1Introduction Membership of the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) is an investment in your career and the planning profession. Designed to support and assist you throughout your career, membership is split into a range of grades that are based on various levels of qualifications and. The membership requirements are based on PIA s desire to develop high-quality planners. We promote this high standard by defining the professional qualifications and level of required for entry. This is complemented by a required commitment to ongoing professional development and a code of professional conduct. Membership requirements are based on PIA s desire to develop high-quality planners This document, read in conjunction with PIA s Constitution and By-Laws, sets out the entry requirements for becoming a member of PIA and the levels of membership offered.
CONTENTS 2. How PIA defines a planner 3 3. Membership entry requirements 3 3.1 MEMBER 3 3.1.1 3 3.1.2 Planner 6 3.1.3 Application process to be a Member 6 3.1.4 Other grades at Member level 6 3.2 ASSOCIATE 7 3.2.1 7 3.2.9 Allied Organisations 8 3.2.10 Application Process for Allied Organisations 8 3.3 OVERSEAS QUALIFICATIONS AND PIA MEMBERSHIP 9 3.3.1 Mutual Recognition Agreements 9 3.3.2 VETASSESSED Qualifications 9 3.3.3 Non-VETASSESSED Qualifications 10 4. Payment for Membership 10 Appendix 1 11 Eligibility Requirements for Entry to CPP 3.2.2 7 3.2.3 Application Process for s and s 7 3.2.4 7 3.2.5 Application Process for s 8 3.2.6 Pathways to PIA Member grades for s, s and s 8 3.2.7 Allied professionals 8 3.2.8 Application Process for Allied Professionals 8 2 PIA Code of Membership
2. How PIA defines a planner There are many and varied definitions of planners. In the PIA context we are primarily focused on urban and regional planners (also commonly referred to as town planners) as being professionals who apply a set of skills, knowledge and tools to manage change and influence the way that the built and natural environment is spatially arranged and functions for the benefit of current and future generations. 3. Membership entry requirements You can join PIA under one of two classes: Member or Associate. Each class is made up of a number of grades to allow for professional growth, regardless of your current career. 3.1 Member Class The majority of Australia s qualified planning professionals who join PIA will do so as a Member. As such you will be part of a nationwide network of leading industry professionals and be given access to the tools you need to support you throughout your career. PIA has two levels within this class: and Planner. Within these levels, Members may also be elevated to the status of Fellow or Life Fellow. The requirements and process for this honour are addressed in the PIA By-Laws. On admission to the Member class, all Members must agree to abide by the PIA Code of Professional Conduct, in accordance with the PIA By-Laws. 3.1.1 PIA is currently undertaking consultation with PIA members about setting a new membership benchmark. This includes a review of the terminology used for the levels within the Member Class i.e. Planner and. This version of the Code retains the current terminology but will be amended, as necessary, pending the result of the review. Joining PIA as a will galvanise your career as an accomplished planning professional. Membership gives you access to a vast range of professional development activities, opportunities to network with the most successful and influential people in your profession, resources and support. There are four streams of entry to become a of PIA depending on your qualifications and professional. Table 1 below provides an overview of the four streams. If you gained your qualifications overseas, please refer to section 3.3 of this document for your entry pathways. Table 1: Streams of Entry Qualifications Experience Entry documents 1 PIA accredited courses 2 Non-accredited planning 3 Planning related courses^ 4 Tertiary qualification or Board discretion* min Evidence of graduation (except for PIA members who have already provided it) Detailed CV 5 years min Evidence of graduation Detailed CV Statement of Claim may be requested 9 years min Evidence of graduation CV Statement of Claim Reference from 1 PIA Member ( or CPP) outlining relevant work and suitability for membership 1 min Evidence of graduation or letter seeking Board discretion CV Statement of Claim References from 2 PIA Members ( and/ or CPP) outlining relevant work and suitability for membership ^ Planning related courses include environmental management, engineering, geography, public policy and architecture *Board discretion only applies in special circumstances and usually only applies to long-standing, d individuals 3 PIA Code of Membership
