LEED AP Exam

LEED is an acronym that stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. AP is an acronym that stands for Accredited Professional. The LEED AP program was designed for the purpose of encouraging green building professionals to maintain and increase their expertise and knowledge. GBCI (Green Building Certification Institute) manages the credentialing program and is a source for education, study guides, reference guides, chapter study sessions, and other support. An individual who has a LEED credential is recognized as a competent, educated, qualified, and influential green building professional.

Before a candidate can take the LEED AP exam, he or she must do the following:

• Agree to the Disciplinary and Exam Appeals Policy and Credentialing Maintenance Program as outlined by GBCI.
• Document professional experience on a LEED project within the last 3 years, with verification through LEED Online or employer attestation.
• Submit to application audit. (Five to seven percent of all applications will be audited; candidates will be notified immediately if they are chosen for an audit and will be advised of eligibility within 14 days.)

The LEED AP exam is a multiple-choice, computer-based exam. It is comprised of two parts: the LEED Green Associate exam and the specialty exam. Each part has 100 questions, and the entire test must be completed in four hours.

The cost for taking the exam is as follows:

• Application fee: $100
• Exam fee (per exam appointment):
  • $300 for USGBC National Members
  • $400 for non-members
• Credentialing Maintenance renewal fee: $50 every two years

The LEED AP exam is scored using a scaled process. Scores for each part range from 125 to 200. The minimum passing score is 170 on both parts. Candidates who pass one part of the exam but not the other can retake the part they failed. They are limited to three attempts per application period. If they still fail on the third attempt, they must reapply and pay the fees again.

As your test day approaches, make sure that you have had plenty of time to study. Review a LEED test study guide or study using LEED test flashcards so that you strengthen any areas that might be more difficult for you on the test. You'll have the rest of your life to enjoy being successful on the exam, but you can only spend time between now and your test day to get prepared. Study hard and maximize your chances of success.