Free Practice Questions for APA AICP Exam

Mode shift from single-occupancy vehicles (SOVs) to alternatives like transit or carpooling is best achieved by reducing incentives for SOV use. Option C (parking cash-out programs) allows employees to opt out of parking subsidies in exchange for cash, encouraging them to use other modes. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Areas of Practice,” states, “Parking cash-out programs are the most effective employer-focused strategy for mode shift, as they financially incentivize alternatives to SOVs.” Option A (meeting parking requirements) maintains SOV incentives. Option B (shared parking) reduces parking demand but doesn’t directly target employees. Option D (priority carpool parking) helps but is less impactful than cash incentives. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Parking cash-out programs best achieve mode shift by incentivizing employees to forgo SOVs,” supporting option C.

Community visioning is a participatory process that engages residents to define a shared vision for the future, which then informs the goals of a community plan. Option A (aid in the development of goals for community planning) is the primary purpose, as visioning sets thefoundation for planning by establishing community priorities. The APA’s AICP Certification Exam Content Outline (2022), under “Plan and Policy Development,” states, “Community visioning is used to develop a shared vision that guides the creation of planning goals.” Option B (identify solutions) is a secondary outcome, not the primary purpose. Option C (evaluate the existing plan) is a different process, such as plan evaluation. Option D (goals for capital improvement) is too narrow, as visioning informs broader planning goals. The CPC Study Manual (2024) confirms, “The primary purpose of visioning is to establish community planning goals based on a shared vision,” supporting option A.

TheAICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct(2022) emphasizes integrity and accuracy in planning work. Section B, Rule of Conduct 1 states, “We shall not deliberately…commit a wrongful act…which reflects adversely on our professional fitness,” and Rule 3 states, “We shall not…knowingly provide inaccurate information.” The planner’s knowledge that the site plans will increase runoff contradicts the applicants’ claims, and accepting this without action would be knowingly providing inaccurate information, violating these rules. Option A (telling the supervisor this is an ethical violation and refusing to sign off) aligns with the planner’s duty to uphold integrity and avoid wrongful acts. Option B (leaking to a reporter) violates Rule 10, which prohibits “public disclosure of confidential information” without authorization. Option C (requesting an advisory opinion) is a valid step but not the first action, as the planner must address the issue directly with the supervisor first. Option D (threatening an ethics complaint) is premature and confrontational, not aligned with the Code’s emphasis on professional resolution. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) reinforces that planners must “act with integrity and correctinaccuracies,” supporting option A.

Crowdsourcing in planning involves gathering input from a large, diverse group, often via digital platforms like social media. Option C (use social media to enlist a wide variety of input on a planning project) accurately describes this tool’s primary use, enabling planners to collect ideas and feedback. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Communication and Interaction,” defines crowdsourcing as “a tool that uses social media or digital platforms to gather diverse input for planning projects.” Option A (demographic anomalies) and D (transit demand) are analytical tasks not typically crowdsourced. Option B (crowd gathering locations) misinterprets the term. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) states, “Crowdsourcing helps planners gather wide-ranging input via social media for planning projects,” supporting option C.

Scenario planning is a technique used in visioning to explore alternative futures, engaging stakeholders to imagine and prioritize potential outcomes for a comprehensive plan. Option D (scenario planning) is correct. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Plan and Policy Development,” states, “Scenario planning is a useful technique for community visioning, allowing stakeholders to explore and shape future possibilities.” Option A (fiscal impact analysis) evaluates financial impacts, not visioning. Option B (design review) ensures compliance with standards, not vision creation. Option C (capital needs assessment)focuses on infrastructure, not visioning. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Scenario planning helps create a community vision by exploring alternative futures in a comprehensive plan,” supporting option D.

Waterfront redevelopment in the Northeast United States often involves former industrial sites, many of which are contaminated (brownfields). Option A (include brownfield remediation strategies) is correct, as these plans typically require cleanup to make the land safe for new uses like housing or recreation. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Areas of Practice,” states, “Waterfront redevelopment in the Northeast frequently involves brownfield remediation due to historical industrial activity.” Option B (not addressing water’s edge ecology) is incorrect, as ecological restoration is a key component. Option C (new industrial employment) is unlikely, as modern waterfront plans often focus on mixed-use or recreational development. Option D (no federal involvement) is incorrect, as agencies like the EPA or Army Corps of Engineers are often involved due to environmental and waterway regulations. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) notes, “Northeast waterfront redevelopment typically requires brownfield remediation to address contamination from past industrial use,” supporting option A.

Retail trade area analysis evaluates customer demand and accessibility. Option B (market-related socioeconomic characteristics within a travel time) is commonly used, as it assesses customer demographics (e.g., income, age) within a realistic travel time, reflecting market potential. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Research and Assessment Methods,” states, “Retail trade area analysis typically evaluates socioeconomic characteristics of customers within a travel time specific to the retail type.” Option A (housing types) is less relevant to retail demand. Option C (racial/ethnic and income within a distance) is partial but ignores travel time, a key factor. Option D (concentric zones) is an outdated method (e.g., Reilly’s Law) not commonly used today. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Modernretail trade analysis focuses on socioeconomic characteristics within a travel time,” supporting option B.

TheAICP Code of Ethics(2022), Section A, Principle 1(b), states, “We shall provide timely, adequate, clear, and accurate information on planning issues,” and Section B, Rule 3 prohibits “knowingly providing inaccurate information.” The planner’s disagreement stems from the project’s inconsistency with the comprehensive plan, a valid concern. Option C (meet with the director and discuss problems) is the first step, as it addresses the issue professionally within the chain of command, ensuring accurate information is presented. Option A (letter to the newspaper) and D (supplying information to community leaders) violate confidentiality under Rule 10, which prohibits public disclosure without authorization. Option B (calling commission members) bypasses the director and may be seen as unprofessional. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) states, “Planners should first address ethical concerns, like plan inconsistencies, with their supervisor to ensure accurate information is provided,” supporting option C.

Implementing a Geographic Information System (GIS) requires a clear understanding of the department’s needs to ensure the system meets specific planning goals. Option A (survey and detail the needs of the department) is the appropriate initial step, as it identifies requirements for data, functionality, and user access. The APA’s AICP Certification Exam Content Outline (2022), under “Administration and Management,” states, “The first step in GIS implementation is to assess the department’s needs to ensure the system aligns with planning objectives.” Option B (survey other jurisdictions) is a later step for benchmarking. Option C (contact city manager) and D (budget requests) come after needs are defined. The CPC Study Manual (2024) confirms, “GIS implementation begins with a needs assessment to define the department’s requirements,” supporting option A.

Full state funding of local education aims to address disparities caused by unequal local tax bases, where wealthier areas can fund better schools through higher property taxes, leaving poorer areas underfunded. Option D (unequal local tax bases) is the main argument, as state funding seeks to equalize resources across districts. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Fundamental Planning Knowledge,” states, “The primary argument for state funding of education is to address inequities from unequal local tax bases, ensuring fair resource distribution.” Option A (local control) is an argument against state funding. Option B (federal preemption) is unrelated, as education is a state matter. Option C (incompetent administration) is not the main rationale. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “State funding of education addresses disparities from unequal tax bases, promoting equity,” supporting option D.