Notice of Emergency Rule

Effective May 18, 2020, the Georgia Auctioneers Commission has adopted Rule 55-8-0.1-.01, Schools in order to assist applicants during this state of emergency. This emergency rule only applies to prelicensure education being offered by an Auctioneer School that has been approved by the Georgia Auctioneers Commission and holds an active license.

Due to the State of Emergency regarding COVID-19, in addition to the traditional classroom setting, prelicensure education may also be taught via webinar. For prelicensure education taught via webinar at least 75% must be taught via live webinar that is instructor led with student interaction, and student participation must be monitored by a required webcam feed. No more than 25% of prelicensure education may be obtained via pre-recorded lectures or webinars. Other than the teaching method, all rules regarding schools remain in effect, including the requirement that prelicensure education consist of a minimum of 80 credit hours earned in not less than ten (10) days. This rule shall be in effect for the duration of the Georgia State of Emergency and for a period of not more than one-hundred twenty (120) days thereafter. 

COVID-19 Information

Click HERE to see Governor Kemp's most recent Executive Orders relating to COVID-19 and the Public Health State of Emergency. 

Click HERE for up to date information and guidance from the Georgia Department of Public Health. 

Click HERE for up to date information and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Impact on Testing

PSI test centers began reopening on May 1, 2020. Test sites will be opened where city, county, and state jurisdictions will allow, however, as the safety of candidates and PSI’s employees remain a top priority, sites will only be open for scheduling at 50% of their capacity in order to enforce social distancing procedures. PSI has also enacted a number of new policies surrounding enhanced sanitation procedures, allowable personal protective equipment for candidates, and flexible rescheduling. PSI is now mandating that ALL candidates wear face masks at all times while in the test center. If a candidate fails to bring and wear a face mask during the examination, they will be requested to leave the test site. An outline of the steps being taken to ensure candidate and employee safety can be found HERE. For questions, PSI can be best reached at 855-744-0314.

It is important to note that due to the backlog of candidates and testing centers operating at reduced capacity, scheduling availability may not be immediate. Situations are arising where candidates need to be rescheduled to ensure procedures are adhered to. When a cancellation must happen, PSI will begin rescheduling candidate appointments by most recently scheduled, prioritizing candidates that have held their appointments the longest. Please check your email and voicemails routinely to review any pertinent exam appointment communication from PSI and avoid unnecessary travel.

Board Office Operations Update

In response to Governor Kemp’s recommendation that state employees work remotely, the Professional Licensing Boards Division has implemented telework options for its staff.  The lobby for the Professional Licensing Boards Division is closed to visitors. Constituents are encouraged to utilize web resources for online transactions and to answer frequently asked questions. For additional information you may contact the call center at 404-424-9966. Staff will be available to provide guidance by email. 

NEW PHONE NUMBER!

Are you trying to reach our office? We have a new phone number!  Effective September 1st, our phone number has changed to 404-424-9966. Our office can also still be reached by using the toll free number, 844-753-7825. Please note the change in your records as we work to update all postings.

Veterans, Military Service Members, Transitioning Service Members, and Military Spouses of the armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard, may be eligible for exam point credits and/or expedited application processes. More information can be found here.

The Georgia Auctioneers Commission establishes and administers standards for the licensing of auction companies, auctioneers, and auctioneer schools. These standards maintain the qualifications for entry into the profession, including experience, examination, and training, and the qualifications for continued licensure, including continuing education. The Commission evaluates applicants for licensure, issues and renews licenses, evaluates the practice of licensees, takes disciplinary action against licensees who fail to maintain professional standards, and enforces the requirements for licensure in order to safeguard consumers participating in auctions in this state.

• The Georgia Auctioneers Commission is comprised of six members who are appointed by the Governor. Five members are licensed auctioneers and one is a consumer member with no connection to the practice or profession of auctioneering. 
• The Commission meets at the Secretary of State’s office in Macon. The public may attend the Open Session portion of the meetings. 
• Persons wishing to bring matters for the Commission’s consideration should submit a written request to the Professional Licensing Board at 237 Coliseum Dr., Macon, GA 31217.
• Any person desiring to act as an auctioneer and/or operate an auction company and/or operate an auction school must meet the requirements of the law and rules and be licensed with the Commission.

Thinking of attending an Auctioneer School? 

The Commission reminds applicants that you must have graduated from a Commission-approved school in order to be considered for licensure as an auctioneer, as is required in O.C.G.A. 43-6-11(d). Check the SOS Website to verify that the school has an ACTIVE license, which means they are a Georgia Auctioneer Commission-approved school. Click HERE to search for approved schools.