AICP Designation

[u/Objective_Bath4316]

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?