LEED Certification | LEED AP Exam | Practice Test Prep

What do I need to know about the LEED Accredited Professional (AP) credential?

Find answers to these questions below:

What are the requirements to take a LEED AP exam?

Candidates are required to:

  • Agree to the Disciplinary and Exam Appeals Policy and Credentialing Maintenance Program (CMP) as outlined by the Green Building Certification Institute.
  • Document professional experience on a LEED-registered project, within the last 3 years, with verification through LEED Online or employer attestation. This work experience must be documented in the form of a letter of attestation from a supervisor, client, or project manager and must describe your involvement on the LEED Project as a consultant, contracted worker, member of the LEED Project Team, LEED Homes Provider, LEED Commercial Reviewer, LEED Homes Green Verifier, or staff member of a Certifying Body (CB).If you are audited, GBCI auditors will review this letter of attestation based on these requirements:
    • The letter must be on letterhead or provide other evidence of its authenticity.
    • The body of the attestation should be limited to 1,500 words or less.
    • The letter must be dated.
    • The letter must be authored and signed by a supervisor, client, project manager, or someone else qualified to evaluate the applicant's performance.
    • The author's title and relationship to the applicant should be demonstrated, for example the author's business card.
    • The letter must summarize and confirm the applicant's involvement with the LEED Project.
    • The full name or Project ID for the LEED Project must be provided.
    • The letter must provide the dates of the applicant's relevant involvement.
    • If the applicant is not currently involved with this LEED project, the end date of this involvement cannot be more than three (3) years ago.
  • Submit to application audit. Five to seven percent of all applications will be audited; you will be notified immediately if you are chosen for an audit and will be advised of your eligibility within 14 days.

Do I need to take the LEED Green Associate exam to be eligible to take the LEED AP exam?

No. The LEED Green Associate exam is the first part of the LEED AP exam so you do not have to take it before you apply. In order to be eligible for the LEED AP exam, you must meet the requirements above. Green Ideas Education recommends that you take the LEED Green Associate prior to the LEED AP, not concurrently.

What are the costs associated with becoming a LEED AP?

The costs are:

  • Application fee: $100
  • Exam fee (per exam appointment):
    • $300 for USGBC National Members
    • $450 for non-members
  • Credentialing Maintenance renewal fee: $50 every 2 years

Any additional specialty exam is $150 for USGBC National Members per exam appointment and $250 for non-members per exam appointment, plus the application fee.

What is the format of the LEED AP exams?

The LEED AP exam is a multiple-choice, computer-based exam; each containing 100 randomly delivered multiple choice questions, and must be completed in 2 hours.

How is the LEED AP exam scored?

The LEED AP exams are scored using a scaled process. Scores for each part range from 125 to 200 but candidates must achieve a minimum score of 170 on both parts to pass the exam and earn the LEED AP credential.

If I take both exams together, do I get a break between the parts?

No. You may get up and leave your seat (with permission from the test center staff); however, the timer will not stop so when you return the time elapsed will be reflected in the time remaining for the exam.

If I take both exams together, what happens if I pass only one part of the LEED AP exam?

If you pass one part of the LEED AP exam, you will have to retake only the part you failed. Please note that you are still subject the restrictions of three attempts per application period. For example, if it is your first attempt, you will have two additional attempts within the application period to take and pass the part you failed.

If I take both exams together, and I pass the first part (the LEED Green Associate exam) but not the second (the specialty exam), can I call myself a LEED Green Associate?

No. If you pass only the first part of the LEED AP exam, you are NOT a LEED Green Associate. This is because you applied to be a LEED AP and, with that application, you have three attempts to pass the both parts of the LEED AP exam.

If you would like to become a LEED Green Associate, you must contact the Green Building Certification Institute customer service with the request. Please note that you will be subject to the $50 Green Associate Application fee and will have to agree to the LEED Green Associate Terms and Conditions and CMP requirements.

If I take both exams together, and I pass the second part (the specialty exam) but not the first (the LEED Green Associate exam), can I call myself a LEED AP?

No. In order to become a LEED AP, you must pass both parts of the LEED AP exam. However, you will have to retake only the part you failed. Please note that you are still subject the restrictions of three attempts per application period. For example, if it is your first attempt, you will have two additional attempts within the application period to take and pass the part you failed.

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