AICP: Does Planning Certification Matter?

8 February 2001 - 9:00am

Architects, engineers and lawyers have professional certifications. Planners have the AICP. But does it matter? Richard Carson argues that it will hurt your planning career.

Richard Carson writes: "If you are going to work in consulting, then you need an advanced planning degree. Consultants market expertise. If you are going to work in government, then consider an MPA, or at least an MBA. In government you will advance because of your management and political skills, not because you are the best planner. That is why the AICP designation is a joke. It actually works against you as you advance. It limits your ability to manage other professionals (i.e., engineers, building officials, scientists) because you are stereotyped."

Source: Planetizen, February 6, 2001
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