Planners Can Now Earn Credits for Geographic Information System (GIS) Learning Opportunities
The American Planning Association (APA) has partnered with Esri to deliver new options for credentialed members of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) to earn Certification Maintenance (CM) credits for continuing their education in GIS.
Under the agreement, AICP-certified planners can earn CM credits by attending Esri conferences and user group meetings and taking workshops, webinars, and massive open online courses (MOOCs).
“Welcoming Esri as a CM provider is the next logical evolution in our ongoing partnerships,” said James M. Drinan, APA’s executive director. “Partnering with industry leaders like Esri helps our members stay current with the latest technology advancements that can enrich their work.”
AICP’s Certification Maintenance program helps planners gain the knowledge and skills they need to remain current in the practice of planning. APA members will receive credit for exploring how Esri’s geospatial technology, data, and analytics can help streamline the planning process, engage with the public and planning commissions, and support current and long-range plans.
The partnership answers the planning community’s demand for earning CM credits for GIS education and will provide planners with the resources they need to make more data-driven and sustainable planning decisions, according to Shannon McElvaney, community development manager at Esri.
APA will continue to list Esri events and activities that support smart planning and are eligible for CM credits at this website.