> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://usgbc.gitbook.io/leed-candidate-handbooks/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://usgbc.gitbook.io/leed-candidate-handbooks/leed-ap-with-specialty-candidate-handbook.md). # LEED AP with Specialty Candidate Handbook ## About this handbook This LEED AP with Specialty Candidate Handbook includes information for candidates preparing for the LEED AP with Specialty v5 beta exams. This handbook is intended to support candidates with their LEED AP with specialty exam. This handbook includes information about the LEED AP with Specialty v5 beta exams, including the option to register for the beta exam, key registration and testing dates, details regarding beta exam score reports and test specifications. Beta exams differ from standard exams, and candidates are responsible for reviewing all related information carefully, as beta exams follow different timelines and policies, particularly with respect to the testing window and score report delivery. The following exams will transition to LEED v5: LEED AP BD+C, LEED AP O+M and LEED AP ID+C. LEED AP Homes and LEED AP ND exams will continue to be based on the LEED v4 rating system. To learn more about beta exams and the LEED v5 exam transition, candidates are encouraged to visit the [Help Center](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/29656794179987-LEED-v5-exam-information) for additional guidance, frequently asked questions, and ongoing updates. ## Requirements ### Eligibility requirements For the LEED AP with Specialty exam, prior LEED project experience is strongly recommended. Practitioner experience is critical to earning the credential and, as such, practitioner competency and project proficiency is tested objectively within the exam. To be eligible for a LEED AP with Specialty credential, you must: 1. Be 18 years of age or older. 2. Hold an active LEED® Green Associate™ credential upon exam registration\* or, hold an active LEED AP® with Specialty credential. 3. Agree to GBCI’s [Disciplinary and Exam Appeals Policy](https://www.gbci.org/legal#appeals) and [credential maintenance requirements](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/cmp-guide). 1. An individual convicted of a felony directly related to public health and safety or the profession is ineligible to apply for any credential or credential renewal thereof for a period of three (3) years from the exhaustion of appeals or final release from confinement (if any), whichever is later provided.\*\* *\*This requirement is waived if you register for the combination exam. More information can be found under* [*Exam Format*](#bookmark9)*.* *\*\*Refer to section 6B, Eligibility – Criminal Convictions in* [*GBCI’s Disciplinary and Exam Appeals Policy*](https://www.gbci.org/legal#appeals) *for additional details.* ### Identification requirements GBCI, along with Prometric, enforces a strict policy regarding acceptable identification to maintain the integrity and quality of the LEED AP with Specialty exams and to ensure all candidates have access to a consistent and fair exam check-in process. All IDs must be plasticized or laminated by the issuing authority at the time of issue. Your ID must be in the original form it was issued; **duplicates, photocopies or digital IDs will not be accepted**. You are required to provide one form of valid government-issued identification that contains **ALL** the following four elements: 1. Your first and last name, which must **EXACTLY** match the first and last name (in Roman characters) that you used to register for the exam 2. A recent, recognizable photograph that looks like you 3. Your signature 4. Be unexpired and include an issue and expiration date **What if my ID does not exactly match the name used to register for the exam?** You must [contact GBCI](https://www.gbci.org/contact) at least 10 business days prior to your testing date and notify them of the discrepancy between the name you used to register for your exam and the name printed on your legal documentation/government-issued ID. If you do not contact GBCI in advance and your legal ID does not **EXACTLY** match the first and last name you entered when you registered for your exam, you will not be permitted to test and you will forfeit your exam registration fee. Note: The identification that you present during your exam check-in must include your first and last name printed in **Roman characters** and must **EXACTLY** match the first and last name that you used to register for the exam. **Special characters** (e.g., accents, tilde, umlaut, cedilla, etc.) are not allowed into the first and last name fields. Please enter the corresponding Roman characters in the English alphabet that match what is printed on the ID. For additional information refer to [Registering For Your Exam](#bookmark3) section. **IDs with names printed solely in non-Roman characters are not acceptable.** If you legally only have one name during registration enter ‘[No Name](#bookmark3)’ in the first or last name fields as applicable. Examples of identification that typically comply with requirements include: * Passport * Driver’s license with a printed signature, including date issued and date of expiration * Current government-issued photo ID with signature, including date issued and date of expiration * Green card, permanent residence card, or H-1B visa * Military ID that includes date issued and date of expiration * National ID **What if my primary ID does not meet all the identification requirements?** If your identification does not include a recent photograph, your signature, and an issue and expiration date, you must provide a secondary identification (with the same first and last name in Roman characters) that includes the outstanding required elements. Remember, at the time your secondary identification was issued, the issuing authority must have laminated it. Examples of secondary identification that typically comply with the requirements include: * Work-issued employee ID card * School ID card * Library card * Health insurance card * Credit card (due to security reasons, credit cards are not accepted as a form of secondary identification during the check-in process of remotely proctored exams.) * India residents presenting an India PAN card or India voter ID that does not include a date issued and/or an expiration date, must also present a second form of identification (with the same first and last name and signature), which does include an expiration date. Unexpired credit card with a printed signature can only be used at test centers as a secondary form of ID. Unacceptable forms of ID include, but are not limited to: * Photocopies or duplicates * ID without an expiration date or date of issue * ID with the first and last name printed solely in non-Roman characters * Social Security card * Electronic/digital IDs * Aadhaar cards: For India residents ### Registration process 1. Access your [Credentials page](https://www.usgbc.org/account/credentials) by logging into your existing [USGBC site user account](https://www.usgbc.org/user/login?destination=/account/credentials) or review the instructions to [create a new account](https://www.usgbc.org/registration/create-user) if you do not have one. * When you register for your exam, make sure your first name (given name) and last name (surname) are entered **EXACTLY** as it appears on the legal ID that you will use when you take your exam. If your [USGBC site user account name](https://www.usgbc.org/user/login?destination=/account/credentials) does not match your legal ID, correct your account name during exam registration in your [account settings](https://www.usgbc.org/user/login?destination=/account/settings). Do not use a nickname when setting up your [USGBC site user account](https://www.usgbc.org/user/login?destination=/account/credentials). If you legally have only one name, enter “No Name” in the first or last name fields as applicable. At least 10 business days before your scheduled exam date, you must notify GBCI that you only have one legal name and provide us with the name you used to register, the date and time of your exam, and if you are testing in-person, the test center location, and GBCI will notify Prometric proctors that your legal ID has only one name. If you do not contact GBCI in advance and your legal ID does not **EXACTLY** match the first and last name you entered when you registered for your exam, you will not be permitted to test and you will forfeit your exam registration fee. * If your native language utilizes non-Roman characters, be sure to enter your first and last name in Roman characters when you set-up your [USGBC site user account](https://www.usgbc.org/user/login?destination=/account/credentials) and when you register for the exam. Make sure to bring identification, such as a passport that includes your name in Roman characters, when you check-in for your exam. * Please note that if the first and last name in which you register for your exam do not **EXACTLY** match the ID you will present when you check-in for your exam either at a Test Center or online for a remotely proctored exam, you will not be permitted to test. You must contact [GBCI](https://www.gbci.org/contact) at least 10 business days before your exam date to change your registration, or you will risk being turned away and you will forfeit your exam registration fee. (See Identification Requirements for additional details.) * Special characters (e.g., accents, tilde, umlaut, cedilla, etc.) are not allowed in the first and last name fields. Please enter the corresponding Roman characters in the English alphabet that match what is printed on the ID. 2. Select the LEED AP exam you wish to take under the “Credentials” section and follow the instructions on the screen to complete the exam registration application. There are two registration options. You may either: * Opt in to register for the [LEED v5 beta exam](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/29656794179987-LEED-v5-exam-information#register-how) (data collection phase) * Select to register through the [standard registration](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/29656794179987-LEED-v5-exam-information#register-standard) process 3. To register five or more candidates at one time, [contact GBCI](https://www.gbci.org/contact). 4. Once you have completed the registration process, you are given a unique eligibility ID (EID) and may schedule your exam by visiting [prometric.com/gbci](https://www.prometric.com/gbci). * If you opt in to take the [LEED v5 beta exam](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/29656794179987-LEED-v5-exam-information#beta) (data collection phase), your EID will be valid for [two months](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/29656794179987-LEED-v5-exam-information#registration-open). Once you complete your registration and pay for your exam, you have a specific two-month window to schedule and take your exam session. If you fail to complete your exam within the two-month window shown below, you will forfeit your registration and must submit a new exam registration and payment to GBCI. * The testing window for the LEED AP with Specialty v5 beta exams is from June 30, 2026 – August 31, 2026. * If you register through the [standard registration](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/29656794179987-LEED-v5-exam-information#register-standard), your EID will be valid for 12 months from the exam registration date. Once you complete your registration and pay for your exam, you have 12 months to schedule and take your exam session. If you fail to complete your exam within the 12 months, you will forfeit your registration and must submit a new exam registration and payment to GBCI. View the [exam timeline](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/29656794179987-LEED-v5-exam-information#exam-version) to determine your LEED exam version. 5. Prometric is the exam delivery organization for GBCI exams. There are two ways to take your LEED AP with Specialty exam. You have the option to take your exam either at a Prometric Test Center or through a remotely proctored internet-enabled (online) exam using Prometric’s ProProctor application. * If you would like to schedule your exam in a physical test center, [click here](https://proscheduler.prometric.com/). * If you would like to schedule a remotely proctored online exam, you will first need to ensure that your computer meets the technical specifications (See [Pre-Exam Checklist](https://usgbc.gitbook.io/leed-candidate-handbooks/leed-ap-with-specialty-candidate-handbook#bookmark12)) and that the space which you intend to take your exam meets the [testing environment requirements](https://www.prometric.com/sites/default/files/2020-04/PrometricProUserGuide_3.1_1.pdf). Please review Prometric’s [ProProctor User Guide](https://www.prometric.com/sites/default/files/2020-04/PrometricProUserGuide_3.1_1.pdf) along with GBCI’s [ProProctor Tips and Guidance](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/proproctor-tips-and-guidance-gbci-exams) document, the [ProProctor Exam Checklist](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/proproctor-checklist) and [GBCI online exam FAQs](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/sections/4403780174611-Online-remotely-proctored-exams) for useful information. Once you have verified your computer meets the minimum system requirements, you can [click here](https://proscheduler.prometric.com/?prg=GBCI\&path=proctorsch) to continue scheduling your remotely proctored online exam. 6. On the Schedule Appointment screen, read through the instructions and click the green forward arrow button located on the right-hand side at the bottom of the page to proceed to the next screen. Read through the Policy Notice, answer the age and consent questions at the bottom of the page and click the green forward arrow. (Note: GBCI does not collect, store, or use biometric data for any purpose.) You will then be asked to enter your exam eligibility ID (EID) and the first four characters of the last name you used when you registered. * Please note that Prometric’s exam scheduling times are listed using AM and PM notation. It is important to note that when selecting a time between 1:00 AM and 11:59 AM, you are choosing a morning exam time, while times between 12:00 PM and 11:59 PM indicate an afternoon or evening exam time. 7. Once you have successfully scheduled your exam appointment you will see a confirmation number on the screen, and you will also receive an automated email from Prometric with important details about your exam appointment. Check your spam filters, quarantine, clutter, and junk folder(s) to ensure you receive the automated email – **please be sure to read the email in its entirety.