Designation Overview

The Institute of Municipal Assessors (IMA) develops and maintains robust continuing education programs for our members to help them excel in the field of property assessment. Designed to meet their specific and varying member needs, our designation courses equip members with the specialized knowledge and skillset required to succeed in the profession.

By completing courses and pursuing the A.I.M.A. Designation and M.I.M.A. Accreditation, you are making an investment in your future. With two designations to pursue, the program supports members at every stage of their careers.

Protected under the Institute of Municipal Assessors Act, the A.I.M.A. and M.I.M.A. designations are widely recognized and respected across Canada. They open up new professional opportunities and provide professional status within the assessment community. Many employers require IMA designations as a condition of employment.

Achieving a designation is a rewarding experience and demonstrates a level of professional and personal accomplishment. A designation also provides a level of professional confidence and recognition from peers, clients and the general public.

Why Pursue an IMA Designation?

• Professional Credibility – Completing designation courses equip you with the knowledge and standing as a proficient professional
• Expert Standing - Designated members are readily recognized as expert witnesses in Assessment Tribunals and Courts across Canada
• Professional Advancement – Courses provide the tools and education to advance in your career
• Career Opportunities - Many employers have classified the IMA designations as a condition of employment, while others list them as a strong asset in their hiring process
• Increased Earnings – Many employers offer enhanced compensation levels for designated employees
• Advocacy – Our members provide a credible voice that promote and advocate the interests of the profession
• Relevance - Members commit to ongoing professional growth through the IMA's CPD Program
  
• Mobility - IMA designations are recognized Canada-wide

What Do Our Members Say?

"Obtaining my M.I.M.A. designation feels like a great accomplishment, it opens up more opportunities, as this designation is highly recognized in the property assessment and taxation fields, the Assessment Review Board, and with other public and private sectors."

  - Joanne Greidanus, M.I.M.A. (MPAC) 2021 

"By the time I joined the Institute of Municipal Assessors I was already an appraiser. I knew about property valuation but needed to build competencies in valuation for property tax purposes (also known as property assessment). Through the M.I.M.A. education program, coupled with hands on experience at the City of Kitchener, I enhanced my skills in property assessment, particularly property assessment in Ontario. I have been especially intrigued by the litigation process and the nuances around each Assessment Review Board ruling that I have been exposed to through the M.I.M.A. program. Right up to the very end, at the face to face interview, I was still learning about property assessment law."

-  Amboka Wameyo, M.I.M.A. (City of Kitchener) 2021 

"The journey of getting my M.I.M.A. designation started right after I graduated the Seneca College Real Property Administration program. Equipped with the A.I.M.A. post graduation was great but I knew that the M.I.M.A. was close. The ability to take the course at your own pace really helped me balance my personal life with studying and when the pandemic began, I decided it was time to focus and complete the remaining M.I.M.A. courses.

Now that I have my M.I.M.A. designation the plan is it to use the education and skills learned through the IMA courses to further my career in valuation with MPAC in a more senior assessor role. I believe that the M.I.M.A. is a sign of dedication, determination, and hard work. I feel extremely proud to be able to use those letters behind my name and am looking forward to what the future holds."

- Tyler Nastich, M.I.M.A. (MPAC) 2021 

“I started taking M.I.M.A. courses after I joined MPAC Toronto office to gain better work knowledge in assessing properties accurately and equitably. The courses enhanced my understanding of various types of property valuation and provided me with valuable insight. As a property Valuation Analyst, I want to build my experience and gain more responsibilities when the opportunities arise. I enjoy and I am grateful to work in the assessment field. I believe the M.I.M.A. accreditation will give me more opportunities for growth."

- Hyeonju Choe, M.I.M.A. (MPAC) 2021

Do you Hold an Equivalent Designation from Another Regulatory Authority in Canada?

In accordance with the Ontario Labour Mobility Act, if a member holds a designation by a regulatory authority in another province or territory, which is considered to be equivalent with a designation of the IMA, they will be able to apply for that designation (A.I.M.A. or M.I.M.A. as per the Accreditation Committee). Read More.