Get Certified!
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! Getting AICP-certified is simpler and more flexible than ever.
Take These Steps to AICP Certification
GET EDUCATED and GAIN EXPERIENCE
AICP applicants must meet specific criteria for education and experience when applying for certification. Check out the AICP eligibility requirements and find out if your experience qualifies.
Students and New Graduates of PAB Programs
The AICP Candidate Pilot Program is an alternate path to certification that allows you to take the AICP Certification Exam before earning professional planning experience.
APPLY FOR CERTIFICATION
The AICP Certification Application verifies your education and experience. Apply for certification to begin your path to AICP.
First, submit an application to verify that you have met the education and experience requirements.
Once your application has been approved, you must successfully complete two components for certification. These two steps may be completed in any order:
SUBMIT YOUR PLANNING EXPERIENCE ESSAYS and Take the Exam
If your AICP application is approved, you can submit your planning experience essays that demonstrate your professional planning experience and test your knowledge on the AICP Certification Exam. Both steps must be successfully completed before you can become AICP, but you may complete them in any order that works for you.
Register and Prepare for the Exam
See APA's five-step approach to exam preparation and links to resources to help you succeed.
Maximize Your AICP Certification
Congrats! You're a part of an elite group of planners who are leading the profession. Learn how to leverage your certification.
May 2021 AICP Certification Cycle
Opportunities to take the exam with Prometric are in accordance with all local, state and federal regulations — please check their website for the most up to date information.
May 2021 AICP Certification Cycle Dates
Application Dates
| Application Window Opens | January 5, 2021, 9:00 a.m. CT |
| Application Deadline for Those Intending to Submit Essays | January 19, 2021, 3:00 p.m. CT |
| Final Application Deadline | April 2, 2021, 3:00 p.m. CT |
Exam Dates
| Exam Registration Opens | January 19, 2021, 9:00 a.m. CT |
| Exam Registration & Transfer Deadline | April 30, 2021, 3:00 p.m. CT |
| Testing Window | May 1 – May 25, 2021 |
Essay Dates
| Expedited Essay Review Window Opens | February 9, 2021, 9:00 a.m. CT |
| Expedited Essay Review Window Closes | February 16, 2021, 3:00 p.m. CT |
| Regular Essay Window Opens | February 16, 2021, 3:00 p.m. CT |
| Regular Essay Window Closes | February 23, 2021, 3:00 p.m. CT |
May 2021 AICP Certification Cycle Fees*
| Application Fee | $70 |
| Planning Experience Essay Fee | $220 |
| Expedited Essay Review | $290 |
| AICP Exam Registration Fee | $220 |
| AICP Exam Transfer Fee | $100 |
| Planning Experience Essay Appeal Fee | $100 |
*All fees are non-refundable
November 2021 AICP Certification Cycle
Opportunities to take the exam with Prometric are in accordance with all local, state and federal regulations — please check their website for the most up to date information.
November 2021 AICP Certification Cycle Dates
Application Dates
| Application Window Opens | June 1, 2021, 9:00 a.m. CT |
| Application Deadline for Those Intending to Submit Essays | July 5, 2021, 3:00 p.m. CT |
| Final Application Deadline | October 4, 2021, 3:00 p.m. CT |
Exam Dates
| Exam Registration Opens | June 1, 2021, 9:00 a.m. CT |
| Exam Registration & Transfer Deadline | October 29, 2021, 3:00 p.m. CT |
| Testing Window | November 8-22, 2021 |
Essay Dates
| Expedited Essay Review Window Opens | July 12, 2021, 9:00 a.m. CT |
| Expedited Essay Review Window Closes | July 19, 2021, 3:00 p.m. CT |
| Regular Essay Window Opens | July 19, 2021, 3:00 p.m. CT |
| Regular Essay Window Closes | July 26, 2021, 3:00 p.m. CT |
November 2021 AICP Certification Cycle Fees*
| Application Fee | $70 |
| Planning Experience Essay Fee | $220 |
| Expedited Essay Review | $290 |
| AICP Exam Registration Fee | $220 |
| AICP Exam Transfer Fee | $100 |
| Planning Experience Essay Appeal Fee | $100 |
*All fees are non-refundable