
LEED credential exam prep
Exam formats & procedures
Showcase your knowledge, experience and credibility in the green building marketplace as a LEED professional.
LEED Green Associate
- Fees: $250 ($100 for students, $200 for USGBC members)
- Prerequisites/eligibility requirements: None
- Format: 100 multiple-choice questions
- Language: Translation aids are available in Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean and Spanish. Learn more.
- Scoring: A passing score of 170 out of 200.
- Rescheduling and cancellations: Permitted up to 3 days prior to exam. Some fees may apply. Learn more.
LEED AP with speciality
- Fees: Combined exam: $550 ($400 for USGBC members) / Specialty only: $350 ($250 for USGBC members)
- Prerequisites/eligibility requirements: Must hold a current LEED Green Associate credential and be 18 years of age or older. Experience working on LEED-registered projects is strongly recommended.
- Format: Combined exam: 100 multiple-choice questions per section / Specialty only: 100 multiple-choice questions
- Language: Translation aids are available in Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, French and Spanish for the BD+C and O+M exams. Learn more.
- Scoring: A passing score of 170 out of 200.
- Rescheduling and cancellations: Permitted up to 3 days prior to exam. Some fees may apply. Learn more.
Choose an exam to prepare for
Prepare for your LEED Green Associate exam
The LEED Green Associate exam measures general knowledge of green building practices and how to support others working on LEED projects.
Download the candidate handbook for exam policies and procedures
Task Domains and Knowledge Domains
The exam is based on the following text specifications and references. The exam questions reflect Task Domains and Knowledge Domains.
Task Domains reflect the tasks necessary to perform LEED safely and effectively. These include concepts such as LEED Project and Team Coordination, LEED Certification Process, Analyses Required for LEED Credits, and Advocacy and Education for Adoption for LEED Rating System.
- LEED Green Associate Tasks (100%)
Knowledge Domains reflect the rating systems’ credit categories and what one needs to know. These include concepts such as LEED Process, Integrative Strategies, LEED credit categories, and Project Surroundings and Public Outreach.
- LEED Process (16 questions)
- Integrative Strategies (8 questions)
- Location and Transportation (7 questions)
- Sustainable Sites (7 questions)
- Water Efficiency (9 questions)
- Energy and Atmosphere (10 questions)
- Materials and Resources (9 questions)
- Indoor Environmental Quality (8 questions)
- Project Surroundings and Public Outreach (11 questions)
References
The primary sources for the development of the LEED professional exams are the LEED rating systems. The following list of references is not meant to be comprehensive. When combined with the test specifications, the candidate has the material from which the exam is based. The LEED Green Associate Exam is designed to test the general knowledge of green building practices and how to support other professionals working on LEED projects.
- U.S. Green Building Council. Green Building and LEED Core Concepts Guide. 3rd Edition. U.S. Green Building Council, 2011.
- U.S. Green Building Council. Introductory and Overview Sections. LEED Building Design + Construction Reference Guide. v4 Edition. U.S. Green Building Council, 2013. *Note that the introductory and overview sections are available to download separately from purchasing the full reference guide.
- U.S. Green Building Council. LEED v4 Impact Category and Point Allocation Process Overview. U.S. Green Building Council, 2013.
- U.S. Green Building Council. LEED v4 User Guide. U.S. Green Building Council, 2013. Web.
- U.S. Green Building Council. Guide to LEED Certification: Commercial. U.S. Green Building Council, 2014. Web.
- “LEED Certification Fees.” U.S. Green Building Council, 2014. Web.
- “Rating System Selection Guidance.” U.S. Green Building Council, 2014. Web.
Please note: LEED professional exams are updated on July 1 of every year; this update incorporates LEED addenda published through January of the same year. Additionally, no exams will be offered from June 15-June 30 of each year.
Sample Questions
These sample questions were discarded in the process of creating items for the new LEED Green Associate exam. The items are provided for your convenience to allow you to better familiarize yourself with the format and general content of items on the exam. Correct answers are marked with an asterisk.
- When applying for innovation credits, a project team:
- Cannot submit any previously awarded innovation credit.
