AICP Exam Dumps - APA American Planning Association Questions and Answers

Improving digital access to staff documents for all people requires ensuring that documents are available online in an accessible format, complying with standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) for people with disabilities. Option D (ensure all published reports are accessible virtually) addresses this by making reports available online in a way that accommodates diverse users. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Communication and Interaction,” states, “Improving digital access involves ensuring all published documents are virtually accessible, adhering to accessibility standards.” Option A (QR codes) may help but isn’t comprehensive for accessibility. Option B (monitor site traffic) is unrelated to access. Option C (distribute to neighboring communities) focuses on distribution, not digital access. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Ensuring virtual accessibility of reports is a key technique for digital access,” supporting option D.

The primary role of a zoning board in reviewing a rezoning application is to evaluate its consistency with the community’s planning goals, as outlined in the comprehensive plan. This ensures that zoning decisions align with long-term land use, economic, and environmental objectives. Option B (evaluating the application in relation to planning goals) reflects this responsibility. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Plan and Policy Development,” states, “Zoning decisions must be evaluated against the goals of the comprehensive plan to ensure consistency and promote public welfare.” Option A (establishing a record for litigation) is a procedural concern, not the primary focus. Option C (public determining directions) overstates the public’s role—zoning boards make decisions, though public input is considered. Option D (identifying benefits) is secondary to ensuring alignment with planning goals. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) notes, “Zoning boards must prioritize evaluating rezoning applications against the comprehensive plan’s goals,” supporting option B.

Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) programs aim to protect specific areas (e.g., farmland, historic sites) from development by allowing landowners to sell development rights to other areas where growth is desired. Option B (protecting an area from development) accurately reflects this goal. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Plan and Policy Development,” defines TDR as “a tool to protect areas from development by transferring development rights to designated receiving areas.” Option A (extinguishing development potential) is incorrect, as TDR preserves potential by relocating it. Option C (vesting rights) is unrelated to TDR’s purpose. Option D (slowing development) is a secondary effect, not the primary aim. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) states, “TDR programs are designed to protect areas from development by redirecting growth,” supporting option B.

The initial step in evaluating a development application is to ensure it is complete, meaning all required documents, fees, and information are submitted as per municipal requirements. Option B (the application is complete) is the first procedural step to confirm the application can be processed. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Plan and Policy Development,” states, “The first step in evaluating a development application is to verify that theapplication is complete, ensuring all necessary materials are provided.” Option A (use allowed by right) is a substantive review step that follows completeness. Option C (neighborhood meeting) may be required later but isn’t the first step. Option D (filing deadline) is a preliminary check but secondary to completeness. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Ensuring an application’s completeness is the first step in the evaluation process,” supporting option B.

Census tracts, averaging about 4,000 residents, provide the most detailed socioeconomic data in decennial reports, including variables like income, education, and employment, with extensive cross-tabulations. Option A (census tracts) is correct. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Research and Assessment Methods,” states, “Census tracts offer the most socioeconomic data in decennial reports, with the greatest number of variables and cross-tabulations.” Census blocks (B) are smaller and provide basic counts (e.g., population). Zip codes (C) are not standard census geographies and have less detailed data. Block groups (D) offer more than blocks but less than tracts. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Census tracts provide the most detailed socioeconomic data in decennial reports,” supporting option A.

The first step in assessing the feasibility of adopting a new land use regulation is to ensure it is legally permissible under the state’s enabling legislation, which grants local governments the authority to enact such regulations. Option C (review the state’s enabling legislation) ensures the planner understands the legal framework and limitations before proceeding. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Plan and Policy Development,” states, “The first step in adopting new land use regulations is to review the state’s enabling legislation to confirm legal authority.” Option A (research case law) is a later step after confirming legal authority. Option B (drafting a regulation) is premature without understanding the legal basis. Option D (community meeting) is a later step for public input. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) notes, “Planners must first review state enabling legislation to ensure a proposed land use regulation is within the municipality’s authority,” supporting option C.

Meaningful engagement that avoids marginalization requires a tailored approach to ensure diverse communities are actively included and their voices are heard. Option C (developing a specific plan for engaging diverse communities and adjusting methods as needed) ensures inclusivity by proactively addressing barriers to participation (e.g., language, accessibility) and adapting strategies to maximize involvement. TheAICP Code of Ethics(2022), Section A, Principle 1(f), states, “We shall seek social justice by working to expand choice and opportunity for all persons,” emphasizing the need for inclusive engagement. The APA’sPlanning for Equity Policy Guide(2019) recommends “creating targeted engagement plans for diverse communities and adapting methods to ensure participation,” aligning with option C. Option A (participation rewards) may help but does not guarantee meaningful engagement. Option B (relying solely on community partners) risks over-dependence and may not reach all groups. Option D (survey with extended duration) is a single method and may not address broader engagement needs. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) supports option C, noting, “Effective engagement involves specific plans to include diverse communities and flexibility to adjust methods.”

The National Register of Historic Places is administered by the National Park Service (NPS), which operates under the U.S. Department of the Interior. Listings must be approved by the Keeper of the National Register, a position within the NPS, making the Department of the Interior the correct authority. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Areas of Practice,” states, “The Department of the Interior, through the National Park Service, approves listings to the National Register of Historic Places.” Option A (National Trust for Historic Preservation) is a private organization that advocates for preservation but does not approve listings. Options C (HUD) and D (Bureau of Land Management) have unrelated roles—HUD focuses on housing, and the BLM manages public lands. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “The Department of the Interior oversees the National Register via the NPS,” supporting option B.

A capital improvements program (CIP) is a multi-year plan used by communities to identify, prioritize, and finance infrastructure needs such as roads, utilities, and public facilities. It aligns infrastructure development with the comprehensive plan and ensures funding is allocated efficiently. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Plan Implementation,” defines a CIP as “a tool to identify infrastructure needs and plan for their financing over a multi-year period.” Option A (annual operating budget) covers day-to-day expenses, not long-term infrastructure. Option B (zero-based budgeting) is a budgeting method that starts from zero each year, not specific to infrastructure. Option C (planning programming budgeting system) is a budgeting approach but not commonly used for infrastructure planning. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) states, “Most communities use a CIP to determine infrastructure needs and plan financing, linking projects to long-term goals,” supporting option D.

In planning, goals are broad, aspirational statements of desired outcomes, while objectives are specific, measurable steps to achieve those goals. Option A (achieve accessibility and mobility for all citizens) is a broad, overarching goal that reflects a community-wide vision for transportation. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Plan and Policy Development,” defines goals as “broad statements of intent, such as ensuring accessibility and mobility for all,” and objectives as “specific, measurable targets.” Options B (level of service D), C (35% fare box recovery), and D (meet ADA requirements by 2001) are specific and measurable, making them objectives. For example, level of service D is a quantifiable standard, and fare box recovery is a financial target. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) states, “Atransportation goal might be to enhance accessibility for all, while objectives include specific metrics like fare recovery or infrastructure standards,” supporting option A.