Post-nominals are a respected hallmark of professional recognition across fields such as law, medicine, accounting, and engineering. They provide a simple yet powerful way to signal credibility, expertise, and trustworthiness. For the Auctioneers and Valuers Association of Australia (AVAA) members, the entitlement to post-nominals similarly strengthens their professional identity, raising awareness of the high standards they achieve.

By using post-nominals, Certified Practising Members of the AVAA demonstrate to clients, colleagues, and the wider community that they meet nationally recognised benchmarks of skill, integrity, and professionalism. This visible marker makes it easier for businesses, government, and the public to identify trusted professionals who operate under AVAA’s Code of Ethics, governance, and professional standards.

Two distinct designations have been created for AVAA Certified Practising Members and for AVAA Certified Practising Valuer Members. Where a member is accredited in both disciplines, they may proudly use both post-nominals.

• CAAu – AVAA Certified Practising Auctioneer Member (e.g. Jane Smith CAAu)
• CVAu – AVAA Certified Practising Valuer Members (e.g. Jane Smith CVAu)

These identifiers align AVAA with the best practices of leading professional bodies, ensuring our members are recognised alongside peers in other established industries.  For advice on the use of post nominals, download the following document.

• AVAA Guide – Use of post-nominals by members (PDF)

Members are encouraged to display their post-nominals across professional platforms, including business cards, email signatures, websites, social media, reports, and formal communications. Consistent use not only reinforces individual standing but also contributes to the visibility of AVAA as the peak national body representing auctioneers and valuers.  The following guidelines will assist members.

The benefits of adopting post-nominals extend well beyond the individual. They strengthen credibility, enhance professional reputation, and provide a clear point of difference in the marketplace. Clients engaging with an AVAA member gain assurance that they are working with a professional who has met rigorous entry requirements and continues to uphold obligations such as ongoing professional development. For members themselves, post-nominals represent a visible acknowledgment of their expertise, a distinction that sets them apart and demonstrates a continuing commitment to excellence.

The AVAA post-nominals stand as a respected shorthand for quality, knowledge, and ethical practice in auctioneering and valuation.  For every member entitled to use them, they are a public symbol of professionalism, a mark of trust, and a proud expression of belonging to Australia’s national body for auctioneers and valuers.

For more information on the use of post-nominals contact the AVAA Membership Team via email at membership@avaa.com.au or telephone 1300 928 165.

AVAA Membership – It’s a great time to get involved.