Henry Bittaker
Susan Coughanour
Gain an overview of the exam, its content, and topic areas. Learn about recent changes to the exam format and find out about local, state, and national resources to help you prepare. See past test takers' comments and answer practice questions.
Plenty of time will be available for your questions. Registration will be limited, so secure your spot early!
3. Eligibility Requirements Current member of the American Planning Association (APA). Be engaged in professional planning, either currently or in the past, as defined by AICP. 2 years planning experience + Graduate degree in Planning 3 years planning experience + Bachelor's degree in Planning 3 years planning experience + Graduate degree in Planning from a program not accredited by the PAB 4 years planning experience + Other post-graduate, graduate, or undergraduate degree 8 years planning experience with no college degree
4. AICP BULLETIN The AICP Bulletin contains information on eligibility, fees, registration, exam site scheduling, and even some practice exam questions. http://www.planning.org/certification/pdf/bulletin.pdf
5. Registration Exam Offerings Computer-based exam offered in two, 14-day testing windows (May and November) at twelve test centers in Florida (300+ nationally) Online Application Submittal May 2012 exam application window opens ~ Dec. 2011 Application Review and Notification Once your completed application (including all education and employment verification) is received, it will be reviewed and you will be informed of your status to sit for the AICP exam in about six weeks.
6. Registration (continued) Previous Applicants Previously approved applicants may come back and use the same new application form to pay for the next exam. Once logged on, the system will recognize the applicant's approved status with prompts to complete only the contact and exam information pages of the form and pay the exam fee. NOTE: Once approved, you will have four testing periods, or two years, within which to take the exam. After two years, you will be required to complete a new application and fulfill all the submission requirements again. Test Results Exam takers will receive their “un-official” test results before they leave the testing center.
8. AICP Subject Matter I. History, Theory and Law [15%] II. Plan Making and Implementation [30%] III. Functional Areas of Practice [25%] IV. Spatial Areas of Practice [15%] V. Public Participation and Social Justice [10%] AICP Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct [5%]
9. AICP Subject Matter (continued) I. History, Theory and Law [15%] A. History of Planning B. Planning law C. Theory of planning D. Patterns of human settlement
10. AICP Subject Matter (continued) II. Plan Making and Implementation [30%] A. Visioning and goal setting B. Quantitative and qualitative research methodsC. Collecting, organizing, analyzing, reporting data D. Demographics and economicsE. Natural and built environment F. Land use and development regulations G. Application of legal principles H. Environmental analysis I. Growth management techniques
11. AICP Subject Matter (continued) II. Plan Making and Implementation [cont.] J. Budgets and financing options K. GIS/spatial analysis and information systems L. Policy analysis and decision making [NEWER] M. Development plan and project review N. Program evaluation O. Communications techniques P. Intergovernmental relationships Q. Stakeholder relationships [NEWER] R. Project and program management
12. AICP Subject Matter (continued) III. Functional Areas of Practice [25%] A. Community development B. Comprehensive or long range planning C. Development regulation or administration D. Economic development and revitalization E. Economic analysis and forecasting F. Educational, institutional, military facility planning[NEWER] G. Energy policy H. Food system planning [NEWER] I. Growth management J. Hazard mitigation and disaster planning [NEWER] K. Historic preservation L. Housing
13. AICP Subject Matter (continued) III. Functional Areas of Practice [cont.] M. Infrastructure N. Labor force or employment [NEWER] O. Land use P. Natural resources and the environment Q. Parks, open space and recreation R. Planning law S. Policy planning [NEWER] T. Public services U. Social and health services [NEWER] V. Transportation W. Urban design
