Blog
NAA Designation Breakdown
Learn more about the designations you can get through the NAA from those who already have!
Ailie Byers CAI, AMM, BAS
The Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) is more than just an educational credential—it's a pathway to joining an elite network of auction professionals, each dedicated to advancing the auction marketing method. Obtaining my CAI designation nearly a decade ago has been a transformative experience, both professionally and personally. The friendships I formed in Bloomington have become some of the most valuable relationships in my career, enriching my business ventures and personal growth as a leader. The significance of CAI is not just in the structured coursework but also in the community and camaraderie it fosters. The network of business connections I gained has consistently provided me with new opportunities and invaluable support. I often reflect on how these relationships, built over casual conversations and collaborative projects, have been instrumental in elevating my practice. One of the most talked-about aspects of attending CAI is the “hallway knowledge.” This informal yet invaluable learning happens outside the classroom, where candid conversations with peers and industry veterans can unlock strategies, trends, and insights you won't find in any textbook. It's where theory meets real-world experience, and new and seasoned professionals find common ground and shared solutions. Whether you're new to the industry or considering Designation Academy, these opportunities provide not just education but also a network of like-minded professionals committed to excellence in the auction method of marketing. Your investment in this program is an investment in yourself, and the returns will exceed your expectations in ways you can't yet imagine.
TiWanna Kenney, BAS
The National Auction Association's Designation Academy serves as an incredible opportunity to connect with other professionals in the auction industry. You may come to the Designation Academy seeking guidance as a Benefit Auctioneer, yet you'll quickly learn there is much more you can do! You may decide to become a marketing expert, an appraisal expert, or how to maximize your interpersonal communication skills! No matter what you seek, the Designation Academy will fill your education needs and the skills gap to help you flourish in the industry. You will meet peers with a passion for BENEFIT AUCTIONS, just like you! If you are new to the industry, you may wonder, "Where is my tribe, my people, and the ones I will grow with?" The answer is the Designation Academy. The moment you arrive, you will connect with some of the finest professionals in the auction industry. You become enlightened around the power of a professional Benefit Auction Specialist (BAS) designated auctioneer. Understanding the impact of your consultation knowledge, having a brand voice, and filling in the gaps of what it takes to help your non-profit partners exceed fundraising goals while doing their mission-critical work. The networking opportunities available with auctioneers coast to coast and north to south will provide opportunities to have your burning questions answered and to generate ideas you didn't even know you needed. You will find auctioneers who are passionate about fundraising. Your instructors are thrilled to share their experiences, and your classmates, whether first-timers or those who come back year after year, can't wait to meet you! Whether you're new to the industry, seeking something to push you to the next level, or coming for camaraderie, it's a way to keep the spark alive. If you have been seeking a way to meet driven professionals, learn more about a particular segment, or want to learn more about the NAA, Designation Academy is your home base. Nine years later, my BAS table mate is one of the dearest friends I admire and respect highly in the industry. I found my people, I found my why, and I hope to find you there in December.
Anne Nouri, CAI, AARE, BAS, GPPA
After over 25 years as a furniture and home décor designer with offices in Italy, Spain, China, and Hong Kong, I believed I had explored every facet of the industry. My global experience in manufacturing helped my understanding of design and craftsmanship. However, acquiring the Graduate Personal Property Appraiser (GPPA) designation helped repurpose much of that knowledge by opening doors I hadn't anticipated. The designation has helped streamline my knowledge by applying it to personal property appraisals. The GPPA program provided me with the tools to formalize my expertise, allowing me the skills to properly research and assess the value of items with professional accuracy. This skill set seamlessly integrated with my roles as a broker and auctioneer. More importantly, it enabled me to have meaningful conversations with attorneys handling divorce or probate cases—situations where accurate appraisals are crucial. These interactions have led to opportunities for auctions or property listings, expanding my business. In communities where few offer specialized personal property appraisal services, holding a GPPA designation sets you apart. It equips you to provide a comprehensive service that meets market needs and builds trust with clients facing significant life transitions. The ability to offer such a niche yet valuable service has been immensely rewarding, both personally and professionally. The impact a one-week class can have on your career is truly amazing! Whether you're looking to enhance your current career or pivot into a new sector, this designation can open doors and create opportunities you may not have thought possible. It's a worthwhile investment that has the potential to elevate your professional journey, just as it has mine. Please reach out if I can answer any questions for you.
Karin Costa, AMM, CES, MPPA
GPPA got me rolling, MPPA allows me to flourish. I invested in the profession through training, education, and experience becoming more accomplished, helping assure clients that their assets were accurately valued. Pursuing the Master Personal Property Appraiser (MPPA) designation became part of my business development plan, resulting in accelerated company growth and positioning myself as the local asset expert, providing clients with insights on asset values and custom disposition solutions. The hardest decision was to apply for MPPA, knowing that I'd have to show my work and sit for a critical review of my appraisal reports by my peers. The review was not uncomfortable. It was positive, and the feedback made me aware of my strengths and weaknesses. Personally and professionally, I grew, integrating their information, comments, and suggestions in ways that make my appraisals distinguishable from the competition and more professional. The advancement has been worth it! Today, broad valuation and auction services generate income even during slow periods. The MPPA designation positioned me as a valuable resource within the community tapped for my knowledge. Professionally, there are many more diverse opportunities for a broader range of clients with higher business income. Personally, it's been more rewarding. Projects are more interesting and satisfying. The variety and value of assets appraised have increased as local high-net-worth residents have become clients. Investing in the profession allows me to serve the public in multiple capacities. It has broadened the range of services provided, including asset-specific valuation, consulting, and disposition, and positioned the company as the local expert with continued potential for business growth.
