Overview
The PAB and planning education
The Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) accredits urban and regional planning degree programs (bachelor’s and master’s). CHEA-recognized. Planning is generally not a licensed profession (New Jersey is a notable exception), so PAB accreditation connects to the profession’s certification rather than a license.
The Credential
PAB accreditation and AICP
The professional credential in planning is the AICP — membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners, through the American Planning Association (APA). It requires an approved combination of education and experience plus the AICP Certification Exam. Graduating from a PAB-accredited program is the strongest education foundation, and graduates of PAB-accredited programs can use the AICP Candidate pathway to take the exam before completing their experience.
Why It Matters
What PAB accreditation buys
- Certification foundationA PAB-accredited degree is the cleanest route toward AICP certification.
- Employer recognitionPublic agencies and planning firms recognize PAB-accredited programs.
- Not a licenseBecause planning is largely unlicensed, PAB accreditation is not legally required to work as a planner.
- Competency standardsPAB reviews curriculum and outcomes against planning-profession competencies.
Do It Yourself
Verify a planning program
Go Deeper
Official sources
Questions
Frequently asked questions
- Who accredits urban planning programs? The Planning Accreditation Board (PAB), which accredits urban and regional planning bachelor's and master's degrees. It is CHEA-recognized.
- Do I need an accredited planning degree to be a planner? No. Planning is generally not a licensed profession (New Jersey is an exception), so accreditation is not legally required. But a PAB-accredited degree is the cleanest path to AICP certification.
- What is AICP? Membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners, through the APA — the profession's certification, requiring education, experience, and the AICP Certification Exam.
- How does PAB accreditation connect to AICP? A PAB-accredited degree is the strongest education foundation for AICP, and its graduates can use the AICP Candidate pathway to take the exam before finishing their experience.
- Is planning a licensed profession? Mostly no. New Jersey licenses professional planners, but most states do not license planning; the recognized professional credential is AICP certification.
- Is PAB recognized by the government? PAB is CHEA-recognized. Planning accreditation is generally not a federal Title IV gatekeeper.
- What degrees does PAB accredit? Bachelor's and master's degrees in urban and regional planning.
- How do I verify a planning program? Search the PAB list of accredited programs and check AICP requirements via the APA.