AICP Exam Preparation Overview - Connecticut Chapter of the

AICP Exam Preparation OverviewAICP Exam Preparation OverviewKristin Kassner, AICP

APA-MA Professional Development OfficerpTown of Burlington, MA

Nancy E. Letendre, Esq. AICPRIAPA Professional Development OfficerRIAPA Professional Development Officer

Ursillo, Teitz & Ritch, Ltd.

John D. Pagini, AICPCCAPA Professional Development Officer

Land Use Planner

Hartford, CTHartford, CTSeptember 20, 2012

AICP Exam Preparation Overview

Overview Agendag Why AICP? AICP Eligibility Requirements AICP Eligibility Requirements Exam Registration Process Test Scheduling g Exam Overview Exam Elements

l Exam Preparation Material Test Taking Tips CM Program Overview CM Program Overview


Wh AICP?Why AICP?

Nationally-recognized professional y g pstandard

Establishes credibility with peers and potential employerspotential employers

Employment advantage Level above partisan / political field Code / standards of ethical behavior Sometimes additional $


Eligibility Requirements

Current member of APA. Be engaged in professional planning Be engaged in professional planning,

currently or in the past. Have completed, at the time of application p , pp

submission, a specific combination of education and experience. M t id fi ti f d d Must provide confirmation of degree and job verification from each employer.


Eligibility Requirements

Level of Education Experience

Accredited graduate degree g gin planning 2 years

Accredited bachelors degree in planning 3 years

Non-accredited graduate degree in planning 3 yearsin planning 3 years

Any other degree 4 years No college degree 8 yearsg g y


Eligibility RequirementsProfessional Planning Experience

Influencing public decision making in the public interest

Employing an appropriately comprehensive Employing an appropriately comprehensive point of view

Applying a planning process appropriate to the situationthe situation

Involving a professional level of responsibility and resourcefulnessp y


Eligibility RequirementsTypes of work NOT generally considered

professional experience: Subdivision design Site design work

T ffi i i Traffic engineering Land surveying or mapping Community organization or social work. Community organization or social work. Work at a pre-professional level Elected and appointed officials


H t R i t d T kHow to Register and Take the Exam

AICP Exam Information BulletinBulletin

http://www.planning.org/certification/pdf/bulletin.ce t cat o /pd /bu etpdf


Registration Process

One Step Process - one form, one fee Register and submit fee at Register and submit fee at

www.planning.org/certification Deadline about 2 months in advance Deadline about 2 months in advance Fee - $495 (application & exam fee) Education and employer verification still Education and employer verification still

required



Reduced Fee ScholarshipReduced Fee Scholarship 2012: ◦ MA 2◦ MA – 2◦ CT – 1◦ RI – 1Fee for first time applicants $135 Fee for first time applicants - $135

If previously approved – Fee $65 Difference will be promptly refunded if Difference will be promptly refunded if

approved for the scholarship after submitting the registration feesubmitting the registration fee



Reduced Fee Scholarship – Eligibility CriteriaApplicant shall submit a written explanation of 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 pp ( ) y

take the exam without the reduced fee ◦ The applicant’s employer will not subsidize the exam

feefee



GI Bill

Military veterans (and their surviving dependents) who are also approved AICP

li t ( i th h id thapplicants (meaning they have paid the registration fee to AICP and taken the exam) can now ask the Veteransexam), can now ask the Veterans Administration to reimburse them the fee.fee.


Who Conducts the Exam?What is Exam Format?What is Exam Format?

Thomson Prometric on behalf of AICP Thomson Prometric, on behalf of AICP Computer-based Format


Test Scheduling Upon application approval, you are notified

and sent info that includes exam prep p presources

AICP forwards your name to test d i i t t (Th P t i )administrator (Thomson Prometric)

E-mail confirmation by AICP Thomson Prometric issues Authorization to 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

2012 / 2013 Testing Windows:◦ November, 2012:

T ti Wi d N b 5 19 Testing Window: November 5-19◦ May, 2013: TBA


On-line tutorial:

http://planning org/ offsitehttp://planning.org/_offsite/certification/tutorial/


Scheduling Your Appointment

h d l Attempt to schedule exam appointment at www.prometric.com at least 48 hours before test windowbefore test window

If attempt fails, call Candidate Service Call Center (CCSC) at 800-796-9853

Confirm that you are taking Comprehensive Planning Examination (CPE)


