How to Become a City Planner
Earn a degree., Research planning programs., Research licensure requirements in your state., Get involved in the planning profession., Search for internships., Look for volunteer opportunities., Consider earning a certification through the American...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Earn a degree.
If you have not already done so, you will need to earn your undergraduate degree in a relevant area.
Some universities offer undergraduate degrees in planning; however, most students who go on to earn graduate degrees in planning have backgrounds in areas such as sociology, architecture, geography, or urban studies.If you already have an undergraduate degree in a relevant area, you will very likely need to continue on to earn a graduate degree.
Research the specific job you want to pursue.
Learn about the expectations regarding education and experience for the specific jobs you are interested in.
This can help you determine what education requirements you still have to complete.
While about 80% of city planners hold a master’s degree,the specific job you are interested in may have opportunities for candidates with undergraduate degrees to enter the workforce as well.
Understand that while it may be possible to become a successful city planner without a graduate degree, the competition will be higher, and opportunities for advancement may be smaller. -
Step 2: Research planning programs.
While there are many programs available, not all of them are accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB).
The PAB reports that, as of January 2015, there are a total of 72 master's programs and 16 bachelor's programs with accreditation.
Throughout North America, there are 76 universities with PAB accreditation.A list of these universities is available on the PAB’s website.
If you find a program that is interesting to you, but is not accredited, first find out why they are not accredited.
You may still able to become certified and get a job with a degree from a non-accredited university, but it may require more time and effort on your part.
Consider what area you might like to specialize in.
Many schools allow you to choose a specialization in an area such as land use, environmental planning, economic development, transportation or housing.
When considering a program, think about whether or not they can offer you specializations you might be interested in.Consider the costs of attendance of each program.
Some programs will be significantly more expensive if they are not in your state, or if they are offered by a private university.
Calculate the costs you will incur in each program you are considering, and keep this under consideration when choosing the program that is best for you.Search for programs that assist students in finding internships and jobs, both during the program and after graduation.Consider the make up of the faculty.
Will you be able to form relationships with the program faculty? Is the faculty made up of practicing planners, who can provide you with real world information and contacts?, Most US states do not require licensure or registration.
However, as of 2013, New Jersey and Michigan require planners to become licensed or registered.
In both cases, this requires passing an examination., Having good connections with other people involved in the planning community can lead to new opportunities and ideas you might otherwise miss out on.
You never know who might be able to help get you your dream job.
Attend annual planning conferences, such as the APA National Planning Conference.
Doing so can also help keep you up to date on current trends and new ideas.Keep in touch with professors from your studies.
If you are able to form good relationships with your professors during your studies, do your best to maintain that relationship and ask them to help you get in touch with other practicing professional planners. , If you did not complete an internship as part of your degree, now is the time.
An internship offers the opportunity to gain real world experience, can help with establishing connections, and may sometimes even lead to a job.
Even if you did complete an internship during your studies, it may be valuable to look for other internship opportunities, especially if you struggle to find a job right away. , If an opportunity arises to assist people working in your local government office, take it! You may end up doing the work nobody else wants to do, without getting paid, but you will open yourself up to gaining valuable experience, seeing what the reality of your job will be, and getting to know people who might be the key to getting you the job you want later on. , This certification attests to your skills and professional experience.
While not formally required, employers often look for this certification when considering someone for a planning position or promotion., The exam consists of 170, multiple choice questions and covers: history, theory, and law; plan making and implementation; functional areas of practice; spatial areas of practice; public participation and social justice; as well as the AICP code of ethics and professional conduct.The AICP exam is offered twice a year:
For the exam offered in May, you must submit your application in December of the previous year.
For the exam offered in November, you must submit your application in June., Become a member of the American Planning Association (APA).
Have experience in professional planning.
Have an eligible combination of education and experience, as explained on the AICP website. , This can all be accomplished directly on the AICP website., In order to be approved for the exam, you have to submit proof that you have met the education and experience requirements.
