permanently extended for 2021)

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.

Classes Overview

Click each CAI year below to view a list of classes. Click on an individual class to learn more. 2021 Virtual CAI class schedule:

• A.M. Classes: 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Central time
• P.M. Classes: 1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Central time
• EVENING Activities: 6:00 p.m., Central time