Environmental Planners

Certification or Licensing

Certification is voluntary and can broaden an environmental planner's opportunities for work. The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP, a division of the American Planning Association) offers certification to applicants must meet educational and professional requirements and pass an exam. To maintain certification, planners must participate in ongoing professional development activities to keep their skills fresh and to stay up to date on trends, technologies, and best practices. In addition, the AICP offers the certified environmental planner credential, an advanced designation to those who have earned the lower-level certification, worked in the field for eight years, passed an examination, and met other requirements.

The Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals offers general certification to environmental professionals.

To date, New Jersey is the only state that requires planners to be licensed. Licensure is granted to applicants who pass two exams, one that focuses on general knowledge of planning, and a second that tests knowledge of New Jersey planning laws. Michigan requires registration to use the title "community planner." Registrants must have professional work experience and pass national and state exams in order to receive the community planner title.