AICP Certification
Why AICP? Demonstrate Your Expertise
AICP certification is the only nationwide, independent verification of planners' qualifications. Earn the AICP credential and colleagues and employers will know that you have the academic qualifications, relevant work experience, and mastery of essential skills required to serve your community effectively.
Value of Certification
FOR PLANNERS
The most recent APA/AICP Planners Salary Survey shows that certified planners earn more than noncertified planners, even when experience and responsibility are considered. It also opens more career opportunities and can enhance a planner's professional credibility — four out of five AICP members attribute their career advancement to having earned AICP certification.
FOR EMPLOYERS
"AICP" is shorthand for education, experience, breadth of knowledge, ethical practice, and commitment to the planning profession. AICP planners average 14–18 years of experience in the field. Hiring a certified planner also demonstrates your commitment to the highest standard of ethical practice.
AICP Exam
To become a certified planner, entitled to use the AICP designation, American Planning Association (APA) members must meet certain education and experience requirements and pass a written examination. The AICP Certification Exam is given twice each year, in May and November.
Certification Maintenance
AICP’s Certification Maintenance (CM) program helps planners gain the knowledge and skills they need to remain current in the practice of planning.
FAICP
Election to the AICP College of Fellows (FAICP) is one of the highest honors that the American Institute of Certified Planners, the professional institute of the American Planning Association, bestows upon a member.