This usually means submitting a letter of reference from previous internships and employers., This normally takes between 8 and 10 weeks; however, be aware that it can sometimes take longer., While you are waiting for your application to be approved, begin preparing for your exam.
Be sure that you understand what content will be on the test.
You can review your old notes and textbooks from your studies, and the AICP has multiple resources to help you prepare. , Specific requirements can be found on the AICP website , Be sure that you are well rested on the day of the exam.
Eat a nutritious breakfast, and be sure to use the bathroom before sitting down for the exam.
Prepare a folder with all of the documentation you will need to take with you to the exam. , Once you have earned your certification, be sure to keep it current by earning continuing credits through the American Planning Association.
Doing so will help keep you connected and up to date on current trends and policies., It may possible to find a job in your local community, if you wish.
However, if you are having trouble finding positions in your area, consider jobs in areas that are: affluent, rapidly growing suburbs or urban areas that are being revitalized.
Consider what type of job you want to do.
Most planning jobs are located within local, state, or federal governments.
However, planners might also be hired by non-profit organizations, and in the private sector, for example, as consultants.Search the internet for job postings that may interest you. , The American Planning Association offers a job search board on there website with many different opportunities. , They might know of job openings not posted online, or have ideas about where you should look. , While the outlook for planning jobs is expected to grow up to 14% over the coming years,the competition for good jobs can be fierce.
If you are struggling to land your dream job, consider jobs that may be less prestigious, but can help you work towards your dream job. -
Step 3: Research licensure requirements in your state.
-
Step 4: Get involved in the planning profession.
-
Step 5: Search for internships.
-
Step 6: Look for volunteer opportunities.
-
Step 7: Consider earning a certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
-
Step 8: once you have gained enough experience through internships or jobs
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Step 9: and have completed your education.
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Step 10: Understand what content is covered by the test
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Step 11: and when the test is offered.
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Step 12: Determine whether you have met all of the eligibility requirements for becoming certified.
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Step 13: Submit an online application to take the examination and pay the exam fees.
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Step 14: Upload documents required to verify your eligibility to take the exam.
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Step 15: Wait for approval from the AICP.
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Step 16: Prepare for the exam.
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Step 17: Carefully review the requirements for the test.
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Step 18: Take the examination.
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Step 19: Maintain your certification.
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Step 20: Search for jobs.
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Step 21: Check the APA Job Board.
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Step 22: Tell your contacts that you are on the hunt for a job.
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Step 23: Consider taking an entry level position.
Detailed Guide
If you have not already done so, you will need to earn your undergraduate degree in a relevant area.
Some universities offer undergraduate degrees in planning; however, most students who go on to earn graduate degrees in planning have backgrounds in areas such as sociology, architecture, geography, or urban studies.If you already have an undergraduate degree in a relevant area, you will very likely need to continue on to earn a graduate degree.
Research the specific job you want to pursue.
Learn about the expectations regarding education and experience for the specific jobs you are interested in.
This can help you determine what education requirements you still have to complete.
While about 80% of city planners hold a master’s degree,the specific job you are interested in may have opportunities for candidates with undergraduate degrees to enter the workforce as well.
Understand that while it may be possible to become a successful city planner without a graduate degree, the competition will be higher, and opportunities for advancement may be smaller.
While there are many programs available, not all of them are accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB).
The PAB reports that, as of January 2015, there are a total of 72 master's programs and 16 bachelor's programs with accreditation.
Throughout North America, there are 76 universities with PAB accreditation.A list of these universities is available on the PAB’s website.
If you find a program that is interesting to you, but is not accredited, first find out why they are not accredited.
You may still able to become certified and get a job with a degree from a non-accredited university, but it may require more time and effort on your part.
Consider what area you might like to specialize in.
Many schools allow you to choose a specialization in an area such as land use, environmental planning, economic development, transportation or housing.
