what is rtpi?
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) is Europe’s largest professional body for planners.
For over 100 years, membership of the RTPI has been the hallmark of professional expertise and integrity. With over 25,000 members in 80 countries around the world in the public, private, charitable and education sectors, our mission is to advance the science and art of planning.
WHY JOIN?
The designation 'Chartered Town Planner' helps you stand out from the crowd in a competitive job market. It is also a requirement for many employers. It can increase your earning potential and speed up your career.
Being a member of the RTPI makes you part of a community at the forefront of planning. The RTPI is an advocate for best practice in planning at all levels of government and in the international arena.
RTPI membership is also your gateway to networking and knowledge transfer. Whether you prefer to attend events, networking or training in person or online, your membership will connect you with others with similar interests.
The RTPI sets high standards for planning education. They support you in accessing the professional development you need to help you excel. Your membership will help you keep up to date with information on planning policy, best practice and research.
The RTPI offers a class of membership to suit all levels of planning professionals. Membership opens doors and gives you professional standing.
The RTPI offers free student membership of the Institute to all students enrolled on RTPI accredited course. Read more information about the benefits of student membership here.
HOW TO BECOME A CHARTERED MEMBER AFTER I GRADUATE?
The Licentiate Assessment of Professional Competence (L-APC) is the main route to becoming a Chartered Town Planner for graduates who completed a fully RTPI accredited degree in or after 2005.
(N.B. Candidates have to complete RTPI accredited masters degree alongside with RTPI accredited undergraduate degree.)
step-by-step guide
1.
apply for licentiate membership
As soon as you have graduated with a fully RTPI accredited degree, you can apply for Licentiate membership.
Before you apply for L-APC you must have the equivalent of a minimum of 24 months' full-time planning experience – at least 12 months of this needs to be as a Licentiate.
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2.
Gain 1-2 years of full-time work in planning as a licentiate
All Licentiates must maintain a log book covering the equivalent of a minimum of 12 months' full-time planning experience in addition to producing a written submission for their L-APC application.
Licentiates should also identify a suitable mentor to support them during this important stage of their career.
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Licentiates must prepare a written submission demonstrating their experience and how they have developed their competence.
There are three parts to the submission:
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Practical Experience Statement
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Professional Competence Statement
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Professional Development Plan
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You can find more detailed guidance for L-APC here.
3.
submit your l-apc on time
Applications are accepted four times per year,
and should be emailed to
membership.applications@rtpi.org.uk.
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Applications are accepted up to midnight on the closing date.
find the full guidance to the l-apc process here
4.
get your results
The results of your L-APC will be available 1.5 months after your submission date. If you passed a L-APC you will gain a chartership and become a Chartered Town Planner.
In case if your first submission wasn't successful, you can resubmit your L-APC or appeal against the outcome of your assessment.