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

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Agenda Why AICP? Why AICP? AICP Eligibility Requirements AICP Eligibility Requirements Exam Registration Process Exam Registration Process Test Scheduling Test Scheduling Exam Overview Exam Overview Exam Elements Exam Elements Exam Preparation Material Exam Preparation Material Test Taking Tips Test Taking Tips

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Why AICP? Nationally-recognized professional standard Nationally-recognized professional standard Establishes credibility with peers and potential employers Establishes credibility with peers and potential employers Employment advantage Employment advantage Level above partisan / political field Level above partisan / political field Code / standard of ethical behavior Code / standard of ethical behavior Sometimes additional $ Sometimes additional $

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Eligibility Requirements Current member of APA Current member of APA Be engaged in professional planning, currently or in the past. Be engaged in professional planning, currently or in the past. Have completed, at the time of application submission, a specific combination of education and experience. Have completed, at the time of application submission, a specific combination of education and experience. Must provide confirmation of degree and job verification from each employer. Must provide confirmation of degree and job verification from each employer.

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Eligibility Requirements Eligibility Requirements Level of EducationExperience Accredited graduate degree Accredited graduate degree in planning2 years Accredited bachelors degree Accredited bachelors degree in planning3 years Non-accredited graduate degree Non-accredited graduate degree in planning3 years Any other degree4 years Any other degree4 years No college degree8 years No college degree8 years

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Eligibility Requirements Professional Planning Experience Influencing public decision making in the public interest Influencing public decision making in the public interest Employing an appropriately comprehensive point of view Employing an appropriately comprehensive point of view Applying a planning process appropriate to the situation Applying a planning process appropriate to the situation Involving a professional level of responsibility and resourcefulness Involving a professional level of responsibility and resourcefulness

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Eligibility Requirements Types of work NOT generally considered professional experience: Subdivision design Subdivision design Site design work Site design work Traffic engineering Traffic engineering Land surveying or mapping Land surveying or mapping Community organization or social work. Community organization or social work. Work at a pre-professional level Work at a pre-professional level Elected and appointed officials Elected and appointed officials

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Registration Process One Step Process - one form, one fee One Step Process - one form, one fee Register and submit fee at Register and submit fee at Deadline about 2 months in advance Deadline about 2 months in advance Fee - $425 Fee - $425 Education and employer verification still required Education and employer verification still required

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Registration Process Reduced Fee Scholarship 2006: MA – : MA – 2 CT – 1CT – 1 RI – 1RI – 1 Fee for first time applicants - $120 Fee for first time applicants - $120 If previously approved – Fee $60 If previously approved – Fee $60 Difference will be promptly refunded if approved for the scholarship after submitting the registration fee Difference will be promptly refunded if approved for the scholarship after submitting the registration fee

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Registration Process Reduced Fee Scholarship – Eligibility Criteria Applicant shall submit a written explanation of financial hardship Applicant shall submit a written explanation of financial hardship Criteria Criteria Members of ethnic or racial minorities shall be given preferenceMembers of ethnic or racial minorities shall be given preference The applicant(s) selected will be otherwise unlikely to take the exam without the reduced feeThe applicant(s) selected will be otherwise unlikely to take the exam without the reduced fee The applicant’s employer will not subsidize the exam feeThe applicant’s employer will not subsidize the exam fee

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Registration Process GI Bill Military veterans (and their surviving dependents) who are also approved AICP applicants (meaning they have paid the registration fee to AICP and taken the exam), can now ask the Veterans Administration to reimburse them the fee. Military veterans (and their surviving dependents) who are also approved AICP applicants (meaning they have paid the registration fee to AICP and taken the exam), can now ask the Veterans Administration to reimburse them the fee.

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Test Scheduling Upon application approval, you are notified and sent info that includes exam prep resources Upon application approval, you are notified and sent info that includes exam prep resources AICP forwards your name to test administrator (Thomson Prometric) AICP forwards your name to test administrator (Thomson Prometric) confirmation by AICP confirmation by AICP Thomson Prometric issues Authorization to Test (ATT) 6 weeks before testing window Thomson Prometric issues Authorization to Test (ATT) 6 weeks before testing window

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation About 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 – 12 days each Two testing windows – May and November – 12 days each Exam results – same day Exam results – same day Computer-based tutorial on web site. Computer-based tutorial on web site.

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation About the Computer-based Exam & Test Center 2006/7 Testing Windows: November, 2006: November, 2006: Registration Deadline: September 7, 2006Registration Deadline: September 7, 2006 Testing Window: November 6-20, 2006Testing Window: November 6-20, 2006 May, 2007: TBA May, 2007: TBA

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation About the Computer-based Exam & Test Center On-line tutorial: tutorial/index.htm

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation About 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]) 2 Forms of ID (Passport, driver’s license, SSA Card, etc [see Bulletin]) Name on ID must match name on your ATT Name on ID must match name on your ATT

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation About the Computer-based Exam Escort to Workstation Escort to Workstation Calculator Provided Calculator Provided Scratch paper provided Scratch paper provided Bring a watch Bring a watch Do NOT bring books or reference materials Do NOT bring books or reference materials

