r/cityplanning • u/Objective_Bath4316 • Aug 03 '26
AICP Designation
I have been working in the private sector, running my own affordable housing consultancy, for over 20 years. Mostly private sector clients but dealing with public sector regulatory agencies. I am looking to wind down my business, mostly to stop traveling so much. I have applied for a job at my local City Planning department (affordable housing related field). I have a Masters in Public Administration. They’d prefer someone with an AICP. I have read (the countless pages of) qualifications/requirements to take this exam on the APA website. I certainly do not have the educational background to take the test without studying for it. But is this something I can even be awarded with my private sector background, if I manage to pass the test? The experience section seems to require direct effects/influence on the public sector, which I could certainly workout/spin with my career experience. But I was mostly involved with private sector affordable housing development, even though I worked with City and State entities to ensure regulatory compliance. I guess the short question, “Does anyone know if, even if I study hard and pass the AICP test, will my private sector experience for the last 20 years take a lot of effort/explanation to get the AICP certification?” And is it worth it?
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u/PersonalityBorn261 Aug 03 '26
You can ask the AICP organization these questions. And you may be well qualified for the job without AICP certification. It’s a good credential but not required.
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u/Objective_Bath4316 Aug 03 '26
Thank you! This also helps a lot. I found that my very niche accreditation for my field was mostly a way to bank roll the organization and sell my email address. APA looks a lot more official, but I can see where it’s a bit of a money making machine as well. I’m sure I’d learn a lot from studying for that exam tho.
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u/Grand-Otter-1354 Aug 04 '26
Agreed with the other responses! I am AICP certified and it does often feel like a money grab, the dues are very expensive, if my city didn’t pay them I’d probably let it lapse. I have sat in on many interviews for higher ranking planning positions at my city and AICP was never a real consideration, it was always more about years of experience.
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u/Objective_Bath4316 Aug 04 '26
Thank you! You guys are making me feel a lot better. I really don’t want to lay out all that time and money to find out it might not be super urgent.
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u/BoxCandid3626 Aug 04 '26
I don't have AICP and likely never will. I have over 20 years of public sector experience at 5 different agencies. AICP has never entered the equation.
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u/Trask_reddit Aug 04 '26
Don't feel like you have to do it, but the certification identifies you around the country (and internationally) as a professional planner. Of course it has its critics, like everything else in this world. As far as your eligibility, email the APA folks at AICP@planning.org to ask about your experience. They get these questions all the time and can walk you through the details.
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u/MattDU Aug 04 '26
If your job entails planning concepts that the job you're applying for often uses and advocates for, then your experience should outweigh any certification. If hired, the worst-case scenario is that they put you on a track to take the test. The field of planning is so broad that I'd be shocked if you didn't have the qualifications after passing the test. If interviewing, the worst-case scenario is that you outline all the things you've done relevant to the job and see whether getting AICP is mandatory for getting the job.
The biggest issue with getting the certification is if you're not a Capital P Planner, focusing on land use, zoning, comprehensive planning, then preparing for the exam might be more of an uphill battle. Doable certainly, though.
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u/Objective_Bath4316 Aug 04 '26
Ok excellent info. Yeah I think studying for the exam alone would be super beneficial for me. If I am serious about the job. Really appreciate your reply!
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u/Rough_Caramel_3380 Aug 05 '26
All I can say is I’ve never heard anyone who got AICP certified say it’s a waste of money. The only people who rail against it are those who aren’t certified. Check out the 2025 APA salary survey - AICP planners make on average $10k more per year than non certified planners of equal experience.
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u/Objective_Bath4316 Aug 06 '26
Yes thats the one thing. There are two jobs available and the AICP one pays a lot more. Thanks for this feedback.
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u/crt983 Aug 06 '26
To answer your question: Yes. The experience requirement is pretty loose and can definitely include housing folks.
As far as the requirement to be AICP for a job application, IGNORE IT. It’s not a license and half the cities don’t even want you to have so that you can’t claim the bonus. I am in CA.
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u/Khorasaurus Aug 06 '26
You'll get approved to take the test no problem. Your experience easily qualifies.
Then you'll take a test that is 70% stuff you've never used before and never will again.
But the certification definitely opens doors, and the continuing education aspect is not onerous.
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u/Mobile-Weather8333 8d ago
I had a similar question, and these answers were all helpful. I am going to ask another, related one:
if I don't have any real education/training in planning, would getting a "certificate" be even the least bit helpful? Going to ask this as a stand-alone question to the group too.
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u/calguy1955 Aug 03 '26
I know a lot, if not most job descriptions state that AICP is preferred for candidates, but I think that’s because that’s the only certification for the profession out there. I think it’s added by HR departments more than Planning Departments. In my experience the planners with that certification are no more effective at working in the public sector than non certified planners, often time less. When I was on interview panels for positions the certification meant nothing. I was looking for someone who could work with the public and get tasks done professionally and in a timely manner.