Top 10 Environmental Planner Certifications

Certifications are important for environmental planners in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise in their field. They show that the planner has the necessary qualifications to succeed in the role, as well as an understanding of the latest trends and best practices. Certifications also provide employers with assurance that their employees have a high level of skill and commitment to their work. Additionally, many positions require certifications as a prerequisite for employment. Having certifications can give environmental planners an edge over other candidates who may lack these qualifications.

This article reviews the most beneficial certifications for Environmental Planners and explains how they can enhance an environmental planner's career.

What are Environmental Planner Certifications?

Environmental Planner Certification is a credential that recognizes individuals who possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to develop and implement plans for sustainable communities and environments. It is intended to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to the field of environmental planning as well as their ability to meet the highest standards of professional excellence.

The certification program is offered by a number of organizations, including the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), the American Planning Association (APA), and the National Environmental Planning Association (NEPA). The certification process involves completing a set of core courses, passing an exam, and participating in continuing education activities.

Having this certification can help individuals stand out from other job applicants in the environmental planning field. It demonstrates to employers that an individual has met rigorous educational criteria and has achieved a high level of expertise in their chosen profession. Additionally, it provides recognition among peers and other professionals in the field. Finally, having this credential can lead to better job opportunities with higher salaries since employers are willing to pay more for employees who have achieved a high level of expertise in their profession.

Pro Tip: When pursuing environmental planner certification, make sure to research the requirements of the certifying organization and take advantage of any available resources or study materials that can help you prepare for the exam. Additionally, look into any professional development opportunities or continuing education courses that may be available in your area to further refine your skills and knowledge.

Related: What does an Environmental Planner do?

Top 10 Environmental Planner Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Environmental Planners today.

1. Certified Environmental Planner (CEP)

Certified Environmental Planner (CEP) is a professional certification offered by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of expertise in environmental planning. The CEP credential demonstrates an individual's commitment to the profession and their ability to effectively plan for and manage environmental resources.

It typically takes two years or more to become certified as a CEP. To qualify, individuals must complete an accredited educational program, pass the AICP's comprehensive exam, and demonstrate at least three years of professional experience in environmental planning.

To get certified as a CEP, applicants must first fill out an application form and submit it with all required documents to the AICP. Once accepted, they will be required to take and pass the AICP's comprehensive exam which consists of multiple-choice questions on topics such as land use planning, natural resource management, environmental impact assessment, public policy analysis, and urban design. After passing the exam, applicants must then submit proof of their professional experience in environmental planning. This can include evidence such as job descriptions or letters from employers verifying work experience in this field.

The cost for becoming a Certified Environmental Planner varies depending on the applicant’s qualifications and location. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500 - $2,000 USD for all application fees and exam costs combined.

2. Certified Sustainable Development Professional (CSDP)

The Certified Sustainable Development Professional (CSDP) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of sustainable development. The CSDP is administered by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing sustainable development.

The CSDP program consists of two levels: Level 1 and Level 2. To become certified at either level, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as sustainability principles, environmental law, economics, project management, and more. Level 1 certification requires passing a 90-minute online exam with a score of 70% or higher; Level 2 certification requires passing a 180-minute online exam with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost to take the CSDP exam varies depending on the level being taken: Level 1 costs $400 USD and Level 2 costs $500 USD. Both exams are offered in English and Spanish.

In order to become certified at either level, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements which include having at least 5 years of professional experience in sustainable development or related fields. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate their commitment to ongoing professional development by completing at least 20 hours of continuing education credits within the past three years prior to taking the exam.

Once an applicant has successfully passed the exam and met all eligibility requirements, they will receive their official CSDP certificate from IISD. This certificate is valid for three years before needing to be renewed through additional continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

3. LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)

LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) is a credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge in the principles and practices of green building. The LEED AP credential is offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is recognized as an industry standard for green building professionals.

It typically takes about two to three months to become a LEED AP, depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying and preparing for the exam. To become a LEED AP, you must first complete the LEED Green Associate Exam, which covers the fundamentals of green building design, construction, and operations. Once you pass this exam, you will be eligible to take the LEED AP Exam, which covers more advanced topics related to specific rating systems such as New Construction & Major Renovations (NC), Core & Shell (CS), Schools (SCH), Retail (RT), Healthcare (HC), and Neighborhood Development (ND).

