Book 2 - Appraisal Institute of Canada

Learning Advisory
Dual examination process
raises our standards
In his inaugural speech delivered in January
1977, then US President Jimmy Carter assured
the nation that they could expect from him
this reasoned approach to change management,
quoting a high school teacher… “We must
adjust to changing times and still hold to
unchanging principles.”
While the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC)
leadership sought no advice from Mr. Carter on
a change management strategy, the AIC has, in
fact, adopted a similar approach in transforming
many of its programs. Ensuring that the firm
foundations of professional standards and
irreproachable ethical principles upon which the
Institute was built were preserved has been as
critical an element of change management as
creating the new framework of requirements
that our candidates need to be successful in
the world they are going to face when they
complete their program of professional studies.
To fulfill the goal of having AIC designated
members recognized as first-tier professionals,
the Board of Directors has approved a series
of measures over the last 10 years to align the
AIC curriculum and experience with those of
comparable professions.
The finishing touch on the most recent round
of enhancements is the launch of the new dual
examination process for members applying for
either the CRA or AACI designation. We now
have in place across Canada a written Applied
Experience Exam process and an oral Professional
Competency Interview process.
The written examinations were developed
by the Learning Advisory Committee and the
Applied Experience Sub-Committee to test the
depth of a Candidate’s experience and his or her
use of the First Principles of Value during the
mentoring period. Candidates who pass this
examination, demonstrating the required depth
of knowledge and experience, then proceed to
the professional competency interview.
The professional competency interview
is based on behavioural descriptive interview
techniques. It provides a formal face-to-face
meeting between appointed representatives
of AIC and the Candidate. In that meeting,
our newly-trained examiners will assess the
Leacy O’Callaghan-O’Brien
Director, Professional Development
and Member Services
Candidate’s qualities and competencies in areas
considered critical for success in the profession.
Qualities being tested include market analysis,
integrity, communications, critical thinking, and
self-development.
The implementation of this two-step
qualification process is a major advance for AIC
and its members. AIC designations are held in
high regard and those holding them must be
held to a high standard. Qualifying members
must have both the experience and qualities
expected of AIC designated members.
A comprehensive resource centre has been
created to assist Candidates for designation
in their preparation for the designation
examinations in the Candidate Central Section
of the AIC website. The site includes sample
questions, links to exam preparation tools and
model interviews, registration information and
exam regulations. Candidates are encouraged to
review this material with their mentors early in
their Applied Experience program, so that they
are effectively preparing for the final assessment
throughout the working relationship.
34
Canadian Property Valuation Volume 52 | book 2 | 2008 Évaluation Immobilière au Canada