If the remarketing industry could be divided into the haves and have nots, it likely would fall along the lines of professional courses and certifications — that anyone can achieve.

In recent years, three educational pillars have emerged that draw an increasing number of participants and graduates. The resulting benefits will be the topic for a Conference of Automotive Remarketing session titled, “A Training Combo Deal: Why CAR, ACT, and Auction Academy are Good for Remarketing Profits, Potential and Professionals.” The panel will be held Wednesday, March 29 at 11:15 am at Caesars Palace Las Vegas.

The remarketing industry has reached a zenith of educational development opportunities, with the International Automotive Remarketers Alliance's’ Certified Automotive Remarketer program, the Audit & Compliance Training, and the Auction Academy’s course curriculum, forming a complementary advanced seal of professional approval. The IARA is a co-producer of the CAR event.

Moderator Penny Wanna, the president of Auction Academy and the VP of administration at TPC Management Company, will lead the session focused on the ROI that industry members gain from one or more of the programs. Panelists so far include Keely Smith, the director of contracts and business services for AutoIMS; Jim Jackson, senior national remarketer for Holman Fleet Management; and Mere Rangel, assistant general manager of Big Valley Auto Auction in Donna, Texas.

“The industry needs to know what’s out there for training and resources,” said Wanna, also Co-Chair of the IARA’s Education and Compliance Committee. “Some people think it’s too hard to find training, but it’s a benefit of being connected to the IARA. Industry standard certifications and recertifications are important because policies and practices change. Why not invest in ourselves and see us as part of a wider set of standards? These programs keep us in the know as an industry.”

• The ACT (Audit & Compliance Training) certification launched in August 2022 helps businesses understand and develop the standards and policies necessary to comply with customer, legal and regulatory requirements that apply to the remarketing industry. So far, more than 30 industry members have completed the ACT certification.

• The CAR (Certified Automotive Remarketer) program consists of 20 educational modules that cover best practices in the automotive remarketing industry. So far, 362 remarketing professionals in the U.S. and Canada have completed the CAR course.

• CAR curricula is one of the main components of Auction Academy, which now hosts its seventh and largest class of students learning about every aspect of auction operations. The 30 students will graduate in September. [Auction Academy Class 6 graduation here]. Class 8 will start in August and registrations for the group will open at the Conference of Automotive Remarketing, being held March 28-30 at Caesars Palace Las Vegas.

The Conference of Automotive Remarketing is still in its early bird registration period.