The planning profession is changing
Certification
Drawing extensively upon information on certification standards used by similar professional planning groups and other professional organizations, new certification standards have been developed that will help advance the planning profession in Canada. On behalf of CIP and its Affiliates, the National/Affiliate Membership Committee developed the standards which have been endorsed by the Affiliates.
Current Situation
For candidates residing in Canada, access to CIP membership is provided through the Affiliates. Membership requires some combination of a university degree, practical work experience, an examination or portfolio, and the completion of an oral examination. Specific requirements (e.g., how much logged Responsible Professional Planning experience is required) depends on whether the candidate is a graduate of a CIP-recognized university degree program, has an unrecognized but planning-related degree, or an unrelated degree.
A number of improvements were identified that could help streamline the certification process. The current process places a considerable amount of work and responsibility on volunteers. Further, because they are volunteers working when time permits, processes can sometimes take extended periods of time to complete.
A good number of Provisional Members are pushing or exceeding the established time limit for moving to Full Membership. This raises questions about the application of the current requirements and their practicality. These individuals appear to be in no hurry to obtain their designation, or may be having difficulty meeting the responsible planning experience requirement.
The exam process is not as rigorous as processes used by other professional groups. Further, the exams are not regularly revised to reflect changes in the work environment and the application of different competencies.
New Horizon
A new certification standard has been developed that includes revisions to practical work experience guidelines, the introduction of a mandatory mentorship program for planner, and the launch of a Professional Education Program that will add value to the profession. Task force work continues on related policies and procedures, including a formal accreditation program for planning schools in Canada.
A new written national exam will replace the former written and oral exams, ensuring consistency in the certification process throughout Canada. The establishment of a central, coordinated National Exam Board – responsible for developing quality exams and the marking process – is the norm for professional groups. The Institute and its Affiliates are therefore looking at establishing a new exam body through which to administer the exam, thereby maximizing efficient use of time and resources, and enhancing the quality of the certification process.
The national exam will be cost-effective for Affiliates, reducing the demand for volunteers and additional expenses. By way of a national exam, the profession will gain credibility on a global scale, leading to increased portability of credentials for planners.
Click HERE to view the full report on Certification Standards.