** Consider adding Prometric’s email address to your [safe sender list](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/article_attachments/29841192374419) to avoid missing future communications. Please print your confirmation notice and record your confirmation number. You will need this confirmation notice for any communication with Prometric to confirm, cancel, or reschedule your exam appointment through the [Prometric website](https://www.prometric.com/gbci). The confirmation number will also be required to [download and install the ProProctor application](https://rpcandidate.prometric.com/). You are not required to bring this information with you when you check-in for your exam, though it may help should you require any assistance. 8. If you fail your first attempt at taking the exam, you may register and pay again in the same way as the initial registration. After three unsuccessful exam attempts within 12 months, candidates must wait [90 calendar days](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/6826371188371-Exam-Results#retest) before submitting a new exam registration and payment to GBCI. The 12-month period begins on the date of the first failed attempt. The 90-day waiting period begins on the date of the third unsuccessful attempt. Candidates must pay the exam registration fee for each exam attempt. \ \ **Note:** Candidates taking their exam during the beta phase of the LEED v5 exam development will receive their [exam results](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/29656794179987-LEED-v5-exam-information#beta-scoring) after the beta testing phase concludes and the exam analysis is complete. Candidates who fail their first LEED v5 beta exam attempt may register through the standard registration process and pay again in the same way as the initial registration. 9. You can confirm, cancel, or reschedule an exam on the [Prometric website](https://www.prometric.com/gbci). 10. In addition, if you have scheduled an exam at a test center and would like to reschedule it for a remotely proctored online exam (or vice versa), you will first need to cancel your exam at the test center, and then follow the link to schedule a remotely proctored online exam. Applicable rescheduling or cancellation fees may apply. 11. Rescheduling and cancelation policy (new pricing effective January 1, 2025 – See Table 1): #### Refund policy: Effective January 1., 2025 — Table 2
Days before original exam dateCancellationReschedule
46 days or moreYesYes
30–45 daysYes, less a $30 cancellation feeYes, less a $30 rescheduling fee
4–29 daysYes, less a $60 cancellation feeYes, less a $60 rescheduling fee
0–3 daysNoNo
* You may reschedule or cancel your exam up to 46 calendar days before your scheduled exam date without incurring a rescheduling or cancellation fee. * If you reschedule or cancel your exam between 30 and 45 calendar days before the scheduled date, a $30 fee will apply. * If you reschedule or cancel your exam between 29 and 4 days before the scheduled date, a $60 fee will apply. * You cannot reschedule your exam after midnight on the third day before the scheduled appointment. (For example, Wednesday appointments cannot be rescheduled after Sunday, 11:59 PM). * If you miss your exam date, fail to reschedule or cancel 3 calendar days before the exam, you forfeit the entire exam registration fee. * When you reschedule an exam, you will receive a new confirmation email from Prometric. Please check your spam filters, quarantine, clutter, and junk folder(s) to ensure you receive the email from Prometric. If you do not, please [contact Prometric](https://usgbc.gitbook.io/leed-candidate-handbooks#prometric) immediately to confirm that your exam was rescheduled. * Due to circumstances outside of their control (e.g., weather-related closures or due to power outage), Prometric may on occasion cancel a candidate’s exam appointment. If this is the case, you will receive an automated email cancellation from Prometric and will have the option to schedule your exam either as a [remotely proctored online exam](https://proscheduler.prometric.com/?prg=GBCI\&path=proctorsch&_gl=1%2Asli3ge%2A_ga%2AMTE5MDM1OTUxMy4xNjQ3NTMwMTM3%2A_ga_6PECVY1GCJ%2AMTcyNjYwOTI4OC44LjAuMTcyNjYwOTI4OC42MC4wLjA) or at a [Prometric test center](https://proscheduler.prometric.com/). Please allow up to 5 business days for Prometric’s scheduling system to process the cancellation updates. Once the system is updated, you will be able to self-serve and [schedule your exam](https://www.prometric.com/gbci). Please use your current EID when rescheduling your exam. *** ### Testing accommodations If you have a documented disability that would prevent you from taking a LEED professional exam under standard testing conditions, you may request accommodations. GBCI complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Under the ADA, entities that administer standardized examinations must offer the examinations in a place and manner that is accessible to candidates with disabilities. This may require reasonable modifications to the way the exam is administered. Prometric, the exam delivery company used by GBCI, will provide candidates reasonable auxiliary aids and services, except where it may fundamentally alter the validity of the exam results. Available accommodations include, but are not limited to, a reader, a magnifying screen for the computer monitor, a scribe, and extended testing time. If you require the presence of a certified service or emotional support animal during the exam, please indicate this requirement by checking the testing accommodations box during the registration process. You will need to submit the appropriate documentation to support your request. For remotely proctored online exams, Prometric may not be able to accommodate all requests due to the testing environment security requirements. If you require testing accommodations, you must indicate this during the registration process by checking the box that says “Yes, I need testing accommodations.” To be eligible for accommodations, you and your health care provider will each need to complete one form, the [Candidate Form](https://www.gbci.org/candidate-form) and the [Provider Form](https://www.gbci.org/provider-form), to document your disability and need for accommodation. **Please email the completed forms along with your testing accommodation request to** [**accommodations@gbci.org**](mailto:accommodations@gbci.org) **or by faxing it to 202-318-2261.** GBCI will process your testing accommodations request once you submit both the Candidate and Healthcare Provider forms. Note: If you have registered for an exam without selecting "Yes, I need testing accommodations," contact us immediately at for assistance. There is no additional charge for testing accommodations. Each request is evaluated individually. Once a testing accommodation request is approved, it is valid for 12 months. When registering for a new exam during your 12-month window, you must still check the box that says “Yes, I need testing accommodations.” Please email to request that your previously approved testing accommodations be applied to your new exam registration and state the date you originally sent your testing accommodations request. After 12 months from your original Candidate form and Healthcare Provider form approvals, you must submit a new set of Candidate and Provider forms to request your testing accommodations. GBCI reviews this documentation and, if approved, alerts Prometric of the necessary accommodations. Please allow up to 10 business days to receive a reply from GBCI following submission of **all** your documentation. Please note that once you have requested testing accommodations, you are not able to schedule your exam with Prometric until your request is processed. You will be contacted by email regarding the status of your request. ### Exam registration fees and payment See the LEED AP with Specialty [exam page](https://www.usgbc.org/credentials/leed-ap) for exam pricing. Candidates who register for the LEED v5 beta exam (data collection phase) will benefit from a 30% discount off the exam registration fee. Your paid exam registration fee is good for only one exam attempt within your [EID validity period](#bookmark3): * Beta exam registration: two-month testing window starting June 30, 2026 to August 31, 2026 * Standard registration: 12-month testing window from your registration date Exam fees are non-refundable once the LEED AP with Specialty exam has been taken, regardless of the outcome of the exam. If a candidate disputes or reverses their payment after successfully passing the exam, GBCI reserves the right to withhold or suspend the credential until the required payment has been fully processed. If your organization is a USGBC member, please [link your member status](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/4417267182355-Membership-account-maintenance#connect) to your [USGBC site user account](https://www.usgbc.org/user/login?destination=/account/credentials) before registering for an exam to receive member pricing for your exam registration fees. ### GI Bill benefits The LEED professional exams have been approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for reimbursement. The VA, in accordance with the GI Bill, has agreed to reimburse veterans, active service members, eligible dependents, spouses and reservists for the cost, up to $2,000, for any of the LEED professional exams administered by GBCI since December 3, 2009. [Learn more](https://www.usgbc.org/articles/leed-credential-exams-eligible-reimbursement-under-gi-bill). *** ## The exam ### Exam development A LEED AP with Specialty credential holder is an individual who possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to support the LEED certification process. The development of a valid exam begins with a clear and concise definition of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the job of a LEED AP with Specialty. GBCI conducts a job task analysis when a new version of the rating system is approved by the relevant consensus committee after a [ballot approval process](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/25316160948755-LEED-v5#ballot), ratified by vote of the USGBC membership and is published. All LEED exams are developed by a global network of Subject Matter Experts and meet the specifications of a job analysis. Exam specifications are subject to rigorous validation by these experts, which ensures that the exam is valid and measuring what it is intended to measure. Once exams are launched, exam questions are regularly monitored to ensure continued reliability. The exams assess your abilities at three cognitive levels: Recall, Application and Analysis. 1. Recall Questions: These questions assess your ability to recall factual material that is described in the exam references. 2. Application Questions: These questions provide you with a novel problem or scenario to solve using familiar principles or procedures described in the exam references. 3. Analysis Questions: These questions assess your ability to break the problem down into its components to create a solution. You must recognize the different elements of the problem and evaluate the relationship or interactions of these elements. ### Exam version **LEED v5 beta exam version** 1. The LEED AP with Specialty v5 beta exam will be available starting **June 30, 2026**. 2. The [beta exam period](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/29656794179987-LEED-v5-exam-information#beta) includes two phases: * Data collection phase: June 30, 2026 – August 31, 2026 * Testing only phase: September 1, 2026 – November 2026 3. Candidates participating in the **beta exam data collection phase** must take the beta exam within a specific [two-month testing window](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/29656794179987-LEED-v5-exam-information#registration-open) (June 30 – August 31, 2026). * Candidates will benefit from a 30% discount from the exam registration fee. * The last day to [register](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/29656794179987-LEED-v5-exam-information#register-how) for the beta exam (data collection phase) is **August 26, 2026**. * Learn more about the [benefits](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/29656794179987-LEED-v5-exam-information#beta-benefits) and [beta exam registration process](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/29656794179987-LEED-v5-exam-information#beta-opt-in). 4. Candidates who register through the **standard exam registration process** have 12 months from the registration date to schedule and take their exam. * Depending on when you test, you may take the [LEED v5 beta exam (testing only phase)](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/29656794179987-LEED-v5-exam-information#beta), or the final version of the LEED v5 exam. * For details on exam availability, please review the [key exam dates](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/29656794179987-LEED-v5-exam-information#exam-version). 5. During the beta phase, candidates will not receive their [score reports](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/29656794179987-LEED-v5-exam-information#beta-scoring) immediately upon completing the exam. Instead, they will receive a Notice of Completion confirming they completed the beta exam. * Exam results are released after the beta testing phase concludes and the exam analysis is complete. * Based on current timelines, scores are tentatively expected to be released by December 2026. * These timelines are estimates and may change based on beta exam participation and the time required to complete exam analysis. Candidates will be notified when their results are available. 6. The final LEED AP with Specialty v5 exams will be published after beta exam scores are released to candidates. Once the final exams are available, candidates who took the final version of the LEED AP with Specialty v5 exam will receive their results immediately upon completing the exam. For additional information on the LEED v5 beta exam please visit the [Help Center](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/29656794179987-LEED-v5-exam-information). *** ### Exam format Each LEED AP with Specialty exam contains 100 multiple choice questions and is delivered in a 2-hour period. Each multiple-choice question will only have one correct answer option. If you have an active LEED Green Associate credential, you can register for a LEED AP with Specialty exam. The exam has scored questions and unscored questions. All questions are placed randomly throughout the exam and candidates are not informed of a question’s status, so you should respond to all questions on the exam. Unscored questions are used to gather data regarding how the question performs. This data informs the use of the question on future exams. The exam is computer-based. Exam questions and answer options are displayed on screen. The computer records your responses and times your exam. You can change your answers, skip questions and flag questions for later review. During the exam, you may submit comments on any question(s) believed to contain a technical error in content by using the comment button located in the navigation bar. To challenge an exam question, you must have commented on the question and provided an explanation of your concerns. After the exam, within 10 business days [inform GBCI](https://www.gbci.org/contact) that you have left comments on your exam; in your correspondence, be sure to note your questions and the email address used to sign up for the exam, as well as the date on which you took it. You must notify GBCI within 10 business days of your exam date that you have left a comment within your exam. For the LEED v5 beta exams, be prepared to commit 2 hours 10 minutes for a specialty-only exam. Total exam time is broken out as follows: 1. Specialty-only exam: an optional 10-minute tutorial, the 2-hour exam. 2. Combined exam: the LEED v5 beta exams will not be available in a combined format. If you need to take a break before completing your exam in a test center, you may do so by raising your hand for assistance. Testing time is **NOT** suspended. Be aware that if you exit the test center or end the exam session by pressing “Finish” within your exam before completing the exam, the exam cannot be restarted, and the exam session and exam registration fee are forfeited. Please note that breaks are not permitted during remotely proctored online exams. It is strictly prohibited for you to be out of the webcam’s field of vision at any point while taking the exam. If you leave your seat during the exam, except when authorized to leave by the Remote Proctor at the end of the exam, your exam session and exam registration fees are forfeited. ### Exam language **LEED v5 beta exams** Effective **June 30, 2026**, the LEED AP with Specialty v5 beta exams will only be available in English, (including the non-disclosure agreement, exam tutorial, and end-of-exam survey).  For remotely proctored online exams, all interactions with the Readiness Agent during the virtual check-in process and with the Remote Proctor will be in English. Any open exam registrations as of **June 28, 2026**, will be transitioned to the English-only standalone version of the LEED AP with Specialty v5 beta exam. ### Exam maintenance The LEED professional exams are updated each year. Exams go through a maintenance process, in which the questions are evaluated based on performance; poorly performing questions are removed and replaced with new questions. Additionally, questions are reviewed against updates to the LEED standards (LEED addenda) that are published through January of the same year to ensure that all questions remain current and valid. Please check the [References](#references) section of this handbook for the most current list of exam references. *** ## Pre-exam checklist ### Are you ready? #### Two months before your exam (test center or remotely proctored online delivery) 1. Ensure that your first and last name in your [USGBC site user account](https://www.usgbc.org/user/login?destination=/account/credentials) match **EXACTLY** the first and last name on the identification you will present for your exam check-in (see [Identification Requirements](#bookmark1)) **If your first and last names do not match, you will not be allowed to test and you will forfeit the exam registration fee.** If you have any questions, please contact us. 2. Review your Prometric appointment confirmation email and confirm that the date, time, and location of your exam is correct. If it is not, please visit [prometric.com/gbci](https://www.prometric.com/gbci) for information about rescheduling or canceling your exam. Note: Your exam time is written in the 24-hour notation in the form hh:mm (e.g., 15:00 to denote 3:00 PM, or 03:00 to denote 3:00 AM) along with your time zone. 3. For an additional fee, you have the option to experience the test delivery process that you will go through when you take the exam at one of Prometric’s test centers or online via ProProctor. The **GBCI Test Drive** provides you an opportunity to familiarize yourself with Prometric’s assessment platform, which will be used to deliver your exam. [Click here](https://www.prometric.com/test-takers/search/gbci2) for more information on how to pay and schedule a test drive for a test center or a remotely proctored online exam. #### For remotely proctored online exams: One week before the exam 1. Download the [ProProctor application](https://rpcandidate.prometric.com/#download-tag) at least one week in advance of your exam. To download ProProctor, you will need the 16-digit confirmation number included in your “Confirmation Appointment” email sent by Prometric. Check your spam filters, quarantine, clutter, and junk folder(s) to ensure you received the automated email. 2. Review the [ProProctor User Guide](https://www.prometric.com/sites/default/files/2020-04/PrometricProUserGuide_3.1_1.pdf) in preparation for your exam and adjust your testing environment accordingly. If you fail to prepare your testing environment in accordance with the [ProProctor User Guide](https://www.prometric.com/sites/default/files/2020-04/PrometricProUserGuide_3.1_1.pdf) guidelines you will risk being turned away and you will forfeit your exam registration fee. The [ProProctor User Guide](https://www.prometric.com/sites/default/files/2020-04/PrometricProUserGuide_3.1_1.pdf) link is also available in your exam confirmation email received after scheduling your remotely proctored online exam. Review the [GBCI ProProctor Tips and Guidance](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/proproctor-tips-and-guidance-gbci-exams) document which has useful information for a successful testing experience and the [ProProctor Exam Checklist](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/proproctor-checklist) to help you prepare. 3. If you are using an employer-issued computer prior to scheduling your exam, check with your employer’s IT department that you have the necessary permissions to make changes to your security settings (e.g., temporarily disable firewalls) and that you have permission to install [Prometric’s ProProctor application](https://rpcandidate.prometric.com/#download-tag). Note, if you are taking your exam at your workplace using your employer’s internet be aware that there may be back-end applications running that prevent the launch of ProProctor. GBCI recommends that test takers take their exam outside of their employers’ internet.. We strongly suggest that you send the [General Instructions for Corporate Computers](https://ehelp.prometric.com/proproctor/s/article/PPL-TECH003-General-Instructions-for-Corporate-Computers?language=en_US), [ProProctor System Requirements](https://ehelp.prometric.com/proproctor/s/article/PPL-TECH006-ProProctor-System-Requirements?language=en_US), and the [ProProctor User Guide](https://www.prometric.com/sites/default/files/2020-04/PrometricProUserGuide_3.1_1.pdf) to your IT department so that they fully understand what is required. 4. Perform a [system readiness check](https://rpcandidate.prometric.com/) one week before your scheduled exam to ensure that your systems are compatible with ProProctor requirements. In addition, carefully review the ProProctor Software Installation guides [Windows OS](https://ehelp.prometric.com/proproctor/s/article/PPL-TECH004-ProProctor-Software-Installation-Windows-OS?language=en_US) and [Mac OS](https://ehelp.prometric.com/proproctor/s/article/PPL-TECH005-ProProctor-Software-Installation-Mac-OS?language=en_US). If the system readiness check fails, the page will alert you to the failed item and prompt you to troubleshoot the errors and complete the check again. Note that the system readiness check does not assess whether you have the necessary permission levels to install and launch the ProProctor application. You may need to temporarily disable your browser’s ad blockers and computer’s firewall and antivirus as per [ProProctor’s installation guides](https://www.prometric.com/sites/default/files/2020-04/PrometricProUserGuide_3.1_1.pdf). 5. Below please find a summary of ProProctor’s system requirements. For the latest version, please refer to the “System Requirements” section in the [ProProctor User Guide](https://www.prometric.com/sites/default/files/2020-04/PrometricProUserGuide_3.1_1.pdf). * Screen Resolution: 1024x768 is the minimum resolution required, 1920x1080 is recommended. Minimum recommended screen scaling: 100% * Operating System: Windows 8.1 or higher | MacOS 10.13 or higher * MacOS Ventura 13.0 to 13.2.1 are not supported; please upgrade to 13.3.1 before testing. Note iPad/Android tablets are not currently supported. Microsoft Surface or similar can be used only when configured in laptop mode. * Web Browser: Latest Google Chrome * Webcam Resolution: 640x480 pixels external for desktops, internal for laptops * Microphone: Enabled. Bluetooth headsets are not supported * Internet Connection: Speed 1.0 Mbps or greater * Only a laptop or desktop computer can be used to take the exam * No dual-monitor configurations are permitted for testing (e.g., a desktop with two monitors or a laptop with a separate monitor) * Desktop monitors with built-in cameras are not acceptable since it will prevent a comprehensive and effective 360-degree security check. If you are using a desktop computer, you must have an external camera connected via USB. Keyboard cameras are not permitted. Laptop computers with cameras placed near the keyboard are not allowed. * Computers must be undocked * [Download and install](https://rpcandidate.prometric.com/) the ProProctor application 6. Before launching the ProProctor application, ensure all computer-sharing programs, (e.g., TeamViewer, Chrome Remote Desktop, UltraViewer) are closed. The use of any such programs is strictly prohibited. Failure to adhere to this requirement will result in disqualification from taking the exam and forfeiture of the exam fee. 7. For best internet connectivity, GBCI recommends that you connect to the internet with an Ethernet cable for the duration of your exam rather than using a wireless connection. Wireless connections are less stable and can lead to sudden disconnections which can result in you being dropped from your exam. If this happens, you should relaunch ProProctor to resume your exam. (Note that you will be required to go through the security check again.) If you are disconnected from ProProctor three (3) times, you will be asked by the Remote Proctor to reschedule your exam. Please contact [gbci.org/contact](https://www.gbci.org/contact) for assistance with rescheduling your exam. 8. If you are using a wireless connection, position your device where you receive the strongest signal. Make sure that there are no other devices (phones, tablets, gaming/video streaming devices or TVs) or users connected to your internet connection for the duration of your exam. Lack of internet bandwidth or inconsistent internet bandwidth during your exam are the most common causes of incomplete connection or lost connection with ProProctor. ### Exam security To ensure the integrity of LEED professional exams, you are required to review and accept a nondisclosure agreement that prohibits any disclosure of exam content: 1. Exam questions and answers are the exclusive property of GBCI. 2. Exam, questions and answers are protected by copyright law. The exam may not be copied or reproduced in part or in whole, by any means whatsoever, including memorization. 3. Future discussion or disclosure of the content of the exam, orally or in writing, or by any other means, is prohibited. This includes reading the questions out loud during your exam. 4. Theft or attempted theft of exam questions is punishable to the fullest extent of the law. 5. Permitting another individual to take your exam whether in person or via a computer-sharing program is strictly prohibited. GBCI may deny, suspend, revoke, or take other actions with regard to your credential status, ban you from taking any future GBCI exams, and pursue legal action in accordance with the [GBCI Disciplinary and Exam Appeals Policy](https://www.gbci.org/legal#appeals). 