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APA-IN Professional Development Conference Muncie, October 10, 2013

APA-IN Professional Development Conference Muncie, October 10, 2013. A Presentation of AICP Exam Prep By Bruce Frankel, Ph.D., A.I.C.P Professor of Urban Planning Ball State University. Welcome. Adam French, CHA Bryn Keplinger, Huntingdon Mark Mussman, Huntingdon

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APA-IN Professional Development Conference Muncie, October 10, 2013

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  1. APA-INProfessional Development ConferenceMuncie, October 10, 2013 A Presentation of AICP Exam Prep By Bruce Frankel, Ph.D., A.I.C.P Professor of Urban Planning Ball State University

  2. Welcome • Adam French, CHA • Bryn Keplinger, Huntingdon • Mark Mussman, Huntingdon • Kevin Scotts, Fishers

  3. Can take full 15 [spring] or 5-week [summer] course at BSU on-line Course Outline topical + pedagogic template + exam administration + exam strategy 2 of 19 topical areas outlined in content Practice exam covering all 19 areas in 76 questions [slides 80-118] PART 1: Orientation

  4. 22 PowerPoints [3 + 19] • Practice Exams [can retake] + Study Guides per 19 topical areas • One final exam of 170 multiple choice questions [Av 86; 39-100 range] • Instant scoring • Instructor availability Ball State offers credit & non-credit course “AICP Exam Prep” School of Extended Education + Building Better Communities Online “Independent Learning” [e.g., all PowerPoints have optional audio] Summer Session, ~May 13 – July 19, 2014 [10 weeks as two 5-week] Expected registration fees Credit [3] @ Tuition of $897; Tech Fee of $58 = $955 [in-state] No Credit @ $410 http://eventpayment.bsu.edu/profile/form/index.cfm? PKformID=0x2538583 55 Advertisement http://cms.bsu.edu/Academics/CollegesandDepartments/distance.aspx Practice exams from 2005 exam + my examination of AICP study materials = 642 questions

  5. 2. Course Requirements, Credit, Grading • Requirements • Attend each session [log-in/ log-out] • Complete each practice exam • Complete the course final exam • OR • Complete the course final exam with satisfactory grade of 80% in lieu of 1,2,3 [“test-out”] • Earn credit • Alternate • Incomplete • Retake as Independent Learning For credit toward the MURP a grade of 74 [C] is required

  6. Course Format • 30 hours instruction + homework assignments • 15 hours practice exams + final exam • = 45 contact hours = 3 credit hours • Email and office contacts • individually or in group conference • bfrankel@bsu.edu • 765-285-5869 • Course documents + grades on blackboard

  7. 3. Topical Outline • Planning Functions • Natural Resources/ Environment • Land Use • Infrastructure • Transportation • Parks/ Recreation • Economic Development • Historic Preservation • Urban Design • Housing • Community Development • Rural/ Small Town • Spatial Areas of Practice • Planning Process • Plan Making 2a. Data Analysis 2b. Secondary Data 2c. Maps & Graphs 3. Program Implementation & Evaluation 4. Management • Ethics • History • Law One Topic History & Law permeate Links to greater study

  8. Non-Substantive Topics • Strategies for this exam • How to prepare? • How to take? • Becoming Eligible for the AICP Exam/ Membership • Certification Maintenance

  9. 4. Blackboard Docs • Frankel PowerPoints [with audio narration] • Key Documents • Essential Planning Library [Frankel + APA] • Primers • Planning History [by theme, by decade] • Planning/ Land Use Law [cases, Frankel’s notes, links to full case] • AICP Code of Ethics • APA Policy Guides [23] • APA Exam Prep Materials • Practice Exams inQsit • Final Exam inQsit Integrated Network Quizzing, Surveying, & Interactive Testing

