AICP Practice Test 2026 — Free AICP Exam Prep Questions
The AICP Certification Exam is the American Planning Association's credentialing exam for professional planners seeking the AICP designation. Our practice questions follow the nine-domain content outline, from research methods, planning law and history through plan implementation, areas of practice and the AICP Code of Ethics.
A city's volunteer advisory committees are drawn almost entirely from long-time homeowners, although half of residents rent and a quarter speak a language other than English at home. Which step would MOST directly broaden participation?
AICP format, scoring & key facts
Computer-based through Prometric at more than 300 test centers in the U.S., Canada and internationally, or remotely with ProProctor at no extra cost. Fixed forms equated across versions; you can mark, skip and review questions. The calculator built into the exam interface may be used; scratch paper is provided at test centers.
| Questions | 170 multiple choice (150 scored + 20 unscored pilot) |
|---|---|
| Time | 3.5 hours (4-hour appointment with tutorial and survey) |
| Question formats | Standalone questions and scenario sets of 3–5 questions |
| Eligibility to test | Any APA member, regardless of education or experience |
| Delivery | Prometric test center or remote proctoring |
| Fee | $305 (2026 window) |
| Retakes | Up to 3 attempts per window, 30 days apart |
| Ethics basis | AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (2022) |
| Experience for AICP | 2–8 years of planning experience depending on education (e.g., 2 with a PAB-accredited master's) |
Facts last verified Oct 17, 2026. Source: planning-org-uploaded-media.s3.amazonaws.com/document/7790eae4-a652-48aa-b68c-c4dbe8fd9e3bOne-Path-Certification-Guide-2026v2.pdf. Always confirm details with AICP before your exam.
When can you take the AICP?
One annual testing window: in 2026, May 4 – September 30, plus a pilot exam November 2–28, 2026 for the 2027 exam. Any APA member may register.
What the AICP covers
Every PrepBanq AICP test mirrors the official domain weights.
Domain distribution
% of the exam| Content domain | Weight | ≈ Questions on exam | Our practice questions |
|---|---|---|---|
Research and Assessment Methods | 9% | ~14 | 14 questions → |
Fundamental Planning Knowledge | 14% | ~21 | 21 questions → |
Communication and Interaction | 11% | ~17 | 16 questions → |
Plan and Policy Development | 16% | ~24 | 24 questions → |
Plan Implementation | 14% | ~21 | 21 questions → |
Administration and Management | 7% | ~11 | 10 questions → |
Leadership | 6% | ~9 | 9 questions → |
Areas of Practice | 13% | ~20 | 20 questions → |
AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct | 10% | ~15 | 15 questions → |
How to register for the AICP
Retake policy
Up to three attempts per exam window, with at least 30 days between attempts. Each attempt requires the full exam fee.
Score release
The Official Score Report is issued by Prometric immediately after the exam (pilot exam results take about 12 weeks).
Credential renewal
Passing earns the AICP Candidate designation, which does not expire while APA membership is active. After certification, AICP members complete 32 hours of Certification Maintenance every two years.
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AICP FAQ
How many questions are on the AICP?
The AICP has 170 questions (150 of them scored) and you have 3 hours 30 minutes to finish. Question types: Multiple choice: traditional standalone questions plus scenario-based questions, in which three to five questions share one planning scenario. 150 questions are scored and 20 unidentified pilot questions are not. Ethics questions are based on the AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct adopted in 2022..
How long is the AICP exam?
Testing time for the AICP is 3 hours 30 minutes.
What is the passing score for the AICP?
AICP passing standard: Pass/fail based on a total scaled score, equated across exam forms. Score range: Total scaled score; failing candidates also receive raw diagnostic scores by content area.
How much does the AICP cost?
The AICP registration fee is $305 per exam window in 2026 (November 2026 pilot exam $100); Experience Assessment $305. Fees are non-refundable. Check the official site for current fees before you register.
What is on the AICP?
The AICP covers Research and Assessment Methods (about 9%), Fundamental Planning Knowledge (about 14%), Communication and Interaction (about 11%), Plan and Policy Development (about 16%), Plan Implementation (about 14%), Administration and Management (about 7%), Leadership (about 6%), Areas of Practice (about 13%), AICP Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (about 10%).
Who administers the AICP?
The AICP Certification Exam is administered by AICP. Delivery: Computer-based through Prometric at more than 300 test centers in the U.S., Canada and internationally, or remotely with ProProctor at no extra cost. Fixed forms equated across versions; you can mark, skip and review questions. The calculator built into the exam interface may be used; scratch paper is provided at test centers..
Can you retake the AICP?
Up to three attempts per exam window, with at least 30 days between attempts. Each attempt requires the full exam fee.
Is there a free AICP practice test?
Yes. PrepBanq has 15 free AICP practice tests with 150 exam-style questions in the real AICP formats, and every answer is explained. No credit card is needed.
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