APA Logo
Banner Image

Advanced Specialty Certification (ASC)

Advanced Specialty Certification enables AICP–credentialed planners to be recognized for their knowledge, experience, and leadership skills in specialized areas of planning.

2012 ASC Exams

The application window for the May 2012 exams is now open.


Begin Your Application

Important Dates
December 1, 2011Application Window Opens
February 28, 2012Final Application Deadline
April 4, 2012Final Notification Deadline
TBDTransfer/Cancellation Deadline
May 7-21, 2012Testing Window

Test Development Process

APA's Advanced Specialty Certification exams were developed in conjunction with Prometric. Get an overview of the proven test development process that guided creation of the exams.

Learn more

2011 ASC Exam Results

We congratulate the first individuals to earn the first AICP Certified Environmental Planner (AICP CEP) and AICP Certified Transportation Planner (AICP CTP) credentials.

See who passed the May 2011 exams and the pass rate

Learn More

What are the exam fees? How is relevant experience defined in my area? How and what should I study? Why earn the credential?

AICP Certified Transportation Planner (AICP CTP)

AICP Certified Environmental Planner (AICP CEP)

AICP Certified Transportation Planner (AICP CTP)


AICP Certified Environmental Planner (AICP CEP)

ASC Exam Candidate Bulletin

The ASC Exam Candidate Bulletin is your complete guide to earning an Advanced Specialty Certification credential.

Download this handbook for full details on:

  • Exam qualifications
  • Application process
  • Test appointments
  • Transfers and cancellations

Value and Benefits

Just as doctors need to demonstrate their expertise and knowledge within specialized fields of medicine, so too do planners in specialized fields of planning. This is what the ASC program does. AICP's two new advanced examinations for the AICP Certified Transportation Planner (AICP CTP) and AICP Certified Environmental Planner (AICP CEP) credentials provide the opportunity for our certified professional planners to demonstrate their expertise and leadership in their chosen specialization.

What Is an AICP Certified Environmental Planner or AICP Certified Transportation Planner?

An AICP Certified Environmental or Transportation Planner is an AICP-credentialed planner who has fulfilled voluntary requirements for certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners, the American Planning Association's Professional Institute. Those who have earned the AICP CTP or AICP CEP credential are AICP members in good standing; have demonstrated at least eight years of work experience in the field of environmental or transportation planning; and have passed a rigorous exam. An individual becomes an AICP Certified Environmental or Transportation Planner once he or she passes the exam, and must comply with AICP's Certification Maintenance requirements and remain members of the Institute to maintain the credential.

Hiring an AICP CEP or AICP CTP planner can ensure that services are being provided by a professional who demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and ethical conduct, continuing education and proper training.

No additional membership dues are paid by members holding the new certifications.

Certification Maintenance

AICP members who earn an ASC designation will be required to comply with Certification Maintenance requirements. A minimum of 10 of the 32 CM required credits per reporting period must be on the topic of transportation or environmental planning. Credits may be self-reported (limit of 8) or earned through a registered CM provider and must be recorded in the member's personal CM log.

Training should be at an advanced level but will not be uniquely approved or identified as such on the Calendar of Events. Each member is responsible for determining the level of training that is appropriate for his or her particular situation.

Feedback

We would like to receive your comments, suggestions, and questions about this new program.

Send e-mails to asc@planning.org.

Answers to frequently asked questions may be found at www.planning.org/
customerservice
.