6. Failure to comply with the agreement will result in forfeiture of your credential. ### What to expect at a test center 1. Plan to arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled exam appointment. If you arrive at the test site after your scheduled exam time, you will lose your seat and forfeit your exam registration fee. 2. Upon arrival at the test center, you will be required to show acceptable form(s) of identification (see Identification Requirements) and sign in. Next, you will be escorted to a locker to store your belongings. You will have access to your ID and your locker key for the duration of your exam. Then you will go through a security checkpoint, where you will be asked to empty your pockets; remove eyeglasses, roll down shirtsleeves, remove watches and fitness trackers/ monitors, remove jewelry\*, and roll up pant legs for inspection; and pass through a metal detector. Upon completion of the enhanced security check-in, you will be escorted to a workstation by test center staff. *\*Religious jewelry and wedding rings are exempt.* 3. You must remain in your seat during the exam except when authorized to leave by test center staff. Raise your hand to notify test center staff if: * You experience a problem with your computer * An error message appears on the computer screen (do not clear the message) * You need to take a break (testing time is NOT suspended) * You need the test center staff for any other reason 4. Accessing personal effects during your exam is a security infraction and as a result, your exam session may be voided without refund. Prometric test centers are outfitted with video cameras that record the check-in process and exam experience for each candidate. These recordings may be viewed by Prometric test center staff and GBCI in the case of suspected security infractions. If you have a medical condition that may necessitate access to medication (e.g., an insulin pump), you must submit a [Testing Accommodation](#bookmark7) request to GBCI for approval during exam registration. 5. If you require a break (e.g., to use the restroom), you must abide by the aforementioned security policies, and you will be required to repeat the security check before you are permitted to reenter the exam room. ### What to expect at virtual check-in 1. Plan to log on to the [ProProctor](https://rpcandidate.prometric.com/) application 30 minutes prior to your scheduled exam appointment. If you arrive at your virtual check-in after your scheduled exam time, you will forfeit your exam and exam registration fee. 2. Upon logging into the ProProctor application, you will be prompted to capture a facial image from your webcam, followed by an image of your government-issued ID. Once these steps are completed, you will proceed to meet with a remote Readiness Agent who will guide you through all the security checks before launching your exam. * **Note that after logging into ProProctor, you should not have to wait more than 10-15 minutes (maximum) for a Readiness Agent to conduct the security check.** Waiting longer than that is an indication that you may have an incomplete connection with ProProctor, and Prometric is unaware that you are waiting in the “lobby area” for your virtual check-in. If this happens, you should exit the application and relaunch ProProctor. If you continue to experience an extended wait time, visit the [ProProctor help page](https://ehelp.prometric.com/proproctor/s/?language=en_US) and contact [ProProctor technical support](https://ehelp.prometric.com/proproctor/s/?language=en_US) via chat (this is the fastest method for assistance). 3. The security checks conducted by the Readiness Agent will include verifying acceptable form(s) of identification (see [Identification Requirements](#bookmark1)); followed by a comprehensive 360-degree webcam scan of the room and work surface area. Similar to being at a test center, the Readiness Agent will then ask you to raise your pants legs above the ankles, empty and turn all pockets inside-out and raise shirt sleeves above the wrists. If you are wearing eyeglasses, you will be required to remove them for visual inspection to ensure they don’t contain a recording device. Large jewelry items must be removed due to concerns over concealed recording devices. If you have long hair that covers your ears, you will be asked to pull your hair back to ensure nothing is attached to your ear (such as a Bluetooth earpiece). 4. To warrant a secure testing environment and prevent potential exam exposure, if you are planning to take your exam from a room that has windows or glass doors, it is important to cover them to prevent distractions and exam exposure. Once you start your exam check-in, if you have uncovered windows or glass doors, you will be asked to log-out, cover your window or glass door, and then log back in. It is important to thoroughly prepare your test environment and follow the guidelines to cover the windows or glass doors to minimize connectivity issues from having to log out and logging back in. Covering the windows or glass doors will ensure that your exam remains confidential and free from any unauthorized viewing. 5. It is crucial to maintain a clutter-free desk in the area where you will be taking the exam. Clutter can be deemed as a potential security threat, which may prevent you from proceeding with your exam. 6. A digital notepad is available in ProProctor during the exam to use in lieu of the scratch sheets of paper. Scratch sheets of paper and a pen or pencil are not allowed during the remotely proctored online exam. 7. A digital calculator is available in ProProctor during the exam to use in lieu of a physical calculator. Physical calculators are not allowed during the remotely proctored online exam. 8. Upon completion of the virtual security check-in, you will be assigned to a Remote Proctor who will launch your exam and monitor you for the duration of your exam. 9. It is strictly prohibited for you to be out of the webcam’s field of vision at any point while taking the exam. You must remain in your seat and visible to the Remote Proctor during the exam except when authorized to leave by the Remote Proctor. Contact the Remote Proctor via chat or audio if: * You experience a problem with your computer. * An error message appears on the computer screen (do not clear the message.) * You need the Remote Proctor for any other reason. 10. Accessing personal effects during your exam is a security infraction and as a result, your exam session could be voided without a refund. Audio, video, and chat messages are recorded throughout the entire duration of the exam. These recordings may be viewed by Prometric proctoring staff and GBCI in the case of suspected security infractions. Please remember that it is very important that you take your exam in a well-lit room with a door that you can close. If someone else comes into the room while you are taking your exam, privacy laws require that Prometric immediately shut down your exam, because the individual entering the room has not consented to be recorded. Your exam results will be voided, and you will forfeit the full exam fee. 11. If you experience a loss of connection from your exam, please follow these steps to contact Prometric via the chat: * Go to the [ProProctor Launch page](https://rpcandidate.prometric.com/). * Click on [Contact Support](https://ehelp.prometric.com/proproctor/s/?language=en_US) located on the top menu bar which will take you to the Help Center. * Look for the "Chat with an Expert" button, located on the bottom right-hand side of the page, to initiate a conversation with one of Prometric’s technical support agents. ### Prometric regulations You must abide by the [Prometric security rules](https://www.prometric.com/files/Test-Center-Regulations.pdf) while at the test center or in the remotely proctored environment. We recommend that you review these carefully before your scheduled exam date, since you will be required to agree to them before starting your exam. See [Prometric FAQs](https://www.prometric.com/test-takers/frequently-asked-questions) for more information. ### Grounds for dismissal Any candidate who engages in misconduct or does not comply with the test proctor’s warning to discontinue inappropriate behavior may be dismissed from testing environment (test center or online), have exam results invalidated, or be subject to other sanctions. Fraud, deceit, dishonesty, or other irregular behavior in connection with taking the exam is strictly prohibited. If you are dismissed from the testing environment, [inform GBCI](https://www.gbci.org/contact) within **10 business days** of your exam date and provide a reason for your behavior. GBCI reviews all instances of dismissal from the testing environment and makes a ruling based on the consideration of your rationale and the Prometric report of the incident. To appeal a GBCI ruling, [send an email](mailto:exam@gbci.org) of your formal appeal to GBCI. At this stage, the Credentialing Steering Committee will review and make a final ruling on your case. *** ## After your exam #### **LEED v5 beta exam results** During the [LEED v5 beta phase](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/29656794179987-LEED-v5-exam-information#beta), exam results will not be provided immediately after testing. Instead, candidates will receive a Notice of Completion confirming that they completed the beta exam and that their responses were submitted for analysis. The beta exam is administered to test and analyze new exam questions and evaluate overall exam performance before the final exam launch. Scores from the beta exam will be released after the conclusion of the beta period and completion of psychometric analysis. Based on current timelines, beta exam results are estimated to be available by December 2026. However, this may change based on beta exam participation and the time required to complete exam analysis. Candidates will be notified when their results are available. ### Passing the exam #### Designating your credential As soon as you receive written confirmation that you have passed the specialty exam, you may use the appropriate signifier (“LEED AP®” followed by your specialty) after your name: 1. LEED AP® BD+C 2. LEED AP® Homes 3. LEED AP® ID+C 4. LEED AP® ND 5. LEED AP® O+M The term “LEED Accredited Professional” is never to be used. You should no longer use LEED Green Associate as the LEED AP with Specialty credential supersedes the LEED Green Associate credential. Please review the LEED professional credentials section of the [USGBC Trademark Policy and Branding Guidelines](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/usgbc-trademark-policy-and-branding-guidelines) for additional guidance. **Note:** Candidates taking the LEED v5 beta exam will receive their [exam results](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/29656794179987-LEED-v5-exam-information#beta-scoring) once the exam analysis is complete. #### Certificates Once your exam results have been processed, you can download a copy of your certificate by: 1. Logging into your [Credentials Dashboard](https://login.usgbc.org/u/login/identifier?state=hKFo2SBzUGRvSFJTc0liRTlrcFRtVWdISlk1NVBFcVM4NVRjX6Fur3VuaXZlcnNhbC1sb2dpbqN0aWTZIDRLanlBQTJ2TDhUcmo4Q2xJY2ZHVURMU0h2NEczd01Bo2NpZNkgR1ZFRDdkemhDMzFPQmd6STE0Tzg0WEpHeXJaSjJvdUM) 2. Clicking "Download certificate" in the "My credentials" section. Your certificate will be saved as a PDF file. 3. You can print a high-quality copy of your certificate anytime by downloading your certificate and then printing it. Hard copies are not available. For additional information on how to download and print your certificate, see the [Credential Certificate FAQs](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/51756013445779-LEED-credential-certificates). #### Credential maintenance program You must fulfill the requirements to maintain your credential. LEED AP with Specialty professionals are required to maintain and renew their credential every **2 years** by earning and reporting continuing education (CE) hours within their [2-year cycle or reporting period](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/4404381867411-Earning-and-reporting-continuing-education-CE-hours#period). The reporting period starts when the credential is earned (based on the exam date) and ends 2 years minus 1 day from the start date. During the 2-year reporting period, a credential holder is responsible for earning and reporting their credential maintenance activities in their [Credentials Dashboard](https://www.usgbc.org/account/credentials). Once the required CE hours are met for the active reporting period, the LEED professional can proceed to renew their credential. For information regarding how to maintain your credential, see GBCI’s [CMP Guide](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/cmp-guide). #### Earning the LEED AP with Specialty after the LEED Green Associate Your LEED Green Associate credential expires and is replaced by the LEED AP with specialty. ### Exam-related complaints and exam content appeals Because of the need for exam security, GBCI does not release exam questions or answers to candidates. GBCI does not respond to complaints or appeals received more than 10 business days after an individual’s exam date and does not respond to complaints or appeals sent to any organizations other than GBCI. If you experience any problems at the Prometric test center, or during a remotely proctored online exam you must inform test center personnel before leaving the test center or the Remote Proctor prior to ending your online exam session. Prometric will draft an Incident Report and make it available to GBCI. If you wish to submit an exam content appeal, you must submit comments during the exam on any question(s) believed to contain a technical error in content. You can use the comment button located on the navigation bar. In order to challenge an exam question, you must comment on the question and provide a brief explanation of your concerns during the exam. After the exam, [inform GBCI](https://www.gbci.org/contact) that you have left comments on your exam; in your correspondence, be sure to note your questions and the email address used to sign up for the exam, as well as the date on which you took it. GBCI reviews your concerns and notifies you of the findings. Email must be sent to GBCI within **10 business days** from the exam date. GBCI does not respond to complaints or appeals received more than 10 business days after an individual’s exam date and does not respond to complaints or appeals sent to any organizations other than GBCI. **GBCI does not modify exam scores under any conditions.