14. AICP Subject Matter (continued) IV. Spatial Areas of Practice [15%] [NEWER] A. Planning at national level [NEPA, HUD, DOT planning] B. Planning for multi-state or bi-state regions [TVA, dams] C. Planning for state [state laws; Dillon’s vs Home Rule] D. Planning for sub-state region [regional parks, turnpikes] E. Planning at county level [hazard mitigation, growth mgt plans] F. Planning for urban areas [traffic planning, homeless] G. Planning for suburban areas [sprawl, farmland loss] H. Planning for small town [town character, health access, jobs] I-M. Corridors, Neighborhoods, Waterfronts, Historic districts or areas, Downtowns
15. AICP Subject Matter (continued) V. Public Participation and Social Justice [10%] A. Public involvement planning B. Public participation techniques C. Identifying, engaging, and serving underserved groups [NEWER] D. Social justice issues, literature, and practice E. Working with diverse communities F. Coalition building
16. AICP Subject Matter (continued) VI. AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct [5%]
18. APA CD-ROMS & STUDY GUIDES APA Chapter Presidents Council CD-ROM 2011/2012 CPC Study Manual ($18.95) Contact APA-FL office – order by mail & check AICP Study Guide Manual/CD-ROM $195
19. Online Study Resources TREASURE COAST SECTION APA-FL (http://www.floridaplanning.org/treasurecoast/aicp_links.asp) Comprehensive list of AICP Study links – prepared by Treasure Coast Section (Free) Contains over 1000+ links by subject; “Best links” Study Stack (www.studystack.com) Really Cool [and fun] flashcards, tables, charts and teaching games (Free) APA (http://www.planning.org/_offsite/certification/tutorial/) Practice test by APA (Free to APA members) APA (http://www.planning.org/certification/examprep/selectedreading.htm) Selected Readings – suggested by APA
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21. “Everyday Ethics” Everyday Ethics for Practicing Planners Book by Carol D. Barrett, 2002. Ethical solutions to everyday problems--Barrett dissects 54 sticky, real-world situations, applying relevant sections of the AICP Code of Ethics. Five complex scenarios are structured for group discussion.
22. “Land Use” Land Use In a Nutshell Book by Nolan & Salkin, 2006. A compact reference to land use. Past test takers have highly recommended. Covers planning processes, land development, zoning, regulation, and taxation. The last chapter addresses new influencing considerations in land use, such as energy and space.
23. “Planning and Urban Design Standards” Planning and Urban Design Standards This 2006 book edited by The American Planning Association is the most comprehensive illustrated, reference book on urban planning, design and development. Exam topics covered include plan making, public participation, planning movements, mapping, streets and town infrastructure, natural resources, demographics, transportation, environmental impact assessment and mitigation, placemaking, building requirements. EXPENSIVE: $150 - $235
24. AICP Ethics Code APA Code of Ethics (www.planning.org/ethics) The AICP Code of Ethics assists certified planners negotiate the ethical and moral dilemmas they sometimes face. KNOW THE CODE Some general aspects of the Code to remember: All communications regarding specific situations occur with the APA Executive Director in his capacity as the Ethics Officer. The Code was revised in October 2009. The Code now has four sections ASPIRATIONAL PRINCIPLES RULES OF CONDUCT PROCEDURAL PROVISIONS AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION OF CERTIFICATION [NEW]
25. AICP Study Ethics at Conference Thursday 2:30 PM – Ethics and Related Professions: A Planner’s Quandary? Friday 9:30 AM – Combating Corruption By Being Ethical
26. Online APA – APA Policy Guides APA Policy Guides (http://www.planning.org/policy/guides/) On APA’s selected reading list for exam preparation Especially useful for newer topic areas, such as food planning & climate change New 2010 guide on Surface Transportation New 2011 guide on Climate Change
27. APA Policy Guide Adopted Policies Agricultural Land Preservation Billboard Controls Climate Change [NEW] Community and Regional Food Planning [NEW] Community Residences Endangered Species and Habitat Protection Energy Environment: Waste Management Environment: Water Resources Management Environment: Wetlands Factory Built Housing Historic and Cultural Resources Homelessness Housing Impact Fees Neighborhood Collaborative Planning Planning for Sustainability Provision of Childcare Public Redevelopment Security Smart Growth Surface Transportation [NEW] Takings
