Our communities are constantly changing and so too is the planning profession. New theories, new laws, new planning tools and techniques — all are available to planners as we define and guide community change. The Commission of the American Institute of Certified Planners believes that planners, to be credible professionals, must possess the knowledge and skills necessary to remain current in the practice of planning. We believe that planners should demonstrate professional credibility through continuing education and should follow professional certification standards that are similar to those of other professional organizations, including planning organizations in other countries.
To this end, the Commission is considering requiring Certification Maintenance through continuing education. This initiative is supported by the Presidents of Chapters of APA and many AICP members. Clearly, it is time to bring the professional standards of AICP on par with other professional organizations and require that the AICP credential be maintained through a program of continuing education.
The issue of requiring continuing education has been debated throughout the organization for many years. This report lays out the proposed parameters of such a new program including how many credits will be required, how often members will have to report their credits, what would qualify for credits and any exemptions that would be considered.
It is critical now, that we hear from you and about this proposed program. In 2005, a survey of the AICP membership was conducted on the issue of continuing education. A good deal of this proposed program is based on initial feedback from the survey as well as conversations with members of the organization’s leadership and research on other professional continuing education programs.
Before a final decision is made about the introduction of new Certification Maintenance standards, the Commission would like to hear from members on your views of this proposed program. We are asking for your feedback to help us make a final decision.