Carlyn Kan is Senior Strategic Infrastructure Planner at Sevenoaks District Council.

Make it start

Four years of work experience, two as a Licentiate, and countless webinars later, I decided — commit and submit my APC. I had already had the minimum number of years of work experience required for the L-APC route, two years in total and one year as a Licentiate.

Most APC advice focuses on the endpoint, but I found growth in the process itself. Growth in work is often measured externally — promotions, praise, pay — yet a quieter, internal approach can complement that. I didn’t set out to apply James Clear’s Atomic Habits to my APC but looking back, I realise I did. The four principles of making the process obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying helped me shift from seeing APC as a daunting “should do” to actively engaging with it.

Make it obvious

I set a submission deadline nine months in advance and treated my APC as a long‑term task. By setting out a timetable, I broke up each stage bit by bit, for example going through past appraisals for potential case studies.

I created visible cues by blocking time in my diary for APC tasks. If other priorities arose, I rescheduled. If I couldn’t find time during the week, I linked APC work to routine activities like laundry which acted as a timer.

I held myself accountable by discussing my intentions and submission date with colleagues, friends, and my manager, which created a shared understanding of my goal.

Make it attractive

I used the RTPI career development mentoring programme to find a mentor who could guide me.  Luckily my mentor on the mentoring platform, also happened to be an assessorgave me a valuable perspective and practical help, like reviewing drafts and suggesting ideas. Beyond that, it gave me space to explore challenges more openly than I would at work. 

Because I’ve only worked in one organisation, engaging with the APC and RTPI mentoring felt like stepping into a wider arena. They showed me that I don’t just fit within an organisation, but within the profession. That shifted the APC from box ticking to engaging with planning beyond the day-to-day job.

Make it easy

I made the process manageable by breaking it into small, achievable tasks and creating templates to organise my thoughts. My first task was choosing which case studies to write about. I created a table listing all the APC competencies, then against each wrote which potential case study matched. This helped to decide my case studies. I captured thoughts on these during short pockets of time, such as writing notes on my phone on the train.

I incorporated APC check‑ins into existing catch‑ups with my APC mentor and manager. This helped maintain momentum and meant I could get their feedback regularly. By layering APC into existing routines, I progressed steadily without feeling overwhelmed.

Make it satisfying

Reflecting on case studies wasn’t just about tasks — it was about people I’ve worked with and what I’ve learned from them. From composure under pressure to decisiveness, each colleague has influenced how I approach projects.

Reflecting on experiences, writing them down, recognising what you learned — all of this shows you what you’ve achieved and how far you’ve come. With hybrid working and challenging situations often handled home alone, recognising your achievements builds confidence, strengthens self‑awareness, and supports independent judgment. That internal sense of capability sets a valuable foundation that lasts long after being chartered.

Make it happen

Through focusing on the APC process not just the outcome, I maintained momentum and even enjoyed it.

Of course, I want to pass, but even if I had to resubmit, the process itself has already been beneficial. When I get chartered and use the designation after my name, it won’t just reflect RTPI recognition — but also the confidence and learning I’ve built through the APC process. The ongoing commitment to stay chartered through PDP and CPD becomes more than a requirement. It gives the chance to keep developing and applying those skills over time.

Not everything here will work or apply for everyone, but there’s always something to take away. The key isn’t just following tips but owning the APC process for yourself. If you’re thinking maybe it’s time I tackle my APC, then make it start with one small step and keep building bit by bit. Make it obvious, attractive, easy and satisfying. Make it yours. Make it happen. 

Have been inspired by Carlyn’s story?

Then find out more about the Routes to Chartered membership and which one is the most appropriate to you. There is also more detailed information and resources about the L-APC route to chartered membership on our website. Did you know the Membership team runs a series of free of charge, webinars covering each aspect of the APC process? Places can be booked on the events booking section of our website.