28. Online APA – Planning Magazine Planning Magazine Review Recent Issues Recommend review of 4-5 years of previous issues Don’t necessarily focus on past six months —those are too soon to have made it into the test Some past exam questions appear to come directly from previous articles e.g. – what are “Colonias”? APA website (has current & previous issues) Resources APA Publications Planning Previous Issues www.planning.org/planning
29. Previous & Current APA “Hidden” links Timelines in American Planning History (http://faculty.wwu.edu/zaferan/index%20-%20timeline_us_planning_history%5B2%5D.pdf) APA 2011 National Conf. AICP Exam Prep Slides (https://www.planning.org/certification/examprep/) APA Website’s “Search” Function (upper right) (https://www.planning.org/search/results.htm) GONE: Top 25 lists, Smart Growth Reader (except on APA CD-ROM), many other links
30. APA Chapters – AICP Study Websites APA-GA (http://georgiaplanning.org/aicp/aicp-exam-reviews/) APA-PA (http://www.planningpa.org/career_aicp.shtml) APA-NC (http://www.nc-apa.org/ resources AICP) APA-WA (http://www.washington-apa.org/career/aicp/)
31. Other Online AICP Study Resources Planetizen (www.planetizen.com) Planetizen – Planning Website (Free, but requires membership) AICP Exam Course $129 - http://www.planetizen.com/courses/aicp Goes to $159 on October 1, 2011 Cyburbia (www.cyburbia.org) Cyburbia – planning website (Free, but requires membership) Planning Prep (www.planningprep.com) Planning Prep – AICP Exam Prep website. (Free planning exams but must join – currently free) Ohio State University (http://knowlton.osu.edu/ped/aicp.htm) Online AICP Study Course; $95
32. More AICP Study Resources Michael Waiczis CD-ROM Study Materials(e-mail contact: mrw36@cvip.net ) $125 AICP Examination Preparation Guidebook (125 pages) Practice Exams (1050 practice questions) Glossary of Planning Terms (50 pages) Law, History & Ethics Study Guide (60 pages) Planning Topics Study Manual (225 pages) “Green Book” Synopsis (50 pages) Commentary to the List of Subject Matter for the AICP Exam (60 pages) NOTE: Unable to reach Spring 2011
33. Local AICP Weekend Study Courses Orlando Metro Section AICP Study Course DATE: October 7th & 8th (tentatively) - GAI Consultants. LOCATION: Orlando, Florida For Information Contact: Shalene Estes, AICP e-mail: s.estes@gaiconsultants.com Suncoast Section AICP Study Course DATE: March 2012 (2011 study guides available $25) LOCATION: Tampa, Florida For Information Contact: Debra Hempel Phone: (813) 282-2444 E-mail: Debra.Hempel@hdrinc.com
34. Local Weekly AICP Study Groups Treasure Coast Section AICP Study Group NOW: Aug. 24 – Nov. 9, 2011 (Wednesday nights) & all-day Saturday question sessions (October/November) Spring 2012 (Feb. – May; Wednesday nights + Saturday) LOCATION: West Palm Beach, Florida; FREE Contact: Susan Coughanour & Henry Bittaker Phone: 561-523-0678 (Henry’s) e-mail: hbittaker@aol.comSusanCoughanour@aol.com NOTE: Twice weekly emails of Study Group’s links & presentations sent out to anyone requesting them (2 EXAMS) APA-FL Study Group Coordinators List http://www.floridaplanning.org/aicp/index.asp
35. 2011 APA-FL Conf. AICP Study Materials Our links and weekly Study Group emails will give you an abundance of materials to prepare for the AICP exam: Over 1000 AICP Study links, plus Glossary 2004 – 2011 APA National Conference Slides Set of “Best” APA Chapters’ Study materials 2004 – 2011 post-exam test takers comments Two 170-question Practice Exam with answers Plus more, including this slide show! SIGN UP or email me – hbittaker@aol.com
37. 10 TEST-TAKING OBSERVATIONS Few planners used to come out of this test feeling it was a good test of their actual abilities as a planner – we didn’t, you may not either. However, we have been hearing feedback from some planners that they finally feel it’s a good test of their abilities as a planner. There is not one exam, there are many (exact number unknown, but greater than three and probably less than six). Your test may have several questions on statistics; someone else’s may have several on census or population projection methods. This makes it a difficult test to study and prepare for. Sample exams are meant to get your mind back into exam test taking mode – do not expect to see any of my questions on your exam. Use sample exams to re-learn how to attack multiple choice questions & identify your weak areas.
