When preparing to take the LEED Green Associate v4 exam, it is essential to prepare and study. Tips for preparing and taking the exam:

  • Read the USGBC Green Associate Candidate Handbook. This downloadable guide includes up to date policies and procedures for the LEED v4 Green Associate exam, sample questions, exam references, and test specifications.
  • The USGBC offers free downloadable study guides here, including a free LEED Green Associate Technical Glossary in Spanish.
  • Everblue and Green Education Services both offer the option of a 2-day (14-hour total) class or an online class. The choice of online or in-person is up to the preference of the examinee. The in-person class is located at 600 SW 10th Avenue, Portland, OR 97205. Practice tests, study handbook, and phone/email support up until the test date are offered as part of the class fee. In-person class fee: $595. Online class fee: $299. Another online class option is offered through GBES (Green Building Education Services) and offers 8 hours of instruction, 8 hours of MP3s to listen to, and practice tests. Cost: $195.
  • Don’t wait until the last minute or even the last few days before the exam to prepare and review. Give yourself time to learn the information and mentally “digest” what you have learned.
  • Use the full 2 hours while taking the exam. First, answer the questions that you know and use the “mark” button to flag the ones that you aren’t sure about. After answering what you can, go back and carefully review the marked questions. If there is time left over, double-check your answers as much as you can.

credential-cert-green-associateTo apply to take the exam:

  1. Create a user account on usgbc.org
  2. Log in to your user account, then go to “Credentials”.
  3. Select your exam of choice.
  4. Complete the exam registration process.
  5. Schedule exam date and location on prometric.com/gbci.

There are 100 multiple-choice questions, which include:

  • LEED Process (16 questions)
  • Integrative Strategies (8 questions)
  • Location and Transportation (7 questions)
  • Sustainable Sites (7 questions)
  • Water Efficiency (9 questions)
  • Energy and Atmosphere (10 questions)
  • Materials and Resources (9 questions)
  • Indoor Environmental Quality (8 questions)
  • Project Surroundings and Public Outreach (11 questions)

Two sample questions are offered from the usgbc.org website to help people get familiarized with the format of exam questions. Correct answers are marked with an asterisk* (USGBC, 2014).

  1. When applying for innovation credits, a project team
    A. Cannot submit any previously awarded innovation credit.
    B. May receive credit for performance that doubles a credit requirement threshold.*
    C. May submit a product or strategy that is being used in an existing LEED credit.
    D. May receive a credit for each LEED Accredited Professional that is on the project team.
  2. A developer wants to make a profit by building a new office that maximizes daylighting and views. What actions might the developer take to fulfill all parts of the triple bottom line?
    A. Restore habitat onsite
    B. Purchase ergonomic furniture
    C. Pursue local grants and incentives
    D. Provide lighting controllability for occupants*

For an overview of exam information, see the LEED Green Associate article. There are no prerequisites nor required education, but studying is highly recommended. Use the format that fits your learning style: in-person class, online class, study guides, audio files, flash cards, etc. Remember to read the USGBC Green Associate Candidate Handbook, allow adequate time to prepare for the exam, and try to get enough sleep on the night before you take the exam.