AICP - American Institute of Certified Planners AICP Code of Ethics Questions and Answers

Question 1

An AICP certified planner is employed by a county and owns a significant amount of stock in a real estate development corporation.
The corporation submits a major subdivision application to the county.
According to the AICP Code of Ethics, what is the planner's most critical responsibility in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Provide a full written disclosure of the conflict to their employer and recuse themselves from working on the project.

Answer

Sell the stock immediately to eliminate the financial interest.

Answer

Use their professional judgment to review the application impartially.

Answer

Advise the developer on how to best meet the county's subdivision regulations.

Question 2

According to the Aspirational Principles in Section A of the AICP Code of Ethics, a planner's primary obligation is to serve the:

Accepted Answer

public interest.

Answer

client or employer.

Answer

planning profession.

Answer

elected officials.

Question 3

A planner working for a private consulting firm is hired by a community group to oppose a proposed landfill. Three years prior, the same planner was employed by a different firm and worked on a technical report for a client that supported the landfill's siting. Which action must the planner take before accepting the new assignment?

Accepted Answer

The planner must determine in good faith that the new position will not harm the previous client and obtain written permission from the new client after full disclosure.

Answer

The planner cannot accept the assignment as it is a clear conflict of interest.

Answer

The planner can accept the assignment without disclosure as three years have passed.

Answer

The planner must only inform their current employer about the potential conflict.

Question 4

Which of the following actions is explicitly identified as a violation of the AICP Rules of Conduct?

Accepted Answer

Using the threat of filing an ethics charge to gain an advantage in dealings with another planner.

Answer

Failing to achieve an aspirational principle of the Code.

Answer

Contributing time and effort to groups lacking adequate planning resources.

Answer

Sharing the results of experience and research that contribute to the body of planning knowledge.

Question 5

A city planner is part of a team negotiating the purchase of a property for a new public library. During a closed session, the city's maximum offer price is discussed. Later, a real estate agent friend asks the planner for information about the city's plans for that property. According to the AICP Code of Ethics, how should the planner respond?

Accepted Answer

Provide a general overview without revealing the specific maximum offer.

Answer

Share the information, as it will eventually become public record.

Answer

Decline to provide the information, citing its confidential nature.

Answer

Suggest the agent file a formal public records request.

Question 6

A junior planner is instructed by their supervisor, an AICP planner, to remove several key findings from a staff report that contradict the department's official recommendation on a rezoning case. The junior planner believes the removal will make the report misleading. According to the AICP Code of Ethics, the supervisor is in violation of which rule?

Accepted Answer

Directing a professional to make an analysis or reach findings not supported by available evidence.

Answer

Misrepresenting the qualifications of another professional.

Answer

Failing to provide pro bono services to the community.

Answer

Accepting work beyond their professional competence.