AICP
"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 use their skills to find solutions to community problems in ways that will carry the community toward its desired long-term goals." - The American Planning Association
Why is AICP Important?
The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is APA’s professional institute. Established to advance the quality and integrity of the practice of planning, AICP carries out this mission through:
- Certification
- Accreditation in planning education
- Continuing education and professional development
- Ethical performance
Certification is the sole means for the nationwide, independent verification of the qualifications of planners. Currently more than 15,000 planners are AICP certified, and the membership grows each year. To become certified, a planner must meet the following qualifications: conduct planning practice as defined by AICP; complete the combination of planning education and experience as set by the national AICP Commission; pass a nationally administered examination; and pledge to live up to the Code of Ethics. The AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct defines the plannerŐs responsibilities. Planners who are AICP certified pledge to follow this code, which is strictly enforced to ensure that the planner is dedicated to the public interest and uses sound judgment when addressing competing views.
AICP offers its members opportunities to develop their technical planning skills. High-quality continuing education helps planners do their jobs better and advances the stature of the planning profession. AICP offers continuing education to members through various channels, including workshops in locations throughout the country, audio and CD training materials, and special symposia and audio conferences. In addition, AICP staff is available to help members identify other continuing education opportunities that will fulfill their professional development needs.
AICP membership also has other benefits. The 2006 APA/AICP salary survey results show that certified planners earn, on average, $16,500 more annually than non-certified planners. Practicing Planner is an online AICP publication that showcases membersŐ innovative solutions to common planning problems.
Finally, I would like to mention the AICP honors and awards programs such as the Historical Planning Landmarks Program and the Fellows of AICP. The Historical Planning Landmarks Program recognizes the major influences of plans, projects, and planning pioneers. Election to the College of Fellows of AICP, which is the highest honor AICP bestows upon its members, publicly recognizes the achievements of individual planners.
So, is it worth it to become a member? I believe it is. There is a lot to gain from being AICP certified. It is a great way to show yourself and the world around you that you are committed to the planning profession. For more information about the benefits of AICP certification, I invite you to visit www.planning.org/aicp.