Scheduling Your Appointment / Cancellation Requirementsq

Have your ATT on hand when making Appt. You will be assigned a confirmation # You will be assigned a confirmation # See cancellation requirements, “no show”

fees & transfer procedures to next testingfees, & transfer procedures to next testing window in the Bulletin


b h b dAbout the Computer-based Exam Arrive 30 minutes before scheduled appt. 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


Ab t th C t b d EAbout the Computer-based Exam

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


About the Computer-based ExamAbout the Computer-based Exam

Testing appointment – 4 hoursg pp 3 ½ hours for 170 questions 20 questions are pre-test and do not count 30 minutes for brief tutorial and brief 30 minutes for brief tutorial and brief

questionnaire at end Narrative, scenario and judgment questions


About the Computer-based Examp

Positive experienceS t t 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

helpfulhelpful Easy to concentrate in cubicles Personalized


Test Taking TipsTest Taking Tips Plan to go through the exam 2-3 times

Fi t th h th d ll th First, go through the exam and answer all the “easy” questions.

Mark questions you cannot immediately answer dand go on at once to next question.

After first run-through take a breath! Go through second time and answer all questions Go through second time and answer all questions

– or a third time for the really tough ones. Enter your best guess – there is no penalty


Sample Question:p Q

The industry classification system that replaced the U S Standard Industrialthe U.S. Standard IndustrialClassification (SIC) system is:

(A) North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).(B) The North American Industry Classification System

(NAICS) The New Standard(NAICS) The New Standard(C) Industrial Classification system (NSIC)(D) None of the above.( )


Sample Question:p Q

The industry classification system that replaced the U S Standard Industrialthe U.S. Standard IndustrialClassification (SIC) system is:

(A) North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).(B) The North American Industry Classification System

(NAICS) The New Standard(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 CommissionII. Associated Homebuilders v. City of LivermoreIII First English Evangelical Lutheran Church vIII. First English Evangelical Lutheran Church v.

County of Los AngelesIV. Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council

(A) I only(A) I only(B) I and II(C) I and III(D) I III and IV(D) I, III, and IV


Sample Question:

Which of the following court cases are concerned with takings?

I. Nollan v. California Coastal CommissionII. Associated Homebuilders v. City of LivermoreIII. First English Evangelical Lutheran Church v.III. First English Evangelical Lutheran Church v.

County of Los AngelesIV. Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council

(A) I only(A) I only(B) I and II(C) I and III(D) I III and IV(D) I, III, and IV


Sample Question:Which of the principles of the AICP Code ofWhich 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 wrongfulI. 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 p p gmust not discriminate.

III. A planner must have special concern for the long-range consequences of present actions.

A. I and IIB. I, II, and IIIC. I and IIID. II and III


Sample Question:Which of the principles of the AICP Code ofWhich 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 p y gact, which reflects adversely on the planner’s professional fitness.

II. A planner must respect the rights of others and t t di i i tmust not discriminate.

III. A planner must have special concern for the long-range consequences of present actions.A I d IIA. I and IIB. I, II, and IIIC. I and IIID. II and III


Sample Question:

Between July, 2005 and July, 2006, the population of which state grew by almost 580,000, more thanwhich state grew by almost 580,000, more than any other state?

A. TexasB. NevadaC ArizonaC. ArizonaD. California


Sample Question:

Between July, 2005 and July, 2006, the population of which state grew by almost 580,000, more than

th t t ?any other state?

A. Texas*A. TexasB. NevadaC. ArizonaD. California* Texas's population surged because of an influx of displaced people

f L i i f ll i H i K t i d Ritfrom Louisiana following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita


Sample Question:

This Supreme Court decision removed the "substantially advances" test for takings cases:substantially advances test for takings cases:

A. Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co. (1926) g yB. Agins v. City of Tiburon (1980) C. Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council (1992)D Li l Ch USA (2005)D. Lingle v. Chevron USA (2005)


Sample Question:

This Supreme Court decision removed the "substantially advances" test for takings cases:substantially advances test for takings cases:

A. Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co. (1926) B A i Cit f Tib (1980)B. Agins v. City of Tiburon (1980) C. Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council (1992) D. Lingle v. Chevron USA (2005) *D. Lingle v. Chevron USA (2005)

* Agins v. Tiburon had created the "substantially advances" test, but Lingle v Chevron removed itbut Lingle v. Chevron removed it


Study Tips

Start early and continue to refresh Flash cards for rote knowledgeFlash cards for rote knowledge Memorize significant dates and events Take practice testsp


Study Tips

Know current trends Read current material – i.e. Planning

Magazine and JAPA Study the AICP Code of Ethics, including

dprocedures Focus on citizen participation issues

U S C G t U.S. Census – Go to www.census.gov November Exam is based on 2000 census.

