CNU Accreditation

CNU has established a professional accreditation program to recognize the talent within the New Urbanist movement for creating walkable, sustainable places. The purpose is to elevate the practice of the principles of New Urbanism through professional accreditation and to develop the CNU Accreditation program as a premier standard of professional excellence in the design of the built environment.

CNU has partnered with the University of Miami School of Architecture to launch the first phase of this program using an online exam developed by leading new urbanist experts. Professionals can take the exam online during three access windows that will be scheduled each year. The CNU Accreditation program will be frequently updated to reflect the depth of New Urbanist knowledge and practice.

The University of Miami also offers a self-paced online course, titled The Principles and Practice of New Urbanism, which provides preparation for the exam but is not required.

Professionals who meet the requirements of accreditation will be recognized as CNU-Accredited or CNU-A. The accreditation credential can be used for business identification, reference criteria, and optional credits within the LEED for Neighborhood Development rating system.

Benefits of Accreditation

• Provides a marketable credential to employers and clients
• Listing on CNU Member Directory as CNU-Accredited
• CNU-Accredited Professional Certificate
• Optional Innovation Credit in LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND)**

Requirements of Accreditation

• Pass the CNU / University of Miami Exam
• Maintain active CNU Membership status at an Urbanist level or higher
• Attend at least one CNU, CNU-Chapter, or CNU-A Continuing Education Partner event (minimum one day duration) every year.

Follow the link for more information about CNU-A Continuing Education Partners.

**See FAQ #19 for more information about the options credits within LEED for Neighborhood Development