Table 2: Categories of Experience 1 Plan-making - including strategic planning, master planning and structure planning 2 Planning policy development, review and/or policy interpretation and advice 3 Plan implementation - including development assessment and statutory planning 4 Place-making and urban design 5 Assessment of impacts and effects of policy and development actions - including environmental, social, cultural, economic, transport and built form 6 Land-use assessment and management - including planning for climate change mitigation and adaptation and the assessment of natural resources 7 Research, evaluation and publishing of urban/regional related planning matters 8 Teaching planning 9 Planning expert witness and/or advocate 10 Communication, negotiation and/or mediation with stakeholders for planning outcomes 11 Designing and/or delivering community engagement of planning-related matters 12 Administration and/or leadership of urban and regional governance 13 Preparation and/or prosecution of planning law 14 Project management of planning-related matters Documentation: 1. Academic transcript or certificate of graduation from your completed qualification(s) 2. A current CV that describes your employment history (not just the projects worked on) in enough detail to demonstrate your 3.1.1.2 Stream 2 Non-accredited planning course Minimum 3 years Education: To be eligible for membership through Stream 2 you will have completed a planning or geography course which has not been accredited by PIA. 3.1.1.1 Stream 1 Completing a PIA accredited course Gaining professional CPD & Certfied Practising Certification & Experience: A minimum of five years professional covering at least three of the Categories of Experience refer to Table 2. The must have have extended to at least 6 months in each category for it to count. Documentation: 1. Academic transcript or certificate of graduation from your completed qualification(s) Education: To be eligible for membership through Stream 1 you will have completed a PIA-accredited course. A full list of these courses can be found at www.planning.org.au/becomeaplanner/accredited-courses Experience: You must have completed a minimum of two years professional covering at least three activities of the Categories of Experience refer to Table 2. The must have extended to at least 6 months in each category to be included. At least one year of must be after graduating. 2. A current CV that describes your employment history (not just the projects worked on) in enough detail to match your 3. Subject to details in your CV, a Statement of Claim may be requested. If required it must briefly summarise your career and address the core Categories of Experience as listed above. The Statement of Claim should pick out relevant and strong examples of your work that demonstrate competency in the required areas. 4 PIA Code of Membership
3.1.1.3 Stream 3 3.1.1.4 Stream 4 Planning-related courses Minimum 7 years Teritary qualification or CEO discretion Minimum 10 years Education: To be eligible for membership through Stream 3 you will have completed a planning-related course, specifically an undergraduate or postgraduate course in a related discipline. Examples of related courses include engineering, architecture, environmental management and law. Experience: A minimum of nine years professional covering at least three activities of the Categories of Experience - refer to Table 2. The must have extended to at least 6 months in each category for it to count. Documentation: 1. Academic transcript or certificate of graduation from your completed qualification(s) 2. A current CV that describes your employment history (not just the projects worked on) in enough detail to match your 3. A formal Statement of Claim briefly summarising your career and addressing the Categories of Experience refer to Table 2. The Statement of Claim should pick out relevant and strong examples of your work that demonstrate competency in the required areas. 4. Reference from one PIA member ( or CPP) outlining relevant work and suitability for membership that supports your Statement of Claim Education: To be eligible for membership through Stream 4 you will have completed a degree or have approval at the PIA Board s discretion. Experience: A minimum of 1 professional covering at least three activities of the Categories of Experience - refer to Table 2. The must have extended to at least 6 months in each category for it to count. Documentation: 1. Academic transcript or certificate of graduation from your completed qualification(s), or a letter to PIA setting out why you believe you are suitable for membership 2. A current CV that describes your employment history (not just the projects worked on) in enough detail to match your 3. A formal Statement of Claim briefly summarising your career and addressing the Categories of Experience as listed in Table 2. The Statement of Claim should pick out relevant and strong examples of your work that demonstrate competency in the required areas 4. References from two PIA members ( or CPP) outlining relevant work and suitability for membership that support your Statement of Claim. 5 PIA Code of Membership
