FAST TRACK DESIGNATION PROGRAM

Last year the IMA proudly introduced the Fast Track Designation Program (FTDP). An intensive route to designation where members can get their A.I.M.A. Accreditation or M.I.M.A. Designation in as little as 9 months!

This program requires discipline, routine and a strong knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of assessment to be successful.

We caught up with David Bressi an A.I.M.A. Accredited member who completed the program to see what they had to say about the experience.

Tell us your name and job title.

David Bressi, I work for the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation as a Property Valuation Analyst

Why did you apply for the FTDP?

I applied for the FTDP as I am very busy with work and other life needs and I thought the FTDP would be an excellent way to obtain my designation in a short time while still being able to give the rest of my life needs attention.

How much discipline did you need to complete the program?

A lot of discipline is needed to complete the program. As soon as I obtained the course material, I had mapped out what lessons and materials I would be getting to each week until the exam. This helped me immensely, but I needed to make sure I was stern with those deadlines and not make excuses or procrastinate. The final exam comes quicker than you expect.

Do you have any advice for candidates this year?

My advice would be to read the materials more than once, create practice tests and set deadlines for yourself to complete lessons. This is what I found to be the most effective way in completing the program without any stress.

How has attaining this accreditation positively impacted your career? Obtaining an accreditation opens doors to various career improvements. With a designation companies tend to look at you as a more qualified individual.

Anything else you’d like to share?

The last thing I will share is that I truly believe everyone should do the FTDP. It’s a great program initiated by the IMA that gives the student ample time to study the materials and prepare for the exam. It is a great resource for those that want to obtain a designation. I will be also doing the FTDP for the M.I.M.A. as well.

We also caught up with Elva Yu an M.I.M.A. Designated member to see what they had to say about their route to the M.I.M.A. Designation

Tell us your name and job title.

My name is Elva Yu. I am currently working as a Property Valuation Analyst at MPAC.

Why did you apply for the FTDP?

I have been working toward the M.I.M.A. designation for a couple of years. I used to do averagely one course per year. The FTDP provided me with the opportunity to complete the rest of the courses at a much faster pace and ultimately attain the M.I.M.A. accreditation within a year.

How much discipline did you need to complete the program?

The FTDP is an intensive program which demands a high level of discipline and focus. I had to find a balance between study, work and life. It required hard work at my own personal time, i.e., time after work as well as weekends.

I had to be fully committed to my study and prioritize it above other activities. During study, I tried to avoid distractions, stay organized, and manage my time effectively to ensure all the required courses be completed within the timeframe.

Do you have any advice for candidates this year?

Start early and be prepared: The FTDP requires a significant investment of time and effort. Develop a study schedule that covers all the required courses and allows enough time for review. Make sure to stay on track with your studies and make some progress each day.

Stay motivated and focused: Set clear goals and objectives, celebrate small wins along the way, and stay connected with others in the program. Always remember why you started the program in the first place.

Seek guidance and support: Don’t be afraid to seek guidance and support from your instructors, mentors, or peers. There are many resources available to support you throughout the process. Reach out to others for help when you need it, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek clarification on any contents that you find challenging.

How has attaining this accreditation positively impacted your career?

I found the program to be incredibly rewarding. This designation is highly recognized by the industry, and it helps me to stand out from other professionals in the field. It has boosted my career prospects, increased my credibility, and provided me with a wealth of knowledge and skills that I can apply to my job as a property valuation analyst.

Anything else you’d like to share?

The FTDP requires hard work, commitment, perseverance and dedication, but it’s all worthwhile when you finally accomplish the goal. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to participate in the program and would highly recommend it to others pursuing their designations.

There have been many successful Fast Track Designation Program candidates, although we couldn’t catch up with them all, we’ve been sharing their quotes via our LinkedIn page. Congratulations to all the members listed on the next page on this amazing personal and professional accomplishment.