T. Kyle Swicegood, CAI, AARE, BAS, GPPA
One way to stay ahead in this evolving industry is by earning the Accredited Auction Real Estate (AARE) designation through the NAA. This designation enhances your skills and prepares you to thrive in the auction-first real estate market. The real estate network you gain is worth the investment alone. The AARE program is designed for both seasoned auction professionals and newcomers. Participants learn the latest trends, tools, and tactics to successfully navigate the auction real estate market. Key areas of focus include understanding different auction models, effective marketing strategies, and overcoming objections. By the end of the course, attendees are equipped to handle any auction type with confidence. Earning the AARE designation brings a multitude of benefits. It enables professionals to increase their income by adopting strategic processes, streamlining logistics, and staying updated with the latest technological advancements. Moreover, the program teaches how to make a compelling case for selling real estate through auctions, thereby expanding one's client base and referral network. These benefits are not just rewards but also a source of inspiration for your career growth. To earn the AARE designation, NAA members must attend all 24 hours of the class and hold the necessary real estate licenses. Within three years of completing the course, they must demonstrate significant involvement in at least ten real estate auctions or achieve $3 million in sales. Additionally, candidates must submit a detailed auction report for at least one real estate auction, including an auction proposal, property information packet, and auction summary. By embracing the AARE designation, real estate professionals can position themselves as industry leaders, ready to meet the challenges of a dynamic market with innovative auction solutions.
Matthew Sandmann, CES
When I came out of auction school, I knew I wanted to be in the auction business. Like most, I wanted to be the guy on the microphone, but those jobs were taken. So, my wife and I started an auction company and held our first estate auction in October of 2016. I had never attended an estate auction until we conducted one. We worked hard and had good auctions the hard way. I was a full-time educator and school administrator until spring 2023, when I left my day job to pursue the auction industry full-time. I knew there had to be a more effective/efficient way to work in this business. I enrolled in CAI, and then in the fall, I signed up for the Certified Estate Specialist (CES) course at Designation Academy in December of 2023. My business changed. I went home, finished the requirements to receive the designation, and began using it to promote our work. Furthermore, I took the tools and ideas given and inspired by the class and immediately implemented them into our daily business practices. Education is excellent, but if you do not utilize the information and adapt it into your daily practice, it does not have much impact. CES elevated our business and allowed it not to compete with other auction companies but put us in a position where auction companies are trying to compete with us. More than that, in my first year as a full-time auctioneer in this industry, I fed my family by using the knowledge I received from CES. I more than recommend this course, and I display my badge everywhere I work.
Matthew Godbehere, CAI, BAS, CAS
Designation Academy in Las Vegas is a must-attend for those pursuing designations through the NAA every year. I have attended twice. One was for my BAS designation, and the other was for my Contract Auction Specialist (CAS) designation. CAS was my last designation to earn, and one that I considered the icing on the cake for my specific season of business. As a full-time professional fundraising auctioneer, I was already a contract auctioneer, but more so in a different realm from what we typically think of as a contract auctioneer. We correlate auto, livestock, and equipment auctioneers more as contract auctioneers. Benefit auctioneers are also contract auctioneers; we refer to ourselves as just that and not necessarily contract auctioneers. Attending CAS will allow you to understand everything from contracts, networking, proper attire, timeliness, even tips on travel and packing, and much more. Peter Gehres and Dustin Rogers were the instructors the year I attended, and they both are well-seasoned contract auctioneers. They shared personal stories, tips on how to get hired, and the dos and don'ts, of course. It was a very interactive few days that allowed us to ask questions not only to Peter and Dustin but also to other classmates. Networking with other professionals while attending any NAA education event has always been a huge takeaway for me, and attending CAS was no different. Finally, the time of year Designation Academy takes place is a great way to finish the year strong and move forward into the new year ahead.
Brooke Gillespie, AMM
The Auction Marketing Management (AMM) designation is more than just a credential; it's an experience that equips you with the tools and knowledge to elevate your auction marketing efforts. As someone who has earned the AMM designation, I can confidently say that it laid the groundwork for my successful career in the auction industry. Through AMM, I was introduced to some of the best marketing education available, explicitly tailored to the unique needs of our industry. The curriculum covers everything from organic content strategies to the intricacies of paid advertising, providing a foundation that you can immediately go home and apply to your business. One of the most impactful results of earning this designation was our ability to bring 100% of our marketing efforts in-house. The skills learned through the AMM class empowered my team to manage everything internally, saving our company significant costs while maintaining high-quality marketing campaigns. Whether you're new to the industry or looking to refine your marketing skills, attending Designation Academy to earn your AMM is an investment in your future—one that will pay dividends as you leverage your new skills to grow your business, engage your audience, and increase your auction success. Take advantage of the opportunity to enhance your marketing expertise and connect with like-minded professionals. The education you will receive through the AMM designation could be the key to unlocking your full potential in the auction industry.