AICP Exam Preparation

AICP Exam Preparation Nancy E. Letendre, Esq. AICP RIAPA Professional Development Officer John D. Pagini, AICP CCAPA Professional Development Officer

Southern New England Planning Conference AICP Exam Preparation October 20, 2011 Providence, RI Nancy E. Letendre, Esq. AICP RIAPA Professional Development Officer Ursillo, Teitz & Ritch, Ltd. John D. Pagini, AICP CCAPA Professional Development Officer Land Use Planner

2011 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation
Agenda
Why AICP?
AICP Eligibility Requirements
Exam Registration Process
Test Scheduling
Exam Overview
Exam Elements
Exam Preparation Material
Test Taking Tips
CM Program Overview

Why AICP?
Nationally-recognized professional standard
Establishes credibility with peers and potential employers
Employment advantage
Level above partisan / political field
Code / standard of ethical behavior
Sometimes additional $

Eligibility Requirements
Current member of APA
Be engaged in professional planning, currently or in the past.
Have completed, at the time of application submission, a specific combination of education and experience.
Must provide confirmation of degree and job verification from each employer.

Level of Education Experience
Accredited graduate degree
in planning 2 years
Accredited bachelors degree
in planning 3 years
Non-accredited graduate degree
in planning 3 years
Any other degree 4 years
No college degree 8 years

Professional Planning Experience
Influencing public decision making in the public interest
Employing an appropriately comprehensive point of view
Applying a planning process appropriate to the situation
Involving a professional level of responsibility and resourcefulness

Types of work NOT generally considered professional experience:
Subdivision design
Site design work
Traffic engineering
Land surveying or mapping
Community organization or social work
Work at a pre-professional level
Elected and appointed officials

How to Register and Take the Exam
AICP Exam Information Bulletin
http://www.planning.org/certification/pdf/bulletin.pdf

Registration Process
One Step Process - one form, one fee
Register and submit fee at www.planning.org/certification
Deadline about 4 months in advance
Fee - $495
Education and employer verification required

Reduced Fee Scholarship
2011: MA – 2
CT – 1
RI – 1
Fee for first time applicants - $135
If previously approved – Fee $65
Difference will be promptly refunded if approved for the scholarship after submitting the registration fee
Look for PDO announcement in December

Reduced Fee Scholarship – Eligibility Criteria
Applicant shall submit a written explanation of financial hardship
Criteria
Members of ethnic or racial minorities shall be given preference
The applicant(s) selected will be otherwise unlikely to take the exam without the reduced fee
The applicant’s employer will not subsidize the exam fee

GI Bill
Military veterans (and their surviving dependents) who are also approved AICP applicants (meaning they have paid the registration fee to AICP and taken the exam), can now ask the Veterans Administration to reimburse them the fee.

Test Scheduling
Upon application approval, you are notified and sent info that includes exam prep resources
AICP forwards your name to test administrator (Thomson Prometric)
E-mail confirmation by AICP
Thomson Prometric issues Authorization to Test (ATT) 6 weeks before testing window

About the Computer-based Exam
Thomson Prometric Test Centers:
MA: 6
CT: 3
RI: 1
Two testing windows – May and November – 12-14 days each
Unofficial Exam results – same day
Computer-based tutorial on web site.

About the Computer-based Exam & Test Center
Next Testing Window:
November, 2011
Testing window: November 7-21
May, 2012
Exam application window open in December
Application deadline: TBA
Testing Window: TBA

2011 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation About the Computer-based Exam & Test Center
On-line tutorial:
http://www.planning.org/offsite/certification/tutorial/

Scheduling Your Appointment / Cancellation Requirements
Schedule exam appt. at www.prometric.com at least 48 hours before test window
If difficulty encountered, call Candidate Service Call Center (CCSC) at 800-796-9853
Have your ATT (Authorization to Test) on hand when making Appt. – confirmation # assigned
See cancellation requirements, “no show” fees, & transfer procedures to next testing window in the Bulletin

Arrive 30 minutes before scheduled appt.
2 Forms of ID (Passport, driver’s license, SSA Card, etc [see Bulletin])
Name on ID must match name on your ATT

Escort to workstation
Calculator provided
Scratch paper provided
Bring a watch
Do NOT bring books or reference materials

