The planning profession is changing
Competency
Like many other professions, CIP is moving to a competency-based certification system. On behalf of CIP and its Affiliates, the National/Affiliate Membership Committee has developed national competency standards, which have been endorsed by the Affiliates.
Current Situation
The Institute has identified minimum knowledge and skill components that influence the curriculum for recognized planning degree programs. The competencies have not been updated in more than a decade. In addition, the competencies should be more directly linked to required work experience for membership, the membership examination, and continuous professional learning opportunities.
Other professional associations have developed national competency standards or have converted their professional body of knowledge to a broader competency-based method. The development and maintenance of such standards allows the profession to explore members', employers' and customer requirements for knowledge, skills and attitude for practicing professionals. Having such standards for use by CIP and its Affiliates will strengthen the link between learning and practice, providing greater clarity for the profession.
New Horizon
Under the Planning for the Future project, national competency standards have been developed to support the new certification standards that are also being developed. They encompass two realms of competence required for a professional planner:
- Functional Competencies: the common knowledge and skill base of all planners
- Enabling Competencies: the capacities required of a planner to practice effectively
Competency standards attempt to capture the various dimensions that, when taken together, account for competent performance. They provide a valuable source of information to the “consumers” of professional planning services, and so aid in increasing the profile and professional reputation of planners.
They provide guidance to the design and delivery of appropriate educational curricula and continuous professional learning programs. They help establish the minimum education and experience standards for entry into the profession. They can also provide a basis for the mutual recognition of competency across provincial borders and the development of international reciprocal arrangements, and the transportability of professional credentials.