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)
Advanced Specialty Certification Program Update
The Advanced Specialty Certification exams will be offered for the last time in May 2018. Applications for the Certified Environmental Planner (CEP), Certified Transportation Planner (CTP) and Certified Urban Designer (CUD) credentials will not be accepted after this time.
2018 ASC Exams
| Application Window Opens | December 1, 2017, 9:00 a.m. CT |
| Final Application Deadline | January 25, 2018, 5:00 p.m. CT |
| Registration Deadline | April 27, 2018, 5:00 p.m. CT |
| Testing Window | May 14–28, 2018 |
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 2017
AICP Certified Environmental Planner
Erin Degutis, AICP CEP
Denver, Colorado
Kim Gennaro-Oancea, AICP CEP
Merrick, New York
Richard Quasarano, AICP CEP
San Diego, California
AICP Certified Transportation Planner
Lethal Coe, AICP CTP
Bellingham, Washington
Robert Deaton, AICP CTP
Garner, North Carolina
Scarlet Hammons, AICP CTP
Aventura, Florida
Ryan Head, AICP CTP
Boise, Idaho
Robin Owen, AICP CTP
San Diego, California
William Pugh, AICP CTP
Arlington, Virginia
Bruce Richards, AICP CTP
Metairie, Louisiana
Jennifer Savage, AICP CTP
Belmont, California
Steven Segerlin, AICP CTP
Washington, D.C.
Thomas Whalen, AICP CTP
Saint Petersburg, Florida
AICP Certified Urban Designer
Harvey Clark, AICP CUD
Alexandria, Virginia
Karen Hundt, AICP CUD
Signal Mountain, Tennessee
Matthew Panfil, AICP CUD
Vail, Colorado
Vaneetha Ross, AICP CUD
Atlanta, Georgia
Merrill St. Leger-Demian, AICP CUD
Washington, D.C.