- May receive credit for performance that doubles a credit requirement threshold.*
- May submit a product or strategy that is being used in an existing LEED credit.
- May receive a credit for each LEED Accredited Professional that is on the project team.
- A developer wants to make a profit by building a new office that maximizes daylighting and views. What actions might the developer take to fulfill all parts of the triple bottom line?
- Restore habitat onsite
- Purchase ergonomic furniture
- Pursue local grants and incentives
- Provide lighting controllability for occupants*
Study materials
Education @USGBC offers online courses, practice tests & study plans.
- Study plan: LEED Green Associate exam: Two week study plan
- Course: LEED Green Associate Core Concepts
- Course: LEED Green Associate v4 Exam Prep (created by USGBC Education Partner Everblue)
- Course: All-Inclusive LEED v4 Green Associate Exam Prep (created by USGBC Education Partner GBRI)
- Course: LEED Exam Prep 101: A Practical Approach to Acing the LEED v4 Green Associate Exam (created by USGBC Education Partner Green Building Services, Inc.)
- Publication: LEED Green Associate Exam Preparation Guide (created by USGBC Education Partner American Technical Publishers)
- Publication bundle: LEED Green Associate Exam Preparation Guide, LEED v4 Edition and LEED Core Concepts Guide (created by USGBC Education Partner American Technical Publishers)
- Practice exam: Practice Test - LEED Green Associate (created by USGBC Education Partner GBES (Green Building Education Services))
- Practice exam: Test Your Knowledge - LEED Green Associate Exam Prep (created by USGBC Education Partner American Technical Publishers)
- Practice exam: Prove Your Proficiency - LEED Green Associate Exam Prep (created by USGBC Education Partner GreenCE)
- Practice exam: LEED Green Associate Mock Exam (created by USGBC Education Partner Green Building Research Institute (GBRI))
- Practice exam: LEED Green Associate Mock Exam - 30 Questions (created by USGBC Education Partner Green Building Research Institute (GBRI))
- Practice exam: Flash Cards and Practice Exams (created by USGBC Education Partner RWDI USA LLC)
Prepare for your LEED AP BD+C exam
The LEED AP BD+C credential suits professionals with expertise in the design and construction phases of green buildings, serving the commercial, residential, education and healthcare sectors.
Access the candidate handbook for exam policies and procedures
The exam is based on the following text specifications and references. The exam questions reflect Task Domains and Knowledge Domains.
Task Domains and Knowledge Domains
Task Domains reflect the tasks necessary to perform LEED safely and effectively. These include concepts such as LEED Project and Team Coordination, LEED Certification Process, Analyses Required for LEED Credits, and Advocacy and Education for Adoption for LEED Rating System.
- LEED Project and Team Coordination (22%)
- LEED Certification Process (32%)
- Analyses Required for LEED Credits (32%)
- Advocacy and Education for Adoption for LEED Rating System (14%)
Knowledge Domains reflect the rating systems’ credit categories and what one needs to know. These include concepts such as LEED Process, Integrative Strategies, LEED credit categories, and Project Surroundings and Public Outreach.
- LEED Process (8 questions)
- Integrative Strategies (9 questions)
- Location and Transportation (9 questions)
- Sustainable Sites (9 questions)
- Water Efficiency (9 questions)
- Energy and Atmosphere (14 questions)
- Materials and Resources (12 questions)
- Indoor Environmental Quality (11 questions)
- Project Surroundings and Public Outreach (4 questions)
References
The primary sources for the development of the LEED professional exams are the LEED rating systems. The following list of references is not meant to be comprehensive. When combined with the test specifications, the candidate has the material from which the exam is based. This exam is designed to test the knowledge and skills necessary to participate in the design process, to support and encourage integrated design, and to streamline the application and certification process.
- U.S. Green Building Council. LEED Building Design and Construction Reference Guide. v4 Edition. U.S. Green Building Council, 2013.
- "Green building incentive strategies." U. S. Green Building Council, 2014.
- U.S. Green Building Council. Guide to LEED Certification: Commercial. U.S. Green Building Council, 2014.
