How many questions are on the AICP exam?

The AICP Certification Exam contains 170 multiple-choice questions, of which 150 are scored and 20 are unscored pretest items used for future exam development. Candidates are given three and a half hours to complete the test, which is administered through Prometric testing centers across the United States.

When is the AICP exam offered each year?

The American Institute of Certified Planners offers the AICP exam twice per year during two testing windows, typically in May and November. Each window lasts approximately two weeks, and candidates must schedule their specific appointment at a Prometric testing center after receiving their Authorization to Test notification.

How much does the AICP exam cost?

The AICP exam application fee is $100, and the exam fee is $425 for APA members, making the total $525. Non-members pay significantly more and are generally required to join APA before applying. Retake fees are $425 for subsequent attempts within the same certification cycle.

How do I register for the AICP exam?

Registration is completed online through the American Planning Association website during the application window, which opens several months before each testing period. Applicants must submit professional planning experience documentation, verify education credentials, pay the application fee, and receive approval before scheduling with Prometric.

What topics are covered on the AICP exam?

The exam covers fundamental planning knowledge including plan making and implementation, functional areas of practice such as transportation and housing, spatial areas of practice, public participation, and the AICP Code of Ethics. Questions also address planning law, research methods, and the history and theory of urban planning.

What is the best way to prepare for the AICP exam?

Effective preparation typically requires three to six months of study using APA's official exam resources, the AICP Exam Prep course, and review books like the PAS Report guides. Practice tests, study groups through local APA chapters, and review of the AICP Code of Ethics are widely recommended by successful candidates.

How long does the AICP exam take to complete?

Candidates have three and a half hours, or 210 minutes, to complete all 170 multiple-choice questions. This provides roughly 74 seconds per question, so efficient pacing is important. A short optional tutorial and survey are offered before and after the timed portion and do not count against exam time.

When will I receive my AICP exam results?

Candidates receive an unofficial pass or fail notification immediately upon completing the exam at the Prometric testing center. Official score reports, including performance feedback by content domain for those who did not pass, are emailed by the American Planning Association approximately four to six weeks after the testing window closes.

AICP Exam 2026 June

Free AICP practice test with questions and answer explanations. Prepare for the AICP exam with instant score feedback. Updated 2026 June. 🎓

AICP - American Institute of Certified Planners By James R. HargroveJun 3, 202659 min read

⏱️3.5hTime Limit

📝170Questions

✅65%Pass Rate

💵$255Exam Fee

The AICP Planning Certification demonstrates your commitment to professional standards. Use our AICP Practice Exam modules to identify knowledge gaps and focus your study efforts effectively. Try our PHR practice test.

AICP Practice Test Questions

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AICP Exam Flashcards

Quick review of key concepts for the AICP Certification

📜What is the landmark case for zoning constitutionality?

Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co. (1926) established the constitutionality of zoning ordinances.

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🏙️Who is considered the father of city planning?

Daniel Burnham is often cited for his work on the Plan of Chicago and the City Beautiful movement.

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⚖️What does the AICP Code of Ethics prioritize?

The primary obligation is to serve the public interest, prioritizing social justice and integrity.

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🌳What is a key feature of Garden Cities?

Self-contained communities surrounded by greenbelts, combining town and country benefits.

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📊What is the Shift-Share Analysis used for?

It determines the competitiveness of a region's industries compared to the national economy.

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🏘️What is Inclusionary Zoning?

Policies that require or encourage developers to create affordable housing as part of new developments.

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AICP EXAM QUESTIONS QUIZ

AICP Exam Study Guide

Prepare effectively with our comprehensive AICP Study Guide. This section covers critical information about the AICP Certification Exam, from registration details to scoring criteria, helping you navigate the AICP planning certification process.

What is the AICP exam?	The AICP exam is the certification test for the American Institute of Certified Planners, assessing a planner's knowledge, ethics, and professional skills.
Who administers the AICP test?	The AICP test is administered by the American Planning Association (APA) through Prometric testing centers globally.
Why get AICP certification?	AICP Certification validates your expertise, potentially leading to higher salaries, career advancement, and professional credibility.
Does AICP certification expire?	Yes, you must renew your AICP certification every two years by earning 32 Certification Maintenance (CM) credits.

What is the AICP exam?

The AICP exam is the certification test for the American Institute of Certified Planners, assessing a planner's knowledge, ethics, and professional skills.

Who administers the AICP test?

The AICP test is administered by the American Planning Association (APA) through Prometric testing centers globally.

Why get AICP certification?

AICP Certification validates your expertise, potentially leading to higher salaries, career advancement, and professional credibility.

Does AICP certification expire?

Yes, you must renew your AICP certification every two years by earning 32 Certification Maintenance (CM) credits.

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AICP Score Calculator

Total Scored Questions

150

How many questions did you answer correctly?

0105150

105 out of 150 correct

70%

Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)

Your Score: 105 correct✓PASS

How to Become an AICP Certified Planner

🎓

Degree Education Accredited

planning degree

📝

Apply Register Submit

essays

Join APA - Become a member of the American Planning Association to begin your journey.
Verify Eligibility - Ensure you meet the AICP requirements for education and professional experience.
Enroll in AICP Candidate Pilot - Students and graduates can start the process early through this program.
Submit Application - Complete the AICP exam registration and pay the assessment fees.
Schedule Exam - Book your test date at a Prometric center or choose to take the AICP exam online.
Pass the Exam - Use AICP exam prep materials to study and achieve a passing score.
Maintain Certification - Fulfill renewal requirements by earning CM credits.

Expect to invest between $400 and $600 total for your initial AICP certification. Many employers will reimburse these AICP exam costs as part of professional development. Try our PMP practice test.

AICP CERTIFICATION PRACTICE TEST

AICP PRACTICE EXAM FREE

AICP Test Day Checklist

✓Valid Photo ID (Driver's License)
✓Prometric Confirmation Email
✓Review AICP Code of Ethics
✓Arrive 30 Minutes Early
✓Leave Electronics in Locker
✓Comfortable Clothing (Layers)
✓Review AICP Flashcards
✓Positive Mindset!

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Ready to Pass Your AICP Exam?

Join thousands of planners who have passed with our free AICP practice exam resources. Start studying now!

AICP Certification Maintenance

🔄

Cycle

2 Years

📚

Credits

32 CM

Keep track of your CM credits. Losing your AICP certification means you have to retake the AICP exam!

✅Pros

+Validates your knowledge and skills objectively
+Increases job market competitiveness
+Provides structured learning goals
+Networking opportunities with other certified professionals

❌Cons

−Study materials can be expensive
−Exam anxiety can affect performance
−Requires dedicated preparation time
−Retake fees apply if you don't pass

AICP Questions and Answers

About the Author

James R. HargroveJD, LLM

Attorney & Bar Exam Preparation Specialist

Yale Law School

James R. Hargrove is a practicing attorney and legal educator with a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School and an LLM in Constitutional Law. With over a decade of experience coaching bar exam candidates across multiple jurisdictions, he specializes in MBE strategy, state-specific essay preparation, and multistate performance test techniques.

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