LEED Green Associate Exam for Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) Latest Update

LEED Green Associate Exam for Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) Latest Update

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate credential, administered by the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), signifies a foundational understanding of green building principles and practices. As of January 17, 2025, several updates and developments have been introduced to enhance the LEED Green Associate exam and credentialing process.

Introduction of LEED v5

GBCI is in the process of developing LEED v5, with registration anticipated to open in 2025. This new version aims to incorporate advanced strategies and best practices focusing on critical imperatives such as decarbonization, quality of life, and ecological conservation and restoration. To ensure the LEED Green Associate exam aligns with these updates, GBCI is assembling a LEED v5 Exam Task Force. This team will conduct a job task analysis, create test specifications, and analyze the updated exams to ensure they accurately measure a candidate's knowledge and skills in the field.

Call for Subject Matter Experts

To facilitate the development of the LEED v5 exams, GBCI is seeking subject matter experts (SMEs) to join the Exam Task Force. Eligible candidates should hold an active LEED credential (LEED Green Associate, LEED AP BD+C, LEED AP O+M, or LEED AP ID+C) and possess knowledge of LEED, specifically LEED v5. Applicants must be willing to follow guidelines, undergo training in exam development techniques, and not be associated with any LEED exam preparatory learning development or delivery. Selected SMEs will contribute to ensuring the exams are relevant, reliable, and capable of accurately assessing a candidate's competencies.

Exam Development Timeline

The development of the LEED v5 exams will commence once the LEED v5 rating system has been balloted, approved, and the reference documentation finalized. GBCI anticipates that LEED v5 exams will be available in the first half of 2026. Candidates who take the exam to earn their LEED credential in 2024 and 2025 will be tested on content from the LEED v4 rating systems. GBCI will provide registered exam candidates with ample time to prepare and schedule their exams once the exam schedule has been set.

Remote Proctored Exams

In response to the evolving needs of professionals, GBCI now offers the option to take the LEED Green Associate exam remotely. Candidates can choose to take the exam from their home or workplace using Prometric’s ProProctor tool. This initiative provides greater flexibility for candidates who may not have access to a Prometric test center or prefer the convenience of an online exam. Before scheduling, candidates are advised to complete a system readiness check and review the testing environment requirements to ensure compatibility.

Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) Updates

To maintain the LEED Green Associate credential, professionals are required to earn 15 continuing education (CE) hours within two years of passing their exam. GBCI has updated the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) Guide to reflect the latest policies and procedures. Notably, participation in exam maintenance activities, such as item writing or reviewing exam questions for the LEED Green Associate exam, can now count toward the LEED-specific CE requirements. This change encourages credential holders to engage actively in the evolution of the LEED exams while fulfilling their maintenance obligations.

Exam Preparation Resources

To assist candidates in preparing for the LEED Green Associate exam, GBCI offers various resources, including the LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, which provides detailed information on exam content, policies, and procedures. Additionally, study bundles are available, comprising the LEED Green Associate Exam Preparation Guide and the LEED Core Concepts Guide. These materials are designed to equip candidates with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the exam.

Conclusion

The LEED Green Associate credential continues to evolve, reflecting the dynamic nature of green building practices and sustainability standards. With the forthcoming introduction of LEED v5, GBCI is committed to updating the credentialing process to align with contemporary environmental imperatives. Professionals are encouraged to stay informed about these developments, participate in the evolution of the LEED standards, and utilize the available resources to maintain and enhance their credentials.