Search
Member Login

Professional Development News

Nancy Eklund, AICP, WA-APA Professional Development Officer
[email protected] / 206/850-1779

Changes in APA’s Database System

You may be aware that APA began an upgrade of its database last year. Unfortunately, that process has taken a little longer than anticipated. While most core functions have been restored, several issues remain:

  • Product-purchasing functions, such as Passport purchases and off-cycle enrollment in APA Divisions, are not restored yet. These functions are expected to be fully restored by October 1.
    • Passport subscriptions are available for purchase using a temporary subscription link until stand-alone product purchases are restored.
    • Planners who attended the National Planning Conference in Detroit and wished to join Divisions or Interest groups were asked to fill out a simple online form. This form will be forwarded to Division leaders or APA to use during recruitment of new members during the member renewal process.

PDO Discussions at APA National Planning Conference in May

The Professional Development Officers from APA’s Chapters met in Detroit and discussed the following issues, some of which are continuations from previous meetings:

  • AICP Exam Scholarships – OPEN NOW! 
    • The AICP Certification Scholarship application window is open only during the month of May. Recipients will be selected in June. Scholarships may be applied toward either the exam or the experience assessment.
  •  Interest in Taking the AICP Exam or Submitting your Professional Planning Experience?
    • If you think it is about time you take the AICP exam or submit your professional planning experience, the certification window opens in May. To learn more about APA’s One Path to AICP Program, click on One Path to AICP. At the bottom of the above linked page, you will find helpful checklists to guide you through each step.

Questions? Join APA for one of their AICP Office Hours to learn about One Path to AICP. Visit the Get Started page, email [email protected] if you have questions, or click on one of the following links to register for APA’s Office hours:

  • CM Grace Period Ending Soon
    • The 2024–2025 AICP Certification Maintenance (CM) reporting period closed on December 31. The extended CM grace period closes on May 31, 2026.

 What to do if you still lack the required CMs for the 2024-2025 period:

  • Log into your CM account and review and confirm your credit summary.
  • Complete any remaining required CM professional development education.
  • Ensure all credits are entered and submitted no later than May 31.

If you still need eligible activities, you can explore professional development opportunities through the CM Search tool. In addition, the Washington chapter belongs to the Planning Webcast Series, where you will find many on-demand sessions available. The Chapter Newsletter also typically includes an article about upcoming training sessions.

Feel free to email [email protected]g with any questions, or check with Nancy Eklund, AICP, Professional Development Officer at [email protected] for ideas about possible upcoming training.