2006 Southern New England Planning Conference AICP Exam Preparation New Haven, CT September 28, 2006 Lynn Duncan, AICP John D. Pagini, AICP

2006 Southern New England 2006 Southern New England Planning ConferencePlanning Conference

AICP Exam PreparationAICP Exam PreparationNew Haven, CTNew Haven, CT

September 28, 2006September 28, 2006

Lynn Duncan, AICPLynn Duncan, AICPJohn D. Pagini, AICPJohn D. Pagini, AICP

2006 SNEAPA2006 SNEAPAAICP Exam PreparationAICP Exam Preparation

AgendaAgenda

Why AICP? Why AICP? AICP Eligibility RequirementsAICP Eligibility Requirements Exam Registration ProcessExam Registration Process Test Scheduling Test Scheduling Exam Overview Exam Overview Exam ElementsExam Elements Exam Preparation Material Exam Preparation Material Test Taking TipsTest Taking Tips


Why AICP?Why AICP?

Nationally-recognized professional Nationally-recognized professional standardstandard

Establishes credibility with peers and Establishes credibility with peers and potential employerspotential employers

Employment advantageEmployment advantage Level above partisan / political fieldLevel above partisan / political field Code / standard of ethical behavior Code / standard of ethical behavior Sometimes additional $ Sometimes additional $


Eligibility RequirementsEligibility Requirements

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

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

submission, a specific combination of submission, a specific combination of education and experience. education and experience.

Must provide confirmation of degree and Must provide confirmation of degree and job verification from each employer.job verification from each employer.



Level of EducationLevel of Education ExperienceExperience

Accredited graduate degree Accredited graduate degree in planningin planning 2 years2 years

Accredited bachelors degree Accredited bachelors degree in planningin planning 3 years3 years

Non-accredited graduate degree Non-accredited graduate degree in planningin planning 3 years3 years

Any other degreeAny other degree 4 years4 years No college degreeNo college degree 8 years8 years



Professional Planning ExperienceProfessional Planning Experience

Influencing public decision making in the Influencing public decision making in the public interestpublic interest

Employing an appropriately Employing an appropriately comprehensive point of viewcomprehensive point of view

Applying a planning process appropriate to Applying a planning process appropriate to the situationthe situation

Involving a professional level of Involving a professional level of responsibility and resourcefulnessresponsibility and resourcefulness



Types of work NOT generally Types of work NOT generally considered professional experience:considered professional experience:

Subdivision designSubdivision design Site design workSite design work Traffic engineeringTraffic engineering Land surveying or mappingLand surveying or mapping Community organization or social work.Community organization or social work. Work at a pre-professional levelWork at a pre-professional level Elected and appointed officialsElected and appointed officials


Registration ProcessRegistration Process

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

www.planning.orgwww.planning.org/certification/certification Deadline about 2 months in advanceDeadline about 2 months in advance Fee - $425Fee - $425 Education and employer verification still Education and employer verification still

requiredrequired



Reduced Fee ScholarshipReduced Fee Scholarship

2006: MA – 22006: MA – 2• CT – 1CT – 1• RI – 1RI – 1

Fee for first time applicants - $120 Fee for first time applicants - $120 If previously approved – Fee $60If previously approved – Fee $60 Difference will be promptly refunded if Difference will be promptly refunded if

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



Reduced Fee Scholarship – Eligibility Reduced Fee Scholarship – Eligibility CriteriaCriteria

Applicant shall submit a written explanation Applicant shall submit a written explanation of financial hardship of financial hardship

CriteriaCriteria• Members of ethnic or racial minorities shall Members of ethnic or racial minorities shall

be given preferencebe given preference• The applicant(s) selected will be otherwise The applicant(s) selected will be otherwise

unlikely to take the exam without the unlikely to take the exam without the reduced fee reduced fee

• The applicant’s employer will not subsidize The applicant’s employer will not subsidize the exam feethe exam fee



GI BillGI Bill

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


Test SchedulingTest Scheduling

Upon application approval, you are Upon application approval, you are notified and sent info that includes exam notified and sent info that includes exam prep resourcesprep resources

AICP forwards your name to test AICP forwards your name to test administrator (Thomson Prometric)administrator (Thomson Prometric)

E-mail confirmation by AICP E-mail confirmation by AICP Thomson Prometric issues Authorization to Thomson Prometric issues Authorization to

Test (ATT) 6 weeks before testing windowTest (ATT) 6 weeks before testing window


About the Computer-based ExamAbout the Computer-based Exam

Thomson Prometric Test Centers:Thomson Prometric Test Centers:• MA: 6MA: 6• CT: 3CT: 3• RI: 1RI: 1

Two testing windows – May and November Two testing windows – May and November – 12 days each– 12 days each

Exam results – same dayExam results – same day Computer-based tutorial on web site.Computer-based tutorial on web site.


