APA AICP Practice Test Questions Answers

The Lake Tahoe region, spanning California and Nevada, is managed by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), a bi-state agency established in 1969 to oversee land use, environmental protection, and development in the region. The TRPA is a well-known example of a multi-state regional planning body, created through a compact between the two states and approved by Congress. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Areas of Practice,” identifies “Lake Tahoe as a model of bi-state regional planning, managed by the TRPA to protect the lake’s ecosystem and manage growth.” The other regions—Highlands (B), Ozarks (C), and Delmarva Peninsula (D)—do not have similar bi- or multi-state planning agencies. The Highlands region has some regional coordination but not a formal multi-state agency like the TRPA. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) notes, “The TRPA at Lake Tahoe is a leading example of a bi-state planning agency addressing land use and environmental challenges,” supporting option A.

A comprehensive plan reflects the community’s vision and goals, which should be based on the values of its stakeholders—residents, businesses, and other local entities. Option A (values of the stakeholders of the jurisdiction) ensures that the plan is grounded in the community’s priorities, a core principle of planning. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Plan and Policy Development,” states, “Comprehensive plan goals should reflect the values and priorities of the community’s stakeholders to ensure relevance and support.” Option B (prioritizing special interest groups) risks excluding broader community input. Option C (out-of-state corporations) is irrelevant to local values. Option D (consensus among governmental agencies) is important for implementation but not the basis for setting goals. TheCPC StudyManual(2024) notes, “Goals in a comprehensive plan must be derived from the values and vision of the jurisdiction’s stakeholders,” supporting option A.

TheAICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct(2022) addresses the process for handling misconduct charges. Section E, Procedure 5 states, “If a member resigns during an investigation, the Ethics Officer may choose to continue the investigation to its conclusion if it is in the interest of the profession.” This allows the Ethics Officer to proceed (option D) to ensure accountability and protect the profession’s integrity, especially for serious charges like discrimination and plagiarism. Option A (must terminate) is incorrect, as the Ethics Officer has discretion to continue. Option B (preventing reapplication) is not specified in the Code—resignation does not automatically bar reapplication. Option C (notifying APA chapter to publish) violates confidentiality rules under Section E, Procedure 2, which requires confidentiality during investigations. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “The Ethics Officer may continue an investigation after resignation to uphold professional standards,” supporting option D.

The cohort survival method projects population growth by analyzing age cohorts and applying rates of births, deaths, and migration over time, making it a detailed and demographic-focused technique. Option C (Cohort Survival) matches this description. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Research and Assessment Methods,” defines cohort survival as “a method that projects population by age cohort, factoring in births, deaths, and migration rates.” Option A (economic-based model) focuses on economic factors, not demographics. Options B (Modified Exponential Curve) and D (Gompertz Curve) are mathematical models for growth trends, not detailed demographic projections. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) states, “Cohort survival is the standard method for detailed population projections, using age cohorts and rates of births, deaths, and migration,” supporting option C.

Creative placemaking involves collaboration between public, private, and non-profit sectors to leverage a community’s arts and cultural assets for physical improvements, enhancing community identity and vitality. Option A (creative placemaking) matches this description. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Areas of Practice,” defines creative placemaking as “a process that partners with multiple sectors to use arts and culture for community development and physical improvements.” Option B (public realm activation) focuses on activating public spaces but not specifically through arts. Option C (design charrette) is a participatory design process, not necessarily arts-focused. Option D (scenario planning) is a strategic tool, not a development process. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) states, “Creative placemaking uses arts and culture through multi-sector partnerships to create physical improvements,” supporting option A.