Registered Professional Planner


Registered Professional Planner is the term for a registered urban planner in some Canadian Provinces. These people are permitted to offer their professional services directly to the public.
The term may also be used in other jurisdictions.

Federal Level

The Professional Standards Board oversees the certification process for the Canadian Institute of Planners. The PSB provides three key services: certification, accreditation of university academic planning programs, and reciprocity links, although in Quebec, l’Ordre des urbanistes du Québec accredits planning programs. First, for the certification process, the TSB assess applications, reviews the claims of mentorship and sponsorship of work experience, and delivers courses and examinations. Second, for accreditation, the TSB reviews university planning degrees. Finally, with regard to reciprocity links, the TSB facilitates reciprocity links with foreign planning institutes, which permits foreign planners to work in Canada and vice versa.

"Right to Title" Legislation

Many of the provincial and territorial planning institutes have obtained "right to title" legislation, which means that only certified RPPs may use the title. The TSB notes, however, "Some provinces have extended this legislation to specify that certain planning tasks may only be performed by an RPP."

"Right to Practice" Legislation

Some provincial and territorial planning institutes have obtained "right to practice" legislation, which restricts the ability of individuals to plan to those who hold an RPP or equivalent.

Provincial Level

Ontario

In Ontario, the Ontario Professional Planners Institute has the mandate to grant the title of RPP. Only full and retired members of OPPI may use the title of RPP.
If an individual falsely represents themselves as a professional planner, if that person is "guilty of an offence", they could be fined up to $5,000.