PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Whether you're taking the AICP Exam, maintaining your AICP certification, or ready to become a Fellow of AICP, the APA-IL is here to help.

American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) offers the United States’ only nationally recognized professional planning certification. Initial certification involves passing the AICP Exam, offered twice annually at more than 300 testing centers across the United States and Canada.
To become a certified planner and use the AICP designation, submit an application, pass an examination, and be a fully paid member of APA and AICP. AICP has streamlined the online application and registration process.
The testing windows for the AICP Exam are every May and November, with applications typically due 5 to 6 months in advance. The most current information is available at: http://www.planning.org/certification/. For questions regarding the AICP Exam, please email aicpexam@planning.org.
Current Programs, News, and Events

Certification Maintenance
All professional planners who are members of APA's professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), must engage in mandatory continuing education to maintain their certification. AICP members must earn a total of 32 CM credits within their two-year reporting period.
The Certification Maintenance program links certified planners to training opportunities that will keep them up to date with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices. It also strengthens the value of certification, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to excellence to elected officials, community leaders, and employers.
The continuing education activities and events that will provide these CM credits are approved by APA. All education providers, including APA and its chapters and divisions, register with APA/AICP to become CM providers. To learn how to become a provider, visit the APA's provider webpage.
The AICP also offers Advanced Specialty Certification (ASC) which enables AICP–credentialed planners to be recognized for their knowledge, experience, and leadership skills in specialized areas of planning. Currently, the ASC Program offers three advanced examinations for the AICP Certified Transportation Planner (AICP CTP), AICP Certified Environmental Planner (AICP CEP), and AICP Certified Urban Designer (AICP CUD).
Fellow of AICP
Fellows of AICP are honored in recognition of the achievements of the planner as an individual, elevating the Fellow before the public and the profession as a model planner who has made significant contributions to planning and society. Fellowship is granted to planners who have been members of AICP and have achieved excellence in professional practice, teaching and mentoring, research, public and community service, and leadership. Those chosen become members of the College of Fellows.
The College of Fellows is concerned with mentoring and future advancement of the profession of planning. As outstanding professionals in the field of planning, Fellows of AICP will address student organizations, state APA conferences, and professional development programs.
2018 FAICP Members at Induction Ceremony during the 2018 National Planning Conference in New Orleans (photo courtesy Rob Kowalski, FAICP)
Illinois FAICP Members
Our 2018 nominees were inducted during the 2018 APA National Conference on April 22, 2018 in New Orleans.
2018 Cassandra Francis, FAICP
2018 Scott Goldstein, FAICP
2018 John Houseal, FAICP
2018 William Klein, FAICP
2018 Robert Kowalski, FAICP
2018 Dudley Onderdonk, FAICP
2018 John Paige, FAICP
2018 Cynthia Winland, FAICP
2018 Ferhat Zerin, FAICP
2016 Phil Hanegraaf, FAICP
2016 Ruth Knack, FAICP
2016 Marya Morris, FAICP
2016 James (Jim) Schwab, FAICP
2016 Robert (Bob) Sullivan, FAICP
2014 Laurie Marston, FAICP
2014 Jim Peters, FAICP
2014 Steve Friedman, FAICP
2014 Pattsi Petrie, FAICP
2012 Dr. Robert B. Olshansky, FAICP
2010 Cynthia Hoyle, FAICP
2008 Michael H. Blue, FAICP
2008 Dr. Elizabeth H. Tyler, FAICP
2006 Lee M. Brown, FAICP
2006 W. Paul Farmer, FAICP
2004 Charles C. Allen, FAICP (Deceased)
2004 Clyde W. Forrest, FAICP (Deceased)
2003 Bruce A. Knight, FAICP
2002 Fred P. Bosselman, FAICP (Deceased)
2002 Lewis D. Hopkins, FAICP
2002 Norbert J. Pointner, FAICP
2002 Leslie S. Pollock, FAICP
2001 Albert Z. Guttenberg, FAICP (Deceased)
2000 Robert J. Piper, FAICP (Deceased)
1999 Philip D. Peters, FAICP (Deceased)
1999 Frank S. So, FAICP (Deceased)
1999 Robert B. Teska, FAICP
Questions about AICP/CM/FAICP?
1. Visit APA's website at http:/www.planning.org/certification/
2. Questions regarding the exam can be e-mailed to the AICP office at aicpexam@planning.org; or
3. Contact APA-IL's Professional Development Officer by filling out the form below: