CONSIDERING AICP CERTIFICATION?

So you have decided that you want to be a member of AICP. Congratulations! Taking the AICP exam is first step to become 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. Several combinations of education and experience may be qualifying. For example, a planner with a Bachelor's degree from a PAB-accredited program may qualify with 3 years of professional experience. A planner with a graduate degree in Planning from a PAB-accredited program may qualify with 2 years of professional experience. Other academic disciplines and professional experience may also be qualifying. The application process also requires you to provide written responses to four qualifying criteria in terms of your professional planning experience (and letters from supervisors will also be required to verify your experience). It is critical that all potential candidates read the Exam Candidate Bulletin (available at the APA website) for a complete orientation to the exam. AICP certification carries a high mark of distinction for good reason. After certification, AICP members are required to abide by the Code of Ethics at all times, serve community interests, and participate in continuing education.

REDUCED EXAM FEE SCHOLARSHIPS
For some planners, the cost of taking the exam can be prohibitively expensive. The APA California Chapter will be awarding eight reduced exam fee scholarships in the amount of $135 (combined $70 application and $65 exam fee for first time applicants), or $65 (exam fee only for previously approved AICP applicants) for the November 2011 AICP exam. That is a significant cost savings for applicants who normally pay either $495 for the combined application and exam fee, or $425 for the exam fee only. This program has been put in place to offer assistance to individuals in need who may defer taking or are unable to take the AICP exam because of the cost. The criteria for being considered includes employment status, pay reductions by your employer, mandatory employment furloughs, and related factors which may affect your ability to cover the cost of the exam.

To be considered for one of these scholarships, please obtain the application form from your Section Director or Professional Development Officer, and e-mail it to Juan Borrelli, AICP, Vice President of Professional Development by 5:00 p.m., Thursday, June 30, 2011. A committee will review the applications received by the deadline and will make a final determination of the qualified scholarship recipients. Selected scholarship recipients will be notified by Friday, July 8, 2011.

NOVEMBER 2011 EXAM
Testing window: November TBD
Application Deadline: July 13, 2011. The exam application is now open.
Late Cancellation/Transfer Deadline: TBD

EXAM PREPARATION
The study group will focus on these areas.

For additional and more complete information, please visit http://www.planning.org/certification/2011/may/index.htm.

For general questions about the eligibility requrements to sit for the AICP Exam, the application process and fees, where to take the exam, or the Exam Candidate Bulletin, please e-mail Brian Foote, AICP at Brian.Foote@ci.oxnard.ca.us.

AICP CERTIFICATION MAINTENANCE (CM)
Did you attend the national or state conference? Have you attended any local training sessions or utilized a free online course? Don't forget to sign up for your continuing education credits here. Find sources for free and low cost CM credits here.