The USACE National Water Resources Certified Planner program sets a standard of excellence for the USACE water resources planners and supports the continuing development of a highly capable planning workforce. In addition, the program advances the technical capability of individual planners, strengthens the quality of USACE planning products, and recognizes USACE national planning capability.

Corps Planner Database A hub for Corps Planners and those that work with them to: identify and find planners in each district and Planning Sub-CoP; gather Community statistics; record training and identify training needs; track ATR Certification and find ATR Certified Planners; submit Water Resources Certified Planner applications and find Water Resources Certified Planners; and more. Memorandum: Civil Works Transformation Planning Modernization: USACE National Water Resources Certified Planner This 2016 memorandum launched the new USACE National Water Resources Certified Planner (WRCP) program. The objective of this program was to set a standard of excellence for the planning profession. In addition, it advanced the technical capability of individual planners, strengthened the quality of USACE planning products, and recognized USACE national planning capability. National Water Resources Planning Professional Certification Process, Planning Community of Practice (PCoP) Version 2.0 This document describes the process the USACE Planning Community of Practice will follow to identify National Water Resources Certified Planners. Note: As of April 2021, this document is under revision and may not reflect the most current information about the program. Please see the Planner Database for the most up to date instructions on the application process, or contact Kim Townsend for general questions regarding the WRCP Program. Water Resources Certified Planner Program SharePoint Site Water Resources Certified Planner Requirements for Feasibility Studies The purpose of this memorandum is to improve the quality and consistency of plan formulation (including economic analysis and environmental compliance) conducted for USACE studies by establishing requirements for assigning Water Resources Certified Planners as Planning Technical Leads and/or Planning Mentors to ongoing and future feasibility studies, including General Reevaluation Reports.

Webinars

2024
• WRCP Requirements for Feasibility Studies (3 October)
  
  This webinar provided an overview of the recently signed memo entitled "Water Resources Certified Planner Requirements for Feasibility Studies," which requires all feasibility studies, including General Reevaluation Reports (GRRs), initiated beginning FY 2023 to have a Water Resources Certified Planner (WRCP) assigned as the Planning Technical Lead. Presented by Ray Wimbrough (HQUSACE Senior Policy Advisor) and Kim Townsend (HQUSACE WRCP Program Manager), this webinar discussed the contents and implications of the memo, and the process for applying for WRCP certification.
• An Overview of the Water Resources Certified Planner Program and the Planning Associates Program (16 May)
  
  This webinar provided an overview of two developmental opportunities available to the Planning Community, including qualifications for each program and the application process. Kim Townsend (WRCP Program Manager, HQUSACE) presented the Water Resources Certified Planner (WRCP) and Lisa Rabbe (PA Program Manager) and Brandon Wadlington (PA Class of 2023) presented the Planning Associates (PA) Program.
  
  2023
• The Planning Mentor Program - Another Helpful Resource for your Project Delivery Team (1 June)
  
  This webinar, presented by Karen Miller (Planning Mentor Program manager), Jamie Buchanan and Christy Stefanides, both from the Dam Safety Modification Mandatory Center of Expertise provided an overview of the purpose of the planning mentor program, the role of planning mentors, how to get – or be – a planning mentor for an ongoing feasibility study, and the unique role of Planning Advisors for Dam Safety Modification Studies.
• Planner Professional Development: An Overview of the WRCP Program, NDMU Risk Management Certificate, and PA Program (18 May)
  
  This webinar highlights three developmental opportunities available to members of the Planning Community: the Water Resources Certified Planner (WRCP) Program, Notre Dame of Maryland University’s (NDMU) online Risk Management Graduate Program, and the Planning Associates (PA) Program.
  
  2022
• Water Resources Certified Planner Program (5 May)
  
  This webinar provided an overview of the USACE Water Resources Certified Planner Program in advance of the 2022 Call for Applications. The webinar was presented by Rebecca Albert (Acting WRCP Program Manager) and addressed the purpose of the program, qualifications required for certification, and the application and evaluation process.
  
  2021
• Water Resources Certified Planner Program (8 April)
  
  This webinar provided an overview of the USACE Water Resources Certified Planner Program in advance of the 2021 Call for Applications. The webinar was presented by Kim Townsend (HQUSACE Senior Water Resources Planner) and addressed the purpose of the program, qualifications required for certification, and the application and evaluation process.