LEED GA Handbook 2020 PDF

GREEN ASSOCIATE LEED GREEN ASSOCIATE LEED GREEN ASSOCIA
GREEN ASSOCIATE™ LEED® GREEN ASSOCIATE™ LEED® GREEN ASSOCIA

CANDIDATE
HANDBOOK
UPDATED MAY 2020
GREEN ASSOCIATE™ LEED® GREEN ASSOCIATE ™
LEED® GREEN ASSOCIA
ABOUT GREEN BUSINESS CERTIFICATION INC.
Green Business Certification Inc.™ (GBCI) is the premier organization independently recognizing excellence in green
business industry performance and practice globally.
Established in 2008, GBCI exclusively administers project certifications and professional credentials and certificates
within the framework of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) green
building rating systems as well as the PEER® standard for power systems, the WELL Building Standard™, the Excellence
in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) program, the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES®), the City Climate Planner
Urban Greenhouse Gas Inventory Specialist credential, the Investor Confidence Project Investor Ready Energy Efficiency
(IREE) certificate, Parksmart℠, TRUE, and the GRESB® benchmark, which is used by institutional investors to improve the
sustainability performance of the global property sector.
LEED® Green Associate™ Candidate Handbook

COPYRIGHT 2020 Green Business Certification Inc.
Information in this Candidate Handbook represents current policies and procedures for GBCI’s Credential Maintenance
Program. Information in this Candidate Handbook supersedes the information contained in any previously published
Handbooks.
All information and guidelines are subject to change.
Please read and understand the entire Candidate Handbook, including all policies, procedures, and consequences.
CANDIDATE HANDBOOK | LEED® GREEN ASSOCIATE™ | 2

REGISTERING FOR YOUR EXAM 4
Registration Process 4
Eligibility Requirements 5
Audits 5
Testing Accommodations 5
Exam Registration Fees 6
GI Bill Benefits 6
THE EXAM 7
Exam Development 7
Exam Format 7
Exam Language 7
Exam Maintenance 8
PRE-EXAM CHECKLIST 9
Are You Ready? 9
Exam Security 9
What to Expect at a Test Center 9
What to Expect at Virtual Check-in 10
Identification Requirements 11
Test Center Regulations 11
Grounds for Dismissal from the Test Center 11
AFTER YOUR EXAM 13

Exam Results 13
Passing the Exam 13
Exam-related Complaints and Exam Content Appeals 13
Candidate Confidentiality 13
EXAM SPECIFICATIONS 15
Exam Specifications 15
References 17
Sample Questions 18
CONTACT 19
Green Business Certification Inc. 19
Prometric 19

REGISTERING FOR YOUR EXAM
Registration Process
1. Log in to your Credentials account using your existing USGBC® site user account or create a new account if you
do not have one.
a. When you register for your exam, make sure your name is entered exactly as it appears on the legal ID that
you will use when you take your exam. If your account name does not match your legal ID, correct your
account name during exam registration in your account settings. We do not advise candidates to use a
nickname when setting up their site user account. If you legally have only one name (no first and last name),
you will be required to enter a first and last name. You must notify GBCI staff of the names you used to
register, and the test center location you registered at, at least ten (10) business days in advance of your test
date and Prometric proctors will be notified that your legal ID has only one name.
b. If your native language utilizes non-Roman characters, be sure to enter your name in Roman characters
when you set-up your site user account 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.
c. Please note that if the name in which you register for your exam does not exactly match the ID you will
present when you check-in for your exam either at a Test Center or online for a remote proctored exam you
will not be permitted to test. You must contact GBCI at least ten (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.
2. Select the LEED Green Associate exam under the “Credentials” section and follow the instructions on the screen
to complete the exam registration application.
3. 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. Prometric is the exam delivery organization for GBCI exams. There
are now two ways to take your LEED Green Associate exam. You have the option to take your exam either at a
Prometric Test Center or through a remotely proctored internet-enabled (online) location of your choice using
Prometric’s ProProctor tool.
a. If you would like to schedule your exam in a physical test center, click here.
b. If you would like to schedule a remotely proctored online exam, you will first need to ensure that your com-
puter meets the technical specifications (See Pre-Exam Checklist below) and that the space within which
you intend to take your exam meets the testing environment requirements. Once you have verified your
computer meets the minimum system requirements, you can click here to continue scheduling your remote
proctored online exam.
4. 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 and answer the age and consent questions at the bottom of the page and click the green forward arrow.
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.
5. 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 – please be sure to read the email in its entirety.
6. Record your confirmation number. You will need this confirmation number to confirm, cancel, or reschedule your
exam appointment through the Prometric website.

