Complete Story
08/05/2025
PDO News || AICP Exam Updates
In this Update for Non-Certified Members ...
- Taking the AICP Test in November?
- AICP Office Hours
- Online AICP Exam Prep
- APA Diversity Scholarships
- AICP General Information
A note from the APA-IL PDO -
I get a lot of emails asking about study resources for the AICP Exam and joining study groups. To make things easier to access, I've created a few boards on the online APA-IL Forum that provide a shared list of study and preparation resources and make it easy to connect with other test-takers. You'll also find other resources like info on scholarships and office hours for APA National's AICP specialists. If you haven’t checked out the Forum yet, click here, make a free account.
While you’re always welcome to reach out to me at pdo@ilapa.org with questions, I invite you to visit the Forum and get a conversation going there!
Thanks and take care,
Andy Cross, AICP
APA-IL Professional Development Officer (PDO)
Planning to Take the AICP Exam in November?
- APA has resources to help: click here.
- The APA Florida Chapter and Georgia Chapter also provide a collection of study guides and resources.
- APA Florida also has a free, virtual AICP Exam Prep Series that runs Aug. 7 - Nov. 1, 2025. Click here to be added to the email group.
- Fall 2025 exam information can be found on APA's website.
AICP Office Hours
Join APA staff for one or all of our upcoming AICP Office Hours sessions to get your questions answered and connect with others preparing for the AICP exam. Registration is required. Please click on the links below.
Wednesday, August 6, 2025 | 10:00–11:00 AM CT
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 | Noon–1:00 PM CT
AICP Exam Prep
Join APA staff and AICP exam prep experts Jordan Yin, AICP, and Illinois' very own Andy Cross, AICP, for an engaging online discussion on APA's exam preparation resources and strategies for success on the AICP exam. Registration is required. Click below to RSVP.
Friday, August 22, 2025 | 11:00 AM–Noon CT
Members and non-members are welcome to register for the above events.
APA's 2025 AICP Certification Diversity Scholarship
The American Planning Association's AICP Certification Diversity scholarships help make the planning profession more diverse. Diversity is an inclusive concept that encompasses but is not limited to race, ethnicity, class, gender, age, sexuality, ability, educational attainment, spiritual beliefs, creed, culture, tribal affiliation, nationality, immigration status, financial status, political beliefs, and veteran status.
If you are interested in applying, here are the details:
- 50 scholarships will be awarded through a lottery system administered by the national APA. Applicants can receive the scholarship for the exam or assessment (not both).
- Scholarship cannot be transferred, but recipients can re-apply.
- All APA members (both domestic and international) can apply.
- Test results will be shared with APA Chapter PDOs.
The deadline for the Fall 2025 scholarship is Aug. 29, 2025, at 12:00 CST.
Click Here to Apply for the Scholarship
Please note: APA-IL does not administer this scholarship program. This is an APA national effort and their staff will be evaluating applications.
Thinking about becoming a certified planner?
The One Path to AICP Certification offers APA members a simple, three-step process to becoming AICP certified. Download the Guide.
What are the exam eligibility requirements? How I qualify?
APA has a robust self assessment so you can determine if or when you will qualify.
When is the next certification cycle?
There are two certification cycles each year.
Where can I get more information?
Please visit APA's One Path to AICP website for more information:
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