Beginning 2013, exam will include 2010 censusBeginning 2013, exam will include 2010 census


Exam Overview

Shift since 2000 - AICP slowly and deliberately shifting the focus to be moredeliberately 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 More decision making on the part of examinees


Exam Overview

Great breadth of subject matter, not depth Test knowledge and skills

K l d 40% hi t l thi l d Knowledge – 40% - history, law, ethics, land use, etc.

Skills – 60% - demonstrate ability to work ywithin a planning process, formulate goals, recognize appropriate quantitative research methods, etc.methods, etc.

Many questions require professional judgment, intermixed with technical knowledgeknowledge


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 participationprocess; citizen participation

“What would you do” planning process questionsquestions

Emphasis on agency management; policy and decision making; citizen participation; & ethicsdecision making; citizen participation; & ethics


Outline of Exam Subject MatterOutline of Exam Subject Matter

I. History, Theory and Law [15%] A. History of PlanningB. Planning LawC. Theory of PlanningD. Patterns of human settlement


Outline of Exam Subject Matter

II. Plan Making and Implementation [30%]

A. Visioning & Goal-setting B. Quantitative and qualitative research q

methodsC. Collecting, organizing, analyzing, and

reporting data and informationreporting data and informationD. Demographics and economicsE. Natural & Built EnvironmentF Land Use & de elopment reg lationsF. Land Use & development regulations


Outline of Exam Subject Matterj

II. Plan Making and Implementation [30%] (cont’d)[30%] (cont d)

G. Application of legal principlesH Environmental analysisH. Environmental analysisI. Growth management techniquesJ. Budgets & financing options

l l d fK. GIS / spatial analysis and information systems

L. Policy analysis and decision-makingy y g



II. Plan Making & Implementation [30%] ( ’d)[30%] (cont’d)

M. Development plan & project reviewN. Program evaluationO. Communications techniquesP I t t l l ti hiP. Intergovernmental relationshipsQ. Stakeholder RelationshipsR Project & program managementR. Project & program management



III. Functional Areas of Practice [25%][25%]

A. Community developmentB. Comprehensive or long range planningC. Development regulation or administrationD Economic development & revitalizationD. Economic development & revitalizationE. Economic analysis & forecastingF. Educational, institutional, or military facilities , , y

planning



III. Functional Areas of Practice [25%] ( ’d)[25%] (cont’d)

G. Energy policyH. Food system planningI. Growth managementJ Hazard mitigation & disaster planningJ. Hazard mitigation & disaster planningK. Historic preservationL. Housingg


Outline of Exam Subject MatterOutline of Exam Subject Matterjj


M. InfrastructureN. Labor force or employmentO. Land useP Natural resources & the environmentP. Natural resources & the environmentQ. Parks, open space, and recreationR. Planning lawg




S. Policy planningT. Public servicesU. Social & health servicesV TransportationV. TransportationW. Urban design



IV. Spatial Areas of Practice [15%][ ]

A. Planning at national levelB. Planning for multi-state or bi-state regionsB. Planning for multi state or bi state regionsC. Planning for stateD. Planning for sub-state regionE. Planning at county levelF. Planning for urban areasG Planning for suburban areasG. Planning for suburban areas


Outline of Exam Subject MatteOutline of Exam Subject Matterjj

IV. Spatial Areas of Practice[15%] ( ’d)[15%] (cont’d)

H. Planning for small townI. CorridorsJ. NeighborhoodsK WaterfrontsK. WaterfrontsL. Historic districts or areasM. Downtowns



V. Public Participation & Social Justice [10%][ 0%]

A. Public involvement planningB Public participation techniquesB. Public participation techniquesC. Identifying, engaging, and serving

underserved groupsD. Social justice issues, literature, & practice.E. Working with diverse communitiesF Coalition BuildingF. Coalition Building



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


ExamExam--related Information:related Information:

AICP Exam Preparation Presentations –2011& 2012 APA National Conference2011& 2012 APA National Conference

http://planning.org/certification/examprep/index.htm


ExamExam related Information:related Information:ExamExam--related Information:related Information:

Web site for exam-related information: Web site for exam related information: http://www.planning.org/certification/

index.htmindex.htm Questions: [email protected]


Preparing for the ExamPreparing 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 ExamPreparing for the ExamPreparing for the ExamPreparing for the Exam

Resources through APA

History timeline at www.wyopass.org/Upload/File/Planning_his

l f l dftory_timeline_final.pdf


CPC Study Manual


AICP Exam Prep 2.0p



AICP Exam Prep 2.0 – Contents

AICP Exam “How to” Additional Resources (cases, planning law,

l i i )planning stories, etc.) APA Policy Guides Ethics 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.

