APA (5th ed.) Format and Style Checklist
General Guidelines
Font
Style must be Times New Roman or Courier New. Font size for word processors is 12-pt.
Page Headers
Headers must include the first two or three words of the title. Type the page header 5 spaces to the left of the page number (p. 288, 5.06; sample paper, p. 306).
Note: Do not confuse the page header with the running head. In fact, the running head is typically used ONLY for material submitted for publication (p. 296, 5.15).
Title Page
Double-space, use upper and lowercase, include a page header, and number as page 1 (pp. 296-298, 5.15). APA contents of title page are listed on pp. 10-11. The title page is page #1 (p. 306).
Main Body of the Text
Margins
All four sides must be 1", per University of Phoenix guideline. (APA states at least 1", p. 240, 4.04). Make the right margin ragged.
Page Numbers
Page numbers must be 1" from the right edge, between top edge and first line of text on all pages (p. 288, 5.06; pp. 306-320).
Abstract
Use only for University of Phoenix papers if required by the assignment. When assigned, use APA guidelines (p. 298, 5.16).
Title of Paper
Type in upper and lowercase letters, center on first page of text, double-space, and then start text (p. 298, 5.17).
Headings
Headings indicate the organization of the paper and establish importance. Match headings to the complexity of the paper. Use at least Level 1 to better organize paper. Title of paper (centered, upper and lowercase) on first page is not considered a separate heading level. If the paper requires two headings, use levels 1 and 3; if three headings are required, use levels 1, 3, and 4 (pp. 111-115, 3.30-3.32). See manuscript example, pp. 307-308.
Justification
Use flush-left style, leaving the right margin ragged. Do not divide words at the end of the line (p.287, 5.04).
Paragraphs
Indent