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Certification 📜 What is passing score on AICP exam?

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unmutual

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Hi,
I am *new* to the board - I wanted to know, as I haven't been able to find, what the passing score is for the AICP exam? I am applying for the Nov 2005 exam. I took a pratice test and got a 64 - I am not sure if this is passing or not? The only information I could find was on the planning.org AICP FAQ page and it said that a "weighted" score of 55 is passing...

Also, anyone know if you have a choice as to a date for the test? I know there is a 2 week testing window, and I would prefer an earlier date -

Any feedback? Gracias.
 
unmutual said:
Hi,
I am *new* to the board - I wanted to know, as I haven't been able to find, what the passing score is for the AICP exam? I am applying for the Nov 2005 exam. I took a pratice test and got a 64 - I am not sure if this is passing or not? The only information I could find was on the planning.org AICP FAQ page and it said that a "weighted" score of 55 is passing...

Also, anyone know if you have a choice as to a date for the test? I know there is a 2 week testing window, and I would prefer an earlier date -

Any feedback? Gracias.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure that anyone knows an exact answer for the "What is a passing score on the AICP exam question." From past posts, I have seen 75% and 108 to 110 of the total 150 questions listed as passing marks. I took several practice exams and found that I felt comfortable with the material at the point when I was able to achieve 80%.

I recommend reading "Contemporary Urban Planning" by John Levy. I found this to be the single most useful book when I studied for the AICP (I just took it in May.) It is odd that this book was listed on APA's recommended reading list last year, but for some reason is not on the list this year :-x . Being a fan of conspiracy theories, the first thing that jumped into my head was that maybe APA actually used this book to formulate questions, :-$ or hired Mr. Levy as one of their test writers. ??? Of course the explanantion is probably more mundane, such as that Mr. Levy has lapsed in paying his APA dues and thus his book is no longer being promoted. :-o :-| ;)
 
unmutual said:
Hi,
I am *new* to the board - I wanted to know, as I haven't been able to find, what the passing score is for the AICP exam? I am applying for the Nov 2005 exam. I took a pratice test and got a 64 - I am not sure if this is passing or not? The only information I could find was on the planning.org AICP FAQ page and it said that a "weighted" score of 55 is passing...

Also, anyone know if you have a choice as to a date for the test? I know there is a 2 week testing window, and I would prefer an earlier date -

Any feedback? Gracias.
Click to expand...

Welcome!

I agree with Follow the $$, in that no one really knows how exactly they come up with a score of 55 being passing. Yes you can pick the day you want to study. I felt the same way as you, that is to take the test early. I took mine on the very first day it was offered in May.

Check out this thread regarding the AICP exam

http://www.cyburbia.org/forums/showthread.php?t=17650

You can also check out the thread "AICP in May?" thread for some pointers and others past exp. with the exam.

Good luck.
 
I found no straight answer to your question. But it seems that you know about the weighted score already. I use 70% as a rule of thumb for any sort of exam. It's usually the mark that state certification exams uses and I think civil service. Aim for at least 70% + some extra points for a safe buffer.

I took a later date because taking the exam early doesn't really do anything other than limit your time. Results are given to you at the end of the exam and the dues bill is sent out about 4 weeks after the last exam in the testing window (You are not AICP until you pay the dues that they bill passing candidates for). I just got my bill about 2 days ago for AICP dues. And then its another 4 week wait for the lapel pin! Woo hoo. Yea pin!

Also, until a new study guide is put out...the CPC guide is just about useless. I found that reading through the Planning magazines from the past 2 years were helpful as well as being active in the professional community and attending luncheons, audio conferences, and chapter conferences.
 
Thank you all very much - this was helpful. I will aim for 75-80% for sure and will pick up the book ;) Glad to know I can pick the date - I have plans scheduled for later in Nov and would like to just get it out of the way! :-o Anyone know what the pass rate was for the March test?
 
unmutual said:
Anyone know what the pass rate was for the March test?
Click to expand...

I passed after taking the test for my second time. That is all I care about. :-D

I know my local chapter of the APA published the info in the state publication but I don't know when the info is available.
 
unmutual said:
Anyone know what the pass rate was for the March test?
Click to expand...

I received an APA e-newsletter a couple of weeks ago which stated that 414 people passed the AICP May 2005 exam for a 66% pass rate in comparison to a 62% pass rate for 2004. I'm sorry, but given the entrance qualifications necessary to take the exam, APA really needs to keep working on creating a better test to result in a higher pass rate.
 
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