COLUMBUS, Ohio – Becoming an auctioneer in Ohio just got a whole lot easier.

Traditionally, becoming an auctioneer in Ohio was a lengthy process that included education requirements, a verbal examination and a time period of acting as an apprentice auctioneer under an existing, licensed auctioneer. That traditional process prepared auctioneers for the typical in-person auctions that have traditionally been what one thinks of when thinking of auctions.

On Sept. 13, Ohio law changed to adapt to the changing contexts of auctions. A new auctioneer law (HB 321) is now in place, one which reduces barriers to entry for the auctioneer profession in Ohio. This bill was spearheaded by Ohio State Representatives Darrell Kick and Bob Young, and eventually signed by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine in June.  

“They’ve simply done away with the apprentice program,” said Tiffany Bonner, Legislative Aide to Ohio Representative Darrell Kick. “In the past, one would have to shadow a certified auctioneer and perform 12 live auctions, or an equivalent of 80 hours of auctioning. Now, they just need to attend an auctioneering school and take the state auctioneer’s tests. In the long run, it’s better than the way it was structured in the past, but that depends on who you talk to.”

In doing away with the apprentice program, the law requires applicants to successfully complete a course in auctioneering at an institution approved by the Ohio Auctioneers Commission. Then, pass a mandatory test.

“Auctioneering in Ohio is overseen by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA),” Bonner said. “Those in agriculture worked with the Ohio Auctioneer’s Association. There were many members of the OAA who had some concerns or complaints about the process, and found that process to act as a roadblock.”

According to Bonner, the process and the number of hours required to become an auctioneer were daunting.

“The Ohio Auctioneer’s Association felt there were ways of changing the process, yet still have good, licensed auctioneers available,” Bonner said.

The law clarifies that almost anyone who acts as an auctioneer in Ohio must have an auctioneer’s license. However, there are a few categories of professionals who do not need an auctioneering license, and certain auctions can be conducted by non-licensed individuals.

Auctions sponsored by legitimate charitable, religious or civic organizations that are 501-C entities can be conducted by non-licensed people. An owner of real estate or personal items can auction those items as long as the items to be auctioned were not purchased for purposes of resale. Auctions overseen by governments (like Sheriff’s sales, or courts, or sales within real estate partition lawsuits) can be conducted by non-licensed individuals.

To sell real estate through an auction in Ohio, the auctioneer must also have a real estate broker or real estate salesperson’s license.

Those with auctioneer’s licenses must participate in eight hours of continuing education every two years and can renew their licenses every two years once the continuing education requirements are met and upon confirmation that the licensee did not violate any laws governing auctioneers.

There are five primary requirements to acquire an auctioneer’s license in Ohio:

 •         An applicant must be at least 18 years of age.

•         An applicant must have successfully completed a course of study on auctioneering at an institution that is approved by the Ohio Auctioneers Commission.

•         An applicant must have a general and accurate knowledge of the Ohio Revised Code and auction profession, the principles involved in conducting an auction and all local and federal laws regarding the auctioneering profession.

•         Applicants must have insurance (a bond) or committed savings (through an irrevocable letter of credit) of at least $25,000 at the time of application and for the first three years following licensing or the first three years following reinstatement or reactivation of a license that lapsed for a variety of reasons.

•         Applicants must pass a written examination. The examination is now administered monthly throughout the year.

ODA’s Auctioneer Program issues licenses, gives license examinations, and when necessary, received and processes complaints against auctioneers.

 In the state of Ohio, there are more than 2,600 licensed auctioneers, auction firms and auction businesses.