AICP Exam Prep
AICP Exam Prep
STUDY, STUDY, STUDY
Here is a useful tip from APA ID's past Professional Development Officer, Diane Kushlan, FAICP: A couple of starting suggestions is to develop a strategic plan on how you will be studying for the exam. There is so much information the test covers, that starting can be overwhelming. One first step might be to look at the exam content outline and for each sub-area under each topic, check them off in one of three categories: (1) you know all about that subject; (2) you know something about the subject; or (3) you know very little about it. Then start your studying in the areas where you know very little. For managing your study time, keep in mind the percentage of topic areas covered in the exam. The area of the exam that historically has the lowest success rate is in Plan-making and Research and Assessment Methods, so if this is an area where you don’t have as much background, you might want to start there.
Keep in mind, there are an increasing number of questions on the exam that test your ability to apply your knowledge of the subject in scenarios and to think through how you would approach an issue.
The exam covers nine major topic areas, each encompassing several subareas. It includes questions from all nine topics but may not necessarily include questions from each sub-area. The nine areas and the percentage of the exam devoted to each area are as follows:
Study Resources
- Research and Assessment Methods
- Fundamental Planning Knowledge
- Communication and Interaction
- Plan and Policy Development
- Areas of Practice
- Plan Implementation
- Management, Leadership, and Ethics
For answers to questions or more information: https://www.planning.org/certification/. Or contact Brad Cramer, Idaho Chapter Professional Development Officer (PDO.)