7. Once you have scheduled your exam, please print your confirmation notice from Prometric. Keep your
confirmation notice for any communication with Prometric about your exam. 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. Once you register and pay for your exam, you have 12 months to schedule and take your exam session. 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 attempts however, you must wait 90 days before submitting a new registration and pay-
ment to GBCI. Candidates must pay the exam registration fee for each exam attempt.
9. You can confirm, cancel, or reschedule an exam on the Prometric website.
10. In addition, if you have scheduled an exam at a test center and would like to reschedule it for a remote 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 remote proctored online exam.
11. Rescheduling and cancelation policy:
a. You may reschedule or cancel your exam up 30 days prior to your exam without incurring a rescheduling fee.
b. If you reschedule or cancel your exam fewer than 30 days but more than 3 days before the scheduled date,
you will be charged a $50 fee.
c. 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 p.m.)
d. If you miss your exam date or fail to reschedule 3 days prior to the exam, you forfeit the entire exam
registration fee.
e. When you reschedule an exam, you will receive a new confirmation email. If you do not, please contact
Prometric immediately to confirm that your exam was rescheduled.
Days before original exam date Refunds Reschedule

30 days or more Yes Yes
3-29 days Yes, less a $50 cancelation fee Yes, less a $50 rescheduling fee
0-3 days No No
To register five or more candidates at one time, contact GBCI customer service.
Eligibility Requirements
GBCI recommends that you have exposure to LEED and green building concepts through educational courses,
volunteering or work experience prior to testing.
To be eligible for the LEED Green Associate credential, you must:
a. ask your parent or guardian to complete the Parental Consent form, if you are under the age of 18.
b. agree to the Disciplinary and Exam Appeals Policy and credentialing maintenance requirements.
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 Credentials account
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, GBCI policy, and/or law.
Testing Accommodations
If you have a documented disability that would prevent you from taking a GBCI exam under normal 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 manner in which 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 scribe, and extended testing time. For remote proctored online exams,
Prometric may not be able to accommodate all requests since candidates are taking the exams in a remote location.
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 each need to complete one form, the Candidate Form and the Provider Form, to document your disability
and need for accommodation. Please email the completed forms along with your testing accommodation request to
[email protected] or by faxing it to 202-545-3708. There is no additional charge for testing accommodations.
Each request is evaluated individually.
GBCI reviews this documentation and, if approved, alerts Prometric of the necessary accommodations. Please allow up
to two weeks to receive a reply from GBCI following the submission of your documentation. Please note that once you
have requested testing accommodations, you are not able to schedule an appointment with Prometric until your request
is processed. You will be contacted by email regarding the status of your testing accommodations request.
Exam Registration Fees

See the exam page on the USGBC website for pricing. Your paid exam registration fee is good for only one exam
attempt. For USGBC members to receive member pricing for your exam, please link your member status to your USGBC
account before registering for an exam.
GI Bill Benefits
The LEED Green Associate exam has been approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 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, of any of the LEED professional exams administered by GBCI since
December 3, 2009. Learn more.

