AICP Exam for American Planning Association (APA) Latest Update
The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification Exam is a pivotal step for planners seeking to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the planning profession. Administered by the American Planning Association (APA), the AICP credential signifies a planner's proficiency in essential knowledge areas, adherence to professional ethics, and dedication to serving communities effectively. As of January 2025, several updates and resources have been introduced to streamline the certification process and aid candidates in their preparation.
One Path to AICP Certification
In an effort to simplify the certification journey, APA has implemented the "One Path to AICP," consolidating the process into three primary steps:
Registration: All APA members are eligible to register for the AICP Certification Exam. During registration, candidates must agree to abide by the AICP Code of Ethics and the Certification Agreement. Upon successful registration, candidates receive an Eligibility ID, enabling them to schedule their exam with Prometric, the official testing service provider. It's advisable to schedule the exam promptly to secure a preferred testing date and location.
Examination: The exam assesses a candidate's knowledge across various planning topics, including research methods, fundamental planning knowledge, communication, plan development, implementation, administration, leadership, areas of practice, and ethics. The exam comprises 170 multiple-choice questions, with 150 scored and 20 unscored pilot questions. Candidates have 3.5 hours to complete the exam. Passing the exam grants candidates the AICP Candidate designation, which can be used until all certification requirements are fulfilled.
Experience Application: After passing the exam, candidates must submit verifications of their education and professional planning experience. This step ensures that candidates have the practical experience necessary to apply planning principles effectively. The Experience Assessment Template provides detailed guidelines on the professional planning experience requirements.
Exam Preparation Resources
To support candidates in their exam preparation, APA and its chapters offer a variety of resources:
Exam Content Outline: This outline provides a detailed breakdown of the major topic areas covered in the exam, helping candidates focus their study efforts effectively.
Exam Prep Videos: Recorded in December 2024, these videos cover the nine major topic areas of the exam, offering insights and explanations to aid understanding. Accompanying PowerPoint presentations are also available for review.
Chapter Resources: Many APA chapters provide additional study materials, workshops, and study groups. For instance, the APA Florida Chapter offers a comprehensive AICP Exam Study Class, which includes live sessions and recorded materials.
Practice Exams: Engaging with practice exams familiarizes candidates with the structure and format of the actual exam, helping identify areas that may require further study. Prometric offers a tutorial demonstrating computer-based testing to aid in this preparation.
Upcoming Certification Cycles
APA conducts the AICP Certification Exam twice annually, in May and November. For the Spring 2025 cycle, registration opens on April 1, 2025, and closes on April 30, 2025. The exam window is scheduled for May 1-29, 2025. Following the exam, the experience application window opens on June 2, 2025, and closes on June 30, 2025. Candidates are encouraged to adhere to these timelines to ensure a smooth certification process.
Exam Fee Structure
The fee structure for the AICP Certification is as follows:
Registration Fee: $305
Transfer Fee: $100 (applicable if transferring the exam registration to a future test window)
Planning Experience Assessment Fee: $305
Appeal Fee: $100
All fees are non-refundable. It's important to note that transfers are allowed only once. Once a transfer is redeemed, whether the exam is taken or not, the registration cannot be transferred again.
Special Accommodations
APA is committed to ensuring accessibility for all candidates. Members requiring exam accommodations for English as a Second Language considerations or due to a disability must request the accommodation before registering for the exam. Detailed information on requesting accommodations is available in Appendix 2 of the AICP Certification Guide.
Conclusion
Achieving AICP Certification is a significant milestone in a planner's career, reflecting a commitment to professional excellence and ethical practice. With the streamlined "One Path to AICP," comprehensive preparation resources, and clear guidelines, candidates are well-equipped to navigate the certification process successfully. Staying informed about the latest updates and utilizing the available resources will enhance the likelihood of success in obtaining the esteemed AICP credential.
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