In order to prepare for both exams, USGBC offers study materials such as practice tests, study guides, and online courses. Additionally, there are many third-party providers that offer comprehensive test preparation services.

The cost of becoming a LEED AP varies depending on what resources you use for preparation. The cost of taking the Green Associate Exam is $200 USD and the cost of taking the LEED AP Exam ranges from $250-$400 USD depending on which rating system you choose to focus on.

4. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)

The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is a professional organization that provides certification to urban and regional planners who have met certain educational and experience requirements. The AICP is the only nationally recognized certification program for planners in the United States, and it is administered by the American Planning Association (APA).

To become certified, an individual must have a minimum of five years of full-time planning experience, hold a master’s degree in planning or a related field, and pass the AICP Certification Exam. It typically takes two to three years to complete all the requirements for certification.

To get started on your path to becoming AICP certified, you must first join APA as a member. You will then need to submit an application for certification along with supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of your planning experience. Once your application is approved, you can register for the AICP Certification Exam.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on whether you are already an APA member or not. If you are already an APA member, then it will cost $350 to take the exam. If you are not an APA member yet, then there is a fee of $75 for joining plus the $350 exam fee.

5. International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP)

The International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the profession of sustainability. ISSP provides professional development, networking, and recognition for sustainability professionals around the world. It is the only international organization that offers credentials to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of sustainability professionals.

To become an ISSP Certified Sustainability Professional (CSP), individuals must complete a comprehensive certification program that includes a series of courses, exams, and other requirements. The program typically takes about six months to complete, although it can be completed in as little as four months with intensive study. To get started, individuals must first register for the program and pay the required fees. After registration is complete, they will receive access to online courses and materials needed to prepare for the exams. Once all requirements are met and passed, individuals will receive their CSP credential from ISSP.

The cost of becoming an ISSP Certified Sustainability Professional varies depending on factors such as country of residence and payment method. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,000 USD to become certified.

6. Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials (ASTSWMO)

The Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials (ASTSWMO) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that works to promote sound solid waste management practices at the state and local level. ASTSWMO provides a forum for its members to share information, exchange ideas, and develop strategies for improving solid waste management programs.

It takes about two weeks to get an ASTSWMO membership. To become a member, you must fill out an application form on the ASTSWMO website. The application requires basic contact information such as name, address, phone number, email address and other relevant details. After submitting your application, it will be reviewed by the ASTSWMO Board of Directors who will decide whether or not to accept your membership.

The cost of an ASTSWMO membership depends on the type of membership you are applying for. There are three types of memberships: Individual Membership ($50/year), Corporate Membership ($100/year) and Student Membership (free). All memberships include access to exclusive resources such as publications, webinars, conferences and more.

ASTSWMO also offers additional services such as consulting services and training seminars which may require additional fees depending on the service requested.

7. National Environmental Health Association (NEHA)

The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) is a non-profit organization that works to promote environmental health and safety. It was founded in 1937 and has grown to become the leading professional organization for environmental health professionals. The mission of NEHA is to protect human health and the environment by advancing the practice of environmental health through education, research, and advocacy.

To become a member of NEHA, you must complete an online application form, pay an annual membership fee, and agree to abide by the Code of Ethics for Environmental Health Professionals. Membership fees are based on your profession and range from $50 - $150 per year.

Once you have completed the application form and paid your membership fee, it typically takes two weeks for your membership to be processed. Once your membership is approved, you will receive a welcome email with instructions on how to access member benefits such as discounts on conferences, publications, webinars, and other resources.

8. American Planning Association (APA)

The American Planning Association (APA) is a professional organization for urban, suburban, regional, and rural planners. It was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The APA provides educational opportunities, resources, publications, and advocacy to its members. It also works with state and local governments to promote sound planning practices.

It takes about two weeks to get the APA membership after submitting the application form and paying the fees. To become a member of the APA, you must first fill out an online application form on their website. After submitting your application form, you will receive an email confirmation that includes instructions on how to pay the membership fee. Once your payment has been processed, you will be officially enrolled as a member of the APA.

The cost of joining the APA depends on what type of membership you select. There are three types of memberships: Professional Member ($175/year), Student Member ($50/year), and Retired Member ($75/year). All memberships include access to exclusive benefits such as discounted rates for conferences and webinars, access to online resources such as journals and books, discounts on publications from other organizations, discounts on professional development courses and more.

