AICP Exam Day: What to Expect, In Person or Remote

You've put in months of studying. The last thing you want is for something avoidable, like a name mismatch on your ID or a webcam that won't connect, to derail exam day. The good news is that the logistics of the AICP exam are predictable, and almost every exam-day problem can be prevented with a little preparation.

This guide covers what to expect on test day, whether you're testing at a Prometric center or remotely from home, plus a checklist for the week before.

The Basics

• Format: 170 multiple-choice questions, 150 of them scored, according to APA's content outline.

• Time: APA lists the exam length as 3.5 hours.

• Provider: The exam is administered by Prometric, either in person at a testing center or remotely through Prometric's ProProctor platform.

• Scenario questions: Some questions come in sets of three to five tied to a single scenario.

That works out to a little over a minute per question. It's enough time if you keep moving, but not enough to agonize over every item.

Before Exam Day: Scheduling and Registration

A few steps happen well before test day, and they're where most avoidable problems start.

Schedule with Prometric right away. After you register with APA, you'll receive an email with your eligibility ID and scheduling instructions. APA notes that both in-person and remote slots fill quickly, so schedule as soon as you can. Check your spam folder if the email doesn't arrive.

Make sure your name matches exactly. APA requires that the first and last name on your registration exactly match your government-issued ID. Middle names are optional, but if you include one, it has to match too. If you need to fix your name, APA asks that you contact them at least three business days before your exam.

Request accommodations early. If you need testing accommodations, APA requires that the request and supporting documentation be submitted and approved before you schedule with Prometric.

Know the cancellation rule. If you can't make your appointment, you must cancel with Prometric at least three days ahead and reschedule within the same window. Registrations not used within the window are forfeited, according to APA.

Try the Prometric tutorial. APA links to a free Prometric tutorial that walks through the computer-based testing interface. It takes a few minutes and removes a surprise from test day.

Testing In Person at a Prometric Center

Arrive early. APA chapter guidance has long recommended arriving about 30 minutes before your appointment to complete check-in.

Bring the right ID. ID requirements differ between in-person and remote testing, so review Step 2 of APA's AICP Certification Guide before your appointment.

Expect a security check-in. Testing centers typically store personal items outside the testing room and may check your pockets, glasses, or sleeves. Don't bring anything you'd need during the exam.

Dress in layers. Testing rooms can run cold or warm, and you'll be seated for a long stretch.

Testing Remotely With ProProctor

Remote testing is convenient, but it has more ways to go wrong if you don't prepare.

Run the system check in advance. APA directs remote test takers to review Prometric's remote testing resources and confirm their system setup beforehand. Do this days before the exam, on the same computer and network you'll use on test day.

Prepare your room. Chapter guidance based on Prometric's remote requirements notes that your testing room should be private with the door closed, with no other people or pets present. Clear your desk and the area around it.

Expect a room scan. The proctor will typically ask you to use your webcam to show your testing space before you begin.

Plan for interruptions. If you share a home, tell everyone your exam window in advance, silence your phone, and put a sign on the door. An interruption can end your session.

Use a reliable connection. A wired internet connection is more stable than Wi-Fi if you have the option.

Always confirm current rules directly with Prometric and APA, since remote proctoring requirements can change.

During the Exam: Pacing and Strategy

Keep moving. If a question stumps you, pick your best answer, flag it, and come back if you have time.

Answer every question. Your score is based on correct answers, so a blank is always a missed point.

Read scenario questions carefully. Details like a time frame, a job title, or whether something was disclosed often decide the answer. This is especially true for ethics, as we cover in AICP Ethics Questions: How to Choose the Best Answer.

Think national. The exam tests planning as practiced across the U.S., not your state's specific rules.

Don't panic over unfamiliar questions. Twenty of the 170 questions are unscored questions in development. That strange question might not even count.

The Week Before: A Checklist

• Confirm your appointment time, time zone, and location or remote setup.

• Double-check that your ID matches your registration name.

• Run the Prometric system check if testing remotely.

• Take one final timed practice exam early in the week, not the night before. Our free AICP practice questions are a good warm-up.

• Shift to light review: key cases, the Code of Ethics rules, and your own summary notes.

• Plan your meal, travel time, and a buffer for traffic or tech issues.

• Get a full night's sleep. Your last-night cramming won't outweigh the cost of being tired.

After the Exam

Passing earns you the AICP Candidate designation, and your results don't expire as long as you keep your APA membership. When results arrive can depend on the exam window, so check your registration information. For the 2026 Special Pilot Window, APA chapter announcements note that results are expected four to six weeks after testing. Our AICP pilot exam guide has more on that window.

If you don't pass, APA allows up to three attempts within a window, with a 30-day wait between them. Review your Official Score Report to see where to focus next. And once you do pass, the final step is the Experience Assessment.

Feel Ready Walking In

Confidence on exam day comes from knowing you've covered everything. The Comprehensive Planning Study Guide covers all nine exam domains, and the audio version is perfect for last-week review on a commute. The Study Guide Bundle adds our case law, timeline, and people and books guides, all with lifetime access.

AICP Exam Day: FAQ

How long is the AICP exam? APA lists the exam as 3.5 hours.

Can I take the AICP exam at home? Yes. Prometric offers remote testing through ProProctor, as well as in-person testing at centers.

What ID do I need? Your first and last name must exactly match your registration. ID requirements differ for in-person and remote testing, so check Step 2 of APA's AICP Certification Guide.

What if I need to reschedule? Cancel with Prometric at least three days before your appointment and reschedule within the same exam window.

What happens if I don't pass? You can retake the exam up to three times within a window, waiting 30 days between attempts.

Alexandra Beesting, AICP, is the founder of Planning Certification, where she creates AICP exam prep resources for aspiring and early-career urban planners. She writes about exam strategy, certification changes, and the planning profession.