Effective June 1, 2025
The NAAA launched the Wholesale Certification Program in 2011 in partnership with the
International Automotive Remarketing Alliance (IARA), now called the Automotive Remarketing
Alliance (ARA). The universal set of guidelines to certify a vehicle offered for sale at wholesale
auctions creates numerous benefits for both sellers and buyers in-lane and online while creating a
streamlined, uniform program for auctions and consignors to administer.
The NAAA Standards Committee conducted an extensive review of the Wholesale Certification
Program in 2023 and 2024 and published updated guidelines for certifying vehicles on August 5,
2024. The updates included editorial changes and a simplified format for better clarity.
The guidelines describe in clear, straightforward language specific conditions for a vehicle to meet
one of three certification quality levels — Silver, Gold or Platinum. It was designed to be
comprehensive in scope in order to handle a broad range of vehicles with well-defined
requirements for inspection and reconditioning.
The guidelines offer more than just a ratings system. The program creates a common method of
comparison and transparency for certified vehicles offered for sale at wholesale auctions —
whether in-lane or online, at any auction, anywhere. The program is designed to build trust and
confidence across all channels, benefiting sellers and buyers at NAAA member auctions.
In addition to the guidelines linked above, buyers and sellers should take note that the auction
reserves the right to repair or remediate an arbitrable defect in lieu of unwinding the sale of the
vehicle. Furthermore, Sellers remain responsible for undisclosed arbitrable defects or components
that may not be discoverable based on the scope and environment of the inspection.