Are you looking for more information about the profession of planning but you're not sure where to start?
Professional Development Directors
Professional Development Directors (PDDs) are established in each chapter of the American Planning Association to facilitate the exam certification process and support continuing education efforts. Your PDD is a good information source, whether you're looking for contacts, information on upcoming training opportunities, or seeking additional help as you prepare for the AICP exam.
Iris Starr, AICP is the PDD for APA’s Northern California Chapter. She can be reached directly at Irisstarr@earthlink.net, or by phone at (510) 684-8387.
Online Web Resources
If you prefer to search online web resources, the AICP Professional Practice Center is a reference tool that demonstrates the professionalism of planning and how AICP certification can add value to the practice of professional planning. Visit the National APA website (http://www.planning.org/propractice/) to get in depth information on the profession, organized into six categories:
- Planning Fundamentals <http://www.planning.org/propractice/fundamentals.htm>
- Becoming a Planner <http://www.planning.org/propractice/becoming.htm>
- The Distinction of the Certified Planner <http://www.planning.org/propractice/distinction.htm>
- Licensing Information <http://www.planning.org/propractice/licensing.htm>
- Planning Employment Zone <http://www.planning.org/propractice/employmentzone.htm>
- Service Center <http://www.planning.org/propractice/servicecenter.htm>
- Comparative Data from Allied Professions <http://www.planning.org/propractice/comparativedata.htm>
Certification as a Planner
To become a certified planner and use the AICP designation, one must be a current member of the American Planning Association, submit an online application, meet certain education and experience requirements, pass an examination, and be a fully paid member of APA and AICP. See the National APA website for more details: http://www.planning.org/certification/
Continuing Professional Development
At this time, a minimum number of 60 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) credit, obtained over a three-year period (or less) is the principal requirement for maintaining AICP certification. Professional development is defined as any course work that covers technical, and personal, growth and development activities that are related to the practice of planning. The APA/AICP is in the process of updating CPD requirements; please check with the National APA website to ensure you have the latest information and to keep your credits up to date.
Proposing Activities for CPD Credit
If you are interested in proposing courses, events, training, travel, a speaker series, or some other activity for Continuing Professional Development credit, please contact Iris Starr, AICP.
Iris Starr, AICP is the PDD for APA’s Northern California Chapter. She can be reached directly at Irisstarr@earthlink.net, or by phone at (510) 684-8387.
Contact us at webmaster@norcalapa.org to have your e-mail address added to the notification list.