AICP

It is a computer-based test delivered through Prometric, and results for the standard exam are delivered from Prometric immediately after you finish. Prometric publishes a tutorial demonstrating computer-based testing so you can practice navigating the interface before test day. The exam is written for a national audience and covers nine major topic areas.

The standard exam costs $305. A special pilot exam is offered at a reduced fee of $100. The experience assessment, submitted after you pass, also carries a $305 fee.

In 2026 there are three versions of the standard exam in the regular testing window, allowing members to take the exam up to three times, with 30 days between the exam attempt and registering again. One pilot exam version is also offered in its own window.

Standard window: registration May 4 through September 1 at 3:00 pm CT, with testing May 4 through September 30. Pilot window: registration October 1 through October 30 at noon CT, with testing November 2 through November 28. The experience assessment window runs May 4 through November 30 at noon CT.

Standard exam results come from Prometric immediately. Pilot exam results take longer, roughly 12 weeks, because the pilot questions must be analyzed and reviewed and a cut score established. Candidates who pass the pilot will not receive results in time to submit their assessment in 2026.

Start with the exam content outline. The percentages shown for each major topic area approximate the number of questions drawn from that topic, so weight your time accordingly: Fundamental Planning Knowledge and Plan and Policy Development are 15% each, while Administration and Management and Leadership are 6% each. Then target your weakest areas.

Given the breadth of material, studying over multiple months is recommended. Set a schedule covering when, where, and how often you will study, plus which resources you will use. Combining several preparation resources gives a more comprehensive grasp of the scope of planning knowledge tested than relying on one source.

Studying only local or state-specific rules is a frequent error; the exam emphasizes nationally applicable knowledge, principles, and practices. Another is treating practice questions as the sole source of facts. Practice exams are best used to learn question structure and flow and to flag knowledge gaps, not to memorize content.

No. Passing earns the AICP Candidate designation, which includes a digital certificate. You then submit the experience assessment covering education, employment, and planning experience. You must maintain an active APA membership to keep Candidate status.