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American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)

The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is the professional institute of the American Planning Association (APA).  AICP certification is the only nationwide, independent verification of planners' qualifications.

Why become AICP certified? 

The credential provides assurance to employers and colleagues that you have the academic qualifications, relevant work experience, ethical integrity, professional expertise and leadership skills to succeed in the profession.  

NEW! One Path to AICP Certification

AICP One Path Flowchart

To learn more about each step, visit the One Path to AICP page.

For an introduction to the certification process and exam, check out the video of MAP's AICP Certification Q & A Webinar, hosted by the Emerging Planning Professionals in January 2023

Students and new graduates: The AICP One Path program replaces the AICP Candidate Pilot Program. All APA members will now follow the same process to 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. 

AICP Exam Preparation Resources

APA offers a wealth of exam prep resources. Review the content outline, watch some training videos, explore other chapters' exam prep materials, and more.  

 

 APA/MI can assist exam takers in forming study groups. If you are planning to take the exam in November 2023 and would like to be connected with other exam takers, please complete this form. 

Additional free exam preparation resources were shared during MAP's AICP One Path webinar in April 2022:

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

AICP Certification Maintenance

Of the 32 CM credits required during the two-year AICP reporting period, one hour each of four topics are mandatory: law, ethics, equity, and sustainability/resilience. The comprehensive list of ways to earn CM credits can be found here. 

MAP's Planning Michigan Conference is held annually in the fall.  It typically provides attendees with about 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 about 6 CM Credits. 

Since 2020, MAP has recorded a number of webinars on a wide range of planning and zoning topics that qualify for CM credits; some are free and some are available for small registration fee. Details on MAP's recorded offerings are here.

The Planning Webcast Series, sponsored by MAP and other APA chapters and coordinated by the Ohio Chapter, provides AICP planners in participating chapters options for earning over 50 CM credits every year at no cost.  Details here.

Contacts

For more information, contact Christina Anderson, AICP, MI/APA Professional Development Officer or Wendy Rampson, AICP, MAP Director of Programs and Outreach.