Tennessee · State Reference
Tennessee Auctioneer
License Requirements
Tennessee licenses auctioneers through a two tier system. You first become an Affiliate Auctioneer, then, after supervised experience, can advance to Principal Auctioneer. Both tiers require passing a Tennessee Auctioneer Commission exam.
Five License Categories
Tennessee's Auctioneer Commission licenses five distinct categories.
- Affiliate Auctioneer:the apprentice level license.
- Principal Auctioneer:the full license, requiring prior affiliate experience.
- Bid Caller:a narrower license category.
- Public Automobile Auction:for the auction business itself.
- Public Automobile Auctioneer:for individuals conducting motor vehicle auctions only.
Requirements Checklist
- To become a Principal Auctioneer, must complete auction school and pass the Affiliate exam to start.
- Must then serve as an Affiliate Auctioneer under the supervision of a Principal Auctioneer for 6 months.
- Must pass the Principal Auctioneer examination.
Step by Step Process
- Complete the auction school education requirement.
- Submit your Affiliate Auctioneer application with the required exam fee.
- Pass the Affiliate exam, administered by PSI.
- Serve 6 months as an Affiliate Auctioneer under a licensed principal auctioneer.
- Apply for Principal Auctioneer status and pass the more detailed Principal level exam.
- Receive your license and pocket card upon payment of the required fee.
Timeline and Cost
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $50 |
| Examination fee | $150 |
| License fee | $175 |
| Recovery Fund contribution | $50 |
Fees are set by the Commission and are subject to change.
License Renewal
Tennessee licenses expire two years from the original date the license was issued, a rolling term based on your specific issuance date, not a fixed calendar date. Continuing education is required, 6 hours every two years.
Flexible Affiliate Employment
An affiliate auctioneer can work for a licensed auctioneer who is not their officially designated sponsor, as long as the actual sponsor gives written permission and the Commission is properly notified.
Reciprocity
Tennessee has reciprocal agreements with Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Source: National Auctioneer License Law Officials Association.
Ready to become a Tennessee licensed auctioneer? Missouri Auction School's Tennessee course covers the auction school path in full.
View the Tennessee CourseSources
- Tennessee Auctioneer Commission
- Tennessee Code Annotated Section 62-19-111, general licensing provisions, via Justia and FindLaw
- Tennessee Code Annotated Section 62-19-128, public automobile auctions, minimum requirements, via Justia
- Rules of the Tennessee Auctioneer Commission, Chapter 0160-1
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an auctioneer license in Tennessee?
Becoming a full Principal Auctioneer takes 6 months of supervised Affiliate Auctioneer experience first, on top of the auction school education requirement and exam.
Do I need a real estate license to auction real estate in Tennessee?
Yes.