AICP American Institute of Certified Planners Exam Questions and Answers

The migration of cotton textile mills from New England to the South in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was driven by cost advantages, primarily lower labor and land costs in the South. Option C (labor and land) reflects this trade-off—mills moved to access cheaper non-unionized labor and more affordable land, despite potential increases in transport costs. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Fundamental Planning Knowledge,” states, “The movement of textile mills to the South was a trade-off between high labor and land costs in New England and lower costs in the South.” Options A, B, and D (involving rent, fuel, transport) were less significant factors. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “Mills moved South for cheaper labor and land, accepting other cost trade-offs,” supporting option C.

A successful mentor fosters growth by encouraging the mentee to explore new perspectives and ideas, promoting critical thinking and development. Option B (explores new perspectives and ideas) is the most important role, as it supports the mentee’s learning and independence. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Leadership,” states, “Effective mentors guide mentees by exploring new perspectives and ideas, encouraging professional growth.” Option A (provides answers) stifles independent thinking. Option C (directs and manages) is less critical than fostering exploration. Option D (tells what to do) undermines thementee’s autonomy. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “The most important role of a mentor is to explore new perspectives, helping mentees grow as planners,” supporting option B.

In a mathematical model, the dependent variable is the outcome being explained or predicted, while independent variables are the factors influencing it. Here, the model explains “trips to the public neighborhood library” using variables like number of children, median income, median education, and distance. Thus, trips to the library (option C) is the dependent variable, as it is the outcome being modeled. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Research and Assessment Methods,” defines the dependent variable as “the outcome variable that the model seeks to explain, such as trips to a library in a travel demand model.” Options A, B, and D (number of children, distance, median education) are independent variables used to predict trips. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) confirms, “In a model explaining library trips, the number of trips is the dependent variable, while factors like distance and demographics are independent variables,” supporting option C.

Reducing hostility during a plan presentation requires de-escalation and constructive engagement. Option A (debating the facts) is least helpful, as it can escalate tension by appearing confrontational. The APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Communication and Interaction,” advises, “When facing hostile comments, avoid debating, as it can increase conflict; instead, use techniques like tabling, agreeing, or re-explaining.” Option B (tabling for study) shows willingness to consider concerns. Option C (agreeing with the complaint) validates the commenter, reducing hostility. Option D (explaining facts differently) seeks understanding without confrontation. TheCPC Study Manual(2024) states, “Debating hostile comments often escalates conflict, making it the least effective response,” supporting option A.