  10. PART 3: Knowledge of Planning PowerPoints By Session

  11. Template for Each Area of Planning Knowledge History Case Law Legislation

  12. Session 11, PART 3Knowledge for the ExamSUBPART C1Planning Functions: Natural Resources/ Environment Illustrate Key Facts/ People/ Events Concepts/ Terms Legal Benchmarks Federal Programs/ Laws Local Tools APA Policy Guides

  13. 1. Key Facts: Air Quality/ Noise Session 11 Natural Resources & Environmental Planning

  14. 1. Key People Session 11 Natural Resources & Environmental Planning

  15. 1. Key Events Session 11 Natural Resources & Environmental Planning

  16. 1. Key Environmental Movement Timeline1 of 3 slides Session 11 Natural Resources & Environmental Planning

  17. 2. Fundamental Terms [1] • Biota • total collection of organisms of a geographic region • Biomes or Ecosystems • Similarly defined [climatically and geographically] communities of • flora [plants] • fauna [animals] and • soil organisms • Abiotic factors • Physical factors of the environment, such as rocks and soil • Bitoic factors • Organic factors, such as plants and animals, within the same habitat • These [3+4] function together in an ecosystem e.g., mid-West; Indiana e.g., forest cf. grassland; tropical cf. temperate rain forest Session 11 Natural Resources & Environmental Planning

  18. 3. Law Cases [1 of 2 slides] Session 11 Natural Resources & Environmental Planning

  19. 4. Federal Laws [1 of 3 slides] Session 11 Natural Resources & Environmental Planning

  20. 5. Local ToolsPotential Responses[1] Deed; [2] Demand; [3] Regulatory • Land trust/ conservancy • Land purchase/ leaseback • Conservation easement • TDR • PDR • Deed restrictions • by developer • Undivided interest in realty [estate in common with land conservancy] • Farm Support + Land Conservation programs • EPA [national & state] • Zoning • Large Lot or frontage • PUD/ Mega PUD • Environmental Review • Development of Regional Impact [DRI] [FL, GA] • EIS • Exactions/ Impact Fees • Growth Management • Green • Infrastructure • LEED Buildings & Neighborhoods Session 11 Natural Resources & Environmental Planning

  21. 6. APA Policy Guides & Key References • Endangered Species & Habitat Protection • Energy • Solid & Hazardous Waste Management • Water Resources Management • Wetlands • Planning for Sustainability Course Doc: • Planning History [course docs] • Cases in Planning & Environmental Law [course docs] • Top 25 Cases in Planning & Environmental Law with Link to Full Case Session 11 Natural Resources & Environmental Planning

  22. Administration & Content of the Exam PART 2Examining the Exam

  23. Eligibility Application Exam Schedule Exam Structure & Content Passing & its Determinants Administration of the Exam

  24. Regulations for the AICP Exam On blackboard course docs

  25. 1. Eligibility [Membership] • Be a member of the APA • The AICP is a professional institute within the APA • “AICP” is only a designation for current members of the Institute • Applying for the exam, or applying for certification, is applying to become a member of the Institute (the only exception is for NJPP licensing candidates). Note Well: Ensure APA dues are paid before applying for exam!

  26. 1. Eligibility [Education/ Experience] • 2 years of professional planning experience: • Master’s planning degree from a PAB Program • 3 years of professional planning experience: • Bachelor’s planning degree from a PAB Program • Master’s planning degree from a non-PAB Program • PhD planning degree • 4 years of professional planning experience: • Bachelor’s planning degree from a non-PAB Program • Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD non-planning degree • 8 years of professional planning experience: • No degree required As of January 1, 2013, PAB accredits 72 master’s and 15 bachelor’s programs at 76 North American Universities. Note: A List of PAB Planning Programs can be found at: http://www.planningaccreditationboard.org/

  27. Definition “Professional Experience” • 4 Criteria [all apply] • Apply a Planning Process Appropriate to the Situation • 1.1 Plan Making and Implementation • 1.2 Functional Areas of Practice • 1.3 Research, Analysis, and Teaching • Employ a Comprehensive Point of View • Involve a Professional Level of Responsibility and Resourcefulness • Influence Public Decision Making In the Public Interest

