AICP Exam Information
Taking the AICP exam is the first step to becoming a certified planner. To qualify, one must be a current APA member, submit an online application meeting certain education and experience criteria, and pass an examination.
The AICP Guide Part 1: Certification ApplicationExam Candidate Bulletin and AICP Guide Part 2: Taking the Exam are your complete guide to becoming an AICP member.
Information about the exam and eligibility can be found through the AICP website or by emailing AICPexam@planning.org.
The National AICP office can be reached at 312-431-9100
The Exam is given during two test windows every year in May and November. The next exam application window will be for the May 2021 exam. For the latest information about the upcoming exam please click here.
The AICP Candidate Pilot Program offers you a path to get your AICP certification process started earlier. The pilot program changes the order in which AICP certification steps are completed, enabling you to take the exam and earn the AICP Candidate designation prior to attaining professional planning experience. Interested in the AICP Candidate Pilot Program? Click here.
AICP Training and Study Resource Information
APA Los Angeles regularly organizes an annual AICP Study/Review Session for those preparing to take the exam. Please check our Newsletter for future study session details. Check the websites for APA California and the Orange County, Inland Empire, and San Diego section sites for training events.
Study Resources
APA California offers a complete on-demand AICP exam training course. With over 12 hours of instruction by relevant field experts, this course provides the guidance and materials needed to better prepare for the exam.
Topics include:
- Part 1: Planning History and Context
- Part 2: Exam and Training Course Overview (Free)
- Part 3: Plan Making and Implementation
- Part 4: Regulatory Law
- Part 5: Ethics Training
- Part 6: Public Participation
- Part 7: Planning Trends, Demographics & Transportation
- Part 8: Leadership, Administration & Management
All registrants will receive course updates regarding recent changes to the AICP exam process and scheduling. Click here to register for the full APA California On-Demand AICP Exam Training course and for more information.
The APA’s Chapter Presidents Council (CPC) offers its CPC Study Manual on CD for those who are preparing to take the AICP written exam. The purpose of the study manual is to help review basic planning concepts and to practice skills that are necessary for taking a multiple-choice test.
The Manual can be ordered through the Chapter office: Order Form.
The National APA website offers additional study resources including: an AICP exam prep package, materials from the National Planning Conference Exam Prep Session, a list of selected readings, and a no-cost simulation of a computerized examination. More information is available here.
Those interested in taking the AICP exam can now watch the 2019 National Planning conference session “AICP Exam Prep and Application Tips Workshop.” The videos linked are available in six parts covering two hours from the Exam Prep workshop at NPC19 and provide fun learning tips on preparing for the AICP exam.
Certification Maintenance (CM)
APA Los Angeles regularly coordinates local CM education and training opportunities. Please visit our Calendar page for more information or sign up for our Newsletter. APA National and the California Chapter both offer free and low-cost opportunities for CM credits. APA also offers a searchable database of current CM credit sources. If you have a suggestion for a local CM education and/or training opportunity, please email the Vice-Director for Professional Development at profdev@apalosangeles.org.
