Using AICP credentials

[nrschmid]

I just passed the exam this past Friday My boss would like me to start using the credentials as soon as possible. We have a few proposals going out the door in the next couple of weeks. Have you guys used the credentials immediately, wait until the AICP dues are paid, or not until you have the slip of paper in your hand?

Thanks-

[bdaleray]

If it were me, I'd probably start using them immediately.

Yes, you run a bit of danger of someone complaining, but that's pretty minimal.

[Coragus]

I put "AICP" on my resume immediately. Don't wait, go for it. Get your employer to print up new business cards too.

[Dashboard]

You can begin using the AICP title as soon as the test results that appear on your computer screen at the testing center indicate that you passed. You do not have to wait until you have paid any additional dues. You're AICP when you officially pass the test.

[Raf]

From the AICP website:

Passing the exam does not automatically make you a member of AICP. You will receive a prorated invoice for your new AICP dues, bringing them into the same billing cycle as your APA dues. Please do not begin using the AICP designation until your AICP dues are paid and you are a full member of AICP.


riiiight.....

[nrschmid]

Thanks for the responses. I am waiting to update my business cards until I pass the LEED-AP exam sometime next year. Then I will add both credentials.

[Dashboard]

From the AICP website:

Passing the exam does not automatically make you a member of AICP. You will receive a prorated invoice for your new AICP dues, bringing them into the same billing cycle as your APA dues. Please do not begin using the AICP designation until your AICP dues are paid and you are a full member of AICP.

I stand corrected.

[Whose Yur Planner]

Notice that you're not supposed to use the 4 little letters until after you pony up the dues. <insert oft repeated APA rant here>.

[rosierivets]

Do you sign just your name or do you write out the initials?

[dandy_warhol]

I passed the AICP exam a few weeks ago and am awaiting my bill before I officially begin using the letters.

I'm updating my resume for a job applicaiton and do any of you have suggestions on how to indicate my status in the interim?

AICP, pending ?

[Otis]

A Ph.D. candidate who has completed the course work but not the dissertation is often referred to as an "ABD" (all but dissertation). You could be an ABD, too: all but dues.

[Achener]

I passed the exam this morning, and well I feel like telling everyone! Now comes the hard part. I work for a local government with budget constraints, but this should be the grand-daddy of reasons for ask for a raise. I want to find the balance of get the maximum amount of raise from my boss without pissing him off that I screw myself. Curious to see what other techniques people have tried in the last few years. Should I go for broke to negotiate down, or shoot for something reasonable and hope I get everything I ask for?

[Hink]

I passed the exam this morning, and well I feel like telling everyone! Now comes the hard part. I work for a local government with budget constraints, but this should be the grand-daddy of reasons for ask for a raise. I want to find the balance of get the maximum amount of raise from my boss without pissing him off that I screw myself. Curious to see what other techniques people have tried in the last few years. Should I go for broke to negotiate down, or shoot for something reasonable and hope I get everything I ask for?

I got a $0 raise. It was expected that I get certified, so it wasn't really a selling point for me. I think it is a marketable when you are looking for a job, just not quite as much if you already have a job. Good luck though.

[DetroitPlanner]

I passed the exam this morning, and well I feel like telling everyone! Now comes the hard part. I work for a local government with budget constraints, but this should be the grand-daddy of reasons for ask for a raise. I want to find the balance of get the maximum amount of raise from my boss without pissing him off that I screw myself. Curious to see what other techniques people have tried in the last few years. Should I go for broke to negotiate down, or shoot for something reasonable and hope I get everything I ask for?

Raises are based on merit where I come from. The awarding of a credential or an advanced degree don't mean jack if you're not valuable.

[ColoGI]

I passed the exam this morning, and well I feel like telling everyone! Now comes the hard part. I work for a local government with budget constraints, but this should be the grand-daddy of reasons for ask for a raise. I want to find the balance of get the maximum amount of raise from my boss without pissing him off that I screw myself. Curious to see what other techniques people have tried in the last few years. Should I go for broke to negotiate down, or shoot for something reasonable and hope I get everything I ask for?

You have to show that you have the cojones to ask. You have to show you have the tact to not be angry when you are told the letters don't translate to much in the new normal of ever-lower budgets. All letters now are merely a way to show that the employer pays as little as possible for 'top' talent.

[Achener]

Thanks everyone. I think that gives me a starting point on how to ask. Although it is not expected for me to get it, I think saying that AICP is an indication of top talent might get some traction in the office. All I can do is go to the plate and swing.

[Cardinal]

When I was working in the public sector my credentials meant nothing. There was no such thing as raises, only cost of living increases that usually fell below the actual increase, pay freezes, and diminished benefits to reward employees for their hard work and longevity. Those who have remained have since receveid the added compensation of unpaid furlough days and a stripping away of their rights. Honestly, I think the time to bring it up ould be when you are going through your next review, when you can point to it as something you have done to improve your value to the employer.

[Suburb Repairman]

I'd like to echo what Cardinal said--bring it up at your next regular review rather than as a separate discussion, as this allows you to also emphasize your specific contributions to the employer as reflecting your value. When it comes to asking for raises, timing is as important as the amount you ask for, and you want to present your case on multiple fronts (getting a credential, value to employer over the prior years, credential as indicative of talent, etc.).

[ColoGI]

All I can do is go to the plate and swing.

this allows you to also emphasize your specific contributions to the employer as reflecting your value. ... you want to present your case on multiple fronts (getting a credential, value to employer over the prior years, credential as indicative of talent, etc.).

Extending the metaphor, letters after your name is more like having your right hand end up under your chin after the swing (I'm a righty) - it shows a certain type of form, but not necessarily whether you contacted the ball.

[Raf]

Thanks everyone. I think that gives me a starting point on how to ask. Although it is not expected for me to get it, I think saying that AICP is an indication of top talent might get some traction in the office. All I can do is go to the plate and swing.

If they say "no to a raise" you can always ask the agency to cover your yearly dues. I asked, and my boss granted it.

[Tide]

If they say "no to a raise" you can always ask the agency to cover your yearly dues. I asked, and my boss granted it.

That's what I would have said. If no raise the least they can do is pay your 300-400 dollar dues or at the very least split them with you. They should have a budget line item for professional credentials like PE, etc.

[ColoGI]

That's what I would have said. If no raise the least they can do is pay your 300-400 dollar dues or at the very least split them with you. They should have a budget line item for professional credentials like PE, etc.

If they pushed you to get them, there is an expectation they will pay some or all. That's what they wanted after all.