About the LEED Green Associate V5 Exam

LEED GREEN ASSOCIATE EXAM CONTENT

The LEED® Green Associate exam contains 100 randomly delivered multiple-choice questions and must be completed in 2 hours. The exam questions reflect Knowledge Domains aligned with the LEED v5 rating system credit categories.

In order to pass the LEED® Green Associate exam, candidates must score 170 points or higher out of a possible 200 points. The exam is scored on a scale of 125 to 200.

Below is the breakdown of the exam content areas and the number of questions per category:

• LEED Process (15 questions): USGBC/GBCI fundamentals, LEED rating system structure, certification benefits, available resources, rating system families, development process, category goals, impact areas, and certification process.
• Integrative Process Planning and Assessments (6 questions): Early assessment, systems thinking, life-cycle cost analysis, and roles of integrative project team members.
• Location and Transportation (9 questions): Site selection, transportation demand management, active and alternative transportation, VMT reduction, and equitable development.
• Sustainable Sites (8 questions): Site assessment, environmental considerations, open space, habitat conservation, heat island reduction, light pollution reduction, and rainwater management.
• Water Efficiency (10 questions): Outdoor and indoor water use reduction, graywater and rainwater use, smart irrigation, efficient fixtures and appliances, leak detection, and water metering.
• Energy and Atmosphere (15 questions): Building loads, energy efficiency, energy modeling, passive strategies, renewable energy, green power, energy monitoring, commissioning, and decarbonization.
• Materials and Resources (11 questions): Life-cycle impacts, embodied carbon, material selection, product declarations, VOCs, reuse, recycling, repurposing, and waste management.
• Indoor Environmental Quality (11 questions): Indoor air quality, low-emitting materials, ventilation, lighting, acoustics, thermal comfort, biophilic design, accessibility, and inclusion.

The exam contains both scored and unscored questions. Unscored questions are used by GBCI to collect performance data and may potentially serve as future exam questions. Test-takers will not know which questions are scored and which are unscored. Because of this there is no way to know exactly how many correct answers you need in order to pass.

LEED GREEN ASSOCIATE EXAM FORMAT

All LEED® credentialing exams are computer-based. Exam questions and answer options are displayed on screen, one question at a time.

The exam is closed-book, and you'll have 2 hours to complete 100 multiple-choice questions. There is no partial credit for choosing only one correct answer on such questions.

Test-takers can leave a question unanswered, flag questions for later review, and change the answer to any test question before completing the exam. The exam software will list all the questions you've either skipped or marked for review, making them easy to revisit.

Before the exam, there is a 10-minute tutorial to demonstrate the exam software, and at the end of the exam, there is a 10-minute optional exit survey. The time allocated for the tutorial and survey is not included in your 2-hour examination time.

Answer every single question since leaving it blank will not result in any points. If you're unsure about an answer, mark the question and come back to review it later. If you have extra time at the end of your exam, it's highly recommended that you review all the questions, especially those you flagged.

HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE LEED GREEN ASSOCIATE EXAM?

1. Create a USGBC site user account, or log in if you already have one. Make sure that the name you enter exactly matches the name on the ID you will present at the test. If it does not match, you may not be permitted to take your exam.
2. Under the Credentials section, select the LEED Green Associate credential and follow the instructions to complete the application. Full-time and part-time students can take advantage of discounted rates by entering their school, student ID number, and graduation date when submitting their exam registration.
3. Once your application is submitted and payment is processed, you will receive an Eligibility ID (EID) and will be redirected to Prometric's website to schedule your exam date and location. Alternatively, you may choose to take the exam online through remote proctoring.
4. When the exam is scheduled, you will receive a confirmation number onscreen and an email through Prometric. Keep your confirmation number, as you will need it to confirm, cancel, or reschedule your appointment.
5. Your Eligibility ID is valid for 12 months from the date of registration. If needed, you may request one six-month extension of this period.

WHERE TO TAKE THE LEED GREEN ASSOCIATE EXAM?

The LEED® Green Associate exam can be taken at Prometric testing centers around the world, or online through remote proctoring — in the comfort of your home or office while being monitored by an offsite proctor.

Testing Center Policies and Procedures

Test-takers who choose to take their exam at a Prometric testing center should arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled appointment to sign in. You'll need to present a valid, non-expired, government-issued photo ID that contains a signature, along with your Eligibility ID and the confirmation number emailed to you after scheduling. Test-takers who arrive later than their scheduled exam time will lose their seat.

Expect to see other individuals entering and exiting the testing area throughout your exam, as Prometric testing centers offer a variety of exams. If the testing center is in a busy area, be prepared for potential noise distractions.

Online Proctored Test Policies and Procedures

To take the LEED Green Associate exam online, you will need a computer with a webcam, a stable internet connection, and a private, quiet space where no one will enter or pass through during your exam.

Before scheduling, visit the Prometric's website to run a system test and confirm your setup meets the technical requirements. Taking this step before scheduling is crucial to avoid technical issues that could interrupt or invalidate your exam session. If your system cannot pass the test, you can choose to take the exam at a testing center instead.

On exam day, you'll check in before your scheduled appointment. During check-in, you'll run a system check and provide photos of yourself, your government-issued photo ID, and your testing space. Make sure your desk and the surrounding area are clear of personal and preparatory items — including books, notes, and other materials — to speed up the check-in process.

Throughout your online exam, you will be under surveillance via your webcam and microphone by the offsite proctor. If someone enters your testing space or there are loud distractions, your exam may be terminated. Choose a testing space free of interruptions and background noise.

Special Testing Accommodations

Accommodations can be requested if you have a documented disability that would prevent you from taking the exam under normal testing conditions. Prometric complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and there is no additional charge for special accommodations.

AFTER THE LEED GREEN ASSOCIATE EXAM

After the exam, your exam score will be displayed on screen, and a score report will be emailed to you following your exam session. Within 72 hours of your appointment, your exam results will be processed and your Credentials Dashboard will be updated.

Note: Candidates who take the LEED v5 beta exam (April–August 2026) will not receive immediate results; beta exam scores are expected to be released in October 2026.

Passing the Exam

As soon as you have passed the exam, you can use the title "LEED Green Associate" and/or the logo. Please remember that the abbreviation "LEED GA" is not approved by USGBC and should not be used under any circumstances.

If a LEED® AP with specialty credential is earned after becoming a LEED Green Associate, your LEED Green Associate credential will be replaced by the LEED AP with specialty credential.

Failing the Exam

The full exam fee will be charged for each scheduled exam session after failing an exam. After three unsuccessful attempts, you must wait 90 days before submitting a new registration to GBCI. With thorough preparation, however, failing is not an option — and you can confidently pass the exam with flying colors on your first try.

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR LEED CREDENTIAL

All LEED® Green Associates must earn 15 continuing education (CE) hours within 2 years of earning their credential, while all LEED® APs with specialty must earn 30 continuing education (CE) hours within 2 years of earning their credential.

Frequently Asked Questions About the LEED Green Associate Exam