About the Computer-based Exam About the Computer-based Exam & Test Center& Test Center

2006/7 Testing Windows:2006/7 Testing Windows:

November, 2006:November, 2006:• Registration Deadline: September 7, Registration Deadline: September 7,

20062006• Testing Window: November 6-20, 2006Testing Window: November 6-20, 2006

May, 2007: TBAMay, 2007: TBA


About the Computer-based About the Computer-based Exam & Test Center Exam & Test Center

On-line tutorial:On-line tutorial:

http://www.planning.org/http://www.planning.org/

tutorial/index.htmtutorial/index.htm



Arrive 30 minutes before scheduled appt.Arrive 30 minutes before scheduled appt. 2 Forms of ID (Passport, driver’s license, 2 Forms of ID (Passport, driver’s license,

SSA Card, etc [see Bulletin])SSA Card, etc [see Bulletin]) Name on ID must match name on your Name on ID must match name on your

ATTATT



Escort to WorkstationEscort to Workstation Calculator ProvidedCalculator Provided Scratch paper providedScratch paper provided Bring a watchBring a watch Do NOT bring books or reference materialsDo NOT bring books or reference materials


About the Computer-based Exam About the Computer-based Exam

Testing appointment – 4 hoursTesting appointment – 4 hours 3 ½ hours for 170 questions3 ½ hours for 170 questions 20 questions are pre-test and do not count20 questions are pre-test and do not count 30 minutes for brief tutorial and brief 30 minutes for brief tutorial and brief

questionnaire at endquestionnaire at end Narrative, scenario and judgment Narrative, scenario and judgment

questionsquestions


About the Computer-based ExamAbout the Computer-based Exam Positive experiencePositive experience System easy to useSystem easy to use Computers were fast enough that it did Computers were fast enough that it did

not take long for questions to appear not take long for questions to appear Easier and quicker to go back to questionsEasier and quicker to go back to questions Test environment comfortable; Test environment comfortable;

Parametrics people helpfulParametrics people helpful Easy to concentrate in cubiclesEasy to concentrate in cubicles PersonalizedPersonalized


Test Taking TipsTest Taking Tips 1.1. Plan to go through the exam twicePlan to go through the exam twice2.2. First, go through the exam and answer First, go through the exam and answer

all the “easy” questions.all the “easy” questions.3.3. Take notes on scrap paper for questions Take notes on scrap paper for questions

you cannot immediately answer and you cannot immediately answer and go go on at once on at once to next question.to next question.

4.4. After first run through take a breath!After first run through take a breath!5.5. Go through second time and answer all Go through second time and answer all

questions.questions.6.6. Enter your best guess – no penaltyEnter your best guess – no penalty


Test Taking TipsTest Taking Tips

Multiple choice question example:Multiple choice question example:

Which of the principles of the AICP Which of the principles of the AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct are applicable to instances Conduct are applicable to instances of sexual harassment?of sexual harassment?


I. I. A planner must not commit a deliberately A planner must not commit a deliberately wrongful act, which reflects adversely wrongful act, which reflects adversely on the planner’s professional fitness.on the planner’s professional fitness.

II. A planner must respect the rights of II. A planner must respect the rights of others and must not discriminate.others and must not discriminate.

