American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

If a county planner leaves the public sector to become a consultant, how long should she wait before representing a private client before the county?

1. 1 year

2. 2 years

3. 3 years

4. Never

The correct answer is: 1 year

In the context of transitioning from a public sector planner to a consultant, the expected waiting period before representing a private client before the county is typically one year. This guideline is grounded in the principles of professional ethics and the idea of avoiding conflicts of interest. The rationale for this waiting period is to ensure that the former planner does not use any insider knowledge or confidential information gained during their time in public office to benefit private clients. This period allows for a buffer that helps to maintain public trust in the planning process and prevents any perception of impropriety. Many professional organizations and governmental bodies promote guidelines that encourage a cooling-off period that can range from six months to a few years, depending on the specific regulations of the state or locality. While options that suggest longer waiting periods or never representing private clients may reflect a more cautious approach to conflict of interest, the one-year timeframe is more aligned with common practices in public administration and ethical standards in planning professions. This balance of allowing professionals to transition into private practice while also protecting public interests is essential in maintaining integrity within the planning field.