Frequently Asked Questions About CNU Accreditation

1. When can I register for the CNU / UM Accreditation Exam?

Registration for the CNU / UM Accreditation exam is currently offered three times a year. For the upcoming registration dates, visit cnu.org/accreditation. The CNU Accreditation Candidate Guide contains the annual registration dates.

2. How do I register for the CNU / UM Accreditation Exam?

Registration is conducted online at cnu.org/accreditation. Sign in as a CNU member to start the process. See the CNU Accreditation Candidate Guide for step-by-step instructions.

3. Is there a paper application available?

No. CNU has developed a web-based application process that is user-friendly and reduces administrative costs.

4. Are the registration deadlines firm?

Yes. The deadlines are very firm with no exceptions.

5. How much does the current exam cost?

The exam costs $225. The fee covers the administrative costs of hosting, grading and running the CNU Accreditation program. It also funds future exam and program development.

6. How do I transfer or cancel my exam appointment?

Transfer or cancellation requests need to be made by emailing accreditation@cnu.org or writing to CNU, re: Accreditation, 140 S. Dearborn St., Suite 404, Chicago, IL 60603. Candidates who submit a transfer or cancellation request may be charged an administrative fee, see the CNU Accreditation Candidate Guide for more details.

7. Can I receive an extension of my exam appointment?

We will not be fulfilling extension requests. Candidates who realize that they cannot take the exam in the scheduled time period are encouraged to submit a transfer request, see the CNU Accreditation Candidate Guide for more details.

8. When is the CNU / UM Accreditation Exam offered?

The CNU / UM Accreditation exam is currently offered online three times a year. For the upcoming exam access dates, check cnu.org/accreditation. The CNU Accreditation Candidate Guide contains the annual registration dates.

9. What is the current format for the Exam?

The CNU / University of Miami Accreditation exam is an online, computer-based test, but candidates do not need extensive computer experience to take the test. The exam is hosted by the University of Miami using the Moodle Course Management System.

The exam is comprised of 101 randomly delivered multiple choice and true and false questions, as well as two short answer questions. For more information and technical requirements, see the CNU Accreditation Candidate Guide.

10. Is there a tutorial available for the Exam?

Yes. A tutorial is available online at http://nuonline.arc.miami.edu

11. How do I prepare for the Exam?

A recommended reading list has been developed for the exam, see below. In addition, the University of Miami School of Architecture offers a The Principles and Practice of New Urbanism course online three times a year.

Charter of the New Urbanism, cnu.org/charter
New Urbanism: Best Practices Guide, 4th edition, by Robert Steuteville, Philip Langdon, et. al. (Ithaca, NY: New Urban Publications, 2009).
Suburban Nation: The Rise of Sprawl and the Decline of the American Dream by Andres Duany, Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, and Jeff Speck (New York: North Point Press, a division of Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2000).

12. How do I register for the University of Miami School of Architecture Course?

The The Principles and Practice of New Urbanism course is currently offered online three times a year. Course registration is separate from the CNU / University of Miami Accreditation exam registration, visit nuonline.arc.miami.edu for more information.

The course fee is $300. The course fee includes 90-days of access to the course, one-month access to the final exam and a Certificate of Completion from the University of Miami.

13. What happens if I miss my exam appointment?

Candidates who fail to take the exam during their scheduled testing window will forfeit all registration fees.

14. What happens after I complete the Exam?

You will receive an email notification regarding your accreditation status from CNU four weeks after the exam access window closes. If you have passed the exam and met the other requirements for accreditation, you will receive your certificate and informational packet in the mail.

15. What are the requirements of CNU Accreditation?

A CNU accredited professional is a CNU member who has passed the accreditation exam and continues to advance their understanding of the practice and principles of New Urbanism by regularly attending educational events. The requirements of CNU Accreditation are:

Pass the CNU / University of Miami Accreditation Exam
Maintain active CNU Membership status
Attend at least one Congress or local chapter event (minimum one day duration) every year

CNU reserves the right in the future to require recertification and continuing education. As the CNU Accreditation program advances, the requirements will be strengthened.

16. How do I maintain my CNU Accreditation status?

To claim CNU Accreditation as a professional designation, members must be in good standing. To maintain good standing, a CNU member must:

Pay annual CNU member dues; and
Satisfy the continuing education requirements by attending a Congress or local chapter event every year.

A CNU accredited professional who fails to satisfy the above requirements becomes a lapsed accredited professional. For more information, see the CNU Accreditation Candidate Guide.

17. How will CNU track attendance?

CNU accredited professionals are required to attend a least one Congress or local chapter event (minimum one day duration) every year. CNU will conduct a yearly audit of a random sample of members to check for compliance. Members are asked to track their attendance at required events and make this documentation available if audited. For more information, see the CNU Accreditation Candidate Guide.

18. How should I designate my crediential?

The appropriate way to designate the credential is CNU-Accredited or CNU-A.

19. How will my accreditation status be listed in the CNU Directory?

CNU Accredited professionals will be listed as CNU-Accredited in the CNU Member Directory at www.cnu.org .

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