What Is Certification Maintenance?

All professional planners who are members of APA's professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), must engage in mandatory continuing education to maintain their certification.

AICP members must earn a total of 32 CM credits (1 contact hour = 1 CM credit) within each two-year reporting period. All AICP members have a four month-grace period, without penalty (reinstatement requirements waived during this period). A minimum of 1.5 CM credits must include the topic of ethics, and another 1.5 credits must be on the topic of current planning law.

The Certification Maintenance (CM) program links certified planners to training opportunities that keep them up to date on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices. It also strengthens the value of certification, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to excellence to elected officials, community leaders, and employers.

Find more information on Certification Maintenance on the APA website.  


Find more information on CM training opportunities