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

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


Study TipsStudy Tips

Start early and continue to refreshStart early and continue to refresh Flash card for rote knowledgeFlash card for rote knowledge Memorize significant dates and Memorize significant dates and

eventsevents Take practice testsTake practice tests


Study TipsStudy Tips

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

Magazine and JAPAMagazine and JAPA Study the AICP Code of Ethics, including Study the AICP Code of Ethics, including

proceduresprocedures Focus on citizen participation issuesFocus on citizen participation issues U.S. Census – Go to U.S. Census – Go to www.census.govwww.census.gov


Exam OverviewExam Overview

Shift since 2000 - AICP slowly and Shift since 2000 - AICP slowly and deliberately shifting the focus to be more deliberately shifting the focus to be more oriented to testing the application of oriented to testing the application of planning knowledge and experienceplanning knowledge and experience

Reduced emphasis on rote memorization Reduced emphasis on rote memorization of facts and figuresof facts and figures

More decision making on the part of More decision making on the part of examineesexaminees


Exam OverviewExam Overview Great breadth of subject matter, not depthGreat breadth of subject matter, not depth Test knowledge and skillsTest knowledge and skills Knowledge – 40% - history, law, ethics, Knowledge – 40% - history, law, ethics,

land use, etc.land use, etc. Skills – 60% - demonstrate ability to work Skills – 60% - demonstrate ability to work

within a planning process, formulate goals, within a planning process, formulate goals, recognize appropriate quantitative recognize appropriate quantitative research methods, etc.research methods, etc.

Many questions require professional Many questions require professional judgment, intermixed with technical judgment, intermixed with technical knowledgeknowledge


Exam OverviewExam Overview

Need familiarity with the public planning Need familiarity with the public planning process: planners’ roles; responsibilities of process: planners’ roles; responsibilities of planning commissions and zoning boards; planning commissions and zoning boards; zoning and decision making; public zoning and decision making; public hearing process; citizen participationhearing process; citizen participation

““What would you do” planning process What would you do” planning process questionsquestions

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


Outline of Exam Subject MatterOutline of Exam Subject Matter

I. History, Theory and Law [15%]I. History, Theory and Law [15%]

A. History of planning, including legal A. History of planning, including legal decisionsdecisionsB. Theory of planning B. Theory of planning C. Patterns of human settlementC. Patterns of human settlement



II. Emerging Issues and Trends [10%]II. Emerging Issues and Trends [10%]

A. Social, economic, demographic, and A. Social, economic, demographic, and technological trendstechnological trends

B. Current topics (e.g., smart growth, B. Current topics (e.g., smart growth, neo-neo- traditional, sustainable traditional, sustainable development)development)



III. Plan Making (methods, strategies, III. Plan Making (methods, strategies, and techniques) [20%]and techniques) [20%]

A. Strategic planning/visioningA. Strategic planning/visioningB. Goal settingB. Goal settingC. Survey research methods and data C. Survey research methods and data collectioncollection

D. Organizing, analyzing, and reporting D. Organizing, analyzing, and reporting informationinformationE. DemographicsE. DemographicsF. Information systems (GIS,F. Information systems (GIS, MIS)MIS)G. Fiscal impact analysisG. Fiscal impact analysis



IV. Functional Topics [20%]IV. Functional Topics [20%]

A. Natural resources and A. Natural resources and environmental environmental qualityqualityB. Land useB. Land useC. Infrastructure (e.g., water, sewer, C. Infrastructure (e.g., water, sewer, power, telecommunications)power, telecommunications)D. EnergyD. EnergyE. Public services (e.g., public safety, E. Public services (e.g., public safety, education, human services)education, human services)F. TransportationF. Transportation



IV. Functional Topics [20%](Cont’d)IV. Functional Topics [20%](Cont’d)

G. RecreationG. RecreationH. Economic development and H. Economic development and revitalization plansrevitalization plansI. Historic preservationI. Historic preservationJ. Urban designJ. Urban designK. HousingK. HousingL. Neighborhood issuesL. Neighborhood issuesM. Rural and small town planning M. Rural and small town planning



V. Plan Implementation [20%]V. Plan Implementation [20%]

A. Land use regulationsA. Land use regulationsB. Application of legal principles (e.g., B. Application of legal principles (e.g., takings, aesthetics, etc.) takings, aesthetics, etc.) C. Environmental impact analysisC. Environmental impact analysisD. Growth management techniquesD. Growth management techniquesE. Budgets and public finance E. Budgets and public finance (including (including capital improvementcapital improvement programs)programs)



