LEED AP with specialty

A LEED AP credential distinguishes those with advanced knowledge in green building, plus expertise in a particular LEED rating system. Previous experience working on a LEED-registered project is strongly recommended.

Southwest Library | LEED Platinum | Photo: ©James Steinkamp Photography

The LEED AP exams measure knowledge about green building, a specific LEED rating system and the certification process. The exam is ideal for individuals who are actively working on green building and LEED projects.

Prep: Review our study materials and access exam prep resources.
Exam: The combined exam includes the LEED Green Associate and LEED AP with specialty exams. Current LEED Green Associates can take the specialty-only portion. You have the option to take the exam at a Prometric Testing Center or from home as a remote proctored online exam. Review exam details.
Maintain: LEED APs must earn 30 continuing education hours within two years of passing their exam. Access CMP information.

Which LEED AP specialty is right for you?

Access the LEED AP with Specialty Candidate Handbook

LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C)
Suits professionals with expertise in the design and construction phases of green buildings, serving the commercial, residential, education and healthcare sectors.

LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M)
Distinguishes professionals implementing sustainable practices, improving performance, heightening efficiency and reducing environmental impact in existing buildings through enhanced operations and maintenance.

LEED AP Interior Design + Construction (LEED AP ID+C)
Serves participants in the design, construction and improvement of commercial interiors and tenant spaces that offer a healthy, sustainable and productive work environment.

LEED AP Neighborhood Development (LEED AP ND)
Applies to individuals participating in the planning, design and development of walkable, neighborhoods and communities.

LEED AP Homes
Suited for those involved in the design and construction of healthy, durable homes that use fewer resources and produce less waste.

Preparing for the exam

Candidate handbook

These handbooks cover exam content, policies & procedures:
LEED AP with specialty

Review study references and sample questions from the candidate handbooks
LEED AP BD+C / O+M / ID+C / ND / Homes

Course catalog

The USGBC course catalog offers online courses, practice tests & study plans:
Four-week, LEED AP BD+C exam study plan
Four-week, LEED AP O+M exam study plan

Publications

LEED Building Design + Construction (BD+C) Reference Guide v4 Edition: Introductory and Overview Sections
LEED BD+C Study Bundle

Steps to become a LEED AP with specialty

Study for the exam

For LEED the AP with BD&C specialty, USGBC recommends one of the below bundles:

	Study bundle $269	Exam & Prep bundle (LEED AP exam only) $459	Exam, Prep & Maintain bundle (LEED AP exam only) $559	Exam & Prep bundle (LEED AP and Green Associate exams) $599	Exam, Prep & Maintain bundle (LEED AP and Green Associate exams) $679
LEED AP BD+C Study Guide	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
BD+C Reference Guide (V4)	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
LEED AP BD+C exam registration	✘	✔	✔	✔	✔
LEED Green Associate exam registration	✘	✘	✘	✔	✔
Full-year subscription to the USGBC course catalog	✘	✘	✔	✘	✔
	Learn more	Learn more	Learn more	Learn more	Learn more

Register for the exam
Schedule to take the exam at home or at a local Prometric testing center

LEED AP exam formats & procedures

Fees: Combined exam: $550 ($400 for USGBC members) / Specialty only: $350 ($250 for USGBC members)
Prerequisites/eligibility requirements: Must hold a current LEED Green Associate credential and be 18 years of age or older. Experience working on LEED-registered projects is strongly recommended.
Format: Combined exam: 100 multiple-choice questions per section / Specialty only: 100 multiple-choice questions. There are two ways to take the exam: you have the option to take the exam at a Prometric Testing Center or from home as a remote proctored online exam.
Language: Translation aids are available in Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, French and Spanish for the BD+C and O+M exams. Learn more.
Scoring: A passing score of 170 out of 200.
Rescheduling and cancellations: Permitted up to 3 days prior to exam. Some fees may apply. Learn more.

Earn continuing education for credential maintenance

Advance your knowledge of green building and sustainability concepts and practices. All LEED professionals are required to maintain their credential by earning continuing education hours; LEED APs must earn 30 continuing education hours within 2 years of earning their credential. You can earn hours through these activities related to green building: education, project experience, authorship and volunteering.

Download the CMP Guide for additional information about LEED professional credential maintenance.

Learn online

Access top sustainability and green building education to grow your knowledge and fulfill continuing education requirements. Explore the USGBC course catalog and purchase a yearlong subscription.

Playlists take the guesswork out of finding the right course for you. Access playlists for LEED AP BD+C CMP, Key concepts for contractors and builders, among others.

Learn in person

Attend events hosted by USGBC communities, previously known as chapters, which provide local leadership, networking, education, and volunteer opportunities for individuals. Browse all in-person events.

USGBC+

Earn continuing education hours by reading our member magazine and taking a quiz. Read USGBC+.