Advanced Specialty Certification
Just as doctors need to demonstrate their expertise and knowledge within specialized fields of medicine, so do planners in specialized fields of planning. This is what the Advanced Specialty Certification program does. AICP's advanced specialty certifications recognizes certified planners for their expertise and leadership in their chosen specialization. No additional membership dues are paid by members holding these certifications.
The three advanced certifications are:
- AICP Certified Transportation Planner (AICP CTP)
- AICP Certified Environmental Planner (AICP CEP)
- AICP Certified Urban Designer (AICP CUD)
2017 ASC Exams
| Application Window | Closed |
| Final Registration Deadline | April 28, 2017, 5:00 p.m. CT |
| Testing Window | May 10–23, 2017 |
About Advanced Specialty Certification
Hiring an AICP CEP, AICP CTP, or AICP CUD planner can ensure that services are being provided by a professional who demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and ethical conduct, continuing education, and proper training.
Those considering an ASC credential must:
- Be AICP-credentialed planners who have fulfilled voluntary requirements for certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners, APA's Professional Institute
- Be recognized as members in good standing
- Have demonstrated at least eight years of work experience in their fields
- Have passed a rigorous exam
ASC Exam Candidate Bulletin
Your complete guide to earning an ASC credential. Get full details on: exam qualifications, application process, exam fees, test appointments, preparation, transfers and cancellations.
Test Development Process
APA's ASC exams were developed in conjunction with Prometric. Get an overview on the proven test development process that guided creation of the exams.
Certification Maintenance
AICP members who become AICP CEP, AICP CTP, or AICP CUD must comply with AICP's Certification Maintenance requirements and remain members of the Institute to maintain the credential.
- A minimum of 10 of the 32 CM required credits per reporting period must be on the topic of transportation, environmental planning, or urban design.
- Credits may be self-reported (limit of 8) or earned through a registered CM provider and must be recorded in the member's personal CM log.
- Training should be at an advanced level but will not be uniquely approved or identified as such on the AICP CM Calendar. Each member is responsible for determining the level of training that is appropriate for his or her particular situation.
ASC adds credibility to a planner's qualifications. An ASC planner understands the science behind policy and has the knowledge to develop creative approaches to balancing economic and environmental conditions, population, and quality of life.
I highly recommend ASC to other urban planners and environmental planners. Planners need to ensure that city plans reflect concepts for sustainability and preservation of environmental quality. ASC provides an additional level of credibility to the role of the City Planner in the development process.
—Lori Trottier, AICP CEP
The CTP credential separates you from the pack. It demonstrates your knowledge and commitment to your specialty field. Planners should pursue advanced specialty certification if they are committed to their practice. For someone who has the passion and motivation to be an industry leader, absolutely yes!
—Catherine LaFata, AICP CTP
Advanced Specialty Certification offers the public a greater level of confidence when selecting or working with a planner by helping to ensure a specific area of expertise.
I strongly recommend Advanced Specialty Certification as a way of continuing to demonstrate a planner's skills and competence as the fields of planning and design become increasingly more complex.
—Jonathan Henney, AICP CUD
AICP Members Who Earned ASC Designation in May 2016
AICP Certified Environmental Planner
John Joseph Guenther, AICP CEP
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, CANADA
Kevin T. Hughes, AICP CEP
Anza, California
Larissa Larsen, AICP CEP
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Patrick M. Marchman, AICP CEP
East Lansing, Michigan
Laurence Miner, AICP CEP
Santa Monica, California
Maureen Paz De Araujo, AICP CEP CTP
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Patty Waidelich Riley, AICP CEP CTP
New Cumberland, Pennsylvania
AICP Certified Transportation Planner
David Ausherman, AICP CTP
Orland, Florida
Matthew Herman, AICP CTP
Longview, Washington
Carlos Hernandez, AICP CTP
Louisville, Colorado
Darrell L. Howard, AICP CTP
Helena, Alabama
Lawrence J. Kirch, AICP CTP
Scottsdale, Arizona
Anamika Laad, AICP CTP
Raleigh, North Carolina
Calvin Cam Nelson, AICP CTP
Calgary, Alberta, CANADA
Chester Andrew Parsons, AICP CTP
Morgantown, West Virginia
AICP Certified Urban Designer
Cynthia J. Albright, AICP CUD
Reno, Nevada
Kevin Chavous, AICP CUD
Abington, Pennsylvania
Ignacio Correa-Ortiz, AICP CUD
Denver, Colorado
Peter Andrew Flinker, AICP CEP CUD
Ashfield, Massachusetts
Robert P. Franke, AICP CUD
Plantation, Florida
Fred Heyer, AICP CUD
Colts Neck, New Jersey
Michael Kowski, Jr., AICP CUD
Orland Park, Illinois
Gerhard B. Pagenstecher, AICP CUD
Portland, Oregon
Shawn Schaefer, AICP CUD
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Claire Witter-Hempel, AICP CUD
Austin, Texas
Kuei-Kang Wu, AICP CUD
Hallandale Beach, Florida
Zhen Wu, AICP CUD
San Clemente, California