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. 

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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).

Questions about AICP/CM/FAICP?

1. Visit APA's website at http:/

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: