LEED AP BD+C: Building Design and Construction Exam Practice Test

While there are no formal educational or experience prerequisites to sit for the exam, the USGBC strongly recommends that candidates have prior experience working on a LEED project registered under the BD+C rating system. This practical experience is crucial for understanding the applied concepts tested. You must first pass the LEED Green Associate exam (or have a current credential) before being eligible to take the specialty LEED AP BD+C exam.

The LEED Green Associate demonstrates a broad, foundational understanding of green building principles and all LEED rating systems. The LEED AP BD+C is a specialty credential that denotes an advanced, in-depth expertise specifically in the Building Design and Construction rating system. It focuses on the technical details, credit calculations, documentation, and application strategies for new construction and major renovation projects, representing a higher tier of knowledge and professional capability.

The LEED AP BD+C exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions (scored) and may include an additional 10 unscored pretest questions. Candidates have 2 hours to complete the exam, which is administered at Pearson VUE test centers or via online proctoring. The exam is scored on a scale of 125 to 200, with a passing score of 170. This scaled scoring accounts for slight variations in difficulty between different exam forms.

LEED AP credential holders must earn 30 Continuing Education (CE) hours every two years to maintain their credential. These hours must be reported through the USGBC's Credentialing Platform. At least 24 of the 30 hours must be LEED-specific, and a minimum of 6 hours must be from approved LEED-specific courses offered by USGBC Education Partners or through other approved activities detailed in the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) guide.

The most critical resources are the official LEED v4.1 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the USGBC's official LEED AP BD+C Candidate Handbook, and the USGBC's online practice exams. Supplementing these with project experience, reputable exam prep guides from recognized providers, and participation in study groups or workshops focused on the BD+C rating system is highly recommended for comprehensive preparation.