AICP Practice Test Overview: Ace Your Exam!
This overview will help you prepare for the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) exam. It's a big test, but with the right preparation, you can definitely conquer it!
Total Number of Questions: The AICP exam contains approximately 160 multiple-choice questions. That's a lot, but remember, you only need to get a certain percentage correct to pass.
Target Job Roles: This certification is invaluable for anyone working in urban planning, environmental planning, transportation planning, and many related fields. It's a key credential to enhance your career prospects in:
- City Planning Departments
- Consulting Firms
- Non-profit Organizations
- Government Agencies (Federal, State, and Local)
Language: English
Key Test Coverage Areas: The exam tests your knowledge across several core domains. Think of it like mastering different facets of a well-designed city: You need infrastructure (one domain), a strong community (another), and environmental sustainability (you catch my drift!).
I. Planning Theory and Practice (approx. 30%)
- Planning History and Evolution: From the City Beautiful movement to New Urbanism – know the key players and ideas. Think of it like understanding the evolution of your favorite technology; it's good to know where it came from to better understand where it's going.
- Planning Ethics and Professionalism: This section is crucial; it's about ethical conduct, advocacy, and the AICP code of ethics. Imagine a scenario: a developer offers you a bribe – what do you do? This section teaches you how to navigate tricky situations.
- Planning Process and Techniques: Strategic planning, environmental impact assessments – mastering these keeps projects on track. It's about project management with a societal focus.
II. Planning Law and Regulation (approx. 20%)
- Zoning and Land Use Controls: This is the meat and potatoes of planning. You'll need to know zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, etc. Think of it as the legal framework that shapes our communities.
- Environmental Law and Regulation: NEPA, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act – familiarity is essential. Remember, environmental protection is often at the heart of planning decisions.
- Due Process and Public Participation: Fair processes are core to good planning. This section focuses on ensuring everyone has a fair voice in shaping their communities.
III. Planning Techniques and Methods (approx. 25%)
- Data Analysis and Interpretation: Census data, GIS mapping – you'll be working with numbers! Think of it as being a detective, using data to understand the city's story and potential issues.
- Plan Implementation and Evaluation: How do we make plans a reality? This section covers monitoring, adapting, and measuring success. It's like building a house; you have blueprints, but you actually need to construct it, and then assess if it meets your initial goals.
- Community Engagement and Participation: Collaboration with stakeholders is key. This part involves practical strategies for fostering meaningful dialogue with communities and addressing their concerns.
IV. Planning and the Built Environment (approx. 25%)
- Urban Design: Form, function, aesthetics – it's about creating livable spaces. Think about your favorite neighborhood – what makes it appealing? This part helps you understand those design elements.
- Housing and Community Development: Addressing affordability, access, and equity. It's about ensuring everyone has a safe and decent place to live.
- Transportation Planning: Mobility, accessibility, infrastructure – a critical area for successful plans. Think about how people get around; the efficiency of this greatly impacts the usability of our cities.
This outline provides a solid framework. Remember to use official AICP study materials for more detailed information. Good luck!