- U.S. Green Building Council. Foundations of LEED. U.S. Green Building Council, 2009.
- U.S. Green Building Council. LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction Checklist. U.S. Green Building Council, 2013.
- “LEED Addenda (Corrections + Interpretations).” U. S. Green Building Council, 2014.
- "LEED Online: Register a project." U.S. Green Building Council, 2014.
- "LEED Certification Fees." U.S. Green Building Council, 2014.
- “Rating System Selection Guidance.” U.S. Green Building Council, 2014.
- “Addenda Database." U.S. Green Building Council. Web.
Please note: LEED professional exams are updated on July 1 of every year; this update incorporates LEED addenda published through January 1 of the same year. Additionally, no exams will be offered from June 15–July 1 of each year.
Sample Questions
These sample questions were discarded in the process of creating items for the new LEED AP Building Design + Construction exam. The items are provided for your convenience to allow you to better familiarize yourself with the format and general content of items on the exam. Correct answers are marked with an asterisk.
- The city is building a new botanical garden and is attempting LEED certification. What could the educational program include to earn an Innovation in Design Credit?
- Present the building’s sustainable features at the grand opening
- Present the building’s sustainable features at a town hall meeting
- Provide on-going weekly tours highlighting the building’s sustainable features*
- Publish a press release to the local newspaper outlining the building’s sustainable features
- How should athletic fields be treated in the calculations for WE Credit, Outdoor Water Use Reduction?
- Must be calculated using 100% potable water
- May be included or excluded from the calculations*
- May be calculated using a standard 20% reduction from baseline
- Must be calculated using at least 20% from an alternative water source
Study materials
Education @USGBC offers online courses, practice tests & study plans.
- Study plan: LEED AP BD+C exam: Four week study plan
- Course: LEED AP BD+C v4 Exam Prep (created by USGBC Education Partner Everblue)
- Study Guide: LEED AP BD+C Exam Preparation Guide (v4) (created by USGBC Education Partner ATP)
- Flash cards: LEED AP BD+C Study Cards (created by USGBC Education Partner ATP)
- Practice exam: LEED v4 BD+C Mock Exam -100 Questions (created by USGBC Education Partner Green Building Research Institute (GBRI))
- Practice exam: LEED v4 BD+C Mock Exam -30 Questions (created by USGBC Education Partner Green Building Research Institute (GBRI))
- Practice exam: 2019 Practice Exam - 100 LEED AP BD+C Questions (created by GBES (Green Building Education Services))
Prepare for your LEED AP O+M exam
The LEED AP O+M credential distinguishes professionals implementing sustainable practices, improving performance, heightening efficiency and reducing environmental impact in existing buildings through enhanced operations and maintenance.
Access the candidate handbook for exam policies and procedures
Task Domains and Knowledge Domains
The exam is based on the following text specifications and references. The exam questions reflect Task Domains and Knowledge Domains.
Task Domains reflect the tasks necessary to perform LEED safely and effectively.These include concepts such as LEED Project and Team Coordination, LEED Certification Process, Analyses Required for LEED Credits, and Advocacy and Education for Adoption for LEED Rating System.
- LEED Project and Team Coordination (24%)
- LEED Certification Process (28%)
- Analyses Required for LEED Credits (37%)
- Advocacy and Education for Adoption for LEED Rating System (11%)
Knowledge Domains
Knowledge Domains reflect the rating systems’ credit categories and what one needs to know.These include concepts such as LEED Process, Integrative Strategies, LEED credit categories, and Project Surroundings and Public Outreach.
- LEED Process (12 questions)
- Location and Transportation (5 questions)
- Sustainable Sites (9 questions)
- Water Efficiency (13 questions)
- Energy and Atmosphere (21 questions)
- Materials and Resources (10 questions)
- Indoor Environmental Quality (15 questions)
References
The primary sources for the development of the LEED professional exams are the LEED rating systems. The following list of references is not meant to be comprehensive. When combined with the test specifications, the candidate has the material from which the exam is based. This exam is designed to test the knowledge and skills necessary to participate in the design process, to support and encourage integrated design, and to streamline the application and certification process.