THE EXAM
Exam Development
LEED Green Associates have a documented up-to-date understanding of the most current green building principles
and practices and are committed to their professional future. The development of a valid exam begins with a clear and
concise definition of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed in order to successfully serve as a LEED Green Associate.
All LEED exams are developed by a global network of Subject Matter Experts and meet the specifications of a job
analysis. The exam specifications are subject to rigorous validation by these experts, which ensures that the exam is
valid, and measures what it is intended to measure. Once the exams are launched the exam questions are regularly
monitored to ensure continued reliability.
The exam assesses your abilities at three cognitive levels: Recall, Application and Analysis.
a. Recall Questions: These questions assess your ability to recall factual material that is described in the exam
references.
b. Application Questions: These questions provide you with a novel problem or scenario to solve using familiar
principles or procedures described in the exam references.
c. 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 also evaluate the
relationship or interactions of these elements.
Exam Format
The LEED Green Associate exam contains 100 multiple choice questions and is delivered in a 2-hour period.
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. In order to challenge an exam question, you must have commented
on the question and provided an explanation of your concerns. After the exam, within 10 days inform GBCI 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 days of your exam date that
you have left a comment within your exam.
Be prepared to commit 2 hours 20 minutes for the exam. Total exam time is broken out as follows:
a. An optional 10-minute tutorial, the 2-hour exam, and an optional 10-minute exit survey.
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 fee are
forfeited.
Please note that breaks are not permitted during remote 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 fee
are forfeited.
Exam Language
The primary language for all exams is English. In the case of any discrepancies between the original English content and
translated content or challenges made to the exams, the English content will be used as the basis of consideration. The
translation is offered solely as an aid to non-native English speakers. Please refer below for a list of available languages.

The use of translators or foreign-language dictionaries during the examination is not be permitted. Additional time to
complete the exam will not be provided. The translated exam is presented with the English text on top and the translated
text below. Please note the exam tutorial, non-disclosure agreement, and end of exam survey are in English.
Languages available: English, Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Spanish.
Exam Maintenance
The LEED Green Associate exam is 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 section of this handbook for the most current list of exam references.
For a one-week period each year, exams are not offered in order to accommodate deployment of updated exams at test
centers globally.

PRE-EXAM CHECKLIST
Are You Ready?
Two Months Before Your Exam (Test Center or Remote Proctored Online Delivery)
a. Ensure that your given name (first name) and surname (last name) in your usgbc.org account matches
exactly the given name and surname on the identification you will present at the test center. (See
Identification Requirements below.) If the 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.
b. Confirm that the date, time and location of your exam is correct. If it is not, please visit prometric.com/gbci
for information about rescheduling or canceling your exam.
For Remote Proctored Online Exams: Five Days Before Exam
a. Review the ProProctor User Guide in preparation for your exam and adjust your testing environment accord-
ingly. ProProctor User Guide link is also available in your exam confirmation email received after scheduling
your remote proctored online exam.
b. Perform a system readiness check and ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements.
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.
• Screen Resolution: 1024 x 768 is the minimum resolution required, 1920 x 1080 recommended
• Operating System: Windows 7 or higher | MacOS 10.13 or higher
• Web Browser: Latest Google Chrome
• Webcam Resolution: 640 X 480 pixels external for desktops, internal for laptops.
• Microphone: Enabled
• Download Speed: 500 Kbps or greater
• Upload Speed: 384 Kbps
• 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).
• Computers must be undocked and have a movable web-camera
• Download and install the ProProctor application.
Exam Security
To ensure the integrity of the LEED Green Associate exam, you (or your parent or guardian if you are under 18) are
required to review and accept a nondisclosure agreement that prohibits any disclosure of exam content:
a. Exam questions and answers are the exclusive property of GBCI
b. 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
c. Future discussion or disclosure of the content of the exam, orally or in writing, or by any other means, is
prohibited
d. Theft or attempted theft of exam questions is punishable to the fullest extent of the law
e. Failure to comply with the agreement will result in forfeiture of your credential
What to Expect at a Test Center

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.

