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ADOPTED STATEMENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION CONCERNING LICENSING LEGISLATION
In the June 1998 Bulletin, the Executive Committee published
an article entitled "LicensingAlert" which discussed the
subject of APA's Draft position on state licensing. The Leadership
Committee
met in Indianapolis during the month of September and formally
adopted a position statement on licensing.
Due to the good response provided to national as a result of
the June article, NJAPA's voice was heard regarding this matter.
Jack Molenaar traveled to Indianapolis to carry forward NJAPA's
position of state licensing. As a result, a modified position
statement was adopted and is provided below.
ADOPTED STATEMENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION CONCERNING LICENSING LEGISLATION
- The American Planning Association does not encourage the
licensing of planners on either a national or state level.
The APA recognizes and respects existing state licensing or
credential requirements, and supports its members practicing
the profession of planning in those states.
- Specific positions taken on pending legislation will be taken
only after consultation with the AICP Commission (and in the
case of state legislation, the affected Chapter/s), consistent
with AICP's existing policy on this subject.
- The American Planning Association fully supports the credentialling
of planners through the rigorous process of examination, evaluation,
and certification administered by the American Institute of
Certified Planners (AICP). Certification by membership in the
American Institute of Certified Planners is a voluntary certification
granted to recognize the attainment of a requisite combination
of knowledge, skills and abilities; and requires adherence
to a demanding code of ethics for those who qualify for and
pass a rigorous examination.
- APA believes that obtaining professional certification is
a personal and professional decision most appropriately left
to individual professionals who make that decision based on
their interest in and willingness to accept the professional
standards set by AICP in its role. APA further recognizes the
value that AICP certification provides to employers or contractors
who seek the assurance of professionalism. In some states,
planners compete with licensed engineers, architects, attorneys,
and surveyors for state and local consulting contracts. APA
and AICP will establish a process to devise means to enable
planners in those states to better compete with these licensed
professions for these contracts.
As a general membership, public interest and educational organization,
APA positions on licensing, credentialling, registration, and
certification are taken with the understanding that AICP has
among its responsibilities the management and administration
of these issues. APA will provide, through AICP, its policy and
research operations, constructive and unbiased information to
Chapters when requested to help those chapters address licensing
legislation issues. This may include technical assistance necessary
to mount credible counter proposals based on AICP policy:
- Use of the AICP examination as the basis for licensing;
- Establishment of written agreements between AICP and the
licensing authority;
- Protection for AICP members from being required to re-take
the AICP exam;
- Prohibition on state residency requirements;
- Recognition of AICP certification
- Protection against restraints to free practice and trade
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