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/.
AICP Scholarship
AICP Certification Scholarships
The American Planning Association (APA) is committed to providing opportunities for all to achieve excellence in planning by fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in the organization and the planning profession. AICP Certification Scholarships help make the planning profession more diverse.
Diversity is an inclusive concept that encompasses but is not limited to race, ethnicity, class, gender, age, sexuality, ability, educational attainment, spiritual beliefs, creed, culture, tribal affiliation, nationality, immigration status, financial status, political beliefs, and veteran status.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, self-identify with one or more of the categories above, and have a financial need, please apply. Below are additional details:
Applicant MUST NOT have already registered for the exam or submitted their experience assessment.
Applicants must be members of APA.
Fifty scholarships will be awarded through a lottery system. Applicants can receive the scholarship for the exam or the assessment (not both).
Scholarship recipients will pay the registration fee $85 instead of the regular $305 fee (Value = $220).
Scholarships cannot be transferred to a future cycle, but recipients can re-apply.
Members who do not receive a scholarship can apply again in any future window.
All APA members (both domestic and international) can apply for the scholarship.
Contact information and test results for those awarded a scholarship will be shared with APA Chapter Professional Development Officers (PDOs).
The window to submit scholarship applications is from May 1 – 31, 2026.
Application link: https://planning.org/certification/scholarship/
For APA Texas Chapter members who are not selected for an APA Certification Scholarship outlined above, the APA Texas Chapter will provide additional Certification Scholarships in the form of a reimbursement ($220) once exam registration is complete.
Upcoming AICP Workshops
AICP EXAM PART I WORKSHOPS
AICP EXAM PART I WORKSHOPS SCHEDULE
SUMMER 2026
Registration fee: Free of charge
The AICP Part I Workshop will provide an overview of what to expect when preparing for the AICP exam. This 4-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.
Saturday, July 11, 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, July 18, 2026, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Texas Southern University, School of Public Affairs Building (SOPA), Room 411, 3400 Cleburne Street, Houston, TX 77004
Friday, July 24, 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, July 25, 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, FAICP
Texas Chapter Professional Development Officer
pdo@apatexas.org
(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 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.