Upon arrival at the test center, you will be required to show acceptable form(s) of identification (see Identification
Requirements below) 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 apparel and wedding rings are exempt.
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:
a. You experience a problem with your computer
b. An error message appears on the computer screen (do not clear the message)
c. You need to take a break (testing time is NOT suspended)
d. You need the test center staff for any other reason
Accessing personal effects during your exam is a security infraction and as a result, your exam session could be voided
without refund. Prometric test centers are outfitted with 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 request for approval to GBCI during exam registration.
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

Plan to log on to the ProProctor site 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.
Upon logging into the Prometric site, 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.
The security checks will include verifying acceptable form(s) of identification (see Identification Requirements below),
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 in-
side-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). Upon completion of the virtual security check-in,
you may proceed to launch the remote proctored online exam and meet the Remote Proctor, who will be proctoring the
exam for its entire duration.
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 re-
main in your seat during the exam except when authorized to leave by the Remote Proctor. Contact the Remote Proctor
via chat or audio if:
a. You experience a problem with your computer
b. An error message appears on the computer screen (do not clear the message)
c. You need the Remote Proctor for any other reason.
Accessing personal effects during the course of your exam is a security infraction and as a result, your exam session
could be voided without 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 irregularities or suspected
security infractions. Please remember that it is very important that you take your exam in a 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 im-
mediately 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.
Identification Requirements
GBCI, along with Prometric, enforces a strict policy regarding acceptable identification to maintain the integrity and
quality of the LEED Green Associate exam 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 or photocopies will not be accepted.
You are required to provide one form of valid government-issued identification that contains all of the following four
elements:
a. your name, which must exactly match the name that you used to register for the exam
Please note: The identification that you present to the test center must include your name printed in Roman
characters and must exactly match the name that you used to register for the exam. IDs with names printed
solely in non-Roman characters are not acceptable. If you legally only have one name, you must contact GBCI
and notify them of the discrepancy between the name you used to register for your exam with on USGBC.org
and the name printed on your legal documentationgovernment issued ID at least ten (10) business days prior
to your testing date.
b. a recent, recognizable photograph that looks like you
c. your signature
d. be unexpired and include an issue date and an expiration date
Examples of identification that typically comply with requirements include:
a. passport
b. driver’s license with a printed signature, including date issued and date of expiration
c. current government-issued photo ID with signature, including date issued and date of expiration
d. green card, permanent residence card, or H-1B visa
e. military ID that includes date issued and date of expiration
If your identification does not include all four required elements, you must provide a secondary identification (with
the same first and last name) that includes the outstanding required elements. Remember, at the time your secondary
identification was issued, the issuing authority must have laminated it.
a. For example, 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. A secondary form of ID could be an unex-
pired credit card with a printed signature.
Unacceptable forms of ID include, but are not limited to:
a. ID without an expiration date or date of issue
b. ID with the first and last name printed solely in non-Roman characters
c. Photocopies or duplicates
d. Social Security card
e. Library card
f. for India residents: Aadhaar cards
Prometric Regulations
You must abide by the Prometric security rules while at the test center or in the remote 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 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 the 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 within ten (10) 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
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
Exam Results
The LEED Green Associate exam is scored between 125 and 200. A score of 170 or higher is required to pass. Your exam
score is displayed on the screen at the end of the exam and a score report is emailed to you following your exam session.
Within 72 hours of your appointment, your exam results are processed, your Credentials account is updated, and, if
applicable, your credential is updated in the USGBC directory.
Passing the Exam

Designating Your Credential
As soon as you have passed the LEED Green Associate exam, you can use the title “LEED® Green Associate™” and/or
the logo. “LEED GA” is not an approved abbreviation for the LEED Green Associate credential and should not be used
under any circumstances.
Please review the LEED professional credentials section of the USGBC Trademark Policy and Branding Guidelines for
additional guidance.
Certificates
Once your exam results have been processed, you can download a copy of your certificate through your usgbc.org
account.
Credential Maintenance Program
You must fulfill the requirements in order to maintain your credential. For information regarding how to maintain your
credential, see the CMP Guide.
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 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 remote proctored online exam, you must inform
test center personnel before leaving the test center or the remote proctor before 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 the 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 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.
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; your original exam score will not be changed.
The only way to earn the LEED Green Associate credential is to earn a score of at least 170 or higher on the exam.
Candidate Confidentiality
GBCI recognizes your right to control personal information. GBCI policy is designed to safeguard this information from
unauthorized disclosure. You can change your preference to be contacted by updating your personal preferences in your
usgbc.org account.
To protect your right to control score distribution, your exam score is released only to you, the exam taker, and
authorized GBCI staff. 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 the LEED Green Associate exam, 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.

