American Institute of Certified Planners

The American Institute of Certified Planners (or AICP) is the American Planning Association's professional institute. AICP certifies professionals in the United States in the field of Urban planning and assists planners in the areas of ethics, professional development, planning education, and the standards of planning practice. [ [http://www.planning.org/aicp/index.htm AICP ] ]

AICP certification is recognized throughout the United States as the mark of a professional planner. Members of AICP pledge to adhere to a detailed Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. Once certified, professional planners may place the designation "AICP" after their name to indicate their membership in AICP, and their mastery of the principles, skills, knowledge, and experience determined by the organization as essential for a professional planner.

To become certified, a planner must have an appropriate combination of relevant education and professional experience, must pass a rigorous examination that tests skills and knowledge, must pay an annual fee, and must be a member of the American Planning Association in good standing. The AICP certification exam is offered twice a year for two weeks, in May and November. Beginning in 2005 the exam uses a computer-based format.

On April 13, 2007, the AICP Commission approved a new Certification Maintenance (CM) program. As a result, AICP certified planners must earn and report 32 credits of eligible professional development activities every two years as part of this new CM requirement. This program replaced the voluntary Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program, which terminated on April 13, 2007. [ [http://www.planning.org/certification/maintenance.htm American Planning Association ] ]

The recognized professional accreditation for planners in Canada is "MCIP," signifying that the holder of the designation is a full member of the Canadian Institute of Planners.

In the United Kingdom, the recognized accrediation for planners is "MRTPI" which indicates a member's chartered status in the Royal Town Planning Institute.

In Australia, the recognised accreditaion for planners is 'CPP' - Certified Practising Planner which indicates a members status in the Planning Institute of Australia - PIA

ee also

*American Planning Association
*Royal Town Planning Institute

References

External links

* [http://www.cip-icu.ca/ Canadian Institute of Planners]
* [http://www.planetizen.com/courses/aicp/ Planetizen AICP Online Preparation Course]