It’s no secret that over the last six months we’ve hit the certification reset button at IMSA. For the first time in a long time, we’re delivering certifications that mirror the experience our members and other exam takers will experience in the field. But this reset is bigger than that. Public Safety and transportation technologies, and the skills required to install, maintain, and manage them are changing, and the pace of that change is accelerating. When we designed the new certification exams, we did it acknowledging we’re committed to keeping up with that pace of change, or when possible, staying ahead.
While some elements of the reset have been dramatic, others are more nuanced, like the new tagline you’ll find under our logo. It reads “Advancing the Future of Public Safety.” That’s a subtle change from our previous tagline, “Your Partner in Public Safety,” but it’s loaded with meaning.
We have always been your partner in public safety and we’ll continue to be. You’ve been coming to IMSA expecting to study, take exams and leave with the most respected certifications our industry offers. That won’t change – in fact with the new certifications, we expect you’ll be better prepared than ever. The new tagline though, represents our growing role in defining the future of public safety and transportation. It also reinforces. our commitment to your role in that future.
According to Grandview Research, the global value of the Intelligent Transportation Market is north of $28 billion per year. That number is increasing and while public safety only accounts for one piece of it, there’s no doubt our industry will continue to grow and benefit as transportation and traffic management become more sophisticated. As you may have heard, in collaboration with the Fiber Optic Association, Inc., IMSA recently unveiled a new certification exam, Fiber Optic Specialist/Design. It’s a small example of how we’re watching trends, anticipating skills and ensuring our members, and those who take our tests, can take advantage of the new economy.
Words are important and while a tagline may seem arbitrary, I can assure you, a lot of thought went into this one. Advancing the Future of Public Safety stakes a claim. It says IMSA and its members are ready to help build and participate in the future of public safety. It means our certification holders are appropriately skilled and uniquely positioned for a seat at the table and a voice in the conversation. It’s your career, your opportunity and at IMSA, we’re ready to embrace the future with you.