EXAM SPECIFICATIONS
Exam Specifications
The following outline provides a general description of exam content areas for the LEED Green Associate exam.
Knowledge Domains reflect the rating systems’ credit categories and what one needs to know as a LEED Green
Associate.
The LEED Green Associate exam tests your general knowledge of green building practices for both commercial and
residential spaces and both new construction and existing buildings as well as how to support other professionals
working on LEED projects.
Knowledge Domains
1. LEED Process (16 Questions)
A. Organization fundamentals (e.g., mission/vision; non-profit; role of USGBC/GBCI)
B. Structure of LEED rating systems (e.g., credit categories; prerequisites; credits and/ or Minimum Program
Requirements for LEED certification)
C. Scope of each LEED rating system (e.g., rating system selection; rating system families [BD+C, ID+C, O+M,
ND, Homes])
D. LEED development process (e.g., consensus-based; stakeholder and volunteer involvement; rating system
updates/evolution)
E. Credit categories (e.g., goals and objectives of each [LT, SS, WE, EA, MR, EQ, IN, RP]; synergies)
F. Impact categories (e.g., what should a LEED project accomplish?)
G. LEED certification process (e.g., certification levels [Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum]; LEED Scorecard; third
party verification; role of documentation submission; LEED Interpretations; Addenda; awareness of different
system versions [e.g., LEED Online]; components of LEED Online and Project Registration)
H. Other rating systems (e.g., in general, what other rating systems are out there?)
2. Integrative Strategies (8 Questions)
A. Integrative process (e.g., early analysis of the interrelationships among systems; systems thinking; charrettes)
B. Integrative project team members (e.g., architect; engineer; landscape architect; civil engineer; contractor;
facility manager, etc.)
C. Standards that support LEED (e.g., breadth not depth of American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and
Air-conditioning Engineers [ASHRAE]; Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association
[SMACNA] guidelines; Green Seal; ENERGY STAR®; HERs; Reference Standards listed in ACPs, etc.)
3. Location and Transportation (7 Questions)
A. Site selection (e.g., targeting sites in previously developed and brownfields/high- priority designation area;
avoiding sensitive habitat; located in areas with existing infrastructure and nearby uses; reduction in parking
footprint)
B. Alternative transportation (e.g., type, access and quality; infrastructure and design)
4. Sustainable Sites (7 Questions)
A. Site assessment (e.g., environmental assessment; human impact)
B. Site design and development (e.g., construction activity pollution prevention; habitat conservation and
restoration; exterior open space; rainwater management; exterior lighting; heat island reduction)
5. Water Efficiency (9 Questions)
A. Outdoor water use (e.g., use of graywater/rainwater in irrigation; use of native and adaptive species)
B. Indoor water use (e.g., concepts of low flow/waterless fixtures; water-efficient appliances; types and quality)
C. Water performance management (e.g., measurement and monitoring)

6. Energy and Atmosphere (10 Questions)
A. Building loads (e.g., building components; space usage [private office, individual space, shared multi-
occupant spaces])
B. Energy efficiency (e.g., basic concepts of design; operational energy efficiency; commissioning; energy
auditing)
C. Alternative and renewable energy practices (e.g., demand response; renewable energy; green power; carbon
offsets)
D. Energy performance management (e.g., energy use measurement and monitoring; building automation
controls/advanced energy metering; operations and management; benchmarking; ENERGY STAR)
E. Environmental concerns (e.g., sources and energy resources; greenhouse gases; global warming potential;
resource depletion; ozone depletion)
7. Materials and Resources (9 Questions)
A. Reuse (e.g., building reuse; material reuse; interior reuse; furniture reuse)
B. Life-cycle impacts (e.g., concept of life-cycle assessment; material attributes; human and ecological health
impacts; design for flexibility)
C. Waste (e.g., construction and demolition; maintenance and renovation; operations and ongoing; waste
management plan)
D. Purchasing and declarations (e.g., purchasing policies and plans; environmental preferable purchasing
(EPP); building product disclosure and optimization [i.e., raw materials sourcing, material ingredients,
environmental product disclosure])
8. Indoor Environmental Quality (8 Questions)
A. Indoor air quality (e.g., ventilation levels; tobacco smoke control; management of and improvements to
indoor air quality; low-emitting materials; green cleaning)
B. Lighting (e.g., electric lighting quality; daylight)
C. Sound (e.g., acoustics)
D. Occupant comfort, health, and satisfaction (e.g., controllability of systems; thermal comfort design; quality of
views; assessment/survey)
9. Project Surroundings and Public Outreach (11 Questions)
A. Environmental impacts of the built environment (e.g., energy and resource use in conventional buildings;
necessity of green buildings; environmental externalities; triple bottom line)
B. Codes (e.g., relationship between LEED and codes [building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fire
protection]; green building codes)
C. Values of sustainable design (e.g., energy savings over time; healthier occupants; money-saving incentives;
costs [hard costs, soft costs]; life cycle)
D. Regional design (e.g., regional green design and construction measures as appropriate; regional emphasis
should be placed in Sustainable Sites and Materials & Resources)

