From the Winter 2020 Issue
From the Executive Director
The Times They Are A-Changin’
Back in 1964, Bob Dylan released the song The Times They Are A-Changin’ as a protest anthem during a period of cultural revolution and political upheaval. It became
a classic hit and has stood the test of time as a popular anthem of sorts ever since. The tune came to mind when I contemplated the evolution of the condominium management profession in recent years. The profession certainly has been a-changin,’ and more change is coming, specifically in licensing education.
In 2017 the Minister of Government and Consumer Services (MGCS) entered into an exclusive agreement with ACMO that designated our four condominium management courses and exams as the necessary requirement to qualify for a General Licence. The agreement was effective for a five-year term through October 31, 2022.
Recently the Condominium Management Authority of Ontario (CMRAO) announced they would assume responsibility for licensing education effective November 1, 2021.
At that time, they will introduce a new licensing education program comprised of six courses. The announcement detailed a transition plan for those currently enrolled in
ACMO courses or planning to get their general licence.
The good news is that all applicants for a general licence who have started or completed one ACMO course prior to November 1, 2021, may complete the remaining three courses by October 31, 2022, and will be deemed to have met the licensing education requirements for a general licence (Consult the CMRAO website for full details of the transition plan).
So, what does this mean for ACMO? For a start, it means that ACMO will continue fulfilling our obligations and offering our four courses through our college partners and Ontario Learn until October 31, 2022, after which these courses will be invalid for licensing purposes. Anyone interested in pursuing a general licence with a minimum of time and expense would be well advised to enroll in ACMO’s courses soon.
It also means that ACMO will be pivoting away from licensing education in due course. Instead, ACMO will focus on executing our new strategic plan to build a growing, vibrant professional community that delivers support, education, knowledge, resources and value to condominium professionals and management firms who are committed to a higher standard in condominium management.
Recently, we conducted a comprehensive member survey to gather insights on what ACMO can do to increase member value and satisfaction. An overwhelming number of you suggested we need to build more value into the RCM and ACMO 2000 programs and do a better job raising their profile and importance in the marketplace. You want us to support you better and defend our profession. You also told us we need to provide improved, accessible, and timely continuing education. We are listening.
We are working on some exciting new programs that we will reveal in the coming months, so stay tuned; we’re a-changin’!
