Become Accredited

Become a Just Communities Accredited Practitioner Today

To become a Just Communities Accredited Practitioner (AP), prospective candidates must complete the Just Communities Foundations Course and pass the Just Communities AP exam. The course and exam provides an in-depth understanding of the Just Communities Protocol and requirements for neighborhoods, districts, and campuses seeking to to become Just Communities Certified. This course is designed specifically for resident leaders; urban planning, design, and development professionals;  sustainability consultants; and municipal leaders involved in all aspects of land use, infrastructure and real estate planning, design, and development.

Step 1: Take the Just Communities AP Foundations Course

The Just Communities AP Foundations Course immerses attendees in the approach and tools required to oversee a Just Communities initiative within a neighborhood, district, or campus. The course provides participants with the essential knowledge and perspective they will need to successfully pass the AP exam and become a Just Communities Accredited Practitioner (AP).

Step 2: Take the Just Communities AP Exam

To earn the Just Communities AP credential, you are required to pass an online exam with a score of at least 80%. After you’ve passed the exam, you are now an official Just Communities AP, valid for two years.

Self-Paced Online Learning

Our new online asynchronous course is perfect for busy practitioners and advocates eager to earn the AP credential at their own pace.  We offer the following three affordable price-points:

Private Sector: $250

For those employed by private, for-profit firms.

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Non-Profit Sector: $150.00

For those employed by government agencies and non-profit organizations.

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Students & Resident Leaders: $50.00

For students, youth leaders, and self-employed neighborhood advocates.

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Interactive Live Courses

In addition to the asynchronous course, we offer a live two-day course over Zoom for those interested in participating in a highly interactive learning environment. The next course is October 24–25 from 11:30 AM–3:00 PM EST (8:30 AM–Noon PST). Register HERE.

Custom Online or In-Person

For those seeking to bring the Foundation Course to your organization, we offer a customized one-day training for CBOs, developers, anchor institutions, and public agencies. Contact us at justcommunities@psequity.org to learn more.

Apply for an Accredited Professional Scholarship

Through the Accredited Professional Scholarship Program, we support motivated individuals who otherwise would not be able to afford the cost of becoming an Accredited Professional. PSE is deeply committed to ensuring that the AP program is accessible to diverse stakeholders, especially frontline resident leaders and practitioners of color who have been marginalized in white-dominated planning, design, and development professions. The goal of the AP program is to diversify and expand the number of people in positions to influence and drive planning and investments in their communities. The AP Scholarship Program covers the costs of an in-person or online Just Communities Foundations Course and the AP Exam.