AICP
AICP Certification Get Certified
The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is the American Planning Association’s professional institute, providing recognized leadership nationwide in the certification of professional planners, ethics, professional development, planning education, and the standards of planning practice.
Employers recognize — and reward — AICP Certification. On average, AICP-certified planners earn $16,000 more annually than non-certified planners.
AICP Certification is an assurance of quality — a professional pre-screen — for employers who want to attract the most highly qualified candidates for their open positions.
AICP
Interested in becoming a certified planner through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)?
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.
The American Institute of Certified Planners provides the only nationwide, independent verification of planners' qualifications. Certified planners pledge to uphold high standards of practice, ethics, and professional conduct, and to keep their skills sharp and up to date by continuously pursuing advanced professional education.
Check out these resources from the American Planning Association for more information:
- One Path to AICP - https://planning.org/certification/
- One Path FAQs
- AICP Certification Guide - https://planning.org/media/document/9227012/
- APA-RI member Pat Mc.'s AICP Exam insights, tips, prep suggestions and resources
AICP Certification Diversity Scholarship
AICP Certification Diversity scholarships help make the planning profession more diverse. Diversity is an inclusive concept that encompasses but is not limited to race, ethnicity, class, gender, age, sexuality, ability, educational attainment, spiritual beliefs, creed, culture, tribal affiliation, nationality, immigration status, financial status, political beliefs, and veteran status.
If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, self-identify with one or more of the categories above, and have a financial need, please apply by visiting the AICP Certification Diversity Scholarship webpage for more information.
Scholarship window closes at 3:00pm on Thursday, August 29, 2024.
AICP Exam Prep
APA offers a wealth of exam prep resources. Review the content outline, watch some training videos, explore other chapters’ exam prep materials, and much more. And don’t forget to contact our chapter’s Professional Development Officer Albert Ranaldi, AICP for additional information.
Certification Maintenance
Maintaining certification requires on-going professional development.
AICP members must earn a total of 32 CM credits (1 training hour = 1 CM credit) within their two-year reporting period, including at least one credit hour each for Law, Ethics, Sustainability & Resiliency, and Equity.
Credits can be earned through a variety of activities. The following represents the latest information on how AICP members can earn CM credits:
Live Attendance and Instruction: Chapter and State planning association conferences and other CM-approved training opportunities are regularly available for AICP members to attend and receive CM credits. Speakers at such sessions are entitled to additional credits.
Internet-Based Live Chapter Training: Several APA Chapters, including our Chapter, have collaborated to underwrite a regularly-scheduled and diverse array of internet-based training opportunities, available through the Ohio APA Chapter.
Distance Learning and Free CM Opportunities: A variety of CM-approved Internet-based training opportunities are available, such that most of a AICP planner’s required 32 credit hours can be earned from the comfort of your home or office, free of charge.