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Whether you’ve studied rhythmic chant to become a fast-talking auctioneer for livestock or auto sales, or you’ve developed a more cultured vernacular for high-end art and collectible auctions, there are certain skillsets you must develop to become a talented auctioneer.

Additionally, you must complete a two-year apprenticeship or 80 hours of instruction from an auction school approved by the North Carolina Auctioneering Licensing Board (NCALB) to qualify for an auctioneer license.

Finally, you must pass a state exam to obtain your license. This isn’t a one-and-done proposition, either. Licenses must be renewed periodically, or they will expire. What are the requirements to renew your auctioneer license, and what happens if it expires?

Licensing Renewal Requirements

Your auctioneer license remains valid for two years, expiring on June 30 of each odd-numbered year. To renew your license, you must apply and pay applicable fees to the NCALB. Renewal is also dependent on completing required continuing education (CE) credits.

You must complete four hours of approved CE, which could include topics like:

• Auctioneering ethics
• Appraisal and valuation
• Contracts
• Liability
• Handling of funds
• Auction laws and regulations
• Bidding strategies
• Consumer education

Courses could also cover specific auction types, such as online-only or sealed bid auctions. Before you select a course, make sure it’s approved by the NCALB.

The right courses will not only fulfill licensing renewal requirements but supply practical, timely knowledge that helps you navigate industry trends, regulations, and the changing parameters of your chosen profession.

Renewal applications must be completed and submitted no later than May 15 in expiration years if you want to avoid a potential lapse in licensing.

Consequences of Letting Your License Expire

If you’re late in turning in your application or CE requirements and your license lapses, North Carolina provides a 30-day grace period in which you can still renew without penalty.

If your application has not been approved within 30 days after the renewal deadline, your license will become inactive, and you will not be permitted to legally operate as an auctioneer.

You can reactivate your license after the 30-day grace period has passed by completing renewal requirements and paying a delinquent fee.

If you continue to operate with an inactive license, you may be subject to disciplinary action from the NCALB, as well as legal penalties. Further, auction sales in North Carolina that are performed by an unlicensed auctioneer are considered illegal and could be voided.

How to Find the Right Professional CE Program

Completing required CE is an important part of renewing and maintaining your auctioneer license. The process can be easy and stress-free when you choose the right CE provider.

You’ll want to choose a board-approved program that supports self-paced learning with 24/7 online access to course materials. For the sake of expedience and peace of mind, make sure the course provider offers an instant certificate of completion for your records, as well as daily state notification on your behalf.

Is it time to renew your North Carolina auctioneer license? Contact RocketCert now to sign up for approved CE courses.