What Are The Qualifications For The ACP Program

ACP (Associate Certified Planner) is a certification program offered by the American Planning Association (APA) for entry-level planners who wish to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles and practices of planning. The ACP certification is recognized nationally and internationally and is an excellent way for planners to differentiate themselves in the job market and demonstrate their commitment to professional development.

To become an ACP, you must meet certain qualifications, which are outlined in this article. We will discuss the educational, experiential, and ethical requirements that applicants must satisfy, as well as the application process, exam format, and other important details.

Educational Requirements:

To be eligible for the ACP program, you must have completed a degree program in planning from an accredited institution. The APA recognizes a wide range of planning degrees, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as professional degrees such as the Master of Urban Planning (MUP) or the Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP).

If you have a degree in a related field, such as architecture, geography, or environmental science, you may still be eligible for the ACP program, provided that you have completed at least 45 credit hours of planning-related coursework. This coursework must cover the essential knowledge areas of planning, such as land use, transportation, housing, economic development, and environmental planning.

Experiential Requirements:

In addition to the educational requirements, applicants must have at least two years of professional planning experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. This experience must be related to the fundamental principles and practices of planning and must be verified by a supervisor or employer.

The APA defines planning experience broadly and includes a wide range of activities, such as research, analysis, plan development, public engagement, and implementation. However, the experience must be at a professional level, which means that it should involve responsibilities such as project management, decision-making, and supervision.

Ethical Requirements:

To be eligible for the ACP program, applicants must agree to abide by the APA’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. This code sets forth the ethical principles and standards that all planners should uphold, such as serving the public interest, avoiding conflicts of interest, and maintaining professional competence.

As part of the application process, applicants must complete a self-disclosure form that asks about any past ethical violations or disciplinary actions. The APA reviews these disclosures carefully and may request additional information or documentation if necessary.

Application Process:

The application process for the ACP program involves several steps, including submitting an application, providing documentation of education and experience, and passing a comprehensive exam. Here is a summary of the application process:

1. Submit an application: Applicants must complete an online application and pay the application fee. The application asks for personal information, education and experience details, and a self-disclosure of any ethical violations.
2. Provide documentation: Applicants must provide official transcripts and a verification form signed by a supervisor or employer, documenting their education and experience.
3. Wait for approval: The APA reviews applications to ensure that all requirements have been met. Applicants may be asked for additional information or documentation if necessary.
4. Schedule the exam: Once the application is approved, applicants may schedule their exam with the testing provider, Prometric. The exam is computer-based and can be taken at one of hundreds of testing centers across the United States and internationally.
5. Take the exam: The ACP exam is a comprehensive test of planning knowledge and skills, covering topics such as plan making, plan implementation, public participation, and ethical principles. The exam is four hours long and consists of 170 multiple-choice questions.
6. Receive results: Applicants receive their exam results within four to six weeks of taking the test. If they pass, they are awarded the ACP certification and can use the ACP credential after their name.

Exam Format:

The ACP exam is a comprehensive test of planning knowledge and skills, covering topics such as plan making, plan implementation, public participation, and ethical principles. The exam is four hours long and consists of 170 multiple-choice questions. The questions are divided into five content areas:

1. Plan Making: This section covers the fundamental principles and practices of plan development, including plan types, data analysis, community engagement, and implementation strategies.
2. Implementation: This section covers the methods and techniques for implementing plans, including zoning and land-use regulations, infrastructure planning, and public-private partnerships.
3. Ethics: This section covers the ethical principles and standards that all planners should uphold, including avoiding conflicts of interest, maintaining confidentiality, and serving the public interest.
4. Public Participation: This section covers the strategies and techniques for engaging with stakeholders and the public in the planning process, including public meetings, surveys, and social media.
5. Basic Planning Knowledge: This section covers the foundational knowledge areas of planning, including history and theory, environmental planning, housing, transportation, and economic development.

Passing the Exam:

To pass the ACP exam, applicants must achieve a score of 70 or higher. The exam is computer-adaptive, which means that the difficulty level of the questions is adjusted based on the test-taker’s performance. This ensures that each test-taker is assessed fairly and accurately.

If an applicant does not pass the exam on their first attempt, they may retake the exam after a waiting period of 90 days. Applicants are allowed up to three attempts to pass the exam within a two-year period.

Benefits of ACP Certification:

There are many benefits to earning the ACP certification, including:

1. Professional recognition: The ACP credential is recognized nationally and internationally as a mark of excellence in the planning profession.
2. Competitive advantage: The ACP certification can help planners differentiate themselves in the job market and demonstrate their commitment to professional development.
3. Continuing education: Maintaining the ACP credential requires ongoing professional development, which helps planners stay current with the latest trends and best practices in the field.
4. Networking: The ACP program provides opportunities for planners to connect with colleagues, mentors, and other professionals in the planning community.

The ACP program is an excellent way for entry-level planners to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles and practices of planning. To be eligible for the ACP certification, applicants must meet certain educational, experiential, and ethical requirements, and pass a comprehensive exam. Earning the ACP credential can provide many benefits, including professional recognition, a competitive advantage in the job market, ongoing professional development, and networking opportunities.