In the planning field, American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is the accepted credential for professional competence and ethical practice. To become certified, a candidate must belong to APA, fulfill rigorous education and experience requirements, pass the AICP examination, and pay additional dues. Over 10,000 APA members have made this extra commitment and joined APA's professional institute. AICP's Certification Maintenance program (CM) recognizes certified planners' efforts to keep abreast of current issues in the profession.

Certification Maintenance
Certified planners have demonstrated their commitment to high standards of professional practice. The example they set daily in their work and in their communities enhances the credibility of the planning profession. AICP's new Certification Maintenance program gives certified planners another means of strengthening that credibility.

Our communities are constantly changing and so, too, is the planning profession. New theories, new laws, new planning tools and techniques — all are available to planners as they define and guide community change. AICP's Certification Maintenance program will help planners gain the knowledge and skills necessary to remain current in the practice of planning and continue to demonstrate professional credibility through continuing education.

During a two-year time each Certified Planner must earn a total of 32 CM credits (1 hour = 1 CM credit). A minimum of 1.5 credits must be on the topic of ethics, and another 1.5 credits must be on the topic of current planning law. AICP members will have a four-month grace period beyond December 31 to complete the CM credit requirements. AICP members who do not meet CM requirements within four years will lose AICP certification and will be obliged to seek recertification in order to regain the AICP credential. A member who exceeds the required 32 credits may carryover a total of 16 credits to the next reporting period, but cannot carry over the law and ethics credits.

Link to APA site for AICP members for information or recording CMs.
http://www.planning.org/cm/foraicpmembers.htm