Obtaining Your AICP Certification

Earning the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification demonstrates a planner’s commitment to the highest professional standards, ethical practice, and lifelong learning. For Hawaiʻi Chapter members, the credential not only enhances credibility within our professional community, but also demonstrates a planners expertise when working with decision-makers and stakeholders. By investing in certification, members position themselves as trusted leaders dedicated to shaping vibrant, resilient communities across our state. Given the value of the AICP certification, the Hawaiʻi Chapter has prepared a guide with general information on the steps needed to obtain the certification and relevant upcoming timeframes.

1. Verify Eligibility

• Visit APA National’s Are You Eligible? guide to review the experience requirements for AICP Certification, download the AICP Certification Guide, and use the Eligibility Pre-Check resources designed to help you understand how your experience fits into AICP Certification.
• APA members can request an exam accommodation for ESL considerations or a disability. Please view Appendix 2 in the AICP Exam Certification Guide.

2. Register for the Exam

• As an APA member, you can register during the Fall 2025 AICP Certification Cycle:
  • Registration opens: October 1, 2025 (9 AM CST)
  • Closes: October 29, 2025 (3 PM CST)
  • Registration Fee: $305
• Additional information on exam registration is available on APA National’s website.

3. Prepare for and Take the Exam

• The exam is offered twice yearly, typically in May and November, as a national, computer-based test. The Fall 2025 exam window will occur from November 3-30, 2025.
• Review APA National’s Exam Prep Resources. National has resources to aid Hawai’i Chapter members in preparing for the exam. Resources can be accessed on the APA National website.
• Attend APA National’s Exam Prep session. The session is held virtually on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 6 AM HST (11 AM CST) and will discuss APA National’s exam preparation resources and strategies for success on the exam. Registration is required.
• Participate in APA National’s AICP Office Hours. The next upcoming session will be held virtually on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 7 AM HST (12 PM CST). Participants can discuss questions they may have and connect with other planners preparing for the exam. Registration is required.
• Contact the Hawaiʻi Chapter’s Professional Development Officer (PDO). Peter Flachsbart is the Chapter’s PDO and can also be contacted if questions related to exam prep come up. Peter can be reached at flachsba@hawaii.edu.
• Upon passing, you earn the AICP Candidate designation (no additional fee) and can list it on your profile/resume.

4. Submit Your Experience & Education

• After passing the exam and accumulating the required experience, submit all documentation through the online AICP portal.
• Review all entries carefully before submitting. Edits are not allowed after submission.
• Pay the $305 Assessment Fee.
• APA National typically reviews your submission and responds within four weeks. If approved, congratulations! You’re officially AICP certified!

5. Maintain Certification

• Every two years, obtain 32 Certification Maintenance (CM) credits, including credits pertaining to the mandatory topics of law, ethics, equity, and sustainability/resilience. The topics are considered mandatory as they are fundamental to how planning is practiced today.
• The Hawaiʻi Chapter hosts regular monthly events and is involved with the annual Hawaiʻi Congress of Planning Officials (HCPO) conference where planners can earn CM credits locally.