Free APA AICP Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 2

The Opportunity Zone program, created by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, offers tax incentives to spur investment in distressed areas but can lead to gentrification and displacement of existing residents (option A). The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Areas of Practice,” notes, “A potential disadvantage of Opportunity Zones is displacement due to gentrification, as new investments increase property values.” Option B (tax stagnation) is not a typical outcome, as the program generates revenue. Option C (increased economic development) is a goal, not a disadvantage. Option D (reduced standards) is not a primary concern. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) states, “Opportunity Zones can lead to displacement as investments drive up costs, pushing out low-income residents,” supporting option A.

A nonconforming use refers to a property use that was lawful when established but does not comply with a subsequently adopted zoning ordinance. Option A correctly defines this as “not complying with the zoning ordinance but lawfully established before the ordinance was adopted.” The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Plan and Policy Development,” states, “Nonconforming uses are those that were legal prior to the adoption of a zoning ordinance but do not conform to the new regulations.” Option B (allowed by the zoning appeals board) confuses nonconforming uses with variances. Option C (inconsistent with the neighborhood but permitted) is vague and not the legal definition. Option D (expanding after adoption) is incorrect, as nonconforming uses are typically restricted from expansion. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “A nonconforming use is one that was lawfully established before a zoning change and does not comply with the new ordinance,” supporting option A.

Form-based codes (FBCs) prioritize the physical form and character of buildings over their use, distinguishing them from traditional Euclidean zoning, which focuses on land use separation. Option C (regulate the character of buildings) reflects this focus, as FBCs define building types, heights, and placements to shape the urban environment. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Areas of Practice,” notes, “Form-based codes regulate the character and form of buildings rather than their use, focusing on design elements like scale and placement.” Option A (apply to the entire city) is incorrect, as FBCs are often applied to specific districts. Option B (emphasis on land use) is characteristic of Euclidean zoning, not FBCs. Option D (emphasis on the private realm) is incorrect, as FBCs focus on the public realm, such as streetscapes. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) states, “Form-based codes primarily regulate building character to create cohesive urban forms,” supporting option C.

Eminent domain, under the Fifth Amendment, requires a public purpose and just compensation, and involves condemnation procedures to legally acquire property. Option I (condemnation procedures) is true, as it’s the legal process for eminent domain. Option II (public purpose) is true, as per the Fifth Amendment. Option III (adjacent to public property) is not a requirement—eminent domain can apply to any property for a public purpose. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Fundamental Planning Knowledge,” states, “Eminent domain requires a public purpose and follows condemnation procedures, but adjacency to public property is not mandated.” TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Eminent domain must involve a public purpose and condemnation, but proximity to public property is not required,” supporting option C (I and II only).

Soil erosion and sedimentation regulations aim to prevent soil loss and sediment runoff, which can degrade water quality and ecosystems. The most important goal is protecting drainage ways and watercourses (option D), as sediment pollution primarily impacts streams, rivers, and lakes, affecting aquatic life and water quality. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Plan and Policy Development,” states, “Soil erosion and sedimentation regulations primarily protect drainage ways and watercourses from sediment pollution.” Options A (residential subdivisions), B (farms), and C (new construction) may benefit indirectly, but the primary focus is water protection. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “The key goal of erosion and sedimentation regulations is to protect drainage ways and watercourses from sediment impacts,” supporting option D.

Nominal group technique is a structured method designed to encourage consensus by allowing participants to generate ideas individually, share them, and then prioritize them collectively through voting or ranking. Option C (Nominal groups) is correct. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Communication and Interaction,” defines nominal group technique as “a method specifically used to build consensus among participants by ensuring equal input and prioritization.” Option A (Focus groups) gathers opinions but doesn’t prioritize consensus. Option B (Public hearings) allows input but often highlights disagreements. Option D (Listening sessions) focuses on gathering feedback, not consensus-building. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Nominal group technique is designed to encourage consensus through structured idea generation and prioritization,” supporting option C.

In her 1961 bookThe Death and Life of Great American Cities, Jane Jacobs argued that community vitality stems from adequate density, which fosters diverse interactions, mixed uses, and active street life. Option D (adequate density) reflects her theory that dense, mixed-use urban environments create vibrant communities. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Fundamental Planning Knowledge,” notes, “Jane Jacobs emphasized adequate density as a key factor in community vitality, enabling diverse social and economic interactions.” Option A (zoning regulations) often hindered vitality in Jacobs’ view by enforcing separation. Option B (purchasing power) is not her focus. Option C (comprehensive plans) was critiqued by Jacobs for promoting urban renewal that destroyed vitality. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) states, “Jacobs’ theory inThe Death and Lifehighlights adequate density as essential for vibrant urban communities,” supporting option D.

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.

Pierre L’Enfant’s 1791 plan for Washington, D.C., was assisted by Benjamin Banneker, a free African-American surveyor, mathematician, and astronomer who helped survey the city’s boundaries. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Fundamental Planning Knowledge,” notes, “Benjamin Banneker assisted L’Enfant by surveying the land for Washington, D.C.’s layout.” Frederick Douglass (B), Robert Robinson Taylor (C), and Booker T. Washington (D) were notable figures but lived later and were not involved in the plan—Douglass (1818–1895) was an abolitionist, Taylor (1868–1942) an architect, and Washington (1856–1915) an educator. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Banneker’s surveying worksupported L’Enfant’s plan for Washington, D.C.,” supporting option A.

TheAICP Code of Ethics(2022), Section E, Procedure 1, states, “A charge of misconduct may be filed by any person,” and Procedure 2 allows the complainant to “request confidentiality, which the Ethics Officer will honor to the extent possible.” Option C (may request confidentiality) is correct. Options A and B (APA or AICP membership) are incorrect, as anyone can file a complaint. Option D (filed anonymously) is not allowed, as the Ethics Officer needs the complainant’s identity, though it can be kept confidential. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Complainants may request confidentiality when filing a misconduct charge, but anonymous filings are not permitted,” supporting option C.