This is a brief guide to help you start the process of becoming a LEED AP. Recommendations are based on interviews with recently accredited professionals. (Please note that this information is provided by The Green Roundtable, not the US Green Building Council.)
• For a more detailed version of this guide, please click here. You will find more in-depth answers to the following questions:
Which test should I take? How hard is the exam? How much should I study? How should I study? What should I study? What should I memorize? Are there any study guides? How much does it cost? How do I register to take the test? What are some recommended test-taking strategies?
• For helpful and important information by the US Green Building Council, please visit http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1584.
Why become a LEED AP?
LEED APs are professionals who know how to take a building project through the process of becoming LEED certified. In today's building marketplace, employers and clients are increasingly looking for people who know how to build green. Being LEED accredited gives you a marketing edge by showing potential employers and clients that you have knowledge about the LEED rating system. Being a LEED AP also encourages and promotes a higher understanding of LEED, and supports GRT and the USGBC's mission of transforming the built environment. Please note that studying for and passing the exam cannot take the place of real project experience with green building.
What steps should I take to become a LEED AP?
1. Decide which exam is right for you:
• LEED for New Construction, version 2.2 (most test-takers)
• LEED for Commercial Interiors, version 2.0 (mostly interior designers)
• LEED for Existing Buildings, version 2.0 (mostly building facilities and maintenance professionals
2. Purchase the appropriate LEED Reference Guide.
You will spend most of your study time memorizing the full unabridged LEED Reference Guide (not the free 80 page version online). There is a different Reference Guide for each test (NC, EB, CI), so be sure to order the correct one. You can buy from the US Green Building Council ($150 for USGBC members, $200 for nonmembers. Visit http://www.usgbc.org/Store/PublicationsList.aspx?CMSPageID=1518). You can also buy from Professional Publications (www.ppi2pass.com. If you buy from Professional Publications you may also purchase study guides and get package deals.) NEXUS has digital versions of the LEED Reference Guides on our cyberlounge computers. However, we recommend you buy your own copy if you are serious about studying.
3. Outline a study schedule for yourself.
Study time will vary depending on your previous experience with the building industry or with LEED. If you have some experience with LEED, you probably need to study over a 1-2 month period averaging 1-2 hours per night - about an hour a credit. If you have no experience with LEED, you will need to study longer - either more hours a day, or more days total.
4. Study!
Here are 4 recommended steps:
• Read the full Reference Guide (not the free 80 page abridged version but the full 200 page guide that you buy). Read it to understand it fully. Study each credit on your own with flashcards or with a group that meets regularly. NEXUS hosts an open monthly study group the last Thursday of every month from 5-7pm, unless otherwise posted. This is an informal participant-led study session open to all. For more information on NEXUS events, click here.
• Spend at least a few study sessions on the other topics covered by the exam, such as LEED registration, the LEED certification process, and LEED online. For study materials, please visit http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1562.
• Once you feel like you understand everything and have memorized everything you should, read the manual again from cover to cover, and try your hand at some of the practice questions available.
• Take an exam prep course or USGBC Technical Review. This step is not necessary, but may be helpful for those who learn well in classroom settings or with the structure of a course. See below for more information on available courses.
What courses or test prep classes are available?
• The Green Roundtable hosts USGBC Technical Reviews in the greater Boston area. These official USGBC training sessions provide an immersion into the rating systems for NC, CI, or EB LEED (other review sessions are available, but based on demand) but are not intended to be test prep classes. To find out when the next review session for your division will be held please visit http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=283.
• The Green Roundtable also offers resources to those preparing for the LEED AP exam. Free resources include: a monthly drop-in participant led LEED AP study session, a monthly Lunch and LEED introductory session, and a monthly Boston LEED Users Group meeting. For more information on these and other events, visit www.nexusBoston.com. More in-depth fee-for-service test preparation sessions may be available upon request.
Are there any study guides?
Officially, "No". Unofficially, there have been a few created due to the demand for practice questions.
• USGBC Colorado Chapter, http://www.usgbccolorado.com/resources/leed-studyguide.html
• Professional Publications Inc, http://ppi2pass.com/ppi/PPIShop_ct_LEED. Professional Publications offers a discount when you purchase the study guides with the Reference Guide.
• For free sample questions put forth by the USGBC, download the "detailed exam specifications and sample questions" for each exam at http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1562.
Where do I turn with detailed questions about exam pricing, registration, or content?
All of these sorts of inquiries should be directed to the USGBC:
• info@usgbc.org for general USGBC inquiries
• leedinfo@usgbc.org for LEED inquiries
• exam@usgbc.org for Accreditation inquiries
• membership@usgbc.org for membership inquiries
• workshop@usgbc.org for LEED workshop inquiries