- U.S. Green Building Council. LEED Operations and Maintenance Reference Guide. v4 Edition. U.S. Green Building Council, 2013.
- "Green building incentive strategies." U. S. Green Building Council, 2014.
- U.S. Green Building Council. Guide to LEED Certification: Commercial. U.S. Green Building Council, 2014.
- U.S. Green Building Council. Foundations of LEED. U.S. Green Building Council, 2009.
- U.S. Green Building Council. LEED v4 for Operations and Maintenance Checklist. U.S. Green Building Council, 2013.
- “LEED Addenda (Corrections + Interpretations).” U. S. Green Building Council, 2014.
- "LEED Online: Register a project." U.S. Green Building Council, 2014.
- "LEED Certification Fees." U.S. Green Building Council, 2014.
- “Rating System Selection Guidance.” U.S. Green Building Council, 2014.
- Addenda Database.."U.S. Green Building Council. Web.
Please note: LEED professional exams are updated on July 1 of every year; this update incorporates LEED addenda published through January 1 of the same year. Additionally, no exams will be offered from June 15–July 1 of each year.
Sample Questions
These sample questions were discarded in the process of creating items for the new LEED Green Associate exam. The items are provided for your convenience to allow you to better familiarize yourself with the format and general content of items on the exam. Correct answers are marked with an asterisk*.
- A project team wants to educate the facility manager on the installed building systems to improve indoor air quality. They want the facility manager to maintain the systems so that they will continue to function as intended. Which of the following should be provided to the facility manager?
- Vendor invoices for mechanical equipment
- Preventive maintenance plan for the building*
- As-built drawings and copies of material submittals
- A copy of the credit documentation for the credits that were approved through LEED Certification
- The design team and project owner decided not to pursue EA Credit, Enhanced Commissioning, but would hire a Commissioning Authority (CxA) to oversee the requirements for EA Prerequisite, Fundamental Commissioning andVerification. What is a required responsibility for the CxA to achieve the stated objective?
- Verify that training requirements are completed
- Develop system manual for commissioned systems
- Review contractor submittals for the commissioned system
- Verify installation and performance of commissioned systems*
Study materials
Education @USGBC offers online courses, practice tests & study plans.
- Study plan: LEED AP O+M exam: Four week study plan
- Course: LEED AP O+M v4 Exam Prep (created by USGBC Education Partner Everblue)
- Course: All-Inclusive LEED v4 AP O+M Exam Prep (created by USGBC Education Partner GBRI)
- Course: LEED v4 O+M Exam Preparation (created by USGBC Education Partner Green Building Services, Inc.)
- Practice exam: LEED v4 O+M Mock Exam -100 Questions (created by USGBC Education Partner Green Building Research Institute (GBRI))
- Practice exam: LEED AP O+M Mock Exam - 30 Questions (created by USGBC Education Partner Green Building Research Institute (GBRI))
Prepare for your LEED AP ID+C exam
The LEED AP ID+C credential serves participants in the design, construction and improvement of commercial interiors and tenant spaces that offer a healthy, sustainable and productive work environment.
Access the candidate handbook for exam policies and procedures
Task Domains and Knowledge Domains
The exam is based on the following text specifications and references. The exam questions reflect Task Domains and Knowledge Domains.
Task Domains reflect the tasks necessary to perform LEED safely and effectively.These include concepts such as LEED Project and Team Coordination, LEED Certification Process, Analyses Required for LEED Credits, and Advocacy and Education for Adoption for LEED Rating System.
- LEED Project and Team Coordination (25%)
- LEED Certification Process (25%)
- Analyses Required for LEED Credits (35%)
- Advocacy and Education for Adoption for LEED Rating System (15%)
Knowledge Domains reflect the rating systems’ credit categories and what one needs to know.These include concepts such as LEED Process, Integrative Strategies, LEED credit categories, and Project Surroundings and Public Outreach.