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation About the Computer-based Exam Testing appointment – 4 hours Testing appointment – 4 hours 3 ½ hours for 170 questions 3 ½ hours for 170 questions 20 questions are pre-test and do not count 20 questions are pre-test and do not count 30 minutes for brief tutorial and brief questionnaire at end 30 minutes for brief tutorial and brief questionnaire at end Narrative, scenario and judgment questions Narrative, scenario and judgment questions

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation About the Computer-based Exam Positive experience Positive experience System easy to use System easy to use Computers were fast enough that it did not take long for questions to appear Computers were fast enough that it did not take long for questions to appear Easier and quicker to go back to questions Easier and quicker to go back to questions Test environment comfortable; Parametrics people helpful Test environment comfortable; Parametrics people helpful Easy to concentrate in cubicles Easy to concentrate in cubicles Personalized Personalized

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Test Taking Tips 1. Plan to go through the exam twice 2. First, go through the exam and answer all the “easy” questions. 3. Take notes on scrap paper for questions you cannot immediately answer and go on at once to next question. 4. After first run through take a breath! 5. Go through second time and answer all questions. 6. Enter your best guess – no penalty

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Test Taking Tips Multiple choice question example: Which of the principles of the AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct are applicable to instances of sexual harassment?

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation I. 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 must not discriminate. III. A planner must have special concern for the long-range consequences of present actions. A. I and II B. I, II, and III C. I and III D. II and III

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Study Tips  Start early and continue to refresh  Flash card for rote knowledge  Memorize significant dates and events  Take practice tests

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Study Tips  Know current trends  Read current material – i.e. Planning Magazine and JAPA  Study the AICP Code of Ethics, including procedures  Focus on citizen participation issues  U.S. Census – Go to

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Exam Overview Shift since AICP slowly and deliberately shifting the focus to be more oriented to testing the application of planning knowledge and experience Shift since AICP slowly and deliberately 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 Reduced emphasis on rote memorization of facts and figures More decision making on the part of examinees More decision making on the part of examinees

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Exam Overview Great breadth of subject matter, not depth Great breadth of subject matter, not depth Test knowledge and skills Test knowledge and skills Knowledge – 40% - history, law, ethics, land use, etc. Knowledge – 40% - history, law, ethics, land use, etc. Skills – 60% - demonstrate ability to work within a planning process, formulate goals, recognize appropriate quantitative research methods, etc. Skills – 60% - demonstrate ability to work within a planning process, formulate goals, recognize appropriate quantitative research methods, etc. Many questions require professional judgment, intermixed with technical knowledge Many questions require professional judgment, intermixed with technical knowledge

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation 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 participation Need familiarity with the public planning process: planners’ roles; responsibilities of planning commissions and zoning boards; zoning and decision making; public hearing process; citizen participation “What would you do” planning process questions “What would you do” planning process questions Emphasis on agency management; policy and decision making; citizen participation; and ethics Emphasis on agency management; policy and decision making; citizen participation; and ethics

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Outline of Exam Subject Matter I. History, Theory and Law [15%] A. History of planning, including legal decisions B. Theory of planning C. Patterns of human settlement

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Outline of Exam Subject Matter II. Emerging Issues and Trends [10%] A. Social, economic, demographic, and technological trends B. Current topics (e.g., smart growth, neo-traditional, sustainable development)

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Outline of Exam Subject Matter III. Plan Making (methods, strategies, and techniques) [20%] A. Strategic planning/visioning B. Goal setting C. Survey research methods and data collection D. Organizing, analyzing, and reporting information D. Organizing, analyzing, and reporting information E. Demographics F. Information systems (GIS, MIS) G. Fiscal impact analysis

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Outline of Exam Subject Matter IV. Functional Topics [20%] A. Natural resources and environmental quality B. Land use C. Infrastructure (e.g., water, sewer, power, telecommunications) D. Energy E. Public services (e.g., public safety, education, human services) F. Transportation

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Outline of Exam Subject Matter IV. Functional Topics [20%](Cont’d) G. Recreation H. Economic development and revitalization plans I. Historic preservation J. Urban design K. Housing L. Neighborhood issues M. Rural and small town planning

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Outline of Exam Subject Matter V. Plan Implementation [20%] A. Land use regulations B. Application of legal principles (e.g., takings, aesthetics, etc.) C. Environmental impact analysis D. Growth management techniques E. Budgets and public finance (including capital improvement programs)

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Outline of Exam Subject Matter V. Plan Implementation [20%] (cont’d) F. Plan and development project review (including maps, site plans, and design review) G. Program evaluation H. Communications skills, including public presentations I. Intergovernmental relations J. Project and program management

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Outline of Exam Subject Matter VI. Code of Ethics, Public Participation, and Social Justice [15%] A. AICP Code of Ethics B. Multi-cultural and gender issues C. Public participation D. Negotiation and coalition building

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Exam-related Information: Web site for exam-related information: Web site for exam-related information: index.htm Questions: Questions:

