LEED AP Neighborhood Development (ND) Practice Test

There are no formal educational or experience prerequisites to sit for the LEED AP ND exam. However, the USGBC strongly recommends that candidates first hold the LEED Green Associate credential and have direct professional experience working on a LEED ND project or have thoroughly studied the LEED ND reference guide and relevant case studies. Practical experience is invaluable for understanding the integrative process and credit interpretation nuances tested on the exam.

The LEED AP ND credential is unique in its scale and scope, focusing on the planning and design of entire neighborhoods or large-scale developments, rather than individual buildings (like BD+C or O+M). It requires a systems-thinking approach that connects land use, transportation, infrastructure, and building design. While other specialties are vertical (building-centric), ND is horizontal, dealing with the connective tissue between buildings and the relationship between the project and its region.

The LEED AP ND exam is a 2-hour, 100-question multiple-choice test administered at Prometric testing centers. The questions are divided into two parts: Part 1 (50 questions) covers the core concepts of the LEED rating system, and Part 2 (50 questions) focuses on the specific technical requirements of the ND rating system. A scaled score of 170 out of 200 is required to pass. The exam employs a scaled scoring system to ensure consistency across different versions.

To maintain your LEED AP ND credential, you must earn 30 continuing education (CE) hours every two years. Of these, 6 must be LEED-specific. Hours can be earned through a variety of activities, including courses, workshops, webinars, serving on committees, publishing articles, or attending conferences related to sustainable development, urban planning, or green building. Detailed reporting is done through the USGBC's credential maintenance program (CMP).

This certification is highly valuable for Urban Planners, Civil Engineers, Landscape Architects, Real Estate Developers, Sustainability Directors/Consultants, Municipal Government Staff (Planning, Public Works), Transportation Planners, and Environmental Project Managers. Any professional involved in the master planning, entitlement, design, or approval of large-scale, mixed-use, or infill development projects will find the credential directly applicable and career-enhancing.