Th P i f L l G Pl i W hiThe Practice of Local Government Planning. Washington, D.C.: ICMA.




APA General Reference Books◦ American Planning Association (ed.). 2006. Planning and

U b D i S d d H b k N J J h Wil &Urban Design Standards. Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley & Sons.


Preparing for the ExamPreparing for the ExamSelected Readings Recommended by AICP

APA General References APA General References

◦ Planning magazine (in print, or htt // l i / l i /)http://www.planning.org/planning/)

◦ Journal of the American Planning Association (in print or http://www.planning.org/japa/ )

◦ PAS reports (in print or http://www planning org/pas/reports/ )◦ PAS reports (in print or http://www.planning.org/pas/reports/ )◦ Planning & Environmental Law (in print or

http://www.planning.org/pel/ )◦ Policy Guides (http://www.planning.org/policy/guides/index.htm ) o cy Gu des ( ttp // p a g o g/po cy/gu des/ de t )




APA General Reference Books – 7

I. History, Theory and Law - 9II. Plan Making & Implementation - 11III. Functional Areas of Practice - 12IV Spatial Areas of Practice - 8IV. Spatial Areas of Practice - 8V. Public Participation & Social Justice - 9VI. AICP Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct - 3



Selected Readings Recommended by AICPSelected Readings Recommended by AICP

http://www.planning.org/certification/examprep/selectedreading.htm



Some Important Readings Recommended by AICPSome Important Readings Recommended by AICP

Planning Theory for Practitioners, Michael P. Brooks, FAICP




Planning the Built Environment, Larz T. Anderson




Rural by Design: Maintaining Small Town Character, Randall ArendtRandall Arendt




Redesigning Cities, Jonathan Barnett, FAICP




Land Use in a Nutshell, John Nolon and Patricia Salkin




Qualitative Analysis for Planning & Policy: B d h N b J h & Sh G bBeyond the Numbers, John & Sharon Gaber




The High Cost of Free Parking, Donald Shoup




AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, revised October 3 2009October 3, 2009

http://www.planning.org/ethics/ethicscode.htmttp // p a g o g/et cs/et cscode t




Everyday Ethics for Practicing Planners*, C l D B FAICPCarol D. Barrett, FAICP

*P d t l t t i i f AICP *Predates latest revision of AICP Code of Ethics, but 54 real-world scenarios are essential reading


Preparing Preparing for the Examfor the ExamSome Non-APA ResourcesSome Non APA Resources

Planning Prep: http://planningprep.com/ Planetizen - on line

http://www.planetizen.com/courses/aicp Several on-line sites have dissolved in recent years Beware of sites like “passforsure” and “testking”, which p g

apparently do not provide credentials of “faculty”


PreparingPreparing for the Examfor the ExamPreparing Preparing for the Examfor the ExamSome Non-APA Resources

Printable Flash Cards:

http://www.flashcardmachine.com/real-estate-planning.html http://www.flashcardmachine.com/real estate planning.html(by topic)

http://www.flashcardmachine.com/print/?topic_id=794520(235 d )(235 cards)


PLANPLAN--310310: Planetizen AICP Exam Preparation : Planetizen AICP Exam Preparation Co rseCo rseCourseCourse

Updated for 2012 Exam

Term: June 15 – December 15, 2012

Instructor:f l hJennifer Evans-Cowley, PhD, AICP

RegistrationOnline Course $179 00 (as of August 15 2012)Online Course - $179.00 (as of August 15, 2012)

Online Course, Plus Essential Readings in Urban Planning - $479.00

http://www planetizen com/courses/aicphttp://www.planetizen.com/courses/aicp


PLANPLAN--310310: Planetizen AICP Exam Preparation : Planetizen AICP Exam Preparation Co rseCo rseCourseCourse

Online Course, Plus Essential Readings in Urban Planning , g g- $479.00

http://www.planetizen.com/courses/aicp

See list of Essential Readings (selected from among APA list):

http://www.planetizen.com/essentialreadingsp // p / g


CT Chapter CT Chapter Professional Development OfficerProfessional Development Officer

John D Pagini AICP John D. Pagini, AICP846 Silver StreetCoventry, CT 06238860 742 7056860-742-7056860-933-4083 (cell)[email protected] ccapa org for AICP exam information www.ccapa.org for AICP exam information and study materials


CT Chapter Resources:CT Chapter Resources:

Annual Full Day Classroom – Spring SNEAPA Exam Prep - Fallp 2011-12 Chapter President’s Council CD – N/C Some “Select Readings” Recommended by AICP

available in Meriden Public Libraryy AICP Exam Reduced Fee Scholarships Annual Ethics Workshop at SNEAPA & CCAPA “Hot

Topics”p


MA MA Chapter Chapter Professional Development OfficerProfessional Development OfficerProfessional Development OfficerProfessional Development Officer

Kristin E. Kassner, AICPS i PlSenior PlannerTown of BurlingtonBurlington, MA 01803P 781 270 1645P: 781.270.1645F: [email protected]

http://www.apa-ma.org/professional-development for AICP exam information and study materialsand study materials


MA Chapter Resources:MA Chapter Resources:pp

2011-12 Chapter President’s Council CD for class enrollees

6 week annual exam prep – March / April SNEAPA Exam Prep Fall SNEAPA Exam Prep – Fall AICP exam reduced fee scholarships


RI Chapter RI Chapter Professional Development OfficerProfessional Development Officer

Nancy E. Letendre, Esq. AICPy , qUrsillo, Teitz & Ritch, Ltd.2 Williams StreetProvidence RI 02903(401) [email protected]

www.rhodeislandapa.org for professional development and AICP exam information


RI Chapter Resources:RI Chapter Resources:

SNEAPA Exam Prep - Fall AICP Exam Reduced Fee Scholarships - 1 Circulation of copy of AICP Exam Prep 2.0 Manual &

CD 2011-2012 Chapter President’s Council CD (N/C) 2011 2012 Chapter President s Council CD (N/C) AICP Exam Prep Notes prepared by chapter

member Periodic RIAPA Ethics Workshop Periodic RIAPA Ethics Workshop AICP CD-ROM Training Packages/lending library Monthly RIAPA sponsored seminars


When You Pass…When You Pass… Look for “official” confirmation AICP dues upon passing the exam: ◦ $100 - $190 (salary-based as of August, 2012)◦ APA / AICP Combined: $250-$565◦ CCAPA Chapter Dues: $52 50 $131 25◦ CCAPA Chapter Dues: $52.50-$131.25◦ APA-MA Chapter Dues: $35.00◦ RIAPA Chapter Dues: $25.00p See your PDO and APA website

(http://www.planning.org/cm/index.htm) about Certification MaintenanceCertification Maintenance


Certification Maintenance (“CM”)Certification Maintenance (“CM”)Certification Maintenance ( CM )Certification Maintenance ( CM )

APA’s Mandatory Certification Maintenance APA s Mandatory Certification Maintenance Program approved by AICP Commission on April 13, 2007p ,

Replaces Optional Continuing Professional Development Certificate Program


Certification Maintenance (“CM”)Certification Maintenance (“CM”)Certification Maintenance ( CM )Certification Maintenance ( CM )Program DetailsProgram Details

32 CM credits of “eligible professional 32 CM credits of eligible professional development activities”

Current 2-year cycle commencing January 1, Current 2 year cycle commencing January 1, 2012

New AICP members: January 1 following y gpassage and payment of AICP dues

No minimum credits per year


Certification Maintenance (“CM”)Certification Maintenance (“CM”)Program Details (cont’d)Program Details (cont’d)

4-month grace period to achieve credit requirements, or lose certification

Up to 16 credits may be carried over to next lcycle

Planners must earn a minimum of 1.5 credits in each cycle for the following:in each cycle for the following:◦ Ethics◦ Current Planning Lawg


Certification Maintenance (“CM”)Certification Maintenance (“CM”)( )( )Program Details (cont’d)Program Details (cont’d)

Ethics and Law credits CANNOT be carried over to the next reporting cycle.

Activities that do not qualify for CM Credit:◦ APA leadership business meetings◦ Mentoring activity◦ Volunteer activity◦ Volunteer activity◦ Teaching for salary, fee, or honorarium


Certification Maintenance (“CM”)Certification Maintenance (“CM”)

C l d l lCreate a personal development plan: Attend national or regional APA conferences Attend state programs and brownbag lunchesAttend state programs and brownbag lunches Present a CM-approved session (1 CM additional

credit)A k f it id t i t th i Ask your favorite providers to register their courses

Participate in APA distance learning activities Check out APA chapter lending libraries Seek out university courses Distance learning: through CD-ROMs, podcasts,

telecasts or other downloadable recordingstelecasts, or other downloadable recordings


G d L k!G d L k!Good Luck!Good Luck!

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