In addition to these benefits, members can also take advantage of networking opportunities with other professionals in the field through local chapters or special interest groups. They can also participate in policy discussions at national meetings or join committees that work towards advancing planning initiatives across the country.

9. Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI)

The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the practice of sustainable infrastructure. ISI provides a comprehensive set of sustainability rating systems and tools to evaluate the environmental, economic, and social impacts of public and private infrastructure projects. The ISI rating systems are based on the Envision™ sustainable infrastructure framework developed by ISI in collaboration with the Zofnass Program for Sustainable Infrastructure at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.

To become certified through ISI, applicants must complete a rigorous process that includes completing a self-assessment questionnaire, submitting project documentation, and undergoing an on-site review. The process typically takes between three to six months to complete depending on the complexity of the project.

The cost to become certified through ISI varies depending on the size and scope of the project. Generally speaking, certification fees range from $2,000 - $25,000 USD per project.

10. Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI).

The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) is an independent, third-party organization that provides certification for green building projects. GBCI certifications are recognized worldwide as the standard of excellence for green building practices and design.

GBCI offers a range of certifications including LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), WELL (Wellness), PEER (Performance Excellence in Electricity Renewal), SITES (Sustainable Sites Initiative), TRUE Zero Waste, Parksmart, EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies), and GRESB (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark). Each certification has specific criteria that must be met in order to receive the certification.

The process of obtaining GBCI certification typically takes several months to complete. The length of time depends on the complexity of the project, the size of the team involved, and other factors. The first step is to register with GBCI and create an account. Once registered, applicants can start their application by submitting project information such as location, size, scope, budget, etc. After submitting all required information and documents, applicants will then need to submit a review fee which varies depending on the type of certification being sought. Once all requirements are met and approved by GBCI staff, applicants will receive their certificate within 4-6 weeks.

The cost for GBCI certification varies depending on the type of certification being sought. For example, LEED certification costs $2,000-$5,000 USD while WELL certification costs $1,500-$4,000 USD. Additional fees may also apply depending on project complexity or other factors.

Do You Really Need a Environmental Planner Certificate?

No, you do not need an environmental planner certificate to work in the field of environmental planning. However, having a certificate can be beneficial. A certificate in this field typically covers topics such as urban and regional planning, land use planning, natural resource management, and environmental law. It can provide you with a better understanding of the principles and practices of environmental planning and help you develop the skills necessary to make informed decisions about land use and development.

Having a certificate may also give you an edge when competing for jobs in the field of environmental planning. Employers often look for candidates who have completed a formal program or certification in order to demonstrate their commitment to the profession and their knowledge of current trends in the field.

In addition, having a certificate may open up opportunities for further education or research in this area. Many universities offer master's degrees or doctorates in environmental planning that require completion of an accredited certification program prior to admission. Having a certificate can help demonstrate your commitment and preparedness for these higher-level programs.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an environmental planner certificate depends on your career goals. If you are looking to enter into the profession or advance within it, having certification may give you an advantage over other applicants without it. On the other hand, if you are just starting out or simply want to gain a better understanding of environmental planning principles and practices, completing a certificate program may not be necessary.

Related: Environmental Planner Resume Examples

FAQs About Environmental Planner Certifications

Q1: What is an environmental planner certification?

A1: Environmental planner certifications are professional qualifications that demonstrate a planner’s knowledge and expertise in the field of environmental planning. These credentials are earned through examinations and coursework and may be issued by universities, professional organizations, or state agencies.

Q2: What kind of jobs can I get with an environmental planner certification?

A2: An environmental planner certification can open up a number of job opportunities in the public and private sectors. Jobs may include urban and regional planners, conservationists, policy analysts, sustainability directors, or GIS specialists.

Q3: How do I become certified as an environmental planner?

A3: To become certified as an environmental planner, you must complete the necessary educational requirements and pass a series of exams administered by a recognized agency or organization. You may also need to complete additional coursework or experience in order to meet specific requirements for certain certifications.

Q4: Are there any prerequisites for becoming an environmental planner?

A4: Most certifying organizations require that applicants have at least a bachelor’s degree in planning or a related field such as geography or engineering. Some organizations may also require applicants to have prior work experience in the field of environmental planning before they can be certified.

Q5: How much does it cost to become certified as an environmental planner?

A5: The cost of obtaining an environmental planner certification varies depending on the certifying organization and the type of certification you are seeking. In general, fees range from $100 to over $500 depending on the requirements needed for each individual certification.