What is going on with the AICP exam? 

Are you looking to take the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) exam? You may have heard that there were some changes to how it is being offered this year but are a little confused about what they mean. The short answer is that they will provide more flexibility for exam takers. For longer answers, keep reading!

What changed?

First, it’s important to note that the changes made this year only affect the timing of when you can take the exam. The exam’s format and content remain the same. However, it sounds like there may be substantive changes to the exam coming in 2027, so keep your eyes out for those.

Until last year, the exam was offered twice. You could take it in the spring or in the fall during two limited time periods. You would register to take the exam in the month before the windows would open. Those windows were then open for around a month, and you could sign up to take the exam any time in one of those windows. So, you could generally take the exam in May or November, but not between those times.

The new system provides a much broader period for both registering for and taking the exam. You register and pay for the exam during a long registration period — this year it is between May 4 and August 31 — and then can take the exam any time between May 4 and September 30.

Can I take the exam twice in one cycle?

We are told you can now take the exam up to three times in each annual cycle. Of course, each time it will be a different version of the exam. Unfortunately, you will also have to pay the full registration fee each time you sign up. However, this provides additional chances to pass the exam over the course of the year.

Another option

But wait! There is another option too. If money is tight, you missed the window, or you just like trying something new, there is a “special pilot window” open in November as well. For a significantly reduced registration fee of $100, you can register in October for that pilot window and take the exam between November 2 and November 28.

The drawbacks? First, you will be taking a pilot of an “updated” AICP exam, presumably a version of what they hope to offer in 2027. Second, unlike the standard exam, which provides you with your results immediately, you will have to wait up to 12 weeks to hear back on whether you passed.

However, if money is tight and you’re not in a rush this is an interesting option.

What might change in 2027?

We generally know what is on the current exam. There are nine topic areas, with the questions distributed in a consistent fashion across these areas:

• Research and Assessment Methods (11% of exam content)
• Fundamental Planning Knowledge (15% of exam content)
•  Communication and Interaction (13% of exam content)
•  Plan and Policy Development (15% of exam content)
•  Plan Implementation (12% of exam content)
•  Administration and Management (6% of exam content)
•  Leadership (6% of exam content)
•  Areas of Practice (12% of exam content)
•  AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (10% of exam content)

The questions are multiple choice. Sometimes there is not one clear answer, but a “best” answer that you need to figure out based on what information you have in the question. For management and leadership questions, it’s particularly common to have a couple of answers that could be right, but one that is the “most” right.

Some of the questions are offered as “scenarios” where you read a situation and then answer a few questions based on that scenario. In addition, some questions are offered in a slightly different format where multiple answers are listed, but you then have to pick a roman numeral answer as to which group of those answers is correct.

In terms of what might change, unfortunately we don’t yet know. AICP has convened a working group of volunteers to work on revising the exam and its content, so it’s likely they don’t yet know either. We will be following this process closely and offer any insights we can as we learn them.

How do I prepare for the AICP Exam?

There are several resources available for planners looking to take the AICP Exam this year. Many APA chapters offer a local in-person or online course. There are also some options on their websites.

Planetizen offers the most comprehensive AICP Exam Preparation course available. When you sign up, you get access to the course materials for the whole test window until September. These include:

• Six full-length exams
• 50 lessons
• 12 hours of video
• Connections with a group of peers and instructor that can provide support as you prepare

While the national pass rate for the AICP exam is around 65%, we have found that those who take the Planetizen course have a 90% pass rate.

What else do I have to do?

Remember that passing the exam is only one part of achieving AICP certification. You also need to meet the criteria for work experience. This means having a Master’s degree in planning from an accredited program and two years’ experience as a planner; or three to four years’ experience with a different degree; or eight years’ experience with no college degree. AICP offers an experience assessment template you can use to see if you meet these criteria.

Once you pass the exam and have your work and degree experience confirmed, congratulations! You should receive your AICP certification. According to the APA, certified planners not only get the recognition of their professionalism, but also generally earn 33% more than non-certified planners. Talk about a win-win! 

Jeff Levine, FAICP, is the instructor of Planetizen’s AICP Exam Prep Class. An urban planner with over 25 years’ of professional experience, Levine’s book “Leadership in Planning: How to Communicate Ideas and Effect Positive Change” (Routledge) was published in July 2021 and is cited by the APA as an authoritative resource for preparing for the AICP Exam. Levine received his AICP certification in 1998 and became a member of the AICP College of Fellows in 2026.