Education is central to the work of the RTPI, underpinned by the recommendations of the Education Commission (2003). This report took an overarching view of education, emphasising its importance from entry to the profession right through a professional's career. It is this principle that is leading to the development of our Lifelong Learning Strategy.

The RTPI is currently undertaking a review of its progress towards the Education Commission recommendations, and consulting on how some of the outstanding recommendations might be taken forward. Find out more about progress with the Education Review.  

Careers in Planning

It is an exciting time to be in Planning. Planners have the opportunity to become involved in a wide range of disciplines, from traditional statutory planning through transport, regeneration, urban design and beyond. Planning's engagement with key national and international issues, such as climate change, housing supply and building sustainable communities, as well as high profile development projects such as the 2012 Olympics, mean that planning's profile has never been higher. This could be a great time to find out more about planning as a career.

Planning Education

With such diverse work opportunities, planners must have a wide range of knowledge and skills at their disposal. Initial planning education must therefore begin to prepare planners for their challenging careers ahead, which is why we accredit a range of high quality planning degrees in the UK and abroad. Find out more about planning education, including all our accredited degrees.

Professional Qualification - Membership of the RTPI

Initial professional education is just the beginning. Graduates who wish to become Chartered town planners can work towards this international benchmark of excellence through the structured Assessment of Professional Competence programme. By undertaking this programme of reflective work-based learning, graduates can consolidate and develop the skills and knowledge acquired during their accredited qualification. Planners without an accredited qualification, or who completed their accredited qualification in or prior to 2005, also have routes through to Chartered status. Find out more from our membership section.

Skills & Knowledge - Continuing Professional Development

Planning professionals must continue to learn throughout their careers, to maintain and develop their professional competence in order to continue to meet the challenges of the spatial planning agenda. All Members of the RTPI therefore undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) throughout their professional careers.

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