American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
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. As a nationally recognized certification, AICP members demonstrate to employers and colleagues that they have the academic qualifications, relevant work experience, and mastery of essential skills required to serve their community effectively. More information on the benefits of certification.
Get an Edge in the Job Market
The AICP Certification serves as a hallmark of excellence, operating as a preliminary professional assessment for employers seeking to draw the most exceptionally qualified candidates to their available roles. A significant proportion of planning-related employers affirm that AICP Certification substantially influences their decision-making process when it comes to the recruitment of planners
Commitment to Ethics
An impressive 87% of employers within the planning domain emphasize the significance of staff manifesting unwavering adherence to a designated code of ethics. The AICP’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct plays a pivotal role in aiding planners in effectively navigating intricate ethical and moral quandaries that can arise within their roles. Remarkably, an overwhelming 97% of AICP members affirm that the AICP Certification not only fulfills but often surpasses their expectations in showcasing their steadfast dedication to upholding the ethical standards integral to their professional practice.
One Path to AICP
The AICP Certification adds significant value to both your professional journey, the collective endeavors of your organization, and the welfare of the communities under your stewardship. Are you aspiring to showcase your proficiency, underscore your dedication to professional ethics, stand out in a competitive job landscape, and consistently refine your planning acumen? Encouragingly, the ‘One Path to AICP‘ initiative simplifies the certification process.
If you find yourself at the initial stages of your planning career, embarking on the journey of defining your aspirations, consider the milestones you intend to achieve within the span of five or ten years. As a member of the APA, you have the opportunity to target certification as a pivotal milestone—a testament to your professional prowess that has the potential to unlock various opportunities. Remarkably, a substantial majority of AICP members, precisely four out of five, attribute their career progression to the significant attainment of AICP Certification.
AICP Certification Diversity Scholarship
Each exam cycle, APA offers scholarships to APA members who are interested in taking the AICP exam or who are interested in submitting their experience assessment. Please visit the AICP Certification Diversity Scholarship webpage for more information.
Have questions? FAQs
AICP Exam Training Course
APA California is pleased to offer a complete on-demand AICP exam training course. With over 12 hours of instruction by relevant field experts, this course provides the guidance and materials needed to better prepare for the exam. Study at your own pace! Learn valuable exam taking tips! All registrants will receive course updates regarding recent changes to the AICP exam process and scheduling. The full course cost is $75 for APA Members, $25 for Student Members.
Topics Include:
- Part 1: Planning History and Context
- Part 2: AICP Process Overview (Free)
- Part 3: Plan Making and Implementation
- Part 4: Regulatory Law
- Part 5: Ethics Training
- Part 6: Public Participation
- Part 7: Planning Trends, Demographics & Transportation
- Part 8: Leadership, Administration & Management
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, [email protected], for additional information.
In addition, APA offers an AICP Certification guide which contains details about each step in One Path to AICP Certification.