Top 10 Transportation Planner Certifications

Certifications are important for a transportation planner in the job market because they demonstrate an individual's commitment to professional excellence and qualifications. A certification can provide a competitive advantage when applying for jobs, as employers may view certified professionals as more qualified than their non-certified counterparts. Additionally, certifications can increase earning potential by providing evidence of advanced knowledge and skills in the field. Certifications also provide access to exclusive resources, such as industry publications and continuing education opportunities, which can help transportation planners stay informed and up-to-date on the latest trends in the field. In summary, having a certification is an important factor for success in the transportation planning job market.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Transportation Planners, and explains how they can contribute to a transportation planner's career.

What are Transportation Planner Certifications?

Transportation planner certification is a credential that recognizes individuals who have achieved a certain level of professional competence in the field of transportation planning. The certification is offered by the American Planning Association (APA) and was designed to promote excellence in the practice of transportation planning. To become certified, individuals must demonstrate their knowledge and experience by passing an exam administered by APA or its partner organizations.

Having this certification can help individuals stand out from other job applicants in the field of transportation planning, as it indicates their commitment to staying up-to-date on best practices and trends in the industry. It also helps to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in all aspects of transportation planning, including policy analysis, land use, economics, engineering principles, public involvement techniques, and more. Additionally, having this certification may be beneficial for those looking to advance their career as it shows employers that they are dedicated to their profession and have taken steps to stay informed on relevant topics. Finally, having this certification can open doors to new opportunities as it gives individuals access to valuable resources such as networking events hosted by APA or other partner organizations.

Pro Tip: When pursuing a transportation planner certification, focus on developing your skills in the areas of urban planning, engineering, and public policy. Additionally, be sure to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in the field. Finally, network with other professionals in the transportation planning industry to gain knowledge and insight into the profession.

Related: What does a Transportation Planner do?

Top 10 Transportation Planner Certifications

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

1. Certified Transportation Planner (CTP)

Certified Transportation Planner (CTP) is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of transportation professionals in the planning field. It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of expertise in transportation planning, and to encourage continuing professional development.

The CTP program is administered by the Transportation Professional Certification Board (TPCB), which is an independent organization that sets standards for certification, reviews applications, and administers exams. The TPCB also provides support services to help individuals prepare for the exam.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of three years of full-time experience in transportation planning or related fields; a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; and passing a written exam. The exam covers topics such as urban and regional planning, public transit systems, land use analysis, traffic engineering, economic development, safety and environmental considerations.

The entire process typically takes about six months to complete from start to finish. Applicants must first submit an application package to the TPCB which includes their resume, transcripts from their college or university studies, letters of reference from employers or other professionals in the field, and any other supporting documents required by the board. Once approved by the board, applicants can then register for the exam with Pearson VUE Testing Services (an international testing provider).

The cost of becoming CTP certified depends on several factors such as whether you are applying as an individual or as part of an organization; if you are taking advantage of any discounts offered through your employer; and if there are additional fees associated with registering for the exam with Pearson VUE Testing Services. Generally speaking though, it can cost anywhere between $500-$1,000 USD for all associated costs including application fees and test registration fees.

2. American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)

The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) is a professional organization that provides certification to planners who have met the highest standards of professional practice. The AICP was established in 1934 and is the only nationwide, independent certification program for urban and regional planners in the United States.

In order to become an AICP certified planner, individuals must meet certain requirements including having a degree from an accredited planning program; being a member of the American Planning Association; completing eight years of professional planning experience; passing an exam; and completing continuing education courses. It typically takes two to three years to complete all the requirements for AICP certification.

To get started on the path towards becoming an AICP certified planner, individuals should join the American Planning Association and review their eligibility criteria. Once they are eligible, they can register to take the exam online at www.planning.org/certification/. After passing the exam, they will need to submit documentation demonstrating their qualifications and experience as well as pay a fee for certification.

The cost for AICP certification varies depending on whether you are a student or not, but typically ranges from $200-400 USD.

3. International Association of Public Transport (UITP)

The International Association of Public Transport (UITP) is the international network for public transport authorities and operators, policy decision-makers, scientific institutes and the public transport supply and service industry. It is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1885.

UITP’s mission is to promote public transport and to make it a more attractive, efficient and sustainable mobility option for people around the world. UITP works with its members to develop innovative solutions to improve urban mobility and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport.

