American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)


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Why? | Spring 2026 Cycle | Prep Resources | AICP Diversity Scholarship | Certification Maintenance (CM) | Ways to Earn CM's | MAP Contacts 

 

AICP: One Path to AICP Certification


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

 

2026 AICP Certification Cycle:

Please note that this is a new change in 2026.


Step 1: Registration

Registration: April – August 31 (Noon CT)

Step 2: Exam

Exam window: April – November 30 (Noon CT)

Step 3: Experience

Experience submission: April – November 30 (Noon CT)

For 2026 Only:

There will be a special pilot window exam. This pilot exam is part of APA's ongoing process of keeping the AICP exam current and fair. If you pass, it counts toward certification and you will become an AICP Candidate:

Fee: $100

Registration Dates: October 1 – 30 (Noon CT)

Test Dates: November 2 – 28

Results: Delivered in 4–6 weeks after Prometric review

*If you take the pilot exam, you cannot submit your experience assessment until the 2027 submission window opens.

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:

New material is frequently released so please contact Andy at alarsen@planningmi.org for the most up-to-date information.

 

AICP Certification Diversity Scholarship

Interested in AICP's Certification Diversity Scholarship? The scholarship can be used on either the AICP Exam OR the Experience Assessment.

The window to apply for the AICP Certification Diversity Scholarship is updated on this webpage.

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, MAP's Research and Program Specialist.

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