3.1.1.5 Ongoing requirements for s In order to maintain membership as a, a member must undertake ongoing professional development on an annual basis, in accordance with the PIA Professional Development Guidelines, as called upon by the PIA By-Laws. 3.1.2 Planner This level of membership is currently the subject of review and consultation with PIA members to determine an appropriate new membership benchmark that is comparable with other Australian professional bodies and our international planning counterparts. Therefore, the requirements outlined in this Code of Membership document reflect the current practice as stated in the PIA By-Laws. They will be amended in 2015 in line with the outcomes of the review. The term of Planner is also being assessed with a view to ensuring an optimal level of positive brand recognition. To be eligible for CPP status based on the existing requirements, you must be a Full Member or meet the eligibility requirements of one of the streams of entry. To receive and maintain CPP accreditation, a PIA Member must complete a minimum of four (4) assessed CPP courses (or equivalents) and must undertake a mandatory quota of Professional Development (PD) activity annually. The nationally consistent CPP courses, delivered through several methods, are primarily two-day, face-to-face sessions or delivered online over two weeks. Both processes have an assessment component. The course has been designed for practising planners and professionals in associated disciplines with an interest in the practice of planning. There are no formal prerequisites for enrolment, though it is strongly recommended that candidates have a minimum of two years prior work in a planningrelated field. However, we do encourage new graduates and Young Planners to sit the courses. Members may seek recognition of prior learning if they feel they can already demonstrate competency in an area covered by a course. Further details regarding eligibility are provided at the back of this document in Appendix 1: Eligibility requirements for entry to CPP. 3.1.2.1 Ongoing requirements for Planners In order to maintain membership as a Planner, a member must undertake ongoing professional development on an annual basis, in accordance with the PIA Professional Development Guidelines, as called upon by the PIA By- Laws. 3.1.3 Application process to be a Member Membership applications are completed online at http://www.planning.org.au/ membershipinformation. You upload the required supporting documentation - as outlined in each stream - at the same time. If it is not possible to submit an application online, you can email membership@planning.org.au or ring 02 6262 5933 to arrange an alternative method. 3.1.4 Other grades at Member level There are three (3) other types of membership available that are applied to either or Planner. These recognise that members go through various career stages and lifestyle changes that impact on their professional and member needs. Fees are reduced for these grades, which provide a simple and flexible response to changing circumstances. There is a Reduced Fee Application Form on the PIA website for members wishing to apply for the grades, which comprise the following: 3.1.4.1 Career Break For Members who are having an extended break from their career, such as those on maternity or paternity leave, those caring for relatives, recovering from illness or having a sabbatical. 3.1.4.2 Part-time Professional 6 PIA Code of Membership
For Members who work part-time, typically at a 0.6FTE or less. 3.1.4.3 Retired For Members who have retired from active work but want to remain connected to the profession and the Institute. 3.2 Associate If you don t qualify to join PIA as a Member, you can join as an Associate. You will receive relevant communication and support depending upon where you are in your career. You will not receive all the benefits or voting rights of a Member, but as an Associate you will be kept in touch with the planning profession and assisted to transition into being a Member if and when you are ready to do so. Our Associate membership has 5 grades: Allied Professionals Allied Organisations 3.2.1 As a member you can be confident you are making the best start possible in your planning career. PIA will provide you with tools, information and advice so you can review the different career paths open to you, and the guidance you need to be confident you are making the right choices now to set you up for the future. If you are studying for your degree, you can join as a full-time or part-time student depending upon your study load. Consider whether your degree is accredited by PIA, as this will play a role in determining your membership pathway - Refer to 3.2.4 Pathways to PIA Member grades for s, s and. 3.2.2 PIA membership is a critical element to the development of your career in its early stages. It sets the foundation for you as a planner and provides the