Becoming a Planner
What Should I Study to be a Planner?
In high school, you should take courses in language arts, mathematics, geography, social studies, computers and fine arts.
In university, you can go directly into a Bachelor's degree in planning or a related degree such as geography, economics, political science, engineering or environmental studies. Many planners also have a Master's degree in planning - typically a two year program which accepts students out of planning or related undergraduate programs.
For more information on an education in planning or university planning programs accredited by CIP, please visit the Student Zone section of our website.
Being Part of the Planning Profession
The recognized professional accreditation for planners in Canada is "MCIP", signifying that the holder of the designation is a full member of the Canadian Institute of Planners. An MCIP has a university degree, usually in planning or a related discipline has acquired a minimum of two years of responsible planning experience and has met rigorous examination standards required by the Canadian Institute of Planners.
An MCIP adheres to a Code of Professional Practice developed by the Institute delineating the planner's responsibility to the public interest, clients and employers and the profession.
Members of CIP also belong to affiliated provincial planning organizations that provide services to members locally and provincially. In some provinces, there are separate licensing requirements for planners.
Members of the Institute are required to fulfill continuous professional learning requirement in order to maintain their membership. All CIP members benefit from fostering a "culture of excellence" through professional learning. As members add to their own skills and knowledge, they advance themselves and the planning profession. Continuous professional learning (CPL) leads members to the highest level of professionalism, both individually and collectively. This shows leadership and a commitment to advancing the profession by embracing the concept of lifelong learning.