American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)


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Why? | Fall 2025 Cycle | Prep Resources | AICP Diversity Scholarship | Certification Maintenance (CM) | Ways to Earn CM's | MAP Contacts 

 

AICP: One Path to AICP Certification

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Why become AICP certified?

Assurance to employers and colleagues that you have

  • The academic qualifications
  • Relevant work experience
  • Ethical integrity
  • Professional expertise
  • Leadership skills to succeed in the profession

 

Fall 2025 AICP Certification Cycle:


Step 1: Registration

Registration: October 1st at 9am CST - October 29th at 3pm CST

Transfer Deadline: November 24th at 3pm CST

Step 2: Exam

Exam window: November 3rd - November 30th

Step 3: Experience

Experience submission: December 1st at 9am CST - December 31st 3pm CST

For more information, view the APA website or email AICP@planning.org. 

AICP Exam Preparation Resources

For those starting off:

APA offers a wealth of exam prep resources. Definitely start here!

After viewing the APA resources:

Free exam prep options:

There are also study classes and materials available for purchase, including:

 

AICP Certification Diversity Scholarship

Interested in AICP's Certification Diversity Scholarship? The scholarship can be used on:

  • November 2025's AICP Exam
  • December 2025's Experience Assessment

The window to apply for the AICP Certification Diversity Scholarship will open from July 9th to August 29th.

Questions? Email AICP@planning.org.

 

AICP Certification Maintenance (CM)

Of the 32 CM credits required during the two-year AICP reporting period, one hour each of four topics are mandatory:

  1. Law,
  2. Ethics
  3. Equity
  4. Sustainability/resilience.

The comprehensive list of ways to earn CM credits can be found on this AICP page.


Ways to earn CM credits:

MAP's Conferences: The conference held annually in the Fall provides attendees with approximately 16 CM credits, including required topics mentioned above. MAP's Transportation Bonanza (held in the winter) and Spring Institute (held in the spring) are one-day conferences that each have approximately 6 CM credits.

MAP Webinars and Events: MAP has a collection of recorded webinars that qualify for CM credits; some are free and some are available for a small registration fee. MAP also regularly hosts live webinars and events that provide CM credits.

Planning Webcast Series (by APA Ohio): The series provides AICP planners in participating chapters an option to earn over 50 CM credits every year at no cost.

MAP Contacts

For more information, contact Jill Bahm, AICP, MI/APA Professional Development Officer or Andy Larsen, AICP Candidate, MAP's Research and Program Specialist.

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