tools, assistance and networks you need to find the right first job. Once employed, PIA will help by making you aware of the skill sets you will need to advance your career faster and more successfully than those who haven t made the same investment in themselves. If you have recently completed a planning course accredited by PIA, a nonaccredited planning degree or a planning-related course, you should join us under our grade. You can a member for after which time PIA will elevate you to the next relevant grade depending on the right pathway for you - Refer to 3.2.4 Pathways to PIA Member Grades for s, s and. 3.2.3 Application Process for s and s To complete your application you will need to provide: Evidence of your course enrolment (for s) Evidence of the completion of your course (for s and s) Membership applications are completed online at http://www.planning.org.au/ membershipinformation. You upload the required supporting documentation at the same time. If it is not possible to submit an application online, you can email membership@planning.org.au or ring 02 6262 5933 to arrange an alternative method. 3.2.4 If you have completed a non-accredited planning degree or a planning-related course, or you need more time to build up the necessary level of required to move to our Member class, this is the grade for you. We will help you to build the skills and you will need to advance your career. If you have studied overseas and don t yet meet the requirements to join as a, is also the grade for you. Your pathway options to PIA member grades are shown in section 3.2.4 Pathways to PIA Member Grades for s, s and s. 7 PIA Code of Membership
3.2.5 Application Process for s 3.2.6.4 Stream 4 Membership applications are completed online at www.planning.org.au/ membershipinformation. No supporting documentation is required. If it is not possible to submit an application online, you can email membership@planning.org. au or ring 02 6262 5933 to arrange an alternative method. 3.2.6 Pathways to PIA Membership Grades for, and Teritary qualification or CEO discretion Minimum 10 years 3.2.6.1 Stream 1 Completing a PIA accredited course 3.2.6.2 Stream 2 Non-accredited planning course 3.2.6.3 Stream 3 Gaining professional Minimum 3 years CPD & Certfied Practising Certification & 3.2.7 Allied Professionals For non-planners, our Allied Professional grade provides a vital link to the planning community and a range of benefits to suityour needs. There are no qualification or requirements for you to join as an Allied Professional - apart from not being an urban and regional planner 3.2.8 Application Process for Allied Professionals Membership applications are completed online at http://www.planning.org.au/ membershipinformation. No supporting documentation is required. If it is not possible to submit an application online, you can email membership@planning.org. au or ring 02 6262 5933 to arrange an alternative method. 3.2.9 Allied Organisations If you are an organisation or stakeholder that wants to be up-to-date with the latest news from the planning profession and connect with PIA, you can join our Allied Organisation grade. Planning-related courses Minimum 7 years There are no formal entry requirements for your organisation to join as an Allied Organisation and there are many benefits. Your membership will be linked to your organisation, not an individual staff member, to ensure a continued relationship regardless of staff movements. 3.2.10 Application Process for Allied Organisations Membership applications can be made by contacting membership@planning.org.au or ringing 02 6262 5933. 8 PIA Code of Membership
3.3.1.1 Stream 5 3.3 Overseas Qualifications and PIA Membership If you have received your professional qualifications overseas, PIA is happy to assess your application and find the most suitable grade of membership for you. 3.3.1 Mutual Recognition Agreements Educational qualifications Membership with reciprocal planning organisation Professional Experience Australian professional or unit on the Australian planning system CPD and Certfied Practising Certification & PIA has a number of mutual recognition agreements in place with international planning organisations. If you are a member of one of our reciprocal organisations, we will automatically recognise your educational qualifications. PIA currently holds agreements with: Canadian Institute of Planners New Zealand Institute of Planners Irish Planning Institute We also recognise: Royal Town Planning Institute Chartered members American Institute of Certified Planners If you want to apply for membership under the grade of or Certified Practising Planner, you will also need to demonstrate a working knowledge of Australian planning law and systems. There are two ways you can do this: 1 - Show proof of a minimum of two years work in Australia, accompanied by a supporting reference from a PIA member, or 2 - Undertake a unit of study in Australian Planning Law and provide a transcript or certificate of completion. It is recommended that this unit of study be from the one of the courses recognised by PIA (www.planning.org.au/becomeaplanner/accreditedcourses). If you have another qualification that may apply, contact our membership team to discuss membership@planning.org.au. Note: Applicants are not required to complete a full course of study, just the relevant unit). 