For many planners, becoming chartered through the RTPI APC process is a defining career milestone. But beyond the letters after your name, what does chartered membership really offer and why should planners consider pursuing it?
Each year, the RTPI’s Membership Assessment Advisory Panel (MAAP) recognises commendable submissions, celebrating the hard work and outstanding quality of candidates. From the cohort of 2025, Aaron Sangha, Shaun Knight and Gabriela Wydrzynska stood out for their exceptional work. Each candidate shared personal reflections on their journey to chartership, offering insight into why they see becoming chartered as a pivotal milestone in their planning careers.
A recognised standard of professional competency
For Aaran Sangha, becoming chartered was always part of the plan. Aaran views MRTPI status as a recognised benchmark of professional credibility within the planning profession: “Similarly to other professions such as accountants with ACCA, and lawyers with CILEX, MRTPI reflects a level of professional competency relating to planning and development expertise.”
A milestone moment in his career
For Shaun Knights, chartered membership represented more than simply completing a programme requirement:
“Professionally and personally, achieving chartership represents a milestone moment in my career and a clear commitment to the planning profession.”
He also highlighted the reassurance that comes from independent professional recognition: “It is an acknowledgment, through independent assessment, that I meet the gold standard of practice expected of a planner.”
Reflection and professional development
Many candidates emphasised that the APC process itself provides value beyond the final accreditation.
Gabriela Wydrzynska said: “Preparing my submission gave me the opportunity to reflect on my first few years in the profession and to consider the experience I have gained, and the skills I have developed.”
She added: “Taking the time to review my work and progression helped me to recognise how much I had learned since starting my career, which in turn strengthened my confidence in my professional abilities.”
Opening doors for future progression
Chartered membership can play a major role in unlocking career advancement.
Aaran explained: “For most managerial and senior job roles, it is a mandatory requirement to have at least a couple years of post MRTPI accreditation experience.”
Shaun echoed this point: “Often, chartership shifts from being a ‘desirable’ attribute to an essential one the higher you climb.”
Advice for younger planners
All three candidates strongly encourage planners early in their careers to pursue chartership.
Gabriela acknowledges that the process can seem intimidating at first, but stresses: “There is a lot of support available through colleagues, mentors and online resources which makes it much more manageable.”
And perhaps most importantly, Shaun describes chartership as: “A long-term investment in your career and your professional growth.”
Start you chartership journey
Chartered membership is more than a professional qualification, it is recognition of your expertise, commitment, and potential as a planner.
Whether your goal is career progression, greater confidence, or professional recognition, the experiences of recently chartered planners show that pursuing MRTPI status is an investment well worth making.
