APC FAQs

A: If you are undertaking a more limited range tasks, then as long as these tasks involve using your professional judgement and broadly conform to the ranges of experience detailed in the APC guidance then this period of time should be eligible.

A: Generally speaking, any period of time when a member is not gaining relevant planning experience, and in the current circumstances has been furloughed, then unfortunately this period cannot count as eligible experience gained for the APC. However, other types of experience such as volunteering could be counted as eligible. To ensure fairness to all candidates and to maintain integrity in the APC and Chartered status, we would not be able to reduce the length of experience required to become a Chartered Member.

A: To ensure fairness to all candidates and to maintain integrity in the APC and Chartered status, we would not be able to reduce the length of experience required to become a Chartered Member.

A: If you are unable to contact your corroborator or sponsor in time for an APC submission deadline then please contact the Membership Team in advance of the deadline on 020 7929 9462 or [email protected]. Unfortunately we will not be able to assist you once the deadline has passed.

A: The Action Plan needs to include SMART actions, i.e. what you will do, where, when, why and how, what you will gain from it and how you will measure that development. The APC guidance states that in order to make your PDP achievable, you must show you have funding, approval, and time off to undertake the activity. If you cannot show that the action is achievable, you need to have a back-up plan in place. Given the current uncertainty around CPD activities at the moment, it is important now more than ever, that a back-up plan is needed in your PDP.

A: Members are still required to meet the RTPI CPD requirements. If anything, as we are all working differently and government are changing things quickly, the need to keep up to date is higher than ever. The 50 hours requirement works out at 30 minutes/week and can include online learning (e.g. RTPI Learn), reading and research, webinars, podcasts etc. We will be increasing our digital offer to support members to gain more CPD during this period.

If you are applying for Associate membership or for Chartered membership through the Experienced Practitioner (EP-APC) route and you do not have a degree, RTPI would consider allowing you to enter through educational background C (non-planning degree) if you have an equivalent qualification. The non-degree qualification would have to be an equivalent qualification to an undergraduate degree as outlined as Level 6 in the National Qualifications Framework. For qualifications gained outside of the UK or Ireland, in some circumstances you may need to consult https://www.enic.org.uk/ in order to be eligible under educational background route c.

RTPI want to encourage all planners to apply to become Chartered through the APC process, we want the process to be accessible and fair to all. Therefore, if you are neurodiverse or require a reasonable adjustment to access the assessment please contact the Membership Team in the first instance and we are happy to discuss your circumstances and what measures we can put in place to support you. Please contact us before you submit your APC application.