AICP Certification
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. 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.
AICP Certification brings value to your career, your organization, and the communities you serve. Do you want to demonstrate your expertise, show your commitment to professional ethics, distinguish yourself in the job market, and keep your planning skills in tip-top shape? Good news! One Path to AICP streamlines the certification process.
Eligibility Pre-Check
Visit Are You Eligible? to review the experience requirements for AICP Certification, download the AICP Certification Guide, and use the Eligibility Pre-Check resources designed to help you understand how your experience fits into AICP Certification.
APA members can request an exam accommodation for ESL considerations or a disability. Please view Appendix 2 in the AICP Exam Certification Guide.
Two Annual AICP Certification Windows
Certification Maintenance (CM)
As a member of APA’s professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), you must engage in mandatory continuing education to maintain your certification.
The purpose of the American Institute of Certified Planners’ Certification Maintenance (CM) Program is to strengthen planning practice and the integrity of the AICP credential by establishing professional development standards applicable to all AICP members.
APA San Diego regularly coordinates local CM education and training opportunities.
Please visit our Events Calendar page for more information.
CM Opportunities
These are just some of the ways you can engage as a APA member to maintain your certification. Both APA National and the California Chapter offer free and low-cost opportunities for CM credits.
APA San Diego has local CM education programs and training opportunities. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.
Section Luncheons & Workshops
Planning Webcast Series
APA California Chapter-Sponsored CM Credit Opportunities
APA California Chapter Conference
California Planning Foundation (CPF) Workshops
California University Opportunities
National APA CM Offerings
Free APA On-Demand Education Offering CM Credit