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Preparing for the Exam Resources through APA AICP Exam Tutorial AICP Exam Tutorial Selected readings – APA web site Selected readings – APA web site Top Planning Stories Top Planning Stories 25anniversary/topstories.htm Outstanding Planning Articles planningarticles.htm Outstanding Planning Articles planningarticles.htm planningarticles.htm planningarticles.htm Planning magazine Planning magazine

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Preparing for the Exam Resources through APA  History timeline at  The Smart Growth Reader  The Affordable Housing Reader

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Preparing for the Exam CPC Study Manual

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Preparing for the Exam AICP Exam Prep 1.0

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Preparing for the Exam AICP Exam Prep 1.0 – Contents AICP Exam “How to” AICP Exam “How to” Additional Resources (cases, planning law, planning stories, etc.) Additional Resources (cases, planning law, planning stories, etc.) APA Policy Guides APA Policy Guides Ethics Ethics AICP Exam Prep Notes AICP Exam Prep Notes Study Questions Study Questions

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Preparing for the Exam Selected Readings Recommended by AICP American Institute of Certified Planners: Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct American Institute of Certified Planners: Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Everyday Ethics for Practicing Planners (October 2001) Everyday Ethics for Practicing Planners (October 2001) Comparison of Current Planning Theories: Counterparts and Contradictions Comparison of Current Planning Theories: Counterparts and Contradictions Planning Theory for Practitioners (2002) Planning Theory for Practitioners (2002) Statistics: Cliff’s Quick Review (2001) Statistics: Cliff’s Quick Review (2001)

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Preparing for the Exam Selected Readings Recommended by AICP (cont’d) The Practice of Local Government Planning (3 rd Edition, 2000) The Practice of Local Government Planning (3 rd 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)

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Preparing for the Exam Selected Readings Available to CT Planners for Reference Only American Institute of Certified Planners: Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct American Institute of Certified Planners: Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Everyday Ethics for Practicing Planners (October 2001) Everyday Ethics for Practicing Planners (October 2001) Planning Theory for Practitioners (2002) Planning Theory for Practitioners (2002) The Practice of Local Government Planning (3 rd Edition, 2000) The Practice of Local Government Planning (3 rd Edition, 2000) Land Use in a Nutshell (4th edition, 2000) Land Use in a Nutshell (4th edition, 2000) Redesigning Cities (2003) Redesigning Cities (2003)

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Preparing for the Exam Non-APA Resources Planning Prep: prep.com Planning Prep: prep.com Institute of Continuing Planning Education: - Self Study Guide Institute of Continuing Planning Education: - Self Study Guide Planetizen - on line Planetizen - on line Michael Waiczis study materials Michael Waiczis study materials Ohio State University: Planning a Distance - Ohio State University: Planning a Distance -

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation Preparing for the Exam Non-APA Tutorials: Planning Education at a Distance: The Ohio State University

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation MA Chapter Resources: Annual 4-session exam prep course co- sponsored with Tufts University Annual 4-session exam prep course co- sponsored with Tufts University Study group Study group CPC manual CPC manual SNEAPA Exam Prep - Fall SNEAPA Exam Prep - Fall AICP exam reduced fee scholarship AICP exam reduced fee scholarship Ethics Workshop at SNEAPA Ethics Workshop at SNEAPA

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation MA Chapter Professional Development Officer Lynn Duncan, AICP Lynn Duncan, AICP ext for AICP exam information for AICP exam information

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation CT Chapter Resources : Annual Classroom – April Annual Classroom – April SNEAPA Exam Prep - Fall SNEAPA Exam Prep - Fall Chapter President’s Council CD – N/C Chapter President’s Council CD – N/C 6 of “Select Readings” Recommending by AICP available in Meriden Public Library 6 of “Select Readings” Recommending by AICP available in Meriden Public Library AICP Exam Reduced Fee Scholarships AICP Exam Reduced Fee Scholarships Annual Ethics Workshop at SNEAPA Annual Ethics Workshop at SNEAPA

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation CT Chapter Professional Development Officer John D. Pagini, AICP John D. Pagini, AICP 846 Silver Street Coventry, CT for AICP exam and study material for AICP exam and study material

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation RI Chapter Resources: AICP Exam Study Session in April & October AICP Exam Study Session in April & October SNEAPA Exam Prep - Fall SNEAPA Exam Prep - Fall Circulation of 2 copies of AICP Exam Prep 1.0 Manual & CD Circulation of 2 copies of AICP Exam Prep 1.0 Manual & CD AICP Exam Reduced Fee Scholarships AICP Exam Reduced Fee Scholarships Chapter President’s Council CD (N/C) Chapter President’s Council CD (N/C) Annual Ethics Workshop Annual Ethics Workshop AICP CD-ROM Training Packages AICP CD-ROM Training Packages

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation RI Chapter Professional Development Officer Pam Sherrill, AICP Pam Sherrill, AICP Pare Engineering Corp. Lincoln, RI for AICP exam and study material for AICP exam and study material

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation 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 September, 2006)$81 - $126 (salary-based as of September, 2006) See your PDO about working to obtain your Continuing Professional Development Certificate See your PDO about working to obtain your Continuing Professional Development Certificate *You will have “unofficial” confirmation when you finish the exam

2006 SNEAPA AICP Exam Preparation GOOD LUCK!