Site Planning & Design

EXAM OVERVIEW

The Site Planning & Design (SPD) exam involves the application of knowledge and skills of site planning and design including environmental, social, and economic issues, project and practice management.

EXAM APPOINTMENT TIME

The total appointment time allowed for this test is 4 hours and 30 minutes, including:

15 minute – intro time

1 hour and 30 minutes – multiple choice (65 questions)

15 minute – break

15 minute – intro time

 2 hours – graphic testing (Site Grading and Site Design)

15 minute – exit questionnaire

SPD GRAPHIC VIGNETTE TUTORIAL

1. SITE GRADING. Modify a site’s topographical characteristics responding to programmatic and regulatory requirements.

2. SITE DESIGN. Design a site, including building placement, parking, and vehicular and pedestrian circulation, responding to programmatic, functional, environmental, and setback requirements utilizing general site planning principles.

SPD RESOURCES

SPD OVERVIEW

Content Areas

PRINCIPLES
Review and assess sites. Incorporate the implication of human behavior, historic precedent, and design theory in the selection of systems, materials, and methods related to site design and construction.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Interpret site and environmental conditions. Assess and apply systems, materials, and construction methods. Incorporate principles of sustainability. Assess design impact on human behavior.

CODES & REGULATIONS
Incorporate building codes, specialty codes, zoning, and other regulatory requirements in site design and construction.

MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGY
Analyze the implication of design decisions in the selection of systems, materials, and methods incorporated in site design and construction.

PROJECT & PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
Assess and administer site design, including construction sequencing, scheduling, cost, and risk management.