AICP Exam

The AICP Exam is administered semi-annually in May and November.  Application windows are approximately six months in advance of the examination.  The application itself requires a substantial investment of time and effort, and approval of an application may take several weeks. 

Most of the procedural information regarding the exam can be found at the “More information” link below, particularly in the “Exam Candidate Bulletin.” 

Studying for the Exam:  NNECAPA generally offers a training session during the annual Chapter conference, and training sessions are also offered annually at the National Planning Conference.  These training sessions, however, can only provide a brief overview of the exam and content areas, with some opportunity for questions and answers.  It is up to the exam candidate individually to identify appropriate study resources and to make the effort necessary to ensure success.  It is a difficult and comprehensive examination that features complex questions that are often based in scenarios that require the exercise of judgment.  The pass rate is typically about 67%. 

Study Resources

Start by reading these thoughts on the exam: Thoughts After Auditing the AICP Exam

The APA Chapter Presidents Council Study Guide is available for purchase from the Chapter Professional Development Officer by completing this form: CPC Manual Order Form.  Cost: $15. 

APA’s AICP Exam Prep Package 2.0 can be purchased by following the “More Information” link below to “Exam Preparation Resources.”  Cost: $195. 

Planetizen offers a 10-hour video-based online training course that features practice exams.  Information: http://www.planetizen.com/courses/aicp.  Cost: $129 (printed Core and Supplemental readers are extra). 

More information: http://planning.org/certification/index.htm