The Barbarian At The AICP Gate

Is it worth passing a test so you can become a member of the AmericanInstitute of Certified Planners and use the letters AICP behind your name?Contrarian planner Rich Carson spoke at the AICP Symposium in New Orleansand gave them his negative assessment about pursuing the professionalcertification. His bottom line is that the designation may actually harm youcareer advancement chances. He also points out that engineers, architectsand even food handlers need to be licensed because of the potential forharming people. On the other hand, he says "No one ever died from a bad landuse plan -- or at least no planner was every convicted."