** In the event of a successful exam content appeal, you will be given the opportunity to retest at no charge; your original exam score will not be changed. The only way to earn a LEED professional credential is to earn a score of at least 170 or higher on the required exam. ### Audits GBCI reserves the right to conduct an audit at any time (including prior to application submission and after credential has been granted) of all current and past exam applications. Any information contained in your [USGBC site user account](https://www.usgbc.org/user/login?destination=/account/credentials) may be audited and a request for further documentation of any information or claims submitted by you may be made at any time. GBCI further reserves the right to take disciplinary or legal action—including but not limited to revocation of credential(s)—in the event that any conduct discovered during such an audit violates the LEED professional [Disciplinary and Exam Appeals Policy](https://www.gbci.org/legal#appeals), GBCI policy, and/or law. ### Candidate confidentiality GBCI recognizes your right to control personal information. GBCI policy is designed to safeguard this information from unauthorized disclosure (See section 14 and 15 of [GBCI’s Disciplinary and Exam Appeals Policy](https://www.gbci.org/legal#appeals)). You can change your preference to be contacted by updating your personal preferences in your [USGBC site user account](https://www.usgbc.org/user/login?destination=/account/credentials). To protect your right to control score distribution, your exam score is released only to you, the exam taker, and authorized GBCI staff except as required by law. GBCI does not release exam scores except for use in research studies that preserve your anonymity. Candidate exam scores always remain confidential unless released with written consent of a candidate. Official statistics regarding LEED professional exams, including all question performance data, individual data and demographic data, are considered confidential; however, GBCI may publish aggregate, non-identifying information based on such data. ### Helpful links To assist you in your credential examination process, below is a compiled list of helpful reference links. These resources will provide quick access to important information, guidelines and support materials. * [LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-v4-green-associate-candidate-handbook) [LEED AP with Specialty Candidate Handbook](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-ap-specialty-candidate-handbook) [Credentialing Help Center (FAQs)](https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/p/leed-credentials) * [ProProctor Tips and Guidance for GBCI Exams](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/proproctor-tips-and-guidance-gbci-exams) [ProProctor Exam Checklist](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/proproctor-checklist) * [Prometric FAQs](https://www.prometric.com/test-takers/frequently-asked-questions) * [ProProctor FAQs](https://ehelp.prometric.com/proproctor/s/topic/0TO2G000000g3RHWAY/frequently-asked-questions-faqs?language=en_US) [ProProctor User Guide](https://www.prometric.com/sites/default/files/2020-04/PrometricProUserGuide_3.1_1.pdf) [System Readiness Check](https://rpcandidate.prometric.com/) [Common Technical Issues](https://ehelp.prometric.com/proproctor/s/topic/0TO2G000000g3RJWAY/common-technical-issues?language=en_US) * [ProProctor Help (including live chat)](https://ehelp.prometric.com/proproctor/s/?language=en_US) * [GBCI’s Disciplinary and Exam Appeals Policy](https://www.gbci.org/legal#appeals) *** ## Exam specifications ### **LEED AP® BD+C v5 exam specifications** The following test specifications outline the content covered on the LEED AP BD+C exam based on the LEED v5 rating system. These specifications define the scope of the exam. The knowledge domains reflect the LEED v5 rating system credit categories and the knowledge expected of a LEED AP BD+C credential holder. #### **Knowledge domains** 1. **LEED Process (7 Questions)** 1. Minimum Program Requirements for LEED certification and requirements for Platinum 2. Different avenues to achieve LEED goals (e.g., developing credit interpretation rulings/requests, project priorities, LEED equivalencies) 3. LEED system synergies and tradeoffs (e.g., between rating systems, between credits, between strategies) 4. Project boundary, LEED boundary, and property boundary 5. Evolutionary characteristics of LEED (e.g., addenda, continuous improvement, development cycles of the rating systems) 6. Selection of rating systems (e.g., LEED 40/60 rule) 7. LEED occupancy (e.g., FTE, transients, visitors, residents) 2. **Integrative Process Planning and Assessments (8 Questions)** 1. Integrative Design Process (e.g. timing, engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, assessment-based understanding, design charrette, discovery, LEED goal setting) 2. Core and Shell, as applicable (e.g., tenant guidelines, green leases credits) 3. Climate resilience (e.g., site-specific natural hazards) 4. Human use, health impact and social context (e.g., cultural awareness, historic or heritage awareness, community engagement) 5. Carbon assessment (e.g., operational, embodied, transportation, refrigerants, product selection, long-term direct and indirect carbon emissions) 3. **Location and Transportation (8 Questions)** 1. Development constraints and opportunities (e.g., prime farmland, floodplains, species and habitat, water bodies, wetlands, historic districts, priority designations, brownfields, steep slopes) 2. Community connectivity terms and definitions (e.g., walkability, street design, surrounding density, diverse uses) 3. Access to quality transit, concepts/calculations (e.g., accessibility to multimodal transportation choices) 4. Transportation demand management (e.g., parking capacity and management, bicycle storage and shower facilities) 5. Electric vehicles (e.g., regionalization of energy sources for electric power generation, EV parking, EV supply equipment specifications) 6. Economic and social vitality of a community (e.g., equitable construction, supporting a local economy, affordable housing) 4. **Sustainable Sites (9 Questions)** 1. Site assessment (e.g., special-status vegetation, healthy habitat and invasive species to be identified) 2. Construction activity pollution prevention (e.g., erosion and sedimentation control plan, airborne dust) 3. Habitat conservation and restoration (e.g., site restoration or preservation, habitat restoration, habitat conservation, native or adaptive vegetation, disturbed or compacted soils, bird-friendly glass) 4. Exterior lighting (e.g., lighting trespass and uplight, preservation of night sky, nocturnal animals and migrating birds) 5. Heat island reduction (e.g., heat island effect, vegetated roofs, solar reflectance, roof and non-roof strategies, tree equity, parking undercover) 6. Rainwater management (e.g., historical rainfall conditions, natural hydrology, runoff management, low impact development, rainwater harvesting and reuse, implications for zero lot line projects) 7. Extreme climate change events (e.g., droughts, extreme heat, flooding, hail, hurricanes, sea level rise, tsunamis, wildfire, winter storms) 8. Accessible quality open space (e.g., barrier-free and physically accessible, social equity element in community outdoor space, amount of space and quality of services, vegetated outdoor space, biophilia) 5. **Water Efficiency (9 Questions)** 1. Irrigation demand (e.g., landscape water requirement, irrigation system efficiency, native and adaptive species, conceptual understanding of irrigation calculations) 2. Fixture and fittings (e.g., prescriptive versus performance path, water use reduction through fixtures such as toilets, urinals, showerheads, faucets \[kitchen and lavatory], conceptual understanding of calculations) 3. Appliance and process water (e.g., equipment types \[cooling towers and washing machines], commercial kitchen equipment) 4. Types and quality of water (e.g., potable, nonpotable, alternative water sources) 5. Water reuse (e.g., water reclamation, alternative water sources) 6. Holistic approach to building water use (e.g., whole project water use) 7. Water use measurement (e.g., water meters, submeters, types of water sources to measure, data management and analysis) 8. Leak detection (e.g., leak detection sensors) 6. **Energy and Atmosphere (18 Questions)** 1. Energy performance and efficiency (e.g., referenced standards, building performance factors, prescriptive, performance \[energy modeling]) 2. Electrification (e.g., limit on-site combustion, electrification readiness) 3. Reduction of peak thermal loads (e.g., ventilation, thermal bridging, infiltration) 4. Renewable energy supply (e.g., on-site and off-site renewable energy; renewable energy readiness, photovoltaic, solar thermal, wind, low-impact hydroelectricity, Energy Attribute Certificates \[EACs], equity project) 5. Refrigerants (e.g., use of refrigerants on site, methods and approaches, Global Warming Potential \[GWP] benchmarks, installation, leakage amounts) 6. Commissioning (e.g., commissioning authority \[CxA], owner’s project requirements \[OPR], basis of design \[BOD], monitoring-based commissioning, envelope commissioning, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing \[MEP] systems, building enclosures, monitoring based commission \[MBCx], training of staff, operations and maintenance plan, referenced standards) 7. Advanced energy metering (e.g., energy use measurement, building automation controls, benchmarking) 8. Emergency and future proofing (e.g., energy storage, renewable energy readiness, power resiliency \[critical loads]) 9. Grid interactive (e.g., grid efficiency and reliability, demand response programs, load shifting) 7. **Materials and Resources (13 Questions)** 1. Whole-building life-cycle assessment (e.g., life-cycle stages, modules, standards and building scope; high\[1]impact materials; project structure enclosure and hardscape materials; quantify global warming potential \[GWP] impacts) 2. Procurement of low-embodied carbon materials (e.g., environmental product declaration \[EPD], embodied carbon conservation measures, multi-attribute products, buy-clean program \[locally made, low-carbon materials, social responsibility in the supply chain, raw material source and extraction practices]) 3. Carbon emissions from construction activities (e.g., track fuel and utility usage, reduce transportation emissions) 4. Building and material reuse (e.g., partial- and whole-building, enclosure materials \[skin, framing], permanently installed interior elements \[walls, doors, floor coverings, ceiling systems], incorporating reuse from off-site) 5. Material stewardship (e.g., where materials came from, end of life of materials, how to recover value, durability, extended producer responsibility \[EPR], recycled content) 6. Low-emitting materials selection (e.g., product categories \[paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, flooring, ceiling, walls, insulation, composite wood, furniture]) 7. Human and ecological health impacts (e.g., evaluation criteria, material ingredient reporting and optimization, volatile organic compound \[VOC] emissions and content, toxicity, evaluating environmental claims) 8. Construction and demolition waste management (e.g., waste reduction, waste diversion goals, recycle and/or salvage nonhazardous construction and demolition materials, waste management plan, source separation of materials) 9. Operations and ongoing waste management (e.g., waste reduction, storage and collection of recyclable materials \[mixed paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics, and metals], safe storage areas for batteries and mercury-containing lamps, organic waste composting) 8. **Indoor Environmental Quality (13 Questions)** 1. Thermal environment (e.g., over-cooling, heating, thermal safety, cooling solutions and fans, thermal comfort control) 2. Sound environment (e.g., exterior and interior noise, background noise, reverberation, noise exposure, acoustical comfort, acoustical privacy, soundscape, quiet zones, sensory zones) 3. Lighting environment (e.g., color rendering, surface reflectance, types of fixtures, luminance, Unified Glare Rating \[UGR], lighting controls, daylight \[building massing and orientation, glare, human health impacts, illuminance, surface reflectance, spatial Daylight Autonomy \[sDA], Annual Sunlight Exposure \[ASE], proximity to windows for daylight access]) 4. Biophilic environment (e.g., connection to outdoor environment; direct line of sight to outdoors, repeated and sustained engagement with nature, quality views) 5. Accessibility and inclusion (e.g., accessibility codes, strategies for safety and aging, social health, wayfinding, neurodiversity, adaptable environment \[choice and flexibility]) 6. Construction management (e.g., no smoking, extreme heat protection, HVAC protection, source control, pathway interruption, housekeeping, scheduling, construction indoor air quality) 7. Ventilation levels (e.g., natural vs. mechanical, outdoor air, regional climate conditions, local air quality, ventilation