Professional Development
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  2. Professional Development

AICP Exam Information & Preparation

The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is the American Planning Association's professional institute, with responsibilities for accreditation, compliance, certification, ethics and continuing education.

  • To become a certified planner and use the AICP designation, one must be a current member of the American Planning Association, pass an examination, meet certain professional experience requirements, and be a fully paid member of APA and AICP. Learn more about the One Path to AICP.
  • AICP members must earn a total of 32 credits each two-year reporting period under AICP's Certification Maintenance (CM) program.

Important AICP Exam and Experience Assessment Update

There is a new AICP exam window for 2026. Registration for the standard exam will now be open May 4 through NOON (central time!) on August 30, 2026. Testing for the standard exam will be offered May 4 through September 30, 2026. APA is also offering an opportunity to take a pilot exam in November 2026.

The AICP Experience assessment submittal window will also now be open from May 4 to NOON on November 28, 2026. You may submit your experience assessment immediately after passing the AICP exam if you have completed the education and experience requirements.

Please see more information on the AICP Website: https://planning.org/certification/

Virginia Online Study Group: We are currently hosting online exam study group for 2026, which will run through September. We are meeting at 8:00 PM on Sundays on Microsoft Teams. Please email pdo@apavirginia.com to be added to the group and given access to the study group Google Drive!

Exam Preparation

There are numerous websites that provide resources for preparing for the AICP exam. We will not deluge aspiring AICP planners with all of the links but rather we will highlight a few that we feel have been particularly helpful:

APA Maryland In-Person AICP Prep Opportunity: Are you preparing to take the AICP Exam this year? Join APA Maryland for an in-person study session at Morgan State University on March 21, 2026 at 10 AM! See the bottom of the linked webpage to register; https://apamaryland.org/professional-development

Florida APA Chapter Study Class: The Florida Chapter offers a free weekly online prep class for exam takers from any state. In addition to live sessions, the class includes recorded sessions and practice tests. The class schedule is posted a few months before each exam testing window, so check here for updated information: https://floridaplanningconference.org/exam-prep-series/?cmp=org-aicp-page

AICP Certification Diversity Scholarship

Each exam cycle, APA offers scholarships to APA members who are interested in taking the AICP exam or who are interested in submitting their experience assessment. Please visit the AICP Certification Diversity Scholarship webpage for more information.

AICP Office Hours;
Join an upcoming AICP Office Hours session to get your AICP questions answered and connect with others preparing for the AICP exam. Office Hours are open to members and non-members, but you must register.

  • Tuesday, February 3, 2026 | 11:00 am - Noon CT
  • Thursday, March 5, 2026 | Noon - 1:00 pm CT
  • Wednesday, May 6, 2026 | 2:00 - 3:00 pm CT
  • Tuesday, June 9, 2026 | 11:00 am - Noon CT
  • Thursday, August 6, 2026 | Noon - 1:00 pm CT
  • Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 2:00 - 3:00 pm CT

These sessions are open to both members and non-members, but advance registration is required. For upcoming exam dates and fees, please visit the APA website.

Questions? Email aicp@planning.org.

AICP Exam Prep Resource Overview

Join AICP exam prep experts Jordan Yin, AICP, and Andy Cross, AICP, for an engaging discussion on APA's exam preparation resources and strategies for success on the AICP exam. Click the link below to register.

  • Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | 11:00 am - Noon CT

Registration Link | Questions? Email AICP@planning.org.