What Changes In LEED v5 & When Will The LEED Exams Will Be Based On LEED v5?

What Changes in LEED v5 & When Will the LEED Exams Be Based on LEED v5?

The green building industry is experiencing a pivotal transformation with the introduction of LEED v5, the latest version of the world's leading green building standard. As building professionals prepare for this significant update, two critical questions arise: what are the major changes in LEED v5, and when will the LEED credential exams transition to the new version?

LEED v5 Exam Timeline: When to Expect the Transition

GBCI has officially announced the release dates for the new LEED v5 beta exams. This provides clear guidance for candidates deciding whether to complete their exams under LEED v4 or wait for the updated version.

Key Timeline Details:

• 2025: All LEED exams remain based on LEED v4 content.
• April 26, 2026: Last day to take the current LEED Green Associate v4 exam (standalone and combined versions).
• April 28, 2026: New LEED Green Associate v5 beta exam launches.
• June 28, 2026: Last day to take the current standalone LEED AP v4 exams with Specialty.
• June 30, 2026: New LEED AP BD+C v5 beta exam launches.

Important Considerations for Current Candidates

Candidates who prefer the LEED v4 format should plan to complete their exam before these deadlines. Until then, all exam preparation should continue using LEED v4 study materials. Our LEED Green Associate and LEED AP BD+C study tools remain fully aligned with the v4 exam content.

What Changes in LEED v5: A Comprehensive Overview

LEED v5 represents the most significant update to the rating system since 2013, with three main impact areas: decarbonization through reductions in operational, embodied, refrigerant, and transportation emissions; and improved quality of life through enhanced health, well-being, resilience, and equity outcomes.

The Three Core Goals of LEED v5

1. Climate Action emphasizes:

• Operational carbon reduction
• Embodied carbon assessment
• Building electrification
• Transportation emissions reduction
• Refrigerant emissions management

2. Quality of Life focuses on:

• Health and well-being of occupants
• Social equity considerations
• Community resilience
• Accessibility improvements

3. Ecological Conservation & Restoration promotes environmental stewardship through:

• Habitat protection and restoration
• Water resource conservation
• Sustainable material selection
• Waste reduction strategies

Major Structural Changes

Decarbonization Focus: LEED v5 introduces a major shift toward carbon performance, allocating 50% of total points toward decarbonization strategies, including assessments of operational and embodied carbon and electrification requirements.

Market Transformation Tool: LEED v5 restructures the rating system to support emerging regulations and climate mandates, positioning LEED as a proactive tool for climate action.

Five-Year Update Cycle: LEED will now follow a 5-year update cycle, meaning LEED v6 is expected in 2030.

Impact on Current LEED Professionals

Current LEED credential holders do not need to retest. As long as credential maintenance requirements are met, all existing LEED credentials remain valid through the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP).

Conclusion

As LEED v5 prepares to transform the green building industry with its enhanced focus on decarbonization and climate action, understanding the exam transition timeline is essential. If you prefer testing under LEED v4, plan to complete your exam before April 26, 2026 (LEED Green Associate) or June 28, 2026 (LEED AP BD+C). Otherwise, the LEED v5 beta exams beginning April 28 and June 30, 2026 will provide a brand-new exam experience aligned with the latest sustainability priorities.