V. Plan Implementation [20%] (cont’d)V. Plan Implementation [20%] (cont’d)

F. Plan and development project F. Plan and development project review review (including maps, site plans, and (including maps, site plans, and

design review)design review)G. Program evaluationG. Program evaluationH. Communications skills, including H. Communications skills, including public presentationspublic presentationsI. Intergovernmental relationsI. Intergovernmental relationsJ. Project and program managementJ. Project and program management



VI. Code of Ethics, Public Participation, VI. Code of Ethics, Public Participation, and Social Justice [15%]and Social Justice [15%]

A. AICP Code of Ethics A. AICP Code of Ethics B. Multi-cultural and gender issuesB. Multi-cultural and gender issuesC. Public participationC. Public participationD. Negotiation and coalition buildingD. Negotiation and coalition building


Exam-related Information:Exam-related Information:

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

index.htmindex.htm Questions: Questions: [email protected]@planning.org


Preparing for the ExamPreparing for the Exam

Resources through APAResources through APA

AICP Exam Tutorial AICP Exam Tutorial www.planning.org/tutorial/index.htmwww.planning.org/tutorial/index.htm

Selected readings – APA web siteSelected readings – APA web site Top Planning Stories Top Planning Stories www.planning.org/www.planning.org/

25anniversary/topstories.htm25anniversary/topstories.htm Outstanding Planning Articles Outstanding Planning Articles

www.planning.org/25anniversary/ www.planning.org/25anniversary/ planningarticles.htmplanningarticles.htm

PlanningPlanning magazine magazine www.planning.org/planning/nonmember/www.planning.org/planning/nonmember/



Resources through APAResources through APA

History timeline at History timeline at www.planning.orgwww.planning.org/pathways/pathways/ /

The Smart Growth Reader The Smart Growth Reader www.planning.org/sgreaderwww.planning.org/sgreader

The Affordable Housing Reader The Affordable Housing Reader www.planning.org/affordablereaderwww.planning.org/affordablereader



CPC Study ManualCPC Study Manual



AICP Exam Prep AICP Exam Prep 1.01.0



AICP Exam Prep 1.0 – ContentsAICP Exam Prep 1.0 – Contents

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

planning stories, etc.)planning stories, etc.) APA Policy GuidesAPA Policy Guides EthicsEthics AICP Exam Prep NotesAICP Exam Prep Notes Study QuestionsStudy Questions



Selected Readings Recommended by Selected Readings Recommended by AICPAICP

American Institute of Certified Planners: American Institute of Certified Planners: Code of Ethics and Professional ConductCode of Ethics and Professional Conduct

Everyday Ethics for Practicing PlannersEveryday Ethics for Practicing Planners (October 2001)(October 2001)

Comparison of Current Planning Theories: Comparison of Current Planning Theories: Counterparts and ContradictionsCounterparts and Contradictions

Planning Theory for Practitioners (2002)Planning Theory for Practitioners (2002) Statistics: Cliff’s Quick Review (2001)Statistics: Cliff’s Quick Review (2001)



Selected Readings Recommended by Selected Readings Recommended by AICP (cont’d)AICP (cont’d)

The Practice of Local Government Planning The Practice of Local Government Planning (3(3rdrd Edition, 2000) Edition, 2000)

Land Use in a Nutshell (4th edition, 2000)Land Use in a Nutshell (4th edition, 2000) Planning the Built Environment (2000)Planning the Built Environment (2000) Rural by Design (1994)Rural by Design (1994) Redesigning Cities (2003)Redesigning Cities (2003)



Selected Readings Available to CT Planners for Selected Readings Available to CT Planners for Reference OnlyReference Only

American Institute of Certified Planners: Code of American Institute of Certified Planners: Code of Ethics and Professional ConductEthics and Professional Conduct

Everyday Ethics for Practicing PlannersEveryday Ethics for Practicing Planners (October (October 2001)2001)

Planning Theory for Practitioners (2002)Planning Theory for Practitioners (2002) The Practice of Local Government Planning (3The Practice of Local Government Planning (3rdrd

Edition, 2000)Edition, 2000) Land Use in a Nutshell (4th edition, 2000)Land Use in a Nutshell (4th edition, 2000) Redesigning Cities (2003)Redesigning Cities (2003)