38. 10 TEST-TAKING OBSERVATIONS You will not run out of time on the test. We know of only one planner who’s run into a time problem over the last five years. Most planners that fail this test do so by 1 – 3 points (approximately 2 to 6 questions). That means you want to know the easy factual questions, such as history, planners and law cases, because even if there’s only a half dozen such questions, they may make the difference between passing and failing. Study early, study often. Do practice tests, practice tests, practice tests, especially to learn how to address scenario and multi-part questions.
39. 10 TEST-TAKING OBSERVATIONS Our study links & emails will give you more exam prep materials than you’ll likely have time to study. You’ll have to develop a strategy that works for you – work on your weaknesses, especially in those topic areas that others indicate have been on the recent exam. Don’t depend on just attending a study group or a weekend course – you have to study on your own in combination with the study group or course. At the beginning of starting to study and trying to answer practice exam questions, you’re likely to feel like a deer caught in a car’s headlights – stunned. Hopefully, if you start early and you keep at it and go through lots of practice questions, you won’t feel that way by the end of your preparations.
40. Attitude and Preparation Do not be intimidated by the exam if you’ve studied & addressed your weaknesses Don’t work the day of the exam CRAM the last week if you must, relax the night before the exam IMPORTANT: Get a good night’s sleep (single most repeated comment we hear)
41. Attitude and Preparation Schedule your site and time ASAP Know where the test center is in advance If possible, drive by there in advance so you’ll know how long to allow for travel time Get there early – 30 minutes in advance of the scheduled test time You must bring two forms of ID(make sure your name on your ID matches your name on the Exam paperwork) You will not be permitted to bring anything into the exam, but will be provided with a locker and can raise your hand to take a break (although exam clock remains ticking)
42. Attitude and Preparation Bring your testing slip and identification Simple calculator will be provided to you Scratch paper will be provided to you Prepare a survival kit (but must be left in locker) Water, snack/protein bar Tylenol/Advil/Ibuprofen Bring a Doctor’s note for other medication, etc. Dress comfortably (in layers in case you get cold/hot)
43. Attitude and Preparation Do not be intimidated by the questions National exam: Not just Florida - you will have areas to shine – Remember that a Pass is a Pass … by one question or ten Maintain your organized test-taking style Keep your rhythm and cadence; relax Three hour, thirty minute exam (74 seconds per question!)
44. Attitude and Preparation The test is designed for speed Pace yourself Answer every question on the exam When in doubt, guess – no penalty for a wrong guess, only correct answers count You’ll be able to mark questions on the computer and come back to them later (test this out in advance on APA’s online tutorial)
45. Particulars of the Exam 170 questions (only 150 count) 20 questions are APA future exam questions randomly inserted into your test Increasingly, the test is moving to scenario questions (e.g. “You are the Planning Director and the Mayor asks you …”) To pass, you must get a 55 on a 75 scale, or about 110 out of the 150 questions (73.3%) Questions vary in how much they count
46. Particulars of the Exam Computer Exam Online Tutorial is available on APA website: http://www.planning.org/_offsite/certification/tutorial/ A brief 15-minute tutorial occurs before the actual exam begins to get used to the computer and test program (time is not counted against you) Once you exit the tutorial, you can’t go back to it For more details on what to expect, read the online APA Exam Bulletin http://www.planning.org/certification/pdf/bulletin.pdf
47. What and How to Study Decide how much time you want to or are able to study Some say 80-100 hours is needed Skimming and taking notes can be just as effective as extensive reading Know your study style
48. What and How to Study Study concepts, not details at first Be able to explain what, when, where, why, who and what effect in short statements Less attention on how – no time for this
49. What and How to Study Learn conceptual material first Learn factual material nearer to the test Legal Milestones (Euclid v Ambler; Hadachek v. Sebastian, etc) Famous and Infamous Planners and Ideas Important Books (http://www.planning.org/centennial/greatbooks/) Go over things several times – better than going over large amount of info once
50. What and How to Study Study early, study often Work particularly on weak areas you know are likely to be on the test Options – try multiple methods Flashcards – have a partner Study very basic notes Join a study group Weekend Course Self-made Taped Recordings to Play in Car
