Auctioneering

The Auctioneering Certification Program has been designed to provide knowledge of the techniques, procedures and principles of communication, appraisal, management, marketing and law necessary to pass the Auctioneer Licensing Exam. Program instructors include both licensed Pennsylvania auctioneers and a practicing Pennsylvania attorney.

Completion of this program is one of two ways to become eligible to sit for the PA State Auctioneer Licensing Examination. Otherwise, an individual must serve as a licensed auctioneer apprentice for two years under the supervision of a licensed auctioneer.

However, it takes more than passing the exam to make a successful auctioneer, and the goal of the program is to provide students with the skills necessary to succeed. These skills will enable participants to establish a strong foundation for becoming an accomplished, ethical professional auctioneer, capable of establishing an auction company or auction house, and managing their own business.

RACC's auctioneering program is offered through the non-credit area of the college and the credits received are Auction Board approved credits and not college credits. This enables the student to complete the program at our reasonable non-credit rate. The program has also been approved for veterans' benefits.

Auctioneering Classes Begin in March of 2020

• Administrative Assistant Program Guide -  PDF

More information such as applications for admission and specific dates for the next scheduled Auctioneering Certification Program can be obtained by calling 610-375-8188. Please note a prior criminal record may preclude the participant from taking the licensure exam which is necessary to work as an auctioneer in PA.

• Cost $3800 and approved for Veterans and OVR benefits
• Class runs Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday from 9AM to 6PM for 10 weeks
• Classes held at The Bern United Church of Christ
• This program meets all the educational requirements to sit for the PA State Auctioneer’s License Exam

Program Objectives

RACC's Auctioneering Certification Program will provide basic instruction on how to:

• Take charge of an auction and communicate with people both individually and in large and small groups.
• Develop an auction chant appropriate to various auction venues.
• Procure merchandise to sell at auction.
• Organize and manage various types of auctions including antiques and collectibles, estate and real estate auctions.
• Organize and manage an auction company including assembling the necessary work force to prepare for and conduct an auction.
• Keep records and formulate contracts as well as demonstrate an understanding of the PA Auctioneer and Auction Licensing Act, Business Law, and other specific laws as they relate to Auctioneering.
• Advertise for an auction and evaluate the impact of the various advertising media.
• Settle an auction account.

Course Description

The Auctioneering Certification Program will cover the following areas described below. Each student must also purchase the text book Selected Commercial Statutes.

Communication - The techniques of communicating with large and small groups as well as developing a personal style of chant. It also contains the PA and federal laws and regulations and Code of Ethics as they apply to auctioneers.

Procurement and Appraisal of Personal Property - The principles, techniques and procedures used to procure, appraise and sell antiques, general household items, furniture and glassware and coins.

Procurement and Evaluation of Real Estate - Procedures used to procure and evaluate real estate. It also discusses farm and livestock auctions.

Laws and Regulations - Record-keeping, formulating contacts, PA and federal laws and regulations as they apply to auctioneers.

Preparation for the Auction - Record-keeping, formulating business plans, and creating marketing techniques.

The Auction - The techniques and procedures necessary to conduct and conclude an auction.

Practicum - Students will take part in a minimum of 60 hours "hands-on" experience in the auction business under the supervision of the college and an approved PA Licensed Auctioneer. In addition, discussions will be held regarding practical and theoretical problems encountered by the student. A practicum booklet must also be completed and submitted at the conclusion of the program.

In 2007, the RACC Auction Certification Program added elements to the curriculum that encompassed the existing material while expanding the knowledge base to include material relevant to the changing nature of the auction profession including professional marketing principles, auction technology and innovative real estate at auction principles.