The Duties of the Auctioneer’s Clerk

The auctioneer’s clerk is the main assistant to the auctioneer in the performance of his or her duties. He or she takes part in the smooth running and success of auctions. As an auctioneer’s assistant, he or she is responsible for inventorying the pieces to be presented to the public and appraising them to ensure their authenticity. This professional also gives an estimate of the value of each piece, on the basis of which the auctioneer sets the starting price. In addition, the auctioneer’s clerk is responsible for designing and publishing the catalog of artworks put up for sale, specifying their style, condition and other information likely to interest buyers.

Auctioneer's clerk

What Skills Are Required to Become an Auctioneer’s Clerk?

Solid knowledge of art, but also of law, is required to become an auctioneer’s clerk. Indeed, it is essential to hold 2 years of higher education in law and 3 in art (or 3 in law and 2 in art) to access this art market profession.

What Studies Are Required to Become an Auctioneer’s Clerk?

Programs Offered by IESA arts&culture

The professional program to become an auctioneer or an auctioneer’s clerk is provided by Drouot Formation:

Perfectly suited to students who want to become auctioneers, the Drouot Formation program is therefore also suited to the clerk profession. Thanks to its many speakers coming directly from the world of auctions and its immersion in the heart of the Hôtel Drouot, the Drouot Formation program provides very practical knowledge of what makes up the daily life of all the teams at auction houses.

What is the field of practice of an auctioneer’s clerk?

  • As its name suggests, the auctioneer’s clerk works first and foremost with an auctioneer. However, they can also offer their services to a lawyer, an art expert or a bailiff.

What career progression is there for an auctioneer’s clerk?

  • They can take an auctioneer training program and complete a 2-year internship in an auctioneer’s office or in a company specializing in voluntary sales. Clerks who do not hold the required dual degree but can show 7 years of experience in an auctioneer’s office can sit the aptitude exam to enter this art market profession and aim for a higher salary.

How Much Does an Auctioneer’s Clerk Earn?

  • The auctioneer’s clerk salary is around €2,000 per month (source CIDJ job profile - accessed May 2025).

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