Testing appointment – 4 hours
3 ½ hours for 170 questions
20 questions are pre-test and do not count
30 minutes for brief tutorial and brief questionnaire at end
Narrative, scenario and judgment questions

Positive experience
System easy to use
Computers were fast enough that it did not take long for questions to appear
Easier and quicker to go back to questions
Test environment comfortable; Prometrics people helpful
Easy to concentrate in cubicles
Personalized

Test Taking Tips
Plan to go through the exam 2-3 times
First, go through the exam and answer all the “easy” questions.
Use “Mark” notation or take notes on scrap paper for questions you cannot immediately answer and go on at once to next question.
After first run through take a breath!
Go through second (and maybe third) time and answer all questions. Visit all marked questions.
Enter your best guess – there is no penalty

Sample Question:
The industry classification system that replaced the U.S. Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system is:
(A) North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
(B) The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) The New Standard
(C) Industrial Classification system (NSIC)
(D) None of the above

Sample Question:
Which of the following court cases are concerned with takings?
I. Nollan v. California Coastal Commission
II. Associated Homebuilders v. City of Livermore
III. First English Evangelical Lutheran Church v. County of Los Angeles
IV. Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council
(A) I only
(B) I and II
(C) I and III
(D) I, III, and IV

Sample Question:
Which of the following court cases are concerned with takings?
I. Nollan v. California Coastal Commission
II. Associated Homebuilders v. City of Livermore
III. First English Evangelical Lutheran Church v. County of Los Angeles
IV. Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council.
(A) I only
(B) I and II
(C) I and III
(D) I, III, and IV

Sample Question:
Which of the principles of the AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct are applicable to instances of sexual harassment?
I. A planner must not commit a deliberately wrongful act, which reflects adversely on the planner’s professional fitness.
II. A planner must respect the rights of others and must not discriminate.
III. A planner must have special concern for the long-range consequences of present actions.
A. I and II
B. I, II, and III
C. I and III
D. II and III

Sample Question:
Between July 2005 and July 2006, the population of which state grew by almost 580,000, more than any other state?
A. Texas
B. Nevada
C. Arizona
D. California

2011SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation
Sample Question:
Between July 2005 and July 2006, the population of which state grew by almost 580,000, more than any other state?
A. Texas *
B. Nevada
C. Arizona
D. California
* Texas's population surged because of an influx of displaced people from Louisiana following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

Sample Question:
This Supreme Court decision removed the "substantially advances" test for takings cases:
Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co. (1926)
Agins v. City of Tiburon (1980)
Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council (1992)
Lingle v. Chevron USA (2005)

Sample Question:
This Supreme Court decision removed the "substantially advances" test for takings cases:
Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co. (1926)
Agins v. City of Tiburon (1980)
Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council (1992)
Lingle v. Chevron USA (2005) *
* Agins v. Tiburon had created the "substantially advances" test, but Lingle v. Chevron removed it

Study Tips
Start early and continue to refresh
Flash cards for rote knowledge
Memorize significant dates and events
Take practice tests

Study Tips
Know current trends
Read current material – i.e. Planning Magazine and JAPA
Study the AICP Code of Ethics , including procedures
Focus on citizen participation issues
U.S. Census – Go to www.census.gov

Exam Overview
Shift since 2000 - AICP slowly and deliberately shifting the focus to be more oriented to testing the application of planning knowledge and experience
Reduced emphasis on rote memorization of facts and figures
More decision making on the part of examinees

Exam Overview
Great breadth of subject matter, not depth
Test knowledge and skills
Knowledge – 40% - history, law, ethics, land use, etc.
Skills – 60% - demonstrate ability to work within a planning process, formulate goals, recognize appropriate quantitative research methods, etc.
Many questions require professional judgment, intermixed with technical knowledge

Exam Overview
Need familiarity with the public planning process: planners’ roles; responsibilities of planning commissions and zoning boards; zoning and decision making; public hearing process; citizen participation
“ What would you do” planning process questions
Emphasis on agency management; policy and decision making; citizen participation; and ethics

Outline of Exam Subject Matter
I. History, Theory and Law [15%]
A. History of Planning
B. Planning Law
C. Theory of Planning
D. Patterns of human settlement

