AICP exam worth the time and money?

[expat123]

Greetings,

I dont where the APA stands with the AICP certifcation. Is this a waste of money? Im neutral on it. I have looked at the questions on theory and think its a huge waste. Cant they look at your resume? Some of the employers in Dubai are requiring this (american firms) whilst others laugh at it. I do think American planners spend too much on education and not experience. I have worked in 3 different countries and have found the pros and cons of the planning system. Im considering AICP but the costs and time devoted to it are extremley consuming. Any good advice? Thank you

[Whose Yur Planner]

As a AICP who has only worked state-side yes. Think what you may about both APA ans AICP, most upper level jobs in the States either want the 4 little letters after your name or the commitment that you will get them soon.

I agree that experience is more important than simply having the 4 little letters. But we have all seen people who had the experience but we not able to advance either because they didn't have the degree or a professional certification.

When I studied for the test, it helped me refresh what I had forgotten about my planning theory, history and case law. Further, it showed me areas I needed to work on. So, studying for test did have some value.

[AnvilPartners]

I don't think any certification program is ever perfect, but it does serve a purpose.

Our certification program is getting better, even though the growth process has been somewhat painful and not entirely pragmatic. Any profession worth it's salt has some sort of vetting process to bestow a stamp of approval on those members who demonstrate a minimum level of ability -- we just don't have a super sophistcated mechanism for that yet, but it's coming along.

It's the real world and, again, nothing's perfect, but I think it's important to be able to say that you have demonstrated to the planning profession that you meet the profession's qualifications for certification...it's not the only way to demonstrate your skills/abilities, but it is an effective way to do that.

RES