- LEED Process (11 questions)
- Integrative Strategies (8 questions)
- Location and Transportation (8 questions)
- Water Efficiency (10 questions)
- Energy and Atmosphere (15 questions)
- Materials and Resources (17 questions)
- Indoor Environmental Quality (16 questions)
References
The primary sources for the development of the LEED Professional Exams are the LEED Rating Systems. The following list of references is not meant to be comprehensive. When combined with the test specifications, the candidate has the material from which the exam is based. This exam is designed to test the knowledge and skills necessary to participate in the design process, to support and encourage integrated design, and to streamline the application and certification process.
- U.S. Green Building Council. LEED Interior Design and Construction Reference Guide. v4 Edition. U.S. Green Building Council, 2013.
- "Green building incentive strategies." U. S. Green Building Council, 2014.
- U.S. Green Building Council. Guide to LEED Certification: Commercial. U.S. Green Building Council, 2014.
- U.S. Green Building Council. Foundations of LEED. U.S. Green Building Council, 2009.
- U.S. Green Building Council. LEED v4 for Interior Design and Construction Checklist. U.S. Green Building Council, 2013.
- “LEED Addenda (Corrections + Interpretations).” U. S. Green Building Council, 2014.
- "LEED Online: Register a project." U.S. Green Building Council, 2014.
- "LEED Certification Fees." U.S. Green Building Council, 2014.
- "Rating System Selection Guidance." U.S. Green Building Council, 2014.
- "Addenda Database.." U.S. Green Building Council. Web.
Please note: LEED professional exams are updated on July 1 of every year; this update incorporates LEED addenda published through January 1 of the same year. Additionally, no exams will be offered from June 15–July 1 of each year.
Sample Questions
These sample questions were discarded in the process of creating items for the new LEED Green Associate exam. The items are provided for your convenience to allow you to better familiarize yourself with the format and general content of items on the exam. Correct answers are marked with an asterisk*.
- The city is building a new botanical garden and is attempting LEED certification. What could the educational program include to earn an Innovation in Design Credit?
- Present the building’s sustainable features at the grand opening
- Present the building’s sustainable features at a town hall meeting
- Provide on-going weekly tours highlighting the building’s sustainable features*
- Publish a press release to the local newspaper outlining the building’s sustainable features
- How should athletic fields be treated in the calculations for WE Credit, Outdoor Water Use Reduction?
- Must be calculated using 100% potable water
- May be included or excluded from the calculations*
- May be calculated using a standard 20% reduction from baseline
- Must be calculated using at least 20% from an alternative water source
Study materials
Education @USGBC offers online courses, practice tests & study plans.
- Study plan: LEED AP ID+C exam: Four week study plan
- Practice exam: Practice Test - LEED AP ID+C (created by USGBC Education Partner Green Building Education Services (GBES))
Prepare for your LEED AP ND Exam
The LEED AP ND credential applies to individuals participating in the planning, design and development of walkable, neighborhoods and communities.
Access the candidate handbook for exam policies and procedures
Task Domains and Knowledge Domains
The exam is based on the following text specifications and references. The exam questions reflect Task Domains and Knowledge Domains.
Task Domains reflect the tasks necessary to perform LEED safely and effectively. These include concepts such as LEED Project and Team Coordination, LEED Certification Process, Analyses Required for LEED Credits, and Advocacy and Education for Adoption for LEED Rating System.
- LEED Project and Team Coordination (30%)
- LEED Certification Process (30%)
- Analysis Required for LEED Credits (30%)
- Advocacy and Education for Adoption for LEED Rating Systems (10%)
Knowledge Domains reflect the rating systems’ credit categories and what one needs to know. These include concepts such as LEED Process, Integrative Strategies, LEED credit categories, and Project Surroundings and Public Outreach.
- LEED Process (13 Questions)
- Smart Location & Linkage (21 Questions)
- Neighborhood Pattern & Design (23 Questions)
- Green Infrastructure & Buildings (21 Questions)
- Project Surroundings and Public Outreach (7 Questions)
References
The primary sources for the development of the LEED professional exams are the LEED rating systems. The following list of references is not meant to be comprehensive. When combined with the test specifications, the candidate has the material from which the exam is based. This exam is designed to test the knowledge and skills necessary to participate in the design process, to support and encourage integrated design, and to streamline the application and certification process.
