American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)


The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is the professional institute of the American Planning Association (APA). AICP certification is the only nationwide, independent verification of planners' qualifications.

Why become AICP certified?

The credential provides assurance to employers and colleagues that you have the academic qualifications, relevant work experience, ethical integrity, professional expertise and leadership skills to succeed in the profession.

AICP: One Path to AICP Certification

AICP image

The Spring 2025 AICP certification cycle will be here soon! Information about the One Path process, deadlines, exam prep materials, etc. can be found on the APA website. After reviewing the materials and FAQs, please register and join APA staff for AICP Q&A on any or all of the following dates. Each session will last 1 hour.

  • AICP Office Hours: Tuesday, January 7, 2025 from 2:00-3:00 pm ET (Register HERE)
  • New Year, New You, New Exam Prep Materials: Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 12:00-1:00 pm ET (Register HERE)
  • AICP Office Hours: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 from 1:00-2:00 pm ET (Register HERE)
  • AICP Office Hours: Monday, March 10, 2025 from 2:00-3:00 pm ET (Register HERE)

These sessions are open to members and nonmembers. Questions? Please email AICP@planning.org. 

For an introduction to the certification process and exam, check out the video of MAP's AICP Certification Q & A Webinar, hosted by the Emerging Planning Professionals in January 2023

AICP Exam Preparation Resources

APA offers a wealth of exam prep resources. Review the content outline, watch some training videos, explore other chapters' exam prep materials, and more.

 In addition, there are a number of free exam prep options:

There are also study classes and materials available for purchase, including:

APA/MI can assist exam takers in forming study groups. If you are planning to take the exam in May 2025 and would like to be connected with other exam takers, please complete this form.


AICP Certification Diversity Scholarship

Interested in an AICP Certification Diversity Scholarship for the May 2025 AICP exam or the June 2025 Experience Assessment? The window to apply for the AICP Certification Diversity Scholarship will open January 6, 2025 and continue through February 2025.

Questions? Email AICP@planning.org.

AICP Certification Maintenance

Of the 32 CM credits required during the two-year AICP reporting period, one hour each of four topics are mandatory: law, ethics, equity, and sustainability/resilience. The comprehensive list of ways to earn CM credits can be found here.

MAP's Planning Michigan Conference is held annually in the fall. It typically provides attendees with about 16 CM credits, including required topics mentioned above. MAP's Transportation Bonanza (held in the winter) and Spring Institute (held in the spring) are one day conferences that each have about 6 CM Credits.

Since 2020, MAP has recorded a number of webinars on a wide range of planning and zoning topics that qualify for CM credits; some are free and some are available for small registration fee. Details on MAP's recorded offerings are here.

The Planning Webcast Series, sponsored by MAP and other APA chapters and coordinated by the Ohio Chapter, provides AICP planners in participating chapters options for earning over 50 CM credits every year at no cost. Details here.

Contacts

For more information, contact Jill Bahm, AICP, MI/APA Professional Development Officer or Wendy Rampson, AICP, MAP Director of Programs and Outreach.

Career Center