One Path to AICP
AICP Certification brings value to your career, the organization you work for, and the communities you serve. Do you want to demonstrate your expertise, show your commitment to professional ethics, distinguish yourself in the job market, and keep your planning skills in tip-top shape? Good news! The new One Path to AICP streamlines the certification process.
View the Two Annual AICP Certification Windows
Take These Steps to AICP Certification

ELIGIBILITY PRE-CHECK
Visit Are You Eligible? to review the experience requirements for AICP Certification, download the AICP Certification Guide, and use the Eligibility Pre-Check resources designed to help you understand how your experience fits into AICP Certification.
STEP 1: REGISTER ($255)
When preparing to test, confirm you'll abide by the AICP Code of Ethics, agree to the Certification Agreement, and schedule your in-person or online remote appointment to test for the upcoming AICP Certification Exam with Prometric.
STEP 2: Test ($0)
See APA's tips for exam preparation and links to resources to help you succeed.
Passing the exam earns you the AICP Candidate designation to use until you successfully complete the three steps to achieve AICP certification. Exam results do not expire so you can take any amount of time to obtain your experience. The AICP Candidate designation will distinguish you and can be leveraged with your employer.
Learn more about the value of AICP to employers
STEP 3: Apply ($255)
After passing the AICP exam and earning the required amount of professional planning experience, submit your education and employment verifications, and demonstrate your experience meets the AICP definition of professional planning experience. Download the Experience Assessment Template to review the professional planning experience requirements for certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
We've pulled together some commonly asked questions to help make your certification experience a breeze.
Learn more about certification
Spring 2023 AICP Certification Cycle
STEP 1: REGISTRATION
Opens: Monday, April 3, 2023 at 9:00am CST
Closes: Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 3:00pm CST
Transfer Deadline: Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 3:00pm CST
STEP 2: EXAM
Exam Window: May 1–26, 2023
STEP 3: EXPERIENCE
Opens: Monday, June 5, 2023 at 9:00am CST
Closes: Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 3:00pm CST
Fall 2023 AICP Certification Cycle
STEP 1: REGISTRATION
Opens: Monday, October 2, 2023 at 9:00am CST
Closes: Monday, October 30, 2023 at 3:00pm CST
Transfer Deadline: Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 3:00pm CST
STEP 2: EXAM
Exam Window: November 1–29, 2023
STEP 3: EXPERIENCE
Opens: Monday, December 4, 2023 at 9:00am CST
Closes: Friday, December 29, 2023 at 3:00pm CST
AICP Certification Fees1 | |
---|---|
Registration Fee | $255 |
Transfer Fee | $100 |
Planning Experience Assessment Fee | $255 |
Appeal Fee |
$100 |
AICP Initial Dues2 | $100 |
1All fees are non-refundable.
2Payable after all requirements are met; AICP Certification granted upon payment.