- LEED Neighborhood Development Reference Guide. v4 Edition. U.S. Green Building Council, 2013. Print and Digital Versions Available.
- "Green building incentive strategies." U.S. Green Building Council, 2014. Web.
- Guide to LEED Certification: Commercial. U.S. Green Building Council, 2014. Web.
- Foundations of LEED. U.S. Green Building Council, 2009. Web.
- LEED v4 for Neighborhood Development Checklist. U.S. Green Building Council. U.S. Green Building Council, 2013. Web.
- "LEED Addenda (Corrections + Interpretations)." U. S. Green Building Council, 2014. Web.
- "LEED Online: Register a project." U.S. Green Building Council, 2014. Web.
- "LEED Certification Fees." U.S. Green Building Council, 2014. Web.
- "Rating System Selection Guidance." U.S. Green Building Council, 2014. Web.
- "Addenda Database." U.S. Green Building Council. Web.
Please note: LEED professional exams are updated on July 1 of every year; this update incorporates LEED addenda published through January 1 of the same year. Additionally, no exams will be offered from June 15–July 1 of each year.
Sample Questions
These sample questions were discarded during the exam creation process, and they are provided to allow you to better familiarize yourself with the format and general content of items on the exam. The ability to answer these questions does not predict or guarantee your ability to successfully answer questions on the actual exam. Correct answers are marked with an asterisk.
- Which agencies should be consulted to determine if imperiled species exist within the project's boundaries? (Choose two.)
- Audubon Society
- Department of Ecology
- Natural Heritage Program*
- State Fish and Wildlife Agency*
- Environmental Protection Agency
- A project team has decided to reduce the development footprint of its design by clustering development, using predominantly multi-story buildings, and providing underground parking facilities in place of surface parking. Bicycle parking and shower facilities will be provided to encourage use of alternative forms of transportation and 10% of total parking spaces will be reserved for carpool parking. Based on this information what credit will the project most likely achieve?
- Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit, Heat Island Reduction
- Smart Location and Linkage Credit, Bicycle Network and Storage
- Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit, Stormwater Management
- Neighborhood Pattern and Design Credit, Reduced Parking Footprint*
Prepare for your LEED AP Homes Exam
The LEED AP Homes exam tests the knowledge and skills necessary to participate in the design process, support and encourage integrated design and streamline the application and certification process.
Access the candidate handbook for exam policies and procedures
Test specifications
The exam is based on the following text specifications and references.
References
The primary sources for the development of the LEED professional exams are the LEED rating systems. The following list of references is not meant to be comprehensive. When combined with the test specifications, the candidate has the material from which the exam is based.
- Green Building Incentive Strategies
- Guide to LEED Certification: Commercial
- Foundations of LEED
- LEED v4 for HOMES Design and Construction Checklist
- LEED Addenda (Corrections + Interpretations)
- LEED Online: Register a Project
- LEED Certification Fees
- Rating System Selection Guidance
- Addenda Database
Please note: LEED professional exams are updated on July 1 of every year; this update incorporates LEED addenda published through January 1 of the same year. Additionally, no exams will be offered from June 15–July 1 of each year.
Sample questions
These sample questions were discarded during the exam creation process, and they are provided to allow you to better familiarize yourself with the format and general content of items on the exam. The ability to answer these questions does not predict or guarantee your ability to successfully answer questions on the actual exam. Correct answers are marked with an asterisk.
- The city is building a new botanical garden and is attempting LEED certification. What could the educational program include to earn an Innovation in Design Credit?
- Present the building’s sustainable features at the grand opening
- Present the building’s sustainable features at a town hall meeting
- Provide ongoing weekly tours highlighting the building’s sustainable features*
- Publish a press release to the local newspaper outlining the building’s sustainable features
- How should athletic fields be treated in the calculations for WE Credit, Outdoor Water Use Reduction?
- Must be calculated using 100% potable water
- May be included or excluded from the calculations*
- May be calculated using a standard 20% reduction from baseline
- Must be calculated using at least 20% from an alternative water source