  28. http://www.planning.org/certification/examapplicationtemplate.rtfhttp://www.planning.org/certification/examapplicationtemplate.rtf 2. AICP Exam Application [online] • Write a series of 250-500 word essays • AICP professional planning criterion for each employment position •  How your work experience engaged planning knowledge and skills • Submit verification documents • Employer verifies employment and responsibilities • University verifies degree • Receive approval via email • Schedule Exam with Prometric • http://www.prometric.com/AICP/default.htm

  29. Schedule of Fees

  30. 3. Exam Schedule • Each year exams administered: May & November • Application Deadlines & Testing Windows • Apply + Certification of Education/ Employment: in January • Final Notification Deadline: April early • Late Cancellation/Transfer Deadline: April late [$100] • Testing Window May [14 days] • Applications will be accepted beginning in mid-June • Testing Window November [14 days] May November

  31. 2013 Dates Can complete AICP Exam course in ~ 1 week

  32. 4. Exam Structure • 170 multiple-choice questions • 150 scored; 20 are pretest items • 74 seconds per • 3.5 hours [210 minutes] • 15 minute orientation before you begin • Plan to arrive 30 minutes early! • No penalty for wrong answers • Guess, don’t leave any blank! • Thomson ProMetrics sample site • http://www.planning.org/_offsite/certification/tutorial

  33. Exam Content by 6 Areas # questions Understated relative frequency Understated • www.planning.org/certification/examprep/subjectmatter.htm

  34. 5. Passing • ½ pass first time • Strongest Determinants • higher education, such as a master’s or doctorate • PAB accredited planning degree • Repeat examinees (failed at least once before) • Pass =~ 108-110/ 150 =~ 75% [2012 = 72%] • BSU Pass Rate 88% [23/26 MURP’s]

  35. Passing • Test takers receive an unofficial score immediately after completing the computerized exam. Official Score Reports are mailed to all exam takers approximately six weeks after the “window” closes. Scores are reported on a scale of 25-75, with 55 as a passing score. To find out more about scaled score, read the blackboard doc Exam Candidate Bulletin. • The weight is based on the difficulty of the testee’s [viz. test taker’s] version of the exam, as there is variation in the questions for the same exam period and “difficulty” is measured statistically by average scores [the lower, the more difficult]. As a guide you should use 75% and 108 to 110 of the total 150 questions as a passing grade. Feel comfortable if in practice exams you earn 80% or better.

  36. PART 3References & Strategies

  37. Study Guides / Relevant Texts Beyond this Course References

  38. Follows 2005 Exam Text References Encyclopedia ISBN 0-13-193068-0 Prentice Hall, 2006 370 pp List $110; New on-line ~ $65-90; used ~ $10

  39. Levy TOC APA Encyclopedia TOC Table of Contents I. THE BACKGROUND AND DEVELOPMENT OF CONTEMPORARY PLANNING.  1. An Overview.  2. The Urbanization of America.  3. The History of Planning: Part I.  4. The History of Planning: Part II. II. THE STRUCTURE AND PRACTICE OF CONTEMPORARY PLANNING.  5. The Legal Basis of Planning.  6. Planning and Politics.  7. The Social Issues.  8. The Comprehensive Plan.  9. The Tools of Land-Use Planning. III. FIELDS OF PLANNING. 10. Urban Design. 11. Urban Renewal and Community Development. 12. Transportation Planning. 13. Economic Development Planning. 14. Growth Management Planning. 15. Environmental and Energy Planning. 16. Planning for Metropolitan Regions. IV. LARGER QUESTIONS. 17. National Planning in the United States. 18. Planning in Other Nations. 19. Planning Theory. Selected Bibliography. Index.

