LEED credential exam prep

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

  • LEED Green Associate
  • LEED AP BD+C
  • LEED AP O+M
  • LEED AP ID+C
  • LEED AP ND
  • LEED AP homes

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.

View Task Domains
  • 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.

View Knowledge Domains
  • 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.

View references

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.

View sample questions
  1. When applying for innovation credits, a project team:
    1. Cannot submit any previously awarded innovation credit.
    2. May receive credit for performance that doubles a credit requirement threshold.*
    3. May submit a product or strategy that is being used in an existing LEED credit.
    4. May receive a credit for each LEED Accredited Professional that is on the project team.
  2. 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?
    1. Restore habitat onsite
    2. Purchase ergonomic furniture
    3. Pursue local grants and incentives
    4. Provide lighting controllability for occupants*

Study materials

Education @USGBC offers online courses, practice tests & study plans.

Access Education @USGBC study materials

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.

View Task Domains
  • 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.

View Knowledge Domains
  • 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.

View references

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.

View sample questions
  1. 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?
    1. Present the building’s sustainable features at the grand opening
    2. Present the building’s sustainable features at a town hall meeting
    3. Provide on-going weekly tours highlighting the building’s sustainable features*
    4. Publish a press release to the local newspaper outlining the building’s sustainable features
  2. How should athletic fields be treated in the calculations for WE Credit, Outdoor Water Use Reduction?
    1. Must be calculated using 100% potable water
    2. May be included or excluded from the calculations*
    3. May be calculated using a standard 20% reduction from baseline
    4. Must be calculated using at least 20% from an alternative water source

Study materials

Education @USGBC offers online courses, practice tests & study plans.

Access Education @USGBC study materials

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.

View Task Domains
  • 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.

View Knowledge Domains
  • 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.

View all references

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*.

View sample questions
  1. 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?
    1. Vendor invoices for mechanical equipment
    2. Preventive maintenance plan for the building*
    3. As-built drawings and copies of material submittals
    4. A copy of the credit documentation for the credits that were approved through LEED Certification
  2. 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?
    1. Verify that training requirements are completed
    2. Develop system manual for commissioned systems
    3. Review contractor submittals for the commissioned system
    4. Verify installation and performance of commissioned systems*

Study materials

Education @USGBC offers online courses, practice tests & study plans.

Access Education @USGBC study materials

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.

View Task 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.

View Knowledge Domains
  • 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.

View references

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*.

View sample questions
  1. 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?
    1. Present the building’s sustainable features at the grand opening
    2. Present the building’s sustainable features at a town hall meeting
    3. Provide on-going weekly tours highlighting the building’s sustainable features*
    4. Publish a press release to the local newspaper outlining the building’s sustainable features
  2. How should athletic fields be treated in the calculations for WE Credit, Outdoor Water Use Reduction?
    1. Must be calculated using 100% potable water
    2. May be included or excluded from the calculations*
    3. May be calculated using a standard 20% reduction from baseline
    4. Must be calculated using at least 20% from an alternative water source

Study materials

Education @USGBC offers online courses, practice tests & study plans.

Access Education @USGBC study materials

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.

View Task Domains
  • 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.

View Knowledge Domains
  • 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.

View references

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.

View sample questions
  1. Which agencies should be consulted to determine if imperiled species exist within the project's boundaries? (Choose two.)
    1. Audubon Society
    2. Department of Ecology
    3. Natural Heritage Program*
    4. State Fish and Wildlife Agency*
    5. Environmental Protection Agency
  2. 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?
    1. Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit, Heat Island Reduction
    2. Smart Location and Linkage Credit, Bicycle Network and Storage
    3. Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit, Stormwater Management
    4. 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. 

View test specifications

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.

View references

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.

View sample questions
  1. 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?
    1. Present the building’s sustainable features at the grand opening
    2. Present the building’s sustainable features at a town hall meeting
    3. Provide ongoing weekly tours highlighting the building’s sustainable features*
    4. Publish a press release to the local newspaper outlining the building’s sustainable features
  2. How should athletic fields be treated in the calculations for WE Credit, Outdoor Water Use Reduction?
    1. Must be calculated using 100% potable water
    2. May be included or excluded from the calculations*
    3. May be calculated using a standard 20% reduction from baseline
    4. Must be calculated using at least 20% from an alternative water source

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