CEFPI Launches New Professional Certification Program: Accredited Learning Environment Planner (ALEP)

Washington, D.C. — CEFPI is pleased to announce the next evolution in professional excellence within the educational facilities industry as the association takes a step forward with its worldwide professional certification program. Synonymous with the name of the association, the Certified Educational Facility Planner (CEFP) program was an initiative that began in the 1980’s with CEFPI’s Recognized Educational Facility Planner (REFP). Today the program stands as the industry’s benchmark for professional knowledge and excellence.

After years of assessment and refinement, the CEFP Commission, which governs the association’s credential, is heralding the most comprehensive professional program in the educational facility industry, the Accredited Learning Environment Planner (ALEP).

The credential is changing to reflect inclusiveness of every facet in the educational facility industry. Through a comprehensive overhaul in its membership structure and professional content development last year, CEFPI is now embracing more disciplines and professions than ever before. The association’s content catalog now allows all planners and professionals within the field to have one organization that they can turn to as a resource.  There will be a new study program, source material, continuing education requirements and a comprehensive examination in order to become an ALEP.

The ALEP will replace CEFPI’s current certification program and all those who have earned that designation will be awarded the new credential.   CEFPI and the Commission will begin accepting candidates for the new ALEP program beginning in October, 2015.  Like the association’s credentials in earlier eras, the ALEP is now the association’s industry standard for all professionals engaged in planning, designing, operating, maintaining, and equipping learning environments at all levels of education.

The Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) is the only professional organization whose principal purpose is improving the places where children learn.  CEFPI embraces a collaborative network of professionals with one single goal – building healthy, safe, resilient and sustainable 21st Century learning places that enhance student and teacher performance and support culture and community vitality.  To learn more, visit www.cefpi.org.

Featured

  • Hawaii Elementary School Breaks Ground on New Classroom Building

    Kealakehe Elementary School in Kailua, Hawaii, recently began construction on a new, $16-million classroom building for its campus, according to a news release. The 13,000-square-foot building will stand two stories and connect the existing upper and lower campuses.

  • From Approval to Opening: Inside Travis Unified School District’s Fast Tracked Campus Expansion

    The Travis Unified School District (TUSD) in northern California includes several elementary and high schools serving over 5,400 students. In 2024, the TUSD Board approved the addition of sixth grade to the Golden West Middle School campus for the 2025–26 school year, setting in motion an accelerated effort to bring new facilities online in less than a year.

  • Embry-Riddle Completes Construction on Research, Lab Facility

    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Daytona Beach, Fla., recently announced the end of construction on a new research and lab facility on campus. The Center for Aerospace Engineering II (CAT II) will support aerospace research and technology development and broke ground last summer.

  • Deferred Maintenance Issues Growing at Universities, Gordian Reports

    U.S. colleges and universities are falling increasingly behind on facilities maintenance and repair, according to Gordian’s 13th annual State of Facilities in Higher Education report. The deferred capital renewal burden has reached $156 per gross square foot, an 8% increase over the previous year.