51. What and How to Study PRIORITIZE WHAT WORKS FOR YOU “Green Book” AICP Code of Ethics APA Slide Sets “Planning” magazine articles (last 5 years) Official Reading List Study Stack Online Study Links Henry’s online Glossary of past “Exam” Terms & Planners
52. What and How to Study Practice Exam questions will not be identical to those on the AICP Exam But they may be very similar in topic, scope to some of the exam questions Any repetition is coincidence Exam Committee is distanced from prep course development – locally and nationally PDOs can audit, but cannot release specific information about the exam
53. What and How to Study Practice Tests Take as many practice exams as you can Pretend you are taking the test – work within the normally allotted time frame Helps with scenario and judgment questions Afterwards, go back and ask yourself – “why is the correct answer correct?” and vice-versa – “why are the incorrect answers incorrect”
54. What and How to Study Be familiar with: U.S. census trends & population projection methods Emerging design philosophies Recent court case decisions at the national level Planning Magazine, JAPA Technical Basics, such as How to read section/township/range & USGS maps Converting square feet to acres to miles Floor Area Ratio (FAR) calculations Slope calculations Statistics Traffic Trips & Parking Rate Generation
55. What and How to Study – Past Testers A few of the many topics recent test taker noted: Brownfields – redevelopment, community coordination Visioning, goal making process, plan implementation Public participation, charrettes, delphi Project & Program Management, PERT FAR, slope calculations, USGS map scales, STR Statistics, Gini coefficient Planning theory (e.g. Radical, Incremental) Census Trends, Census Blocks Population Projection methods RLUIPA, turn-key parks, EIS Scenario questions and even more Scenario questions
56. What and How to Study – Past Testers Other recent topics mentioned have included: Smart Growth & Sustainability Environmental Justice/Social Justice Community Organizing Housing, 1954 Housing Act Budget, Fiscal Impact Analysis, Tax Increment Financing Planning Department Organization & Operation Historic Preservation, SHPO AND OF COURSE, many Scenario & Multi-part Questions NOTE: I can email you post-exam comments from the past few years – use them to study topics you don’t know
57. Five “Types” of Questions The AICP Exam appears to contain five basic types of questions: FACTUAL (“Which planner, book, theory, law”) SCENARIO (Situational: “Do which first?”; AICP Code) MULTI-PART [Correct answer = (C) I, II, & IV] CALCULATION (Slope, FAR, Mean, # trips) FIGURE & GRAPHICAL INTERPRETATIONS
58. Factual Questions - Example (1) Which case first established the concept of "public welfare"? (A) Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co. (B) Golden v. Planning Board of Ramapo (C) Southern Burlington County NAACP v. Township of Mount Laurel (D) Necton v. City of Cambridge
59. Factual Questions (cont.) The only real way to prepare for factual questions is through study or experience The key is “know what you know” and study hard on the rest (laws, people, terms) Particularly use the Glossary on my website, as these are all terms and people that previous test takers had difficulty with
60. Assume that you are the director of a local planning agency, and that you recognize the interdependency of the chief executive, the planning agency, operating departments and independent boards and commissions. In a hypothetical situation, a proposed expansion of a county airport and adjacent industrial areas is in opposition to the planning agency's proposal for a regional park location. The planning agency believes there are unique circumstances and sound reasons for preferring the regional park proposal along with future relocation of the airport to another site in the county. Which of the following strategies would likely place you, as the planning director, in the least effective coordinating role in resolving the conflict? A) Attempting to have the planning agency solely responsible for additional studies and recommendations B) Directing planning agency staff to discontinue all studies of this issue and direct all inquiries regarding this matter to the director C) Recommending the study control be given to the staff of the chief executive's office. D) Soliciting support of other departments and agencies for the planning agency's regional park proposal. Scenario Questions - Example
61. Scenario Questions (continued) Carefully read the question Determine what is being asked Overall topic or scope Specific Details Inference Question Determine if the question has multiple parts Decide if specific notes would be helpful Notes should be comprehensive and concise – Testing center will provide scratch paper
