AICP Certification

Joining the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) through the American Planning Association (APA) is a significant milestone that planners often choose during their professional careers. The benefits, costs, and other information about becoming a certified planner are provided by APA.

To become an AICP Certified Planner requires a comprehensive exam and an assessment of your experience and education. To help you prepare for the AICP Exam, APA provides resources on the AICP website. Please contact the Chapter’s Professional Development Officer (PDO) if you wish to discuss or need additional guidance.

AICP Exam Prep

APA offers a wealth of exam prep resources. Review the exam content outline, watch some training videos, explore other chapters' exam prep materials, and much more. Refer to the updated links below for your use:

One Path to AICP - https://planning.org/certification/

Planning to take the AICP exam in 2026?
Join APA staff for one—or all—of our upcoming AICP Office Hours sessions to get your questions answered and connect you with others preparing for the AICP exam:

Check back soon for more information

These sessions are open to both members and non-members, but advance registration is required. For Fall exam dates and fees, please visit the APA website.

Questions? Email aicp@planning.org.

Guide to Preparing and Taking the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Exam

Download Guide

Important AICP Updates

Changes are forthcoming to the exam window. Please check back soon.

Each exam cycle, APA offers scholarships to APA members who are interested in taking the AICP exam or who are interested in submitting their experience assessment. Please visit the AICP Certification Diversity Scholarship webpage for more information.

Spring AICP Study Session

More information to come. Please check back soon.

APA Maryland

Welcome to the website of the Maryland Chapter of the American Planning Association. Our mission is to make great communities happen in Maryland by offering continuing professional development and other valuable services to our members that will enable them to excel in their practice. We advocate for excellence in planning, promoting education and citizen empowerment, and providing our members with the tools and support necessary to meet the challenges of growth and change. We hold a biennial conference, produce a monthly newsletter, offer continuous opportunities to network, and provide new and varied educational opportunities across the state.