A Certified Estate Specialist (CES) is a designation for individuals who complete the requirements of the Certified Estate Specialist course as outlined by the National Auction Association(NAA). Since its founding in 1949, the NAA has been dedicated to auctioneers and auction professionals and is the largest association in the United States so dedicated.
Twenty-four hours of coursework covers the subject material oriented to the specialty of working in a probate environment and working with probate attorneys, estate accountants, executors, and estate administrators as they look to administer an estate. Alternative methods for the liquidation of personal property is covered. Attention is also given to the sensitive nature of the probate and estate business, given many of the participants/clients may be grieving, and the process of estate personal property liquidation can be emotional. Candidates for the designation must attend the requisite course classes. CES designees must also be a members in good standing of the National Auction Association.
NAA Certified Estate Specialist Capabilities
- Build and manage a professional, estate-focused service that coordinates all aspects of your estate liquidation from start to finish.
- Apply proven strategies for marketing and managing estate work, so your estate benefits from refined systems, strong buyer pools, and current best practices.
- Recognize and act on opportunities in estate and life-transition situations to help protect—and when possible, enhance—the net return to the estate.
- Understand what families, executors, and other stakeholders are going through during the estate process and respond with sensitivity, clear explanations, and appropriate pacing.
- Navigate probate-related requirements and communicate effectively with attorneys and paralegals, helping keep the estate’s liquidation and reporting aligned with legal and court expectations.
- Integrate related transitional services (such as cleanouts, donations, move management, and coordination with other service providers) to reduce your workload and potentially increase overall value to the estate.
- Define the full scope of services the estate needs and structure a clear proposal, so you know exactly what will be done, how it will be handled, and what the costs and timelines will be.
- Professionally plan, market, and conduct estate liquidations, converting personal property into cash efficiently, transparently, and with a documented process.
- Leverage a network of trusted resources and partnerships—including movers, appraisers, clean-out crews, and specialty buyers—to address unique items, complex situations, and logistical challenges the estate may face.
About the National Auction Association
As a membership-based association, the NAA supports auction professionals across a wide range of specialties. Through industry-leading education, practical resources, and a strong professional network, the NAA helps its members grow their businesses and continually raise industry standards. All NAA members commit to a strict Code of Ethics, reinforcing integrity, transparency, and professionalism throughout the auction community.
The National Auctioneers Association (NAA) is a 501(c)(6) professional association. The organization is headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas. The NAA was founded in 1949.
More information on the NAA Certified Estate Specialist Program:
The Certified Estate Specialist Page of the NAA
Questions?
contact via e-mail education@auctioneers.org or tel# (913) 541-8084