62. Multi-part Questions Which of the following are important factors in building consensus in an organized citizen's committee? I. Appointment of constructive and diverse members. II. Authorizing a senior staff member to chair the committee. III. Clarifying anticipated outcomes. IV. Providing the committee with alternatives. A) I and III B) II and III C) I and II D) III and IV
63. Multi-part Questions (continued) Carefully read the question See if one or more of the first set of answers can be eliminated – that may eliminate one or more of the combined answers i.e. Answer “II” in above example, which knocks out combined answers “B” & “C” Choose the best answer from what remains, after determining what the differences are i.e. “I” vs. “IV” in above example
64. Calculation Questions - Example (4) What is the median of the numbers 12, 14, 16, 18? (A) 12 (B) 14 (C) 15 (D) 16
65. Calculating Questions (cont.) You’ll need to know how to do standard planning calculations, such as: Statistics: Mean, Median, Mode Floor Area Ratios (FAR) Map scales to area, slope, acreage Parking & Trip Generation Location Quotient (LQ)
66. Graph/Figure Questions - Example (5) The two lines on the graph below best represent which of the following combinations of travel behavior in a metropolitan area of 2 million population? (A) Transit and private automobile trips (B) Weekday and weekend trips (C) All work and nonwork trips (D) Office and retail-generated trips
68. Graphic Questions (cont.) You’ll need to be able to read, interpret and answer questions about figures, tables and graphs Almost every edition of Planning magazine has a “By the Numbers” section which includes figures, graphs and tables – get use to reviewing (and understanding) this section of Planning magazine
69. Answering Questions Topic or Scope Refer to the main idea in notes Specific Details Refer to notes that will lead you to correct text Inference Refer to and apply knowledge of planning Always see if you can eliminate answers Inference questions appear frequently and you must feel comfortable applying planning knowledge – not all the relevant information is in the text
70. ELIMINATING ANSWERS - Example The loss of population by many larger and older cities in the United States took place within the context of the "sunbelt" shift. Which of the following is NOT a reason for this shift? A) Natural diffusion from the Eastern Seaboard. B) A preference for warm climates and recreational opportunities. C) The interstate highway system. D) The development of air conditioning.
71. Test Taking Strategies If at first you don’t succeed Take the test again as soon as you can Results will tell you the weak areas The key is Practice, Practice, Practice
73. Spatial Areas of Practice This area is new the last few exams, but does not seem to be difficult for test takers One key is knowing the planning that takes place at different government levels FEDERAL – Housing, Environmental, Transportation MULTI-STATE – Watersheds/Dams, TVA, Chesapeake STATE – Similar to federal; Home/Dillon’s Rule SUB-STATE REGIONS – Everglades; MPOs COUNTY – Growth Management, Water/Sewer
74. Food Planning Topic has shown up on occasion, but only a little feedback from test-takers so far When it has shown up, the test takers have been basically clueless about the topic Best Bet – read the recent APA Policy Guide & perhaps recent Planning magazine articles, such as those listed on my website
76. Henry’s Strategy Two months out FIRST Go back over the APA topic areas, any recent APA presentations & test taker comments to see what subject areas you don’t seem to know and will need to study up on (my links can help) SECOND Come up with a plan of specific topics to study and lay out a personal schedule for studying them, AND continuing to go over any questions that you have access to until the exam.
77. Henry’s Study Guides – 1 Month Out If I could only study one guide with a month left I’d probably choose the following: FOR PLANNERS (with academic degree) Pennsylvania Chapter PDC Guide (137 pages) http://www.planningpa.org/career_aicp_pdc_study.pdf FOR PLANNERS (without academic planning) 3RD Edition “Green Book”
78. Henry’s Study Guide - 1 Week Out If nothing else, read through the online Glossary of planning terms and planners that is at the bottom of the Treasure Coast Section’s online links – the list is based on planning terms and planners that past exam takers had trouble with on the exam. http://www.floridaplanning.org/treasurecoast/aicp_links.asp
79. Post APA-FL Conf. Email Resources Be sure and give us your email address (sign-up sheet) so we can send you materials now & add you to our AICP Study Group email list We will be sending a series of emails to each EMAIL RESPONDER that will consist of: Two practice exams of 170 questions, each in “With Answer” & “Without Answer” versions Some of the best free study guides I have Some of the best slide presentations and handouts that have been given to my 10-15 week AICP Study Groups Post-exam comments on the exam from test takers over the past 4-5 years