Reviewing the RTPI Assessment of Professional Competence (APC)

This year, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) is undertaking a review of the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).  The APC is the RTPI’s process through which members demonstrate the professional competence required to become Chartered Town Planners.

Becoming Chartered is a significant milestone in a planner’s career. The APC provides the structured route through which candidates demonstrate the knowledge, skills and professional judgement required of Chartered members. The RTPI is the only membership body globally that offers the Chartered Town Planner designation, and continues to be the gold-standard professional recognition across the planning profession.

However, the profession and the context in which planners work continue to evolve both in the UK and internationally. Expectations around accessibility, digital experience, career pathways and professional development are changing rapidly. As part of our commitment to supporting current and future members, the RTPI is undertaking a review of the APC to ensure it remains accessible, relevant and fit for the future.

Why are we reviewing the APC?

The APC has served the profession well for many years; last year, we have seen the highest number of APC applications submitted by candidates. But, like any professional assessment process, the RTPI should ensure that we assess candidates to the right standard and for the skills relevant in the workplace.

This review will consider how the APC works in practice for candidates, assessors and employers, and identify opportunities to improve the overall experience for candidates. The aim is not to change the fundamental standards required to become Chartered, but to ensure the process used to assess those standards is clear, accessible and aligned with the needs of the modern planning profession.

Improving accessibility

One of the central priorities of the review is to explore the accessibility of the APC process.

Accessibility in this context goes beyond just compliance with accessibility standards. It includes ensuring that guidance is clear and understandable, that candidates from diverse backgrounds can navigate the process confidently, and that the assessment structure does not inadvertently create barriers for certain groups of applicants.

The review will therefore consider the accessibility of guidance materials, the usability of the application process, and how candidates interact with the APC journey from preparation through to assessment.

Supporting the next generation of planners

The planning profession is seeing new and increasingly diverse routes into practice. Graduates of accredited planning schools continue to form a core pathway into the profession, but many planners now enter through alternative career paths, interdisciplinary backgrounds, or international experience.

As the profession evolves, the APC must remain flexible enough to support these varied career journeys while still maintaining the rigorous professional standards expected of Chartered members.

The review will therefore explore how the APC supports early career planners and those progressing through different professional routes, ensuring the process remains relevant to the next generation entering the profession.

Identifying barriers and opportunities

Another important aim of the review is to identify any barriers that may discourage candidates from progressing to Chartered membership.

These barriers may be practical, such as clarity of guidance, the structure of the submission process, or the support available to candidates during their preparation. They may also relate to broader issues such as confidence in navigating the assessment process or understanding what is expected at each stage.

Maintaining professional standards

While the review will explore potential improvements to the APC process, the RTPI’s commitment to maintaining robust professional standards remains unchanged.

Any future developments will therefore continue to ensure that the APC provides a rigorous and fair assessment of the competencies expected of Chartered Town Planners.

Engaging with members and candidates

Over the coming months, the RTPI will continue to engage with a range of stakeholders as part of the review. Their insights will help us better understand the APC experience from different perspectives and identify opportunities to improve the process for future candidates.

Looking ahead

The planning profession is at the centre of many of the UK’s most significant challenges, from delivering sustainable growth to shaping resilient communities and responding to climate change. Planners and planning authorities are also facing increased scrutiny as pressure to deliver for communities grows. Ensuring that planners can demonstrate professional competence in a clear, fair and accessible way is therefore essential.

Through this review, the RTPI aims to ensure that the APC continues to support planners throughout their professional journey while maintaining the high standards that Chartered membership represents.

Further updates on the review will be shared with members and candidates as the work progresses throughout the year.