  40. APA Chapter Presidents Council AICP Exam Study Manuals APA/ AICP Study Guides 1 ISBN 978-1-932364-62-0 APA/ AICP, 2009 188 pp + CD List APA $195 New on-line ~$325 AICP Exam Prep 2.0 Virtually evident every state 3 2 Go to Course Docs: AICP Reading List for Exam [10] $339 downloadable

  41. Online Help

  42. Online Help at StudyStack • planning theory study tools. • Oct 24, 2006 ...aicpplanning theory flashcards, matching games, crossword, hangman and other study tools.www.studystack.com/menu-52969 • AICP Theory 2008 study tools. • Feb 27, 2008 ... This type of "planning" theory was developed in the 1970s as a way to get the ... The current theory of choice among planning practitioners. ...www.studystack.com/menu-122391 • AICP Planning Law 2 study tools. • General/Miscellaneous planning law questions for AICP Exam Prep flashcards, matching games, crossword, hangman and other study tools.www.studystack.com/menu-32140 • Flashcards about AICP Planning Law 3 • Flashcards to help facts about Landmark Planning Law Cases to 1949.www.studystack.com/flashcard-32462 • Flashcards about AICP Planng History3 • Flashcards to help facts about Planning History during the 1920s. ... What book is about the "Concentric Zone Model" of city planning? Authors? Year? ...www.studystack.com/flashcard-33961 • Flashcards about AICP Planning Ethics • Flashcards to help facts about AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.www.studystack.com/flashcard-14636

  43. AICP Exam Official Tutorial

  44. Richard Carson Planning Links • http://www.aboutplanning.org/ • Very comprehensive and useful • Yet, a cultural disrespect for AICP, as in: AICP means "Any Idiot Can Plan"

  45. Wasting Time & Money? Unofficial Guides $50 $50

  46. Preparation Attitude Strategies = PAS Preparing & Taking the Exam Strategies [Frankel’s Common Sense Rules]

  47. Preparation • The exam tests your comprehensive and superficial understanding of planning – study accordingly • Flash cards • concepts distinctly defined; word associations; dates & events • Beware of nuances in the question • 2 or more answers with slight & telling distinction • Although proximately the exam test what you know, the preparation strategy is to know what AICP knows • Hence, study: • APA Policy Guides [23] • Planning & Urban Design Standards, 2006 • AICP Exam Prep 2.0, 2009 • Actual 2005 AICP Exam • This course attends to all

  48. Attitude Strategy for exam [13] • CRAM… at least 2 days in advance, then relax • = clear head • Positive attitude; in control; refuse intimidation • Good night’s sleep • Out of town stay in a hotel the night before • Don’t work the day of the exam • Don’t drink a lot of coffee or eat a lot of Sugar • Bring only yourself – no adults, kids, books, laptop [locker] • Prepare a survival kit: • Water, snack/protein bar • Tylenol/Advil/Ibuprofen • Bring a Doctor’s note for other medication, etc. • Layered clothes for 4-hour temperature change • Know where the test center is in advance; know travel time • Two forms of ID [primary + secondary in Bulletin] + testing slip • Show up 30 minutes before scheduled exam • 15 minute orientation [online tutorial] before you begin • Examiner provides calculator + scratch paper • Binge Drinking after rather than before the exam

  49. Attitude Strategy during exam • Electronic Exam • Designed for speed • 170 multiple-choice questions in 3.5 hours [210 minutes] • Pace = 74 seconds per answer • 150 scored; 20 are pretest items [for future exams] • No penalty for wrong answers • Guess, don’t leave any blank! • Post-exam 15 minute assessment survey • Instant results of your score!

  50. StrategyPrepare to Become Smarter • 80-100 hours to prepare • this course is 45 • Skim/ review notes more effective than “reading” • Study in order: • Concepts and distinctions • Facts [closer to exam] • what, when, where, why, who and what effect • Forget how

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