II. Plan Making and Implementation [30%]
A. Visioning & Goal-setting
B. Quantitative and qualitative research methods
C. Collecting, organizing, analyzing, and reporting data and information
D. Demographics and economics
E. Natural & Built Environment
F. Land Use & development regulations

II. Plan Making and Implementation [30%] (cont’d )
G. Application of legal principles
H. Environmental analysis
I. Growth management techniques
J. Budgets & financing options
K. GIS / spatial analysis and information systems
L. Policy analysis and decision- making

II. Plan Making & Implementation [30%] (cont’d)
M. Development plan & project review
N. Program evaluation
O. Communications techniques
P. Intergovernmental relationships
Q. Stakeholder Relationships
R. Project & program management

III. Functional Areas of Practice [25%]
A. Community development
B. Comprehensive or long range planning
C. Development regulation or administration
D. Economic development & revitalization
E. Economic analysis & forecasting
F. Educational, institutional, or military facilities planning

III. Functional Areas of Practice [25%] (cont’d)
G. Energy policy
H. Food system planning
I. Growth management
J. Hazard mitigation & disaster planning
K. Historic preservation
L. Housing

M. Infrastructure
N. Labor force or employment
O. Land use
P. Natural resources & the environment
Q. Parks, open space, and recreation
R. Planning law

S. Policy planning
T. Public services
U. Social & health services
V. Transportation
W. Urban design

IV. Spatial Areas of Practice [15%] - NEW
A. Planning at national level
B. Planning for multi-state or bi-state regions
C. Planning for state
D. Planning for sub-state region
E. Planning at county level
F. Planning for urban areas
G. Planning for suburban areas

IV. Spatial Areas of Practice [15%] (cont’d)
H. Planning for small town
I. Corridors
J. Neighborhoods
K. Waterfronts
L. Historic districts or areas
M. Downtowns

V. Public Participation & Social Justice [10%]
A. Public involvement planning
B. Public participation techniques
C. Identifying, engaging, and serving underserved groups
D. Social justice issues, literature, & practice. Waterfronts
E. Working with diverse communities
F. Coalition Building

VI. AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct [5%]

May 2011 Exam
Total number that took the exam: 562
Total pass candidates: 382 (68%)
Total failed: 180 ( 32%)
CT, MA, RI Chapter pass rates are higher (CT’s pass rate is 82% over 5 years)

Exam-related Information
Web site for exam-related information: http://www.planning.org/certification/
index.htm
Questions: [email_address]

Preparing for the Exam
Resources through APA
AICP Exam Tutorial http://planning.org/_offsite/certification/tutorial/
66 Selected readings – APA web site
Planning magazine http://www.planning.org/planning/

Preparing for the Exam:
Resources through APA
History timeline at
http:// www.planningpa.org/timeline_us_planning_history.pdf

2011 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Preparing for the Exam
CPC Study Manual

AICP
Exam Prep 2.0

AICP Exam Prep 2.0 – Contents
AICP Exam “How to”
Additional Resources (cases, planning law, planning stories, etc.)
APA Policy Guides
Ethics
AICP Exam Prep Notes
Study Questions

Selected Readings Recommended by AICP
APA General Reference Books
Dalton, Linda, Charles Hoch, and Frank So (eds.). 2000. The Practice of Local Government Planning . Washington, D.C.: ICMA.
American Planning Association (ed.). 2006 . Planning and Urban Design Standards. Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley & Sons.

APA General References
Planning magazine (in print, or http://www.planning.org/planning/ )
Journal of the American Planning Association (in print or www.tandf.co.uk/journals/rjpa )
PAS reports (in print or http:// myapa.planning.org /pas/ )
Planning & Environmental Law (in print or http:// myapa.planning.org /PEL/ )
Policy Guides ( http://www.planning.org/policy/guides/ index.htm )

(http://www.planning.org/certification/selectedread.html)
APA General Reference Books - 7
History, Theory and Law - 9
II. Plan Making & Implementation - 11
III. Functional Areas of Practice - 12
IV. Spatial Areas of Practice - 8
V. Public Participation & Social Justice - 9
VI. AICP Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct - 3

