AICP Exam Prep, Scholarship and Workshops
To become a certified planner, entitled to use the AICP designation, American Planning Association (APA) members must meet certain education and experience requirements and pass a written examination. The AICP Certification Exam is given twice each year, in May and November. The first step is to complete and submit an application and the exam fee by a specified deadline (typically 5 to 6 months in advance of the testing window). Once your application is accepted, you may register to take the exam. Information about the AICP process can be found at https://www.planning.org/certification/.
Upcoming AICP Workshops
AICP EXAM PART I WORKSHOPS
Registration fee: Free of charge
The AICP Part I Workshop will provide an overview of what to expect when preparing for the AICP exam. Thism4-hour workshop will focus on helpful tips on how to study and test preparation strategies. The major topic areas of the exam will be outlined, and sample test questions will be presented. The new changes to the 2026 One Path to AICP exam window schedule will also be outlined.
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at University of Texas at Arlington, CAPPA Building Auditorium, Room 204, 601 W. Nedderman Drive, Arlington, Texas 76019
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Texas Southern University, School of Public Affairs Building (SOPA), 3400 Cleburne Street, Houston, TX 77004
Friday, February 13, 2026, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. University of Texas at San Antonio, One Riverwalk Place Campus, 700 North St. Mary’s Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Freese & Nichols, Inc. Offices, 10431 Morado Circle #300, Austin, Texas 78759
To register for any of the Part I workshops, please send your name, email address, phone number, and workshop location to:
Richard Luedke, AICP Texas Chapter Professional Development Officer
rluedke[at]cityoflewisville[dot]com
(817) 938-4409
You may register until workshop start time. Walk-ins are welcome, but please register if possible so that we will know how many for which to prepare.
AICP EXAM PART II WORKSHOP
The AICP Exam Part II Workshop is conducted by Dr. Jennifer Cowley, FAICP, the nation's leading AICP exam preparation instructor, and Richard Luedke, AICP, Texas Chapter Professional Development Officer (PDO). During this 6-hour workshop, Dr. Cowley and Mr. Luedke will take you on a deep dive on how to approach the questions on the AICP exam and will guide you through the thought process needed to select the correct answers.
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.at University of Texas at Arlington; CAPPA Building Auditorium Room 204, 601 W. Nedderman Drive, Arlington, Texas 76019
Registration Fee: $60, $40 for Students (includes lunch)
Register here: https://apatexas.wildapricot.org/event-6545280
AICP Exam Study Group, Scholarship, Workshop Recordings, and Additional Study Info
ADDITIONAL STUDY INFORMATION:
- A summary of The Practice of Local Government Planning by ICMA (aka the “Green Bible”)
- Summary notes from various Planning topics.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Richard Luedke, AICP
Texas Chapter Professional Development Officer
rluedke@cityoflewisville.com
(817) 938-4409
Helpful Articles
Ten Tips for Passing the AICP Exam
Texas APA - AICP Study Materials
Preparing for the AICP Exam (2016) *Caution Old Format Exam*
Cracking the AICP (2014) *Caution Old Format Exam*
Cracking the AICP (2012) *Caution Old Format Exam*
AICP Exam Prep Training (2004) *Caution Old Format Exam*
Other materials not specifically endorsed by the Chapter or APA:
Practice Exams (PlanningPrep.com)
Practice Quizzes and Material (PlanningPeeps.com)
Florida APA - Treasure Coast Section AICP Resources
The Treasure Coast Section of the APA Florida Chapter has prepared an AICP Exam Study Links page with information about the exam. The page includes exam study links from other APA Chapters.