It takes approximately two weeks to become a member of UITP. To become a member, you must fill out an application form available on their website. The cost of membership depends on the type of membership you choose: individual or corporate/institutional membership. Individual memberships start at €100 per year while corporate/institutional memberships start at €1,000 per year.

4. National Transit Institute (NTI)

The National Transit Institute (NTI) is a nationally recognized training and education program that provides transit professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in their field. It was established by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in 1989 to provide state-of-the-art training for transit personnel. NTI offers a wide range of courses, workshops, and seminars on topics such as safety, operations, maintenance, finance, planning, marketing, customer service, and human resources.

NTI courses are offered both online and in classroom settings. The length of each course varies depending on the material covered and the number of hours required for completion. Courses typically take between one to five days to complete.

To get NTI certification, you must register for a course through the NTI website or contact your local FTA office for more information. Registration fees vary depending on the type of course you are taking. Generally speaking, most courses cost between $200-$500 per person.

5. Transportation Research Board (TRB)

The Transportation Research Board (TRB) is a division of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. It is a non-profit organization that serves as an independent advisor to the United States government on transportation policy issues. TRB works to improve the quality of transportation by conducting research and providing information about transportation systems, policies, and programs.

TRB publishes more than 500 books and reports each year on topics related to transportation. It also hosts an annual meeting with more than 8,000 attendees from around the world. The meeting includes presentations from experts in various fields related to transportation research and policy.

It typically takes 3-4 months for TRB publications to be published after they are submitted for review. Submissions can be made online through the TRB website or by mail. There is no cost associated with submitting manuscripts for review or publication; however, authors may be required to pay a fee if they wish to receive printed copies of their work.

6. American Planning Association (APA)

The American Planning Association (APA) is a professional organization that promotes the practice of urban, suburban, and rural planning. It was founded in 1978 and has more than 40,000 members worldwide. The APA provides training, resources, and advocacy to help planners create livable communities.

It takes about two weeks to receive your APA membership after applying. To become a member of the APA you must fill out an online application form on their website. The cost of an individual membership is $175 per year and includes access to exclusive discounts on conferences and publications, as well as access to the online community forum.

The benefits of joining the APA include networking opportunities with other planners, access to job postings, discounts on conferences and publications, and access to research materials. Additionally, members can participate in regional meetings and workshops that provide continuing education credits for professional development.

7. Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)

The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) is an international educational and scientific association of transportation professionals who are responsible for meeting mobility and safety needs. ITE’s goal is to develop, promote, and implement professional transportation practices that improve mobility, safety, and sustainability.

To become a member of ITE, you must meet certain criteria such as having a college degree in a transportation-related field or having at least five years of experience in the transportation industry. Once you have met the criteria, you can apply for membership online by filling out an application form and paying the membership fee.

The cost of joining ITE depends on your status as either a student or professional member. Student memberships cost $50 per year while professional memberships cost $135 per year. Additionally, there are discounts available for those who join multiple chapters or participate in special programs such as the ITE Leadership Academy.

It usually takes up to two weeks to process your application after it has been submitted and all fees have been paid. After your application has been approved, you will receive a welcome kit with information about the benefits of being an ITE member and how to get involved with the organization’s activities.

8. National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)

The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) is a nonprofit organization that works to promote safe, sustainable, and equitable transportation in cities. It was founded in 1996 by a group of city transportation officials from across the United States. NACTO is dedicated to providing technical assistance, policy guidance, and advocacy for cities on transportation issues.

NACTO membership is open to any city or county government agency with responsibility for transportation planning, design, construction, operation, or maintenance. Membership is free and does not require an application process.

NACTO provides a range of resources and services to its members including technical assistance on urban street design projects; access to best practices and research; guidance on policy development; advocacy support for local initiatives; and opportunities for collaboration with other cities. NACTO also hosts an annual conference where members can network and learn about new developments in urban transportation.

In addition to its membership services, NACTO also offers training courses on topics such as bicycle planning, traffic calming techniques, and public engagement strategies. These courses are available online or in person at various locations around the country. Fees vary depending on the course but typically range from $50 - $200 per person.

Overall, NACTO provides valuable resources and services to help cities develop safe and equitable transportation systems. By becoming a member of NACTO, cities can access the latest information on urban street design projects as well as gain access to best practices and research materials related to transportation policy development and advocacy support for local initiatives.

9. Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT)

The Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) is a nonprofit organization that provides resources and support to organizations and individuals who are involved in the planning, development, and implementation of commuter transportation programs. The organization works with employers, transit agencies, government agencies, and other stakeholders to promote sustainable transportation solutions.

ACT offers a variety of services including education and training programs, research projects, technical assistance, conferences and webinars, policy advocacy, and more. It also provides access to online tools such as the Commuter Choice Toolkit which helps employers create customized commuter benefits packages for their employees.

It typically takes about two weeks to become an ACT member. To join ACT you must fill out an online application form on its website and pay the annual membership fee which is currently $150 per year for individuals or $500 per year for organizations. Once your application has been approved you will receive an email with instructions on how to access your account.

ACT also offers discounts on its services for members who are part of certain groups such as students or seniors. Additionally members may be eligible for special grants or awards depending on their level of involvement in the organization’s activities.

10. National Center for Transit Research (NCTR)

The National Center for Transit Research (NCTR) is a research and development center dedicated to advancing public transportation. NCTR was established in 1988 to provide technical assistance and research support to state and local transit agencies, as well as the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The NCTR works with transit providers, universities, and other organizations to develop innovative solutions to improve public transportation services.

NCTR provides a variety of services including research, policy analysis, technology transfer, training and technical assistance. The NCTR also offers grants and contracts to fund projects that advance public transportation.

It typically takes several weeks or months for the NCTR to review applications and award grants or contracts. To apply for funding from the NCTR, applicants must submit a proposal that outlines the project objectives, budget, timeline, evaluation methods, and expected outcomes.

The cost of applying for funding from the NCTR varies depending on the type of project being proposed. Generally speaking, applicants are responsible for covering any costs associated with developing their proposal such as staff time or travel expenses. Additionally, successful applicants may be required to pay an administrative fee before receiving their grant or contract funds.

Do You Really Need a Transportation Planner Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Transportation Planner Certificate depends on your individual career goals. If you are looking to advance in the field of transportation planning, then having a certificate can be beneficial. Many employers look for candidates who have taken the time to gain specialized knowledge in the field and having a certificate can signify that you have done just that.

However, if you already have significant experience and knowledge in transportation planning, then a certificate may not be necessary. It is important to consider how much additional value it would add to your resume or job qualifications before deciding whether or not to pursue it.

If you decide to pursue a Transportation Planner Certificate, there are several different organizations that offer them. Each program will focus on different topics and skills related to transportation planning, so make sure to research which one best suits your needs and interests. Additionally, many programs require an application fee and/or other fees associated with completing the coursework and obtaining the certificate itself.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Transportation Planner Certificate is up to you. Taking the time to do your research and determine if it would be beneficial for your career path could be well worth it in the long run.

Related: Transportation Planner Resume Examples

FAQs About Transportation Planner Certifications

1. What is a Transportation Planner Certification?

Answer: A Transportation Planner Certification is an official recognition of a professional’s knowledge and experience in the field of transportation planning. It is typically awarded by a professional organization or government agency and demonstrates that the individual has met certain standards of expertise in the area.

2. How do I become certified as a Transportation Planner?

Answer: To become certified as a Transportation Planner, you must typically complete an approved program of study in the field, such as earning a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning or Civil Engineering with an emphasis on transportation. Depending on the certifying body, you may also need to gain experience working in the field and pass an examination before being granted certification.

3. Are there different levels of Transportation Planner Certification?

Answer: Yes, depending on the certifying body, there may be different levels of certification for Transportation Planners. For example, some organizations offer basic level certifications for entry-level professionals while more advanced certifications may require additional qualifications like higher education degrees or additional years of experience in the field.

4. How often do I need to renew my Transportation Planner Certification?

Answer: The frequency at which you will need to renew your certification depends on the certifying body that issued it originally. Generally speaking, most certifications will need to be renewed every few years after meeting certain requirements such as continuing education credits or other professional development activities related to transportation planning.

5. What are some benefits of having a Transportation Planner Certification?

Answer: Having a valid and up-to-date Transportation Planner Certification can open doors to career advancement opportunities within the field and demonstrate your commitment to professional development in the industry. It can also provide employers with assurance that you possess current knowledge and skills necessary for successful job performance in this specialized area of work.