Non-APA Resources
Planning Prep: www.planning prep.com
Institute of Continuing Planning Education: www.icpeweb.com - Self Study Guide
Planetizen - on line http://www.planetizen.com/courses/aicp
Michael Waiczis study materials
Ohio State University: Planning Education @ a Distance - http:// knowlton.osu.edu/ped/aicp.htm -

Non-APA Resources
http://www.floridaplanning.org/treasurecoast/aicp_links.asp
http://www.planningpa.org/career_aicp.shtml

Non-APA Tutorials:
Planning Education at a Distance:
The Ohio State University
http://knowlton.osu.edu/ped/

PLAN-310: Planetizen AICP Exam Preparation Course
Updated for 2011 Exam Term: July 15 - December 15, 2011 Instructor Jennifer Evans-Cowley, PhD, AICP Registration $129.00
http://www.planetizen.com/courses/aicp

RI Chapter
Professional Development Officer
Nancy E. Letendre, Esq. AICP
Ursillo, Teitz & Ritch, Ltd.
2 Williams Street
Providence RI 02903
(401) 331-2222
[email_address]
www.rhodeislandapa.org for professional development and AICP exam information

RI Chapter Resources:
SNEAPA Exam Prep - Fall
AICP Exam Reduced Fee Scholarships - 1
Circulation of copy of AICP Exam Prep 2.0 Manual & CD
2011-12 Chapter President’s Council CD (N/C)
AICP Exam Prep Notes prepared by chapter member
Periodic RIAPA Ethics Workshop
AICP CD-ROM Training Packages/lending library
Monthly RIAPA sponsored seminars

CT Chapter
John D. Pagini, AICP
Land Use Planner
846 Silver Street
Coventry, CT 06238
860-742-7056
[email_address]
www.ccapa.org for AICP exam and study material

CT Chapter Resources:
Annual Classroom – March
SNEAPA Exam Prep - Fall
2011-12 Chapter President’s Council CD – N/C
Circulation of copy of AICP Exam Prep 2.0 Manual & CD
Certain “Select Readings” Recommending by AICP available in Meriden Public Library
AICP Exam Reduced Fee Scholarships - 1
Annual Ethics Workshop at SNEAPA, & as CT program (meets CM ethics requirements)
Annual “Hot Topics” Land Use Law workshop (meets CM law requirements)
Power points from Chapter & National conferences

MA Chapter
Carolyn Britt AICP
[email_address]
http://www.massapa.org for AICP exam information

MA Chapter Resources:
CPC manual
6 week annual exam prep – March / April
CPC CD ROM for class enrollees
SNEAPA Exam Prep – Fall
AICP exam reduced fee scholarship

When You Pass…
Look for official confirmation
You cannot start using the AICP designation until you pay your dues!
Annual dues:
AICP - $90 to $175 (salary-based, as of October, 2011)
APA/AICP combined - $230 to $505
Chapter dues: CT (35% APA: $31.50 – $61.25); MA ($35); RI ($25)

Certification Maintenance (“CM”)
APA’s Mandatory Certification Maintenance Program approved April 13, 2007
2-year cycle commencing January 1, 2008; 2 nd cycle January 1, 2010; 3 rd January 1, 2012
32 CM credits of “eligible professional development activities”
1.5 credits each required for Law and Ethics. Cannot be carried over.

Certification Maintenance (“CM”) for new Certified Planners
CM reporting period begins the first calendar year after AICP dues are paid.
You cannot count CM credits you may have earned prior to passing the exam and paying the dues.
You can count CM credits you earned after paying dues, before the reporting period begins.

No minimum credits per year
4-month grace period to achieve credit requirements
Up to 16 credits may be carried over to next cycle (NOT law and ethics)
For more details, see http://www.planning.org/cm/foraicpmembers.htm#1

Activities that do not qualify for CM Credit:
APA leadership business meetings
Mentoring activity
Volunteer activity
Teaching for salary, fee, or honorarium
Code of Ethics: f) We shall contribute time and resources to the professional development of students, interns, beginning professionals, and other colleagues

Create a personal development plan:
Attend national or regional APA conferences
Attend state programs and brownbag lunches
Present a CM-approved session (1 CM additional credit)
Ask your favorite providers to register their courses
Participate in APA distance learning activities
Check out APA chapter lending libraries
Seek out university courses

GOOD LUCK!

AICP Exam Preparation

by American Planning Association - Massachusetts Chapter

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