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What is accreditation?
UNBC’s School of Environmental Planning (ENPL) is accredited
by the Planning Institute of British Columbia (PIBC) and the Canadian Institute
of Planners (CIP).
Accreditation is a system for promoting national standards
of education in planning and for recognizing educational institutions for a
level of performance, integrity, and quality.
In Canada,
CIP oversees the accreditation process, in conjunction with its provincial
associations such as PIBC. CIP
establishes criteria for accreditation, arranges site visits, and evaluates
UNBC’s ENPL program.
Accreditation benefits ENPL students in three ways.
- Our current students are eligible to apply for Student Membership in PIBC, which is restricted to BC Students currently enrolled in CIP-recognized University planning programs.
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Our graduates are
eligible for Full Membership in PIBC and CIP after only two years of
professional planning experience.
Otherwise, without a degree from an accredited university planning
program, Full Membership requires four years of professional planning
experience. Only Full Members are
entitled to use the professional designations 'MCIP' and 'Registered Planner'
after their name.
-
Our graduates’ job
prospects are significantly improved. Employers
in the planning field look for students graduating from an accredited planning
program. They often advertise for
candidates who are either CIP members or eligible for membership. Accreditation is also a consideration in many
formal actions by scholarship commissions, governmental funding agencies, and
foundations.
As a result of a reciprocal agreement between the American
Institute of Certified Planners, CIP recognizes planning programs that have
been accredited by the US-based Planning Accreditation Board. In turn, AICP recognizes Canadian planning
programs that have been approved by CIP, thus expanded the job market for ENPL
graduates. In addition, other countries
recognize CIP accreditation.
For more information about accreditation please contact a faculty member of ENPL or the following
organizations:
Canadian Institute of Planners
116 Albert Street, Suite 801
Ottawa ON
K1P 5G3
Tel: (800) 207-2138 or (613) 237-PLAN
Fax: (613) 237-7045
American Institute of Certified Planners
1776 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington DC
20036-1904
Tel: (202) 872-0611
Fax: (202) 872-0643
Planning Accreditation Board
122 S. Michigan Ave
- Suite 1600
Chicago, IL
60603
Tel: (312) 334-1271
Fax: (312) 334-1273 Web site: www.netins.net/showcase/pab_fi66
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