American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)

Find additional information regarding the Spring 2024 AICP Certification Cycle.

Study Manuals are Available!

Preparing for the exam? A downloadable version of the APA Chapter Presidents' Council (CPC) Study Manual for the AICP Examination is available for purchase on APA Learn.

Purchase the Study Manual

AICP Exam Study Resources

Test takers should focus on being familiar with the topics outlined in the exam subject matter summary.

APA Exam preparation resources.

National Planning Landmarks and Planning Pioneers - lists names and events that could appear on the exam
Some of the topics on the APA Homepage under "Knowledge Center" have useful summaries
AICP Exam Prep presentation from the session at the 2017 National Planning Conference

Also, look at other chapters' websites for good study information.

Please note: It is strongly recommended that you review the resources provided by APA regarding how to fill out your application. Please take the time to review the application Tips and the Application Reviewer Sheet. Also, if possible, submit your application by the Early Bird deadline. If APA finds your application deficient, you can then modify it using the comment they provide and resubmit it within the same testing cycle. Be sure to allow sufficient time for required documentation (employment verification, transcripts, etc.) to be received by APA by the deadline.

AICP Candidate Program

Students and graduates of PAB accredited programs can now enroll in the AICP Candidate Pilot Program and take the AICP exam prior to earning the full number of years of professional planning experience. More information.

AICP Exam Cost Reimbursement Under GI Bill

Since 2001, military veterans (and their surviving dependents) can ask the Veterans Administration to reimburse the AICP exam fee. Read additional information on the GI Bill Education Benefits Program, or send an e-mail to [email protected].

Certification Maintenance (CM)

All AICP planners must participate in mandatory continuing education to maintain their certification. AICP members must earn a total of 32 CM credit-hours (including 1.5 CMs for both Planning Law and Planning Ethics training) within their two-year reporting period.

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