3.3.2 VETASSESSED Qualifications If you are not a member of one of the organisations listed in 3.3.1, we encourage you to apply to VETASSESS to have your planning qualifications assessed. This body (www.vetassess.com.au) has been approved by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to determine the equivalence of planning qualifications. As well as having your qualification assessed by VETASSESS, you will need to show you have suitable professional, including a working knowledge of Australian planning law and systems. To achieve this you will need to demonstrate you have five (5) years professional, and meet one of the following prerequisites: 1 - Show proof of a minimum of two years work in Australia, accompanied by a supporting reference from a PIA member, or 2 - Undertake a unit of study in Australian planning systems and legislation, and provide the relevant transcript or certificate of completion. We recommend the unit be from the one of the courses recognised by PIA (www.planning.org. au/becomeaplanner/accredited-courses). Note: Applicants are not required to complete a full course of study, just the relevant unit. Until you are eligible to join as a, the grade of membership is the most appropriate for you Until you are eligible to join as a, the grade of membership is the most appropriate for you. 9 PIA Code of Membership
3.3.2.1 Stream 6 Education Degree assessed by VETASSESS Experience 5 years, and either: a) a unit on the Australian planning system, or b) minimum Australian CPD and Certfied Practising Certification & pro-rata amount for the remainder of the year.in the unlikely event that an application is assessed and approved for a lower membership grade than requested, a refund will be paid for any difference in fees. ** PIA can accept payments through a range of on-line methods including credit card (VISA or MASTERCARD only); by BPAY; by direct funds transfer (EFT). We also accept payment by cheque or Money Order. 3.3.3 Non-VETASSESSED Qualifications If you are not eligible to have your qualifications assessed by VETASSESS, or have another qualification that may apply, contact our membership team at membership@ planning.org.au to discuss your situation. 4. Payment for Membership An updated table of annual fees is available from our website www.planning.org.au. PIA s Membership year is aligned with the financial year from 1 July to 30 June of the following year. Membership fees can be paid through various on-line methods** at the time of application and subsequent renewals. To assist business payment processes, you can download an invoice while completing your application and renewals. If you wish, PIA can establish a monthly deduction from a member s bank account or credit card for membership payments. Note: Before membership applications can be assessed, payment for the relevant membership grade must be received by PIA or you must establish a monthly payment scheme. If you apply to join PIA or decide to elevate your membership to a higher grade during the financial year, your membership fees will automatically be charged on a 10 PIA Code of Membership
Appendix 1 Eligibility requirements for entry to CPP To be eligible for entry to the level of a Member must have completed and passed the assessment components of at least four (4) CPP units or recognised equivalents. In addition to the traditional course and assessment method, you can meet this requirement in a number of other ways: 1 - You may seek recognition of equivalent units of study through the CPP Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process to contribute towards your attainment of CPP status, for which a maximum of two (2) units may be transferred, subject to eligibility requirements, as outlined in the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy; or 2 - You may seek recognition of prior learning to contribute towards your attainment of CPP status through the Recognised Current Competency (RCC) pathway, for which a maximum of two (2) units can be conferred through these means; or 3 - You can seek recognition for a maximum of two (2) units in accordance with RPL; or a maximum of two (2) units in accordance with ROO; or one (1) unit in accordance with RPL and one (1) unit in accordance with ROO 4 - If you seek to undertake the RCC pathway, you must demonstrate a minimum of 15 years of relevant planning and undertake the Climate Change CPP unit as one of the minimum two (2) units 5 - If you seek to undertake the RCC pathway for two (2) units, you may only seek RPL for one (1) other unit. 11 PIA Code of Membership