2023 AICP Exam Study Groups Now Forming
Updated: Feb 9
Study Groups are Forming!
Are you taking the AICP Exam? Fear not! The APA-IL is once again helping to coordinate planners studying for the spring or fall AICP Exam.
If you are interested in connecting with a study group, please contact APA-IL PDO Andy Cross, AICP with your contact information. The APA-IL provides these connections to peers as well as general resources (at this time the APA-IL is not hosting study groups).
Thoughts About Study Groups From Your Friendly PDO:
You have probably done study groups or other group work in graduate programs or elsewhere. Leadership is essential for an effective group. If you want to join a study group, then give a thought to the role you will play in the group setting. Not everyone needs to be a leader, obviously, just as one person can't lead nine lazy lulu's in an effective study group. Be active, contribute, and remember that meaningful discussion with cool people will cement facts, concepts, and ideas in your head better than any flashcard or highlighted section of a book.
If you’re eligible to sit for the AICP Exam, then you have experience in the field. As you study and review planning topics, try to come up with examples from your work that are even slightly related. Jot the story down somewhere and share it with the study group. Stories have helped us learn for 8,000 years, so why not keep it going? Consider having 15 minutes of story time to warm up and get in a good mindset at each study session. You’ll have a whole lot of regular life going on while you’re studying for this test, so focus will be essential when preparing.
Lastly, the AICP exam is supposed to be challenging. Our field is staggering in its breadth and planners are responsible for a really wide range of knowledge. That's what makes it a great field to be in, and one that we can continue to grow in our entire careers. So appreciate the fact that you've accepted a very real challenge in taking this exam and be proud of yourself for making it this far. The next few months will be hard between the studying, the worrying, and the regular jobs you still do every day. Taking the exam sets you apart and passing it will be something to be proud of the rest of your life.
Are there other ways to study? Of course! Please visit APA's website for their collection of materials.
Spring 2023 AICP Certification Cycle
For more details on becoming AICP or the spring or fall AICP Certification cycles, please visit https://planning.org/certification/
STEP 1: REGISTRATION
Opens: Monday, April 3, 2023 at 9:00am CST
Closes: Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 3:00pm CST
Transfer Deadline: Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 3:00pm CST
STEP 2: EXAM
Exam Window: May 1–26, 2023
STEP 3: EXPERIENCE
Opens: Monday, June 5, 2023 at 9:00am CST
Closes: Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 3:00pm CST
All questions regarding the AICP Exam and CM credits can be directed to Andy Cross, AICP, APA-IL Professional Development Officer (PDO).