MAA Designation Program

1. Application Procedures

   1. Selection
      1. All MAA Certified Equalization Specialist Designees are members of the association in good standing.
      2. All applicants for Certified Equalization Specialist Designation are required to submit a detailed application to the MAA Certified Equalization Specialist Designation Committee.
      3. Applicants must present proof of five (5) years of work experience in the assessment administration profession.
      4. Prior to attendance at and participation in the MAA Certified Equalization Specialist Program, each application will be reviewed by the MAA Certified Equalization Specialist Designation Committee. Any applicant whose application reveals they have insufficient assessment administration experience may be rejected.
   
   
   2. Definitions
      1. Facilitator – The facilitator’s job is to support everyone to do their best thinking. They create an environment where everyone is encouraged to participate, understand one another’s point of view and share responsibility. The facilitator will focus on the process, while the participants provide the content. The facilitator’s role is to aid the group in managing the knowledge they have to achieve the intended results.
      2. Designee – A person who has completed all of the requirements and has received the Certified Equalization Specialist Designation by the MAA.
      3. MAA Certified Equalization Specialist Designation Committee (CESDC)-- The ultimate responsibility of the CESDC is to ensure that those who complete the Certified Equalization Specialist Designation Program have a complete understanding of the equalization process.
      4. Participant – a person who has committed to participate and complete the MAA Certified Equalization Specialist Designation program.
      5. Portfolio – A professional collection that showcases skills, experiences, and accomplishments. It can include pieces from professional work, education, training, volunteer experience and personal interests. This should be reviewed and updated as more projects are completed.
   
   
   3. Conduct
      1. Participants will abide by and endorse the current “MAA Code of Conduct” form as adopted by MAA Board of Directors. (Attachment A)
      2. Throughout the designation program, and all assignments, instructors must conduct themselves with integrity and professionalism. They will maintain an appropriate professional relationship with other professionals while attending MAA courses, both in and outside the classroom.
   
   
   4. Maintaining MAA Certified Equalization Specialist Designation
      1. All MAA Certified Equalization Specialist Designees, must maintain their MAA membership in good standing.
      2. All MAA Certified Equalization Specialist Designees, must maintain their STC Assessor Certification in good standing.
   
   
   5. Designation
      1. When participants have completed all of the requirements of the Certified Equalization Specialist Designation Program, the CESDC will make a recommendation to the MAA Board for approval and presentation of the Certified Equalization Specialist Designation at a regular MAA Board of Directors meeting.

2. Application

   The application will be a written document formatted as a cover letter to the MAA CESDC. A well written application letter serves as an introduction to the CESDC. The candidate should not just rehash a resume in this letter. The candidate should market their skills, qualities, and experience. Attach the resume to the application. The application letter may be brief; however, it is an opportunity to highlight all accomplishments and add detail about the candidate and why candidate wishes to pursue the Certified Equalization Specialist Designation.
   
   The application letter should include the following:
    
   1. Current Contact Information –
      1. full name
      2. mailing address
      3. email address
      4. phone number
   
   
   2. Work History – How long have you been in the assessment administration profession and what positions (job titles) have you held? More importantly, what did you learn and how did you grow in each of the positions.
   
   
   3. Education/training experience – Education and training you want to highlight as it relates to assessment administration and your ability to instruct/teach others in the profession.
   
   
   4. Memberships/Designations/Licenses – Besides your STC Assessors Certification, what other relevant memberships, designations and/or licenses do you have? (Attach a copy if applicable)
   
   
   5. Attachments
      1. Letters of References – Submit two letters of references from professionals who have knowledge of your work experience in assessment administration.
      2. Proof of Experience – Attach proof of five years of experience in assessment administration. Documentation submitted must be signed by an official (assessor or other public official) from the local unit of government.
      3. Certification – Attach a copy of your current STC Assessors Certification
      4. MAA Code of Conduct form – Attached a signed copy (Attachment A)
   
   
   6. Application Fee – $150 application fee is required with application and will be refunded if not accepted into the program.
      
      Other costs:
      • Attending classes for evaluation will be at the expense of the participant.
      • Participants will not be reimbursed for any cost incurred for participation in the program (travel expenses, time off work, etc.)
      
      Email application with supporting documentation to the program facilitator: Stacey Kaake at skaake@cityofflint.com.

3. Interview
   The interview for the program is an opportunity for participants to meet the facilitator and/or CESDC.


4. Equalization Courses to be completed
   Participants must complete four, 4-hour Equalization courses offered by the Michigan Assessors Association.


5. Comprehensive Assignment
   After completion of the four required courses, write a three to four page essay on the equalization process (1500 word minimum).


6. Equalization Director Interview
   Each participant will interview a currently employed Equalization Director.


7. Oral Interview/Exam with Equalization Director Panel
   Each participant will meet with an Equalization Director Panel (as assigned by the MAED) and demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of the equalization process.


8. Final Review
   Final Interview with Facilitator and Certified Equalization Specialist Designation Committee.


9. Designation Certificate Presentation
   Participants who complete the course will be presented at an MAA meeting with their Certified Equalization Specialist Designation: CES.

Submit Application Online

Download and Sumit a Designation Application