When considering a program, think about whether or not they can offer you specializations you might be interested in.Consider the costs of attendance of each program.
Some programs will be significantly more expensive if they are not in your state, or if they are offered by a private university.
Calculate the costs you will incur in each program you are considering, and keep this under consideration when choosing the program that is best for you.Search for programs that assist students in finding internships and jobs, both during the program and after graduation.Consider the make up of the faculty.
Will you be able to form relationships with the program faculty? Is the faculty made up of practicing planners, who can provide you with real world information and contacts?, Most US states do not require licensure or registration.
However, as of 2013, New Jersey and Michigan require planners to become licensed or registered.
In both cases, this requires passing an examination., Having good connections with other people involved in the planning community can lead to new opportunities and ideas you might otherwise miss out on.
You never know who might be able to help get you your dream job.
Attend annual planning conferences, such as the APA National Planning Conference.
Doing so can also help keep you up to date on current trends and new ideas.Keep in touch with professors from your studies.
If you are able to form good relationships with your professors during your studies, do your best to maintain that relationship and ask them to help you get in touch with other practicing professional planners. , If you did not complete an internship as part of your degree, now is the time.
An internship offers the opportunity to gain real world experience, can help with establishing connections, and may sometimes even lead to a job.
Even if you did complete an internship during your studies, it may be valuable to look for other internship opportunities, especially if you struggle to find a job right away. , If an opportunity arises to assist people working in your local government office, take it! You may end up doing the work nobody else wants to do, without getting paid, but you will open yourself up to gaining valuable experience, seeing what the reality of your job will be, and getting to know people who might be the key to getting you the job you want later on. , This certification attests to your skills and professional experience.
While not formally required, employers often look for this certification when considering someone for a planning position or promotion., The exam consists of 170, multiple choice questions and covers: history, theory, and law; plan making and implementation; functional areas of practice; spatial areas of practice; public participation and social justice; as well as the AICP code of ethics and professional conduct.The AICP exam is offered twice a year:
For the exam offered in May, you must submit your application in December of the previous year.
For the exam offered in November, you must submit your application in June., Become a member of the American Planning Association (APA).
Have experience in professional planning.
Have an eligible combination of education and experience, as explained on the AICP website. , This can all be accomplished directly on the AICP website., In order to be approved for the exam, you have to submit proof that you have met the education and experience requirements.
This usually means submitting a letter of reference from previous internships and employers., This normally takes between 8 and 10 weeks; however, be aware that it can sometimes take longer., While you are waiting for your application to be approved, begin preparing for your exam.
Be sure that you understand what content will be on the test.
You can review your old notes and textbooks from your studies, and the AICP has multiple resources to help you prepare. , Specific requirements can be found on the AICP website , Be sure that you are well rested on the day of the exam.
Eat a nutritious breakfast, and be sure to use the bathroom before sitting down for the exam.
Prepare a folder with all of the documentation you will need to take with you to the exam. , Once you have earned your certification, be sure to keep it current by earning continuing credits through the American Planning Association.
Doing so will help keep you connected and up to date on current trends and policies., It may possible to find a job in your local community, if you wish.
However, if you are having trouble finding positions in your area, consider jobs in areas that are: affluent, rapidly growing suburbs or urban areas that are being revitalized.
Consider what type of job you want to do.
Most planning jobs are located within local, state, or federal governments.
However, planners might also be hired by non-profit organizations, and in the private sector, for example, as consultants.Search the internet for job postings that may interest you. , The American Planning Association offers a job search board on there website with many different opportunities. , They might know of job openings not posted online, or have ideas about where you should look. , While the outlook for planning jobs is expected to grow up to 14% over the coming years,the competition for good jobs can be fierce.
If you are struggling to land your dream job, consider jobs that may be less prestigious, but can help you work towards your dream job.
About the Author
Anna Morales
A seasoned expert in advertising, Anna Morales combines 2 years of experience with a passion for teaching. Anna's guides are known for their clarity and practical value.
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