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Best city planner certifications

City planner certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an city planner to employers. However, not all city planner certifications provide the same value for job seekers.

The best certifications for a city planner are Certified Planning Engineer (CPE), Certified Urban Designer (CUD), and Certified Planner (AICP).

Below is a list of the best city planner certifications. Obtaining an city planner certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

4 best certifications for city planners

4 best city planner certifications

1. Certified Planning Engineer (CPE)

Our AAPM Global Board of Standards issues the CPE Certified Planning Engineer - Board Certification to qualified applicants who have met our commission requirements of: Education, Training, Experience, Industry Knowledge, Ethics, and Continuing Education.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying website
Certified Planning Engineer
Certifying organization
American Academy of Project...

2. Certified Urban Designer (CUD)

Advanced Specialty Certification in Urban Design recognizes an individual's knowledge, experience, and application of design principles.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying organization
American Planning Association

3. Certified Planner (AICP)

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying website
Certified Planner
Certifying organization
American Planning Association

4. AICP Certified Planners

AICP Certified planners are members of APA's professional institute, AICP. They have demonstrated a commitment to high standards of professional practice and a mastery of theories and tools of planning. To become certified, an APA member must meet requirements for education and experience, pass the AICP Comprehensive Planning Examination, and pledge to uphold ethical standards and engage in ongoing professional development. The AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct helps certified planners uphold those ethical standards.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying website
AICP Certified Planners
Certifying organization
American Planning Association

What is the best certification for a city planner?

The best city planner certification is Certified Planning Engineer (CPE). The Certified Planning Engineer (CPE) is awarded by the American Academy of Project Management. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this city planner certification:

  • To become a certified Certified Planning Engineer (CPE), you need to pass the exam.
  • This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every 2 year.
Best certifications

The most common combination of city planner certifications include: Certified Planning Engineer (CPE), Certified Urban Designer (CUD), and Certified Planner (AICP).

Online courses for city planners to earn certifications

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1. Planning for Climate Change in African Cities

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Climate change poses a threat to economic growth and long-term prosperity of many countries around the world. Africa is not an exception, considering the actual and potential impacts of climate change and climate variability that will threaten its vulnerable sectors and human populations. African countries are projected to experience changing rainfall patterns, rising sea levels, and higher temperatures that will affect food security, agricultural production, water availability, and public...

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This Specialization is intended for individuals and organizations interested in developing skills and strategies to create and support sustainable cities. Through these four courses, you will gain a strong understanding of the tools and concepts needed to succeed in reaching this goal. Successful case studies of smart growth applications will be evaluated and assessed for multiple cities throughout the United States. The concentration will provide students with an introduction to sustainable...

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