Distinguish your expertise
Take your career to the next level
A LEED credential denotes proficiency in today’s sustainable design, construction and operations standards. More than 201,000 professionals have earned a LEED credential to help advance their careers. Showcase your knowledge, experience and credibility in the green building marketplace as a LEED professional.
LEED Green Associate
A foundational professional credential signifying core competency in green building principles. Learn more.
LEED AP with specialty
An advanced professional credential signifying expertise in green building and a LEED rating system. Learn more.
Already hold a credential? Go to your account.
Pursue additional credentials
Become a Green Rater or Green Classroom Professional to further the mission of green homes and schools.
Green Raters
Green Raters provide in-the-field verification services at each and every LEED BD+C: Homes project. Learn more.
Green Classroom Professional
Green classroom professionals advocate for healthier, more sustainable learning environments. Learn more.
Validate your sustainability knowledge
Green jobs are in demand.
By 2018, the green construction industry is expected to account for over 3.3 million U.S. jobs. Passing a LEED exam sets you a part from the pack by validating your field expertise.
Increase your green building knowledge.
Studying for a LEED exam provides you with fundamental knowledge of green building concepts, including transportation, energy, water and air quality.
Join a global network of sustainability advocates.
Green building is global, and when you earn a LEED credential, you join an international community of professionals committed to better building, design and operations.
LEED Green Associate: A foundational credential for professionals
The LEED Green Associate exam measures general knowledge of green building practices and how to support others working on LEED projects. Access the LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook.
Test format
The exam is two hours long and has 100 multiple-choice questions. Learn more.
Ideal for:
Those new to green building, plus product manufacturers, students, real estate professionals & contractors
Start studying
Review our study materials, and explore Education @USGBC for additional prep.
Credential maintenance
LEED Green Associates must earn 15 continuing education hours within two years of passing their test. Read the CMP Guide.
Exam fee: $250 ($200 for USGBC members, $100 for students)
LEED AP with specialty: An advanced credential for LEED experts
The LEED AP exams measure knowledge about green building, a specific LEED rating system and the certification process.
Test format
The full exam includes the LEED Green Associate and LEED AP with specialty tests. Current LEED Green Associates can take the specialty-only portion. Learn more.
Ideal for:
Those with prior experience working on a LEED project is strongly recommended.
Start studying
Review our study materials, and explore Education @USGBC for additional prep.
Credential maintenance
LEED APs must earn 30 continuing education hours within two years of passing their test. Read the CMP guide.
Which LEED AP specialty is right for you?
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.
Access the LEED AP BD+C Candidate Handbook.
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.
Access the LEED AP O+M Candidate Handbook.
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.
Access the LEED AP ID+C Candidate Handbook.
LEED AP Neighborhood Development (LEED AP ND)
Applies to individuals participating in the planning, design and development of walkable, neighborhoods and communities.
Access the LEED ND Candidate Handbook.
LEED AP Homes
Suited for those involved in the design and construction of healthy, durable homes that use fewer resources and produce less waste.
Access the LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook.
Full exam: $550 ($400 for USGBC members) / Specialty only: $350 ($250 for USGBC members)
Preparing for the exam
LEED candidate handbooks
Education @USGBC
Education @USGBC offers online courses, practice tests & study plans:
Two-week, Green Associate exam study plan
Four-week, LEED AP BD+C exam study plan
Four-week, LEED AP O+M exam study plan
Study guides
Regional workshops
Register for an exam prep workshop by your local USGBC community. Find a workshop near you.
LEED Fellows demonstrate excellence
LEED Fellows are LEED APs who have acquired significant technical knowledge and skills. They also have a history of exemplary leadership, impactful commitment, service, and advocacy in green building and sustainability. LEED Fellows are nominated by their peers, undergo an extensive portfolio review, must have at least 10 years of experience in the green building industry and hold a LEED AP with specialty credential, among other requirements.