design, performance-based indoor air quality procedure \[IAQP]) 8. Management of and improvements to indoor air quality (e.g., filtration, air cleaning, air testing, ongoing monitoring) 9. Exposure to emissions (e.g., prohibit smoking, prohibit vehicle idling) 10. Management modes for risk events (e.g., infection risk management mode, wildfire, power outages) 11. Resilient planning and design (e.g., thermal safety, extreme heat and cold, operable windows) ### LEED AP® HOMES v4 exam specifications The following outline provides a general description of exam content areas for the LEED AP Homes exam. Knowledge domains reflect the rating systems’ credit categories and what one needs to know. The LEED AP Homes specialty exam tests 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. #### Knowledge domains 1. **LEED Process (9 questions)** 1. LEED verification process 2. Roles and responsibilities of verification team (e.g., green rater; energy rater; quality assurance designee) 3. Certification submittal requirements (e.g., to GBCI) 4. Project eligibility (e.g., which rating system to use—Homes, Midrise or New Construction) 5. In-field verification requirements (e.g., performance test; visual inspection) 6. Resources for LEED Interpretations and Regional Priority Credits 7. LEED system synergies (e.g., energy and EQ; waste management) 8. Project boundary; LEED boundary; property boundary 9. Prerequisites and/or minimum program requirements for LEED certification 10. LEED Online 11. Integrative process (e.g., communication between project team and verification team throughout design and construction; communication of LEED goals and requirements to multidisciplinary team members including trade contractors) 2. **Location and Transportation (9 questions)** 1. Floodplain avoidance (e.g., general requirements for new construction and renovation) 2. LEED ND as a pathway in the Location and Transportation category 3. Site selection definitions: 1. Sensitive land 2. Infill development 3. Open space 4. Street network 5. Bicycle network and storage (e.g., general requirements) 4. Compact development (e.g., metrics associated with compact development) 5. Community resources (e.g., distance and measurement): 1. Define qualifying community resources 6. Access to transit (e.g., distance to and frequency of trips) 3. **Sustainable Sites (9 questions)** 1. Construction activity pollution prevention (e.g., erosion control; storm water management; air pollution prevention) 2. Invasive plants (e.g., intent and prerequisite status) 3. Heat island reduction (e.g., shading use; nonabsorptive materials) 4. Rainwater management (e.g., examples of low impact development techniques) 5. Nontoxic pest control (e.g., how to achieve credit) 4. **Water Efficiency (10 questions)** 1. Types and quality of water (e.g., potable; graywater; blackwater; stormwater) 2. Indoor and total water use: 1. Testing for water leaks (e.g., total and indoor water use) 2. Define shower compartment 3. Water sense label interior fixtures 3. Outdoor water use (e.g., general requirements: decrease turf grass and increase native plants) 4. Irrigation demand (e.g., evapotranspiration; landscape coefficient; rainwater harvesting and storage; graywater reuse; municipal recycled water systems) 5. **Energy and Atmosphere (17 questions)** 1. Energy performance policies (e.g., ENERGY STAR thermal bypass checklist; HERS Index; building orientation) 2. Building components (e.g., required systems; building envelope; HVAC; service water heating; power; lighting; lighting power density; receptacle load; insulation; windows, SIP and ICF construction techniques) 3. On-site renewable energy (e.g., wind; solar; passive solar; geothermal; biomass; low impact hydro; biogas) 4. Third-party relationships/requirements (e.g., prescriptive and performance paths for energy efficiency; LEED for Homes Green Rater; HERS Rater; energy testing and on-site verification requirements) 5. Third-party alternate rating systems (e.g., HERS or alternative compliance path) 6. Energy performance measurement (e.g., ENERGY STAR Thermal Bypass Inspection Checklist; ACCA Manual J; ACCA Manual D) 7. Energy tradeoffs (e.g., integration and identification of tradeoffs in energy savings between mechanical, electrical, and building components; lighting design that considers energy use reduction and lighting power density relationship with daylighting) 8. Energy usage (e.g., building schedules; occupancy and off-hours; indoor/outdoor air usage rates and impact on energy performance) 9. Minimum energy performance (e.g., general requirements to meet ENERGY STAR for Homes; what projects need to be commissioned; processes) 10. Energy metering (e.g., metering requirements for single and multifamily projects) 11. Education of homeowner, tenant or building manager (e.g., content and distribution requirements for operations and maintenance manual; walk through requirements) 12. Annual energy use (e.g., which option includes the home size adjuster; definition of LEED energy budget; minimum energy requirements for midrise; conditioned floor area of ENERGY STAR v3 reference home by number of bedrooms) 13. Efficient hot water distribution system (e.g., multifamily central circulation system; performance testing; insulation) 14. Advance utility tracking (e.g., options for tracking and reporting energy and water use) 15. Active solar-ready design (e.g., photovoltaic-ready design; solar direct hot water-ready design) 16. Home size adjuster as a prerequisite for EA prescriptive path 17. Building orientation for passive solar (e.g., basic credit requirements) 18. Air infiltration (e.g., who performs the test and what is the test) 19. Envelop insulation (e.g., R-value; 2012 International Energy Conservation Code) 20. Windows (e.g., view factor; SHGC; window area and stringency) 21. Space heating and cooling equipment (e.g., required duct leakage rate) 22. Heating and cooling distribution systems (e.g., ductwork in conditioned space; ductwork in unconditioned space; hydronic systems; who conducts the duct leakage test) 23. Efficient domestic hot water equipment (e.g., list of qualifying systems) 24. Lighting (e.g., lighting power density; dark skies) 25. High-efficiency appliances (e.g., types that qualify for credit) 26. Renewable energy (e.g., certificate retention; maximum points allowed) 6. **Materials and Resources (10 questions)** 1. Building reuse (e.g., gut rehabilitation; material reuse) 2. Material acquisition (e.g., certified wood; recycled content; detailed framing documents and cut list/lumber order) 3. Certified tropical wood (e.g., definition) 4. Durability management (e.g., requirements of ENERGY STAR for Homes v3 check list; indoor moisture control measures) 5. Durability management verification (e.g., requirements) 6. Environmentally preferable products (e.g., recycled materials pre-consumer; post- consumer; collection requirements; commingled and locally—regionally—harvested and manufactured materials) 7. Construction waste management (e.g., accounted by weight or volume; reduction strategies; baseline for LEED reference home) 8. Material-efficient framing (e.g., applicable strategies; thresholds) 7. **Indoor Environmental Quality (13 questions)** 1. Minimum ventilation requirement (e.g., indoor air quality; natural ventilation; mixed mode ventilation) 2. Combustion venting general requirements (e.g., no unvented combustion appliances; CO monitors; fireplace measures) 3. Garage pollutant protection (e.g., seal, weather-strip and install carbon monoxide detectors; EPA Indoor AirPLUS Label) 4. Radon-resistant construction (e.g., EPA radon zone 1; radon resistant construction techniques; requirements for renovation of existing building) 5. Air-filtering (e.g., where filters are required) 6. Environmental tobacco smoke (e.g., no smoking option; multifamily - no smoking requirements) 7. Compartmentalization (e.g., intent; strategies; verification of) 8. Enhanced ventilation (e.g., strategies that qualify for enhanced ventilation controls; systems that qualify for enhanced whole-house ventilation) 9. Contaminant control (e.g., strategies including walk off mats; shoe removal and storage; preoccupancy flush or EPA Indoor AirPLUS label and air testing - max contaminant concentrations) 10. Balancing of heating and cooling distribution systems (e.g., basic requirements of Case 1 - Forced-Air Systems; Options 1-3; Case 2 - Radiative Systems, Options 1 and 2 11. Combustion venting (e.g., EPA certified equipment or no fireplaces or woodstoves) 12. Enhanced garage pollutant protection (e.g., credit awarded for either exhaust fan or no garage/detached garage) 13. Low-emitting Materials (e.g., adhesives and sealants; paints; coatings; carpet; composite wood and agrifiber products; VOC’s; urea-formaldehyde, California standard 1350) 8. **Innovation (5 questions)** 1. Preliminary rating (e.g., who needs to be at the preliminary rating, prerequisite status in rating system and goals of preliminary rating) 2. Innovation (e.g., Innovation, Pilot, and Exemplary Performance strategies) 3. LEED AP (e.g., specialty appropriate for the project) 9. **Regional Priority (3 questions)** 1. Regional Priority Credits - What are they and how to find them. ### **LEED AP® ID+C v5 exam specifications** The following test specifications outline the content covered on the LEED AP ID+C exam based on the LEED v5 rating system. These specifications define the scope of the exam. The Knowledge domains reflect the LEED v5 rating system credit categories and the knowledge expected of a LEED AP ID+C credential holder. #### **Knowledge domains** 1. **LEED Process and Project Priorities (7 Questions)** 1. Minimum requirements for LEED certification and Platinum requirements (e.g., program requirements, prerequisites) 2. LEED interpretations and addenda 3. LEED system synergies and tradeoffs (e.g., between credits, between strategies) 4. LEED project boundary 5. Variation among requirements depending on project type / conditions (e.g., commercial, institutional, retail, healthcare; base building conditions) 6. LEED project administration (e.g., documentation, Arc, review process, appeal) 7. Project priorities (e.g., regional priority, project-type credits, exemplary performance, pilot credits, innovative strategies) 2. **Integrative Process, Planning, and Assessments (9 Questions)** 1. Climate resilience (e.g., site-specific natural hazards) 2. Human use, health impact and social context (e.g., cultural awareness, historic or heritage awareness, community engagement) 3. Carbon assessment (e.g., operational, embodied, transportation, refrigerants, product selection, longterm direct and indirect carbon emissions) 4. Integrative Design Process (e.g. timing, engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, design charrette, discovery, LEED goal setting) 3. **Location and Transportation (8 Questions)** 1. Compact and connected development (e.g., walkability, street design and intersection density, floor area ratio \[FAR], residential and commercial density, access to transit) 2. Transportation demand management (e.g., parking capacity and management, bicycle storage and shower facilities, bicycle maintenance, base building facilities) 3. Electric vehicles (e.g., EV parking, EV supply equipment specifications 4. **Water Efficiency (10 Questions)** 1. Fixture and fittings (e.g., prescriptive versus performance path, water use reduction through fixtures such as toilets, urinals, faucets \[kitchen and lavatory], showerheads, fixtures within and outside of the tenant's space used by project occupants) 2. Appliance and process water (e.g., equipment types \[cooling towers and washing machines], commercial kitchen equipment) 3. Types and quality of water (e.g., potable, nonpotable, alternative water sources) 4. Water reuse (e.g., water reclamation, alternative water sources) 5. Water use measurement (e.g., water meters, submeters, types of water sources to measure, data management and analysis) 6. Leak detection (e.g., leak detection sensors) 5. **Energy and Atmosphere (17 Questions)** 1. Energy performance and efficiency (e.g., referenced standards, building performance factors, prescriptive, performance \[energy modeling], plug and process loads, 10-year operational carbon projection) 2. Electrification (e.g., electrification readiness, limit on-site combustion) 3. Reduction of energy use or operational carbon (e.g., ventilation energy, heat recovery, thermal bridging, infiltration, building envelope) 4. Renewable energy supply (e.g., on-site and off-site renewable energy; renewable energy procurement, Energy Attribute Certificates \[EACs], equity project) 5. Refrigerants (e.g., use of refrigerants on site, methods and approaches, Global Warming Potential \[GWP] benchmarks, installation, leakage amounts) 6. Commissioning (e.g., commissioning provider \[CxP], owner’s project requirements \[OPR], basis of design \[BOD], monitoring-based commissioning \[MBCx], building enclosure commissioning \[BECx], Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing \[MEP] systems, training of staff, operations and maintenance plan, referenced standards and milestones) 7. Energy metering (e.g., energy use measurement, building automation controls, benchmarking) 8. Emergency and future proofing (e.g., energy storage, power resilience \[critical loads]) 9. Grid interactive (e.g., grid efficiency and reliability, demand response programs, load shifting, peak thermal loads) 6. **Materials and Resources (17 Questions)** 1. Interiors life-cycle assessment (e.g., life-cycle stages, modules and building scope; high-impact materials; interior materials; quantify global warming potential \[GWP] impacts) 2. Procurement of low-embodied carbon materials (e.g., environmental product declaration \[EPD], embodied carbon conservation measures, multi-attribute products) 3. Material reuse (e.g., existing interior nonstructural elements \[walls, doors, floor coverings, ceiling systems], furniture \[reuse, salvage or refurbish furniture and furnishings], incorporating reuse from off-site) 4. Material stewardship (e.g., where materials came from, end of life of materials, how to recover value, design for disassembly, extended producer responsibility \[EPR], recycled content) 5. Low-emitting materials selection (e.g., product categories \[paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, flooring, ceiling, walls, insulation, composite wood, furniture]) 6. Human and ecological health impacts (e.g., emissions and formaldehyde evaluation, material ingredient reporting and optimization, toxicity, evaluating environmental claims) 7. Multi-attributes products (e.g., human health, climate health, ecosystem health, circular economy, social health & equity) 8. Construction and demolition waste management (e.g., waste reduction, waste diversion goals, recycle and/or salvage nonhazardous construction and demolition materials, waste management plan, source separation of materials, materials recovery) 9. Operations and ongoing waste management (e.g., waste reduction, storage and collection of recyclable materials \[mixed paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics, and metals], safe storage areas for batteries and mercury-containing lamps, electronic waste, organic waste composting, staff training) 7. **Indoor Environmental Quality (17 Questions)** 1. Thermal environment (e.g., overcooling, heating, thermal safety, cooling solutions and fans, thermal comfort control) 2. Sound environment (e.g., exterior and interior noise, background noise, reverberation, noise exposure, acoustical comfort, acoustical privacy, soundscape, quiet zones, sensory zones) 3. Lighting environment (e.g., color rendering, surface reflectance, types of fixtures, luminance, Unified Glare Rating \[UGR], lighting controls, daylight \[glare, human health impacts, illuminance, surface reflectance, spatial Daylight Autonomy \[sDA], Annual Sunlight Exposure \[ASE], proximity to windows for daylight access]) 4. Biophilic environment (e.g., integrated biophilic design, connection to outdoor environment, direct line of sight to outdoors, repeated and sustained engagement with nature, quality views) 5. Accessibility and inclusion (e.g., accessibility codes, strategies for safety and aging, social health, wayfinding, neurodiversity, adaptable environment \[choice and flexibility]) 6. Construction management (e.g., no smoking, extreme heat protection, HVAC protection, source control, pathway interruption, housekeeping, scheduling, construction indoor air quality) 7. Ventilation strategy (e.g., natural vs. mechanical, outdoor air, regional climate conditions, local air quality, ventilation design, performance-based indoor air quality procedure \[IAQP]) 8. Management of and improvements to indoor air quality (e.g., filtration, air cleaning, air testing, ongoing monitoring, full and partial smoking prohibitions) 9. Management modes for risk events (e.g., respiratory infection, wildfire, power outages) 10. Resilient planning and design (e.g., thermal safety, extreme heat and cold, operable windows) ### LEED AP® ND v4 exam specifications The following outline provides a general description of exam content areas for the LEED AP ND exam. Knowledge domains reflect the rating systems’ credit categories and what one needs to know. The LEED AP ND specialty exam tests 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. #### Knowledge domains 1. **LEED Process (13 questions)** 1. LEED interpretations 2. Components of a LEED scorecard 3. Project boundary/context; LEED boundary; pre-project conditions; site vicinity; previously developed 4. Prerequisites and/or minimum program requirements for LEED certification 5. Knowing the evolutionary characteristics of LEED (e.g., development cycles of the rating systems; continuous improvement) 6. Integrative process (e.g., roles and responsibilities; facilitating collaboration) 7. Ways to earn Innovation credits: 1. Innovative methods (e.g., criteria for new innovative method; using credit that has been used before) 2. Exemplary performance (e.g., which credits have exemplary performance paths; what are the thresholds of exemplary performance) 3. Pilot credits 8. Identifying development program; nonbuildable and buildable land; building/street frontage 2. **Smart Location & Linkage (21 questions)** 1. Preferable locations: 1. Existing context (e.g., infill sites; adjacent sites with connectivity; transit corridor; nearby neighborhood assets; existing/planned utilities) 2. Connectivity (e.g., street design and intersection density) 3. Designated high-priority locations (e.g., high-priority redevelopment areas) 4. Brownfield (e.g., contaminated soil or groundwater; remediation) 5. Existing transit service 6. Bicycle network (e.g., short- and long-term storage; bikeable location; bicycle network) 7. Housing and jobs (e.g., jobs-housing balance) 2. Sensitive feature avoidance: 1. Imperiled species and ecological communities (e.g., habitat conservation plan) 2. Wetland and water bodies (e.g., classification of wetlands and water bodies; minor development impacts; buffer delineation) 3. Agricultural land (e.g., prime and unique farmland; affected soils) 4. Floodplain (e.g., flood hazard, National Flood Insurance Program \[NFIP]; ASCE 24) 5. Steep slope (e.g., restoration and protection of steep slopes) 3. Site design and development: habitat and water body design, restoration, and long- term conservation 3. **Neighborhood Pattern & Design (23 questions)** 1. Community resources: 1. Walkable streets (e.g., functional entry; building height-to-street width ratio; continuous sidewalks; street/building frontages; property setbacks; on-street parking) 2. Connected and open community (e.g., surrounding connectivity; internal connectivity; through-connections; gates) 3. Tree-lined and shaded streetscapes (e.g., tree-lined blocks; shaded sidewalks; street tree plantings) 4. Access to civic and public space, recreation facilities 5. Local food production (e.g., neighborhood gardens; community-supported agriculture; farmers market) 6. Transit facilities and transportation demand management 7. Neighborhood schools (e.g., continuous sidewalks; traffic controls/bicycle lanes) 2. Compactness: 1. Compact development (e.g., residential density \[DU/acre]; nonresidential density \[FAR]; buildable land) 2. Reduced parking footprint (e.g., location and size of parking lots) 3. Diversity: 1. Mixed-use neighborhoods (e.g., specific use types and categories) 2. Housing types and affordability (e.g., Simpson Diversity Index score, housing categories) 3. Visitability and universal design (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act \[ADA]; universal design features) 4. Stakeholder engagement: Community outreach and involvement (e.g., pre-design meeting; charrette; ongoing means of communications) 4. **Green Infrastructure & Buildings (21 questions)** 1. Infrastructure: 1. Renewable energy production (e.g., solar; wind; geothermal; small-scale; micro- hydroelectric; biomass) 2. District heating and cooling 3. Infrastructure energy efficiency (e.g., traffic lights; street lights; water; wastewater pumps) 4. Recycled and reused infrastructure (e.g., roadways; parking lots; water retention tanks; water piping) 5. Solid waste management 2. Buildings: 1. Certified green buildings (e.g., LEED; ISO-compliant) 2. Energy use (e.g., design; building loads; energy efficiency; ASHRAE 90.1-2010; Energy STAR®/HERs) 3. Indoor water use (e.g., fixture selection) 4. Materials reuse (e.g., building reuse; historic preservation; adaptive use) 3. Site design and development: 1. Construction activity pollution prevention and minimized site disturbance 2. Outdoor water use (e.g., reduced potable water use for irrigation) and management of wastewater 3. Heat island reduction and solar orientation 4. Lighting pollution reduction 5. Rainwater management (e.g., EPA Technical Guidance Section 438; percentile rainfall event; low-impact development; green infrastructure) 5. **Project Surroundings and Public Outreach (7 questions)** 1. Planning process and local framework (e.g., land use change amendments; public hearings; zoning; transportation) 2. Government agencies (e.g., Environmental Protection Agency \[EPA]; FEMA; HUD; USDA; local/state agency equivalents) ### **LEED AP® O+M v5 exam specifications** The following test specifications outline the content covered on the LEED AP O+M exam based on the LEED v5 rating system. These specifications define the scope of the exam. The knowledge domains reflect the LEED v5 rating system credit categories and the knowledge expected of a LEED AP O+M credential holder. #### **Knowledge domains** 1. **LEED Process (10 Questions)** 1. The role of LEED addenda and interpretations in certification 2. LEED credit categories and impact areas (e.g., decarbonization, quality of life, ecological conservation and restoration, sustainable sites, water efficiency) 3. Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) for LEED certification 4. Prerequisites for LEED certification 5. Exclusions to the O+M protocol (e.g., gross floor area, management, occupancy) 6. LEED Platinum requirements (e.g., Decarbonization and Efficiency Plans, Enhanced Energy Efficiency) 7. Certification process and key timelines (e.g., registration, data collection, submission, review, reporting period, ongoing reporting, certification period, recertification) 8. Project Priorities 1. Regional priority 2. Project-type priorities 3. Exemplary performance (i.e., which credits have exemplary performance paths, and what are the thresholds of exemplary performance) 4. Pilot credits 5. Innovative strategies (e.g., criteria for new innovative measures) 6. LEED AP 2. **Integrative Process Planning and Assessments (10 Questions)** 1. Integrative process - early analysis and planning (e.g., support high-performance, cross-functional project outcomes, business plan, data collection) 2. Current Facilities Requirements and O+M plan (e.g., key document elements, operational alignment) 3. Operations Assessment and Policy (e.g., O+M policy components, site operations, materials purchasing, construction and renovations, occupant comfort, green cleaning, equipment set points) 4. Operational Planning for Resilience (e.g., resilience planning, staff training and roles, continuity of operations, critical systems management, emergency response plan) 5. Climate Resilience Assessment (e.g., climate hazards, assessment components, emissions scenarios, acute and chronic stressors, O+M strategies, climate risk assessment) 6. Human Impact Assessment (e.g., working conditions, health, equity, and community impacts, assessment components, vulnerable populations, demographic data, occupant experience) 7. Worker Safety and Training (e.g., safety program elements, training requirements, workforce equity) 3. **Location and Transportation (8 Questions)** 1. Sustainable Transportation Performance (e.g., low carbon transportation modes, sustainable transportation rate, transportation survey, walkability) 2. Transportation Demand Management 1. Unbundled parking 2. Shared mobility options (e.g., bikeshare, car share, scooter share, other shared innovative mobility options) 3. Bicycle infrastructure (e.g., short-/long-term bicycle parking, bicycle network facilities) 3. Electric Vehicles (e.g., equipment, spaces, universal design) 4. **Sustainable Sites (5 Questions)** 1. Heat Island Reduction (e.g., heat island effect, vegetated roof, solar reflectance, roof and non-roof strategies) 2. Light Pollution Reduction (e.g., limit uplight, interior and exterior lighting control, fixture shielding) 3. Bird Collision Reduction (e.g., building façade strategies, threat factor) 5. **Water Efficiency (7 Questions)** 1. Water Metering and Reporting (e.g., reporting period, ongoing reporting, water sources) 2. Water Efficiency Performance (e.g., baseline water consumption, water use intensity) 3. Advanced Water Metering (e.g., water subsystems, meter requirements) 6. **Energy and Atmosphere (21 Questions)** 1. Carbon Projection From Energy Use (e.g., Building Performance Standard (BPS), operational carbon projection, develop end-use breakdown) 2. Energy Monitoring and Reporting 3. Minimum and Optimized Energy Performance (e.g., EnergyStar, energy use intensity, historical baseline, minimum occupancy, benchmarking) 4. Peak Load Reduction Performance and Management (e.g., demand side management, electric and thermal demand reduction strategies, and building envelope performance) 5. Commissioning (e.g., monitoring-based commissioning, retro-commissioning) 6. Decarbonization and Efficiency Plans (e.g., strategic decarbonization plan) 7. Fundamental and Enhanced Refrigerant Management Performance (e.g., refrigerant policy, refrigerant inventory, ongoing tracking, rental spaces, refrigerant leakage emissions, ratio) 8. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction Performance 1. GHG emissions from onsite combustion (e.g., Energy Star NextGen Target, historical baseline) 2. Renewable energy (e.g., indirect emissions, renewable energy classification, renewable energy criteria) 3. GHG emissions from building energy use (e.g., GHG target) 7. **Materials and Resources (7 Questions)** 1. Waste Reduction Performance (e.g., waste diversion data, composting, seasonal collections and intermittent waste streams, waste prevention and reuse, construction material waste, hazardous materials, shared collections, diversion methods) 2. Waste Reduction Strategies (e.g., organics recycling, waste collection management and education, zero-waste audit) 8. **Indoor Environmental Quality (17 Questions)** 1. Ventilation and filtration (e.g., natural vs. mechanical, minimum outdoor air requirements, verification process, increased ventilation, regional and local climate conditions, residential buildings, evaluate economizer operations, ventilation exhaust and filtration, air filtration) 2. Indoor Air Quality Performance (e.g., continuous indoor air monitoring, targeted one-time air testing, targeted one-time individual VOC testing) 3. Resilient Spaces (e.g., management mode for respiratory diseases, management mode for episodic outdoor ambient conditions) 4. Green Cleaning (e.g., sustainable products and materials, certified cleaning services) 5. Integrated Pest Management (e.g., integrated pest management program; certified integrated pest management services) 6. No Smoking (e.g., compartmentalization of residential unit, signage, indoor and outdoor smoking, no smoking policy) 7. Facility Stewardship Performance (e.g., facility maintenance audit, cleaning appearance audit, cleaning surface testing audit) 8. Occupant Experience Performance (e.g., occupant experience survey, response rate, mean satisfaction level) *** ## References and sample questions ### LEED AP BD+C exam 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 exam specifications, the candidate has the material from which the exam is based. #### LEED AP BD+C exam 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. You should also be familiar with the content of the U.S. Green Building Council’s website, [usgbc.org](https://www.usgbc.org/), and GBCI’s website, [gbci.org](https://gbci.org/), including, but not limited to, LEED Project Registration, LEED Certification content and the purpose of LEED Online. [USGBC’s website](https://www.usgbc.org/) also has free access to all LEED rating systems, LEED Reference Guide introductions and checklists beyond those listed below. ### References (LEED v5) * U.S. Green Building Council. [*LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, February 2026 Edition*](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-v5-reference-guide-building-design-and-construction-november-2025-edition). U.S. Green Building Council, 2026. * U.S. Green Building Council. [*Foundations of LEED*](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/foundations-leed). U.S. Green Building Council, 2023. * U.S. Green Building Council. [*Guide to LEED Certification: Commercial*](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/guide-leed-certification-commerical). U.S. Green Building Council. * [“Addenda Database.”](https://www.usgbc.org/addenda) U.S. Green Building Council. ### LEED AP Homes exam references The primary sources for the development of the LEED professional exams are the LEED Rating Systems. The following list of references are not meant to be comprehensive. When combined with the exam specifications, the candidate has the material from which the exam is based. #### LEED AP Homes exam 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. You should also be familiar with the content of the U.S. Green Building Council’s website, [usgbc.org](https://www.usgbc.org/), and GBCI’s website, [gbci.org](https://gbci.org/), including, but not limited to, LEED project registration, LEED certification content and the purpose of LEED Online. [USGBC’s website](https://www.usgbc.org/) also has free access to all LEED rating systems, LEED Reference Guide introductions and checklists beyond those listed above. ### References (LEED v4) * U.S. Green Building Council. [*LEED v4 Homes and Multifamily Midrise Rating System*](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-v4-homes-and-multifamily-midrise-current-version). U.S. Green Building Council, 2019. * U.S. Green Building Council. [*LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction*. v4 e-Document (PDF) Edition](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-reference-guide-homes-design-and-construction). U.S. Green Building Council, 2020. * [“Green building incentive strategies.”](https://www.usgbc.org/articles/good-know-green-building-incentive-strategies-0) U.S. Green Building Council, 2014. * [*Guide to LEED Certification: Commercial*](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/guide-leed-certification-commerical). U.S. Green Building Council. * U.S. Green Building Council. [*Foundations of LEED*](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/foundations-leed). U.S. Green Building Council, 2020. * U.S. Green Building Council. [*LEED v4 for HOMES Design and Construction Checklist*](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-v4-homes-design-and-construction-checklist). U.S. Green Building Council, 2014. * [“LEED Online: Register a project.”](https://www.leedonline.com/) U.S. Green Building Council. * [“LEED Certification Fees.”](https://www.usgbc.org/tools/leed-certification/fees) U.S. Green Building Council. * [“Addenda Database.”](https://www.usgbc.org/addenda) U.S. Green Building Council. Exam questions are reviewed against updates to the [LEED v4 addenda](https://www.usgbc.org/addenda?Rating%2BSystem%2BVersion=%5B%22v4%22%5D) that are published through Q1 of the same year. ### LEED AP Homes sample questions (LEED v4) **Disclaimer:** The exam questions listed here were discarded in the process of creating questions for new exams. The questions are provided for your convenience to allow you to better familiarize yourself with the format and general content of questions on exams. The content of these questions, while representative of the type of questions you can expect, does not necessarily mirror the content that will appear on the actual exams. Furthermore, your ability to correctly answer these sample questions does not in any way predict or guarantee your ability to successfully answer questions on the actual exams. 1. What is the PRIMARY intent of Innovation Prerequisite: Preliminary Rating? 1. To define the credits that could be achieved easily and cost effectively. 2. To define target certification level at the beginning and declare it to all parties. 3. **To maximize opportunities for integrative, cost effective adoption of green design and construction strategies.** 4. To encourage exceptional performance for current credits and promote innovative performance in pioneering areas. *This question represents Knowledge Domain 8A: Innovation; Preliminary rating (e.g., who needs to be at the preliminary rating, prerequisite status in rating system and goals of preliminary rating).* 2. Regional Priority Credits focus on which of the following types of environmental issues? 1. Naturally occurring issues 2. Man-made issues 3. **Environmental concerns and assets** 4. All of the above *This question represents Knowledge Domain 9A: Regional Priority: Regional Priority Credits - What are they and how to find them.* ### LEED AP ID+C exam references The primary sources for the development of the LEED professional exams are the LEED rating systems. The following list of references are not meant to be comprehensive. When combined with the exam specifications, the candidate has the material from which the exam is based. #### LEED AP ID+C exam 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. You should also be familiar with the content of the U.S. Green Building Council’s website, [usgbc.org](https://www.usgbc.org/), and GBCI’s website, [gbci.org](https://gbci.org/), including, but not limited to, LEED project registration, LEED certification content and the purpose of LEED Online. [USGBC’s website](https://www.usgbc.org/) also has free access to all LEED rating systems, LEED Reference Guide introductions and checklists beyond those listed above. ### References (LEED v5) * U.S. Green Building Council. [*LEED v5 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction, February 2026 Edition*](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-v5-reference-guide-interior-design-and-construction-november-2025-edition). U.S. Green Building Council, 2026. * U.S. Green Building Council. [*Foundations of LEED*](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/foundations-leed). U.S. Green Building Council, 2023. * U.S. Green Building Council. [*Guide to LEED Certification: Commercial*](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/guide-leed-certification-commerical). U.S. Green Building Council. * [“Addenda Database.”](https://www.usgbc.org/addenda) U.S. Green Building Council. ### LEED AP ND exam references The primary sources for the development of the LEED professional exams are the LEED Rating Systems. The following list of references are not meant to be comprehensive. When combined with the exam specifications, the candidate has the material from which the exam is based. #### LEED AP ND exam 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. You should also be familiar with the content of the U.S. Green Building Council’s website, [usgbc.org](https://www.usgbc.org/), and GBCI’s website, [gbci.org](https://gbci.org/), including, but not limited to, LEED project registration, LEED certification content and the purpose of LEED Online. [USGBC’s website](https://www.usgbc.org/) also has free access to LEED rating systems, LEED Reference Guide Introductions and checklists beyond those listed above. ### References (LEED v4) * U.S. Green Building Council. [*LEED v4 for Neighborhood Development Rating System*](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-v4-neighborhood-development-current-version). U.S. Green Building Council, 2018. * U.S. Green Building Council. [*LEED Neighborhood Development Reference Guide*. v4 e-Document (PDF) Edition](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-reference-guide-neighborhood-development). U.S. Green Building Council, 2020. * [“Green building incentive strategies.”](https://www.usgbc.org/articles/good-know-green-building-incentive-strategies-0) U.S. Green Building Council, 2014. * U.S. Green Building Council. [*Guide to LEED Certification:*](https://www.usgbc.org/tools/leed-certification/neighborhood) *Neighborhood Development*. U.S. Green Building Council. * U.S. Green Building Council. [*Foundations of LEED*](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/foundations-leed). U.S. Green Building Council, 2020. * U.S. Green Building Council. [*LEED v4 for Neighborhood Development Checklist*](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-v4-neighborhood-development-checklist). U.S. Green Building Council, 2014. * [“LEED Online: Register a project.”](https://www.leedonline.com/) U.S. Green Building Council. * [“LEED Certification Fees.”](https://www.usgbc.org/tools/leed-certification/fees) U.S. Green Building Council. * [“Addenda Database.”](https://www.usgbc.org/addenda) U.S. Green Building Council. Exam questions are reviewed against updates to the [LEED v4 addenda](https://www.usgbc.org/addenda?Rating%2BSystem%2BVersion=%5B%22v4%22%5D) that are published through Q1 of the same year. ### LEED AP ND sample questions (LEED v4) **Disclaimer:** The exam questions listed here were discarded in the process of creating questions for new exams. The questions are provided for your convenience to allow you to better familiarize yourself with the format and general content of questions on exams. The content of these questions, while representative of the type of questions you can expect, does not necessarily mirror the content that will appear on the actual exams. Furthermore, your ability to correctly answer these sample questions does not in any way predict or guarantee your ability to successfully answer questions on the actual exams. 1. Which of the following would meet one of the minimum requirements for the Green Infrastructure and Building Credit, Solid Waste Management Infrastructure for a 25,000 ft2 (2,323 m2) mixed-use building? 1. **Provide at least one recycling area for paper, corrugated cardboard, glass plastics and metals** 2. Provide at least one recycling area of 250 ft2 (23 m2) for paper, corrugated cardboard, glass plastics and metals 3. Provide at least one recycling area of 500 ft2 (46 m2) for paper, corrugated cardboard, glass plastics and metals 4. Provide at least one recycling area of 1,000 ft2 (93 m2) for paper, corrugated cardboard, glass plastics and metals *This question represents Knowledge Domain 4A: Green Infrastructure and Buildings; Green Infrastructure; Solid waste management* 2. What irrigation type has the highest irrigation efficiency (IE) for landscaped areas? 1. Pop-up 2. **Drip line** 3. Impact rotor 4. Area flooding *This question represents Knowledge Domain 2C: Smart Location and Linkage; Site design and development: habitat and water body design, restoration, and long-term conservation.* ### LEED AP O+M exam references The primary sources for the development of the LEED professional exams are the LEED rating systems. The following list of references are not meant to be comprehensive. When combined with the exam specifications, the candidate has the material from which the exam is based. #### LEED AP O+M exam 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. You should also be familiar with the content of the U.S. Green Building Council’s website, [usgbc.org](https://www.usgbc.org/), and GBCI’s website, [gbci.org](https://gbci.org/), including, but not limited to, LEED project registration, LEED certification content and the purpose of LEED Online. [USGBC’s website](https://www.usgbc.org/) also has free access to all LEED rating systems, LEED Reference Guide introductions and checklists beyond those listed below. ### References (LEED v5) * U.S. Green Building Council. [*LEED v5 Reference Guide for Operations and Maintenance, February 2026 Edition*](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-v5-reference-guide-interior-design-and-construction-november-2025-edition). U.S. Green Building Council, 2026. * U.S. Green Building Council. [*Foundations of LEED*](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/foundations-leed). U.S. Green Building Council, 2023. * U.S. Green Building Council. [*Guide to LEED Certification: Commercial*](https://www.usgbc.org/resources/guide-leed-certification-commerical). U.S. Green Building Council. * [“Addenda Database.”](https://www.usgbc.org/addenda) U.S. Green Building Council. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. 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