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

  • Planning with Clarity: Using AI to Make Better Campus Decisions, Not Just Better Designs

    Higher education leaders are being asked to make increasingly high-stakes decisions about campus facilities amid greater uncertainty than ever before. Social and economic pressures, shifting enrollment, and evolving learning models compete with growing deferred maintenance needs to strain even the most robust infrastructure budgets.

  • Can AI Help Build Stronger Communities in Student Housing?

    Student housing success is shifting from operational performance to student experience, with belonging now at the center. A recent 2025 report underscores a growing emphasis on student well-being, community, and engagement, signaling that expectations now extend beyond logistics to ensure students feel supported in their living environments. AI is enabling that shift by reducing administrative workload and giving teams more time to focus on meaningful student engagement.

  • Minnesota District Converts Middle School into Community Hub

    White Bear Lake Area Schools in White Bear Lake, Minn., recently announced the end of a major renovation project that converted a former middle school into a new centralized district and community hub, according to a news release.

  • Haws Corporation Marks 120th Anniversary

    Haws Corporation, which provides hydration and emergency safety solutions worldwide, recently announced that the company is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, according to a news release.