Non-APA ResourcesNon-APA Resources

Planning Prep: Planning Prep: www.planning prep.comwww.planning prep.com Institute of Continuing Planning Education: Institute of Continuing Planning Education:

www.icpeweb.comwww.icpeweb.com - Self Study Guide - Self Study Guide Planetizen - on line Planetizen - on line

http://www.planetizen.com/courses/aicphttp://www.planetizen.com/courses/aicp Michael Waiczis study materialsMichael Waiczis study materials Ohio State University: Planning Education @ Ohio State University: Planning Education @

a Distance - a Distance - http://http://knowlton.osu.edu/ped/aicp.htmknowlton.osu.edu/ped/aicp.htm--



Non-APA Tutorials:Non-APA Tutorials:

Planning Education Planning Education at a Distance:at a Distance:

The Ohio State The Ohio State UniversityUniversity

http://knowlton.osu.edu/ped/http://knowlton.osu.edu/ped/


MA Chapter Resources:MA Chapter Resources:

Annual 4-session exam prep course co-Annual 4-session exam prep course co-sponsored with Tufts Universitysponsored with Tufts University

Study groupStudy group CPC manualCPC manual SNEAPA Exam Prep - FallSNEAPA Exam Prep - Fall AICP exam reduced fee scholarshipAICP exam reduced fee scholarship Ethics Workshop at SNEAPAEthics Workshop at SNEAPA


MA Chapter MA Chapter

Professional Development OfficerProfessional Development Officer

Lynn Duncan, AICPLynn Duncan, AICP

[email protected]@salem.com

978-745-9595 ext. 311978-745-9595 ext. 311 http://www.massapa.orghttp://www.massapa.org for AICP exam for AICP exam

informationinformation


CT Chapter ResourcesCT Chapter Resources::

Annual Classroom – AprilAnnual Classroom – April SNEAPA Exam Prep - FallSNEAPA Exam Prep - Fall Chapter President’s Council CD – N/CChapter President’s Council CD – N/C 6 of “Select Readings” Recommending by 6 of “Select Readings” Recommending by

AICP available in Meriden Public LibraryAICP available in Meriden Public Library AICP Exam Reduced Fee ScholarshipsAICP Exam Reduced Fee Scholarships Annual Ethics Workshop at SNEAPAAnnual Ethics Workshop at SNEAPA


CT Chapter CT Chapter Professional Development OfficerProfessional Development Officer

John D. Pagini, AICPJohn D. Pagini, AICP846 Silver Street846 Silver StreetCoventry, CT 06238Coventry, CT [email protected]@charter.net

www.ccapa.orgwww.ccapa.org for AICP exam and study for AICP exam and study materialmaterial


RI Chapter Resources:RI Chapter Resources:

AICP Exam Study Session in April & AICP Exam Study Session in April & OctoberOctober

SNEAPA Exam Prep - FallSNEAPA Exam Prep - Fall Circulation of 2 copies of AICP Exam Prep Circulation of 2 copies of AICP Exam Prep

1.0 Manual & CD1.0 Manual & CD AICP Exam Reduced Fee ScholarshipsAICP Exam Reduced Fee Scholarships Chapter President’s Council CD (N/C)Chapter President’s Council CD (N/C) Annual Ethics WorkshopAnnual Ethics Workshop AICP CD-ROM Training PackagesAICP CD-ROM Training Packages


RI Chapter RI Chapter Professional Development OfficerProfessional Development Officer

Pam Sherrill, AICPPam Sherrill, AICPPare Engineering Corp. Pare Engineering Corp. Lincoln, RI Lincoln, RI [email protected]@parecorp.com 401-334-4100401-334-4100

www.riapa.orgwww.riapa.org for AICP exam and study for AICP exam and study materialmaterial


When You Pass…When You Pass…

Look for “official” confirmation*Look for “official” confirmation* AICP dues upon passing the exam: AICP dues upon passing the exam:

• $81 - $126 (salary-based as of $81 - $126 (salary-based as of September, 2006)September, 2006)

See your PDO about working to obtain See your PDO about working to obtain your your Continuing Professional Development Continuing Professional Development CertificateCertificate

*You will have “unofficial” confirmation *You will have “unofficial” confirmation when you finish the examwhen you finish the exam


GOOD LUCK!GOOD LUCK!

Documents

2006 Southern New England Planning Conference AICP Exam Preparation New Haven, CT September 28, 2006 Lynn Duncan, AICP John D. Pagini, AICP