AICP

Are You Ready to Become a Certified Planner?

It’s Time to Begin Preparing this year’s AICP Examination !!

Here’s how:

One-Step Exam Process - Beginning with this exam cycle, AICP introduced a new application that combines the application and registration steps into one form and one fee.  This eliminates the previous two forms and separate fee payments, and makes the process easier for applicants.  As you may know, AICP moved to a computer-based exam in 2004.  The exam is offered in two scheduled 12-day testing windows at more than 300 testing centers in the United States and Canada

For the November Exam - For information about applying, deadlines and applications fees go to www.planning.org/certification under APA / AICP Certification. Completed applications and filing fee must be submitted to the AICP Washington, D.C. office before required deadlines. Education and employment verifications for each degree and job listed in the application will continue to be required in order for your application to be considered complete.

Application Review and Notification - Once your completed application is received, it will be reviewed and you will be informed of your status to sit for the AICP exam. Those who submitted applications will be notified of eligibility for the exam in about six weeks.  Once approved to take the exam, you will receive a written eligibility letter that allows you to schedule your exam appointment at a location and time that works for you.

Previous Applicants - Previously approved applicants may use the same application form to pay for the next exam.  Once logged on, the system will recognize the applicant's approved status with prompts to complete only the contact and exam information pages of the form and pay the exam fee.

Inclusive Dates for the Exam - The locations of testing sites will be announced.

Test Results - Exam takers will receive their test results before they leave the testing center.

APA Professional Development Update - AICP Certificate Maintenance (CM)

David Fey, AICP, Central Section Professional Development Officer

AICP members, you may update your CM log on line at APA’s national website (http://www.planning.org/cm/member/log.htmI). 

There are still a few bugs in the CM system as professional development providers struggle to realign their programs to fit the new CM process.  For example, I participated in Lorman’s November “Advanced Zoning and Land Use in California” clinic in Fresno.  The announcement indicated that it satisfied 6.0 “AICP” continuing education credits, along with an assortment of other professional credits for real estate, law, etc.  After completing the clinic, I was not able to enter my Lorman credits in the APA CM log and later determined that claims for AICP, CPD, or other APA-type credit are not the equivalent of CM credits. The good people at Lorman’s customer service acknowledged this error and quickly worked with APA to correct this situation. 

The moral of this story is to look for the CM credit.  Like the lady said in the old commercial:  “They don’t say Hanes ‘til I say they say Hanes!”

Opportunities for CM Credits

There are a variety of events and programs available to earn CM credits.  You may view APA national’s list of eligible CM activities at http://www.planning.org/cm/activities.htm

Central Section events must have prior approval by the California Chapter of the APA before CM credits are available. 

A Project in Progress, PC and Land Use Planners Training

“Planning--Valley Style! There’s more to Planning than LA and the Bay”

Your Central Section board is in discussions with South San Joaquin Valley Division of the League of California Cities regarding a day-long planning seminar to be held in the spring.  We originally focused on support and training for Planning Commissioners but during discussion the scope of training and support was broadened to include planners, electeds, and others with an interest in land use planning.  Stay tuned.

Last But Not Least:

Membership Professional Development/CM Needs Assessment

The goal of your board is to provide support and development for planners in the Central Section.  Any questions, comments, ideas, or suggestions you would like to share are of great value.  Please contact me at davidf@cityofclovis.com with your thoughts on the matter.