NH Auctioneer exam-day guide
NH Auctioneer · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID in the name you registered under. Confirm with the provider which specific ID types they accept and whether a second form is required; requirements vary by testing site and licensing state.
Admission or authorization document
Print or save any confirmation email, admission ticket, or eligibility letter the provider issues after you register. Some sites check it at the door. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required or a digital copy is acceptable.
Approved calculator (only if allowed)
Auction exams typically test math such as commissions, buyer's premiums, and settlement statements, but calculator rules differ by provider. Confirm with the provider whether a basic calculator is permitted, whether it must be a specific model, and whether one is supplied on screen.
Scratch paper and pencil policy confirmed
Many computer-based testing centers supply an erasable note board and prohibit outside paper. Ask the provider in advance so you are not surprised at check-in, and practice doing commission math by hand in case no calculator is allowed.
Know the exam format before the day
Confirm with the provider the number of questions, time limit, passing score, and whether questions are multiple choice, true/false, or include math problems. Practice at that pace so you can budget roughly one minute per question and still have review time.
Review state-specific auction law notes
Bring a one-page summary of the topics you drilled: licensing and bonding, fiduciary duties to consignors and buyers, disclosure obligations, contract and agency basics, and handling of funds. Keep it for pre-exam review only; it must be stored away during the test.
Plan the route and arrival time
Confirm with the provider how early to arrive, since check-in and ID verification take time. Do a route check the day before and identify parking or transit so late arrival does not cost you your seat.
Prepare for secure-item screening
Expect to empty pockets and store personal items in a locker. Leave smartwatches, phones, and study notes in the car or locker. Confirm with the provider what is prohibited so nothing is confiscated at check-in.
Read the candidate handbook or rules sheet
The provider usually publishes conduct rules covering calculators, breaks, and scoring. Read it once before exam day so you know what triggers a violation and how to request accommodations if you need them.
Arrange accommodations in advance if needed
If you need extra time or a separate room, request it well before exam day. Confirm with the provider the deadline and documentation they require; accommodations are rarely granted on the spot.
Get a full night's sleep and eat beforehand
Auction math rewards clear thinking. Avoid cramming new material the night before and eat a normal meal so you are not distracted by hunger during a timed test.
Bring water and a light snack for after
Many testing centers do not allow food or drink at the workstation. Plan to hydrate and eat after the exam rather than during it, and confirm with the provider whether breaks are allowed.
Plan the day
Do a final content pass, not a first read. Focus on the areas you miss most in practice: commission splits, buyer's premium calculations, net-to-seller settlement, and state licensing rules. Take one timed practice set under exam conditions, then review every wrong answer and write down the rule you missed.
Confirm logistics: test location, start time, arrival window, ID requirements, and what is allowed in the room. Re-read the provider's candidate handbook and note anything unclear to ask about now, not on exam day.
Stop learning new material. Review your one-page summary and the formulas you need, then put the notes away. Pack your ID, admission document, and any approved calculator. Check the route and set two alarms.
Avoid late-night cramming and heavy alcohol. Sleep at your normal time. If you feel anxious, do a short walk and a light review of the topics you know best to build confidence.
Eat a normal breakfast, arrive early per the provider's arrival window, and bring only permitted items. Leave phone and study notes behind. At check-in, present your ID, follow staff instructions, and read any on-screen tutorial before the timer starts.
Read each question fully and watch for words like except, not, and best. For math, write the steps on your provided note board and check units and rounding. Answer easy questions first, flag hard ones, and return to them. Watch the clock so you leave time to review flagged items and confirm your answers are submitted.
Note your score if it is shown immediately, and confirm with the provider how and when official results and license application steps are delivered. If you did not pass, ask about the waiting period before a retake.
Rules to check
Bring valid government-issued photo ID in your registered name. If your name changed or your ID does not match your registration, contact the provider before exam day; do not assume staff can resolve it at check-in.
Follow all testing-center conduct rules. Do not talk, look at other screens, or use unauthorized devices. Phones and smartwatches must be stored as directed; a ringing phone can end your session.
Use only materials the provider allows, such as a supplied note board or an approved calculator. Unapproved notes, books, or devices are typically treated as a violation, so confirm the list in advance.
Breaks are usually limited and may be monitored. Confirm with the provider whether unscheduled breaks are allowed, whether the timer keeps running, and whether you must sign out and back in.
Scoring is based on the number of correct answers, and most auction exams do not penalize guessing. Unless the provider states otherwise, answer every question rather than leaving blanks.
If a question seems ambiguous, choose the best answer and move on. You generally cannot ask staff for content help, so do not rely on proctors to interpret auction law for you.
Report any technical problem, such as a frozen screen or lost timer, to the proctor immediately so it can be documented and addressed.
Confirm with the provider the passing score, retake policy, and how results are reported. Policies differ by state and provider, so verify rather than assume.