References
The primary sources for the development of the LEED Green Associate exam are the Green Building and LEED Core
Concepts Guide, 3rd Edition and the Introductory and Overview sections of the LEED Building Design and Construction
Reference Guide, v4 Edition, in addition to 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.
The LEED Green Associate exam is designed to test the general knowledge of green building practices and how to
support other professionals working on LEED projects.
References
• U.S. Green Building Council. Green Building and LEED Core Concepts Guide. 3rd Edition. U.S. Green Building
Council, 2011. Print and Digital versions available.
• U.S. Green Building Council. Introductory and Overview Sections. LEED Building Design + Construction
Reference Guide. V4 Edition. U.S. Green Building Council, 2019 1.
• U.S. Green Building Council. LEED v4 Impact Category and Point Allocation Process Overview. U.S. Green
Building Council, 2013.
• U.S. Green Building Council. LEED v4 User Guide. U.S. Green Building Council, 2013.
• U.S. Green Building Council. Guide to LEED Certification: Commercial. U.S. Green Building Council, 2014.
• “LEED Certification Fees.” U.S. Green Building Council.
• “Addenda Database.” U.S. Green Building Council.
1 Introductory and overview sections are available to download separately from purchasing the full reference guide.

Sample Questions
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.
LEED Green Associate Sample Questions
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 AP who is on the project team.
This question represents Knowledge Domain 1E: LEED Process, credit categories.
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
This question represents Knowledge Domain 9A: Project Surroundings and Public Outreach, environmental
aspects of the built environment.

CONTACT
Green Business Certification Inc.
2101 L Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20037 | gbci.org
USGBC’s website is available 24 hours per day for exam application and registration, information regarding LEED
professional exams and access to your account.
GBCI staff are available for questions, comments, and concerns regarding certificates, LEED professional exam records,
USGBC or CaGBC member pricing refunds, exam content appeals, exam development, exam scoring, exam format and
all other LEED professional exam policies and procedures, please don’t hesitate to reach out using our contact us form:
gbci.org/contact.
Call Center: 1-800-795-1746 (within the US) or +1-202-742-3792 (outside the US)
GBCI’s call center is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 17:30 ET for questions regarding exam registration,
USGBC or CaGBC member pricing, your Credentials account, the LEED Professional Directory and LEED professional
exams. For any other questions, please review the FAQ section.
Prometric
1501 South Clinton Street, Canton Crossing Tower, 14th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21224 | prometric.com/gbci
Prometric’s website is available for scheduling, rescheduling, canceling and confirming exam appointments 24 hours per
day. Please see Registration on page 4 for more information.
View the list of Prometric Call Centers for regional numbers to schedule, reschedule, or cancel your exam, or for general
information.

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LEED® Green Associate™ Candidate Handbook

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AFTER YOUR EXAM 13

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Days before original exam date Refunds Reschedule

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Exam Registration Fees

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What to Expect at a Test Center

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What to Expect at Virtual Check-In

Grounds for Dismissal

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Passing the Exam

Exam-related Complaints and Exam Content Appeals

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