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The LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) exam consists of 80 questions, and is scored on a scale of 125 to 200, with a score of 170 being good enough to pass. I thought that writing for Environmental Building News and earning a master's certificate in sustainable design online through the Boston Architectural College, I was in good shape for taking the LEED-AP test and joining the ranks, so I scheduled my accreditation exam for later this winter.
I remember the drill from taking the SATs in high school -- practicing actual questions is the best way to study. So I started looking for sample tests and other test prep junk, which led me to the popular ARE Forum, where I got my first reality check.
Here's what some people said about the test:
"I took the LEED NC 2.2 test on Friday and scored a 168 out of 170. I plan on taking it again this week. Kills me as I was so close. The test was pretty fair but hard. There about 5 questions that I believe were unfair." -ReddFL
"The report said I failed bad in the credit intent and understanding which confuses me as I know the requirements like the back of my hand....well for most of them." -Hobstar
"I just got back from failing the exam... 163. I'll be retesting next Thursday. The proctor told me that if I had gotten one more question right, I probably would have passed. IF. I now despise that word... IF. " - it aint ez bein green
I'd heard that the test had gotten harder since the early days, but comments like these really underlined that. So I've dug in, taken (and failed) a practice test, and made up flashcards to learn just what are SMACNA, IPMVP, BMP, and good ol' EPA, and in what credits they are relevant (the University of Florida also has free online flashcards).
One way of looking at LEED is as a standardized test for buildings, an approach that has pluses (it's democratic and transparent, or at least tries to be) and minuses (it encourages building by checklist, much like American schools "teach for the test"). The LEED-AP exam, then, is a standardized test to qualify to proctor a standardized test.
That about sums up how much it has to do with actually building a green building. In the plus column, now I've finally learned what is SCAQMD. (I had been picturing a bureaucracy of squid doctors, when in fact it's the South Coast Air Quality Management District, it regulates stationary sources of air pollution in Orange County, CA, and its standards are referenced in EQ Credits 4.1 and 4.2, Low-Emitting Materials).
What are your LEED-AP exam experiences? For those who have earned them, how do you feel about having those letters after your name?
Comments
It's finally nice to see someone tackle this subject. I DON'T apply my LEED knowledge to the degree of someone who would be on a LEED Design Team so my day to day familarity is not to the level of "The Back of My Hand" as I represent a product manufacturer effecting a "minute" portion of the total LeED system of classification. I've taken the exam twice with disappointing results simply because I did not take the REQUIRED time to fully MEMORIZE the COMPLETE Reference Package. My advice to fellow manufacturers. If you're thinking of taking the LEED-AP exam, Do you very best to memorize the LEED Reference Package (Manual) in full. My other comment---- Watch for multiple choice answers within multiple choice questions. (Potential of 16 to 20 choices across 4 correct answers within 1 question). NOTE. You could get 3 of the 4 answers correct. If you get the 4th one wrong the other 3 correct choices get thrown out the window if you select an incorrect answer. and you'll get that question totally wrong (even if you got 3/4 of the answer correct). This is where the system seems unfair. However- i fully respect the fact that they have to set the bar fairly high-otherwise- everyone on your block would be aLEED-Accreditted Professional.
Posted 1/2/08 4:03 PM by Draftman56
I recently took and passed the LEED-AP exam, however it was not an easy task. I felt that it tested your ability to memorize specific details of the reference guide as opposed to your understanding of the rating system. I also felt that there were a significant number of questions related to who (architect, structural/civil/MEP engineer, contractor, etc.) was responsible for certain aspects of each credit, which I thought was odd being as LEED is supposed to be an integrated process, utilizing every discipline. The test was more difficult than I initially thought it would be and required a substantial amount of studying. But if you can memorize a lot of acronyms and the intricacies of how a building obtains LEED certification, it is definitely doable.
Posted 1/2/08 4:52 PM by hmk
My desire to take the LEED AP has increased after learning that it is really harder than most expect. I now expect it to be very difficult and thus perhaps will pass?
Forming a study group in San Francisco if anyone is interested. Sunday evenings from 5-6:30pm at Cafe Abir. Contact me for details.
Forming a study group in San Francisco if anyone is interested. Sunday evenings from 5-6:30pm at Cafe Abir. Contact me for details.
Posted 1/8/08 8:06 PM by Jeny Smith
I just finished the exam and scored 167. How ironic it is that most unsuccessful attempts have been within 4 points of the 170 minimum passing score. The exam was difficult, but the results really contradicted my perceived knowledge. The Score report indicated that my weakest area was Implementation.
Posted 1/17/08 4:13 PM by Julie
Julie, thanks for the report, and sorry to hear about your near-miss! That's what I find a bit scary about this test -- for many people, their results don't match how they feel about their expertise. We've all bombed tests we weren't well prepared for, but I"d like to think that if I feel prepared, I'll do well.
Any tips for those taking the test?
Any tips for those taking the test?
Posted 1/18/08 10:49 AM by Tristan
Tristan,
Whatever you do, memorize the Reference Guide from cover to cover. There were approximately 10 questions discussed in the guide that were not covered in the standard itself.
Whatever you do, memorize the Reference Guide from cover to cover. There were approximately 10 questions discussed in the guide that were not covered in the standard itself.
Posted 1/18/08 11:24 AM by julie
Tristan, further to my earlier comments in this discussion- Julie is right on the money on memorizing the technical guide. In particular, I would suggest studying and memorizing the various Acronyms and the associated standard numbers for each referenced authority providing guidance or the benchmarls for measurement or qualification of LEED points AND MOST IMPORTANT - know SPECIFICALLY which LEED credit number and point value that those acronyms/Standards is applicable to -- as an example ANSI/ASTM E779-03---- Its not enough to recognize the correct number and acronym - by rote - you also have to remember that it is THAT standard that is used to prove that air leakage area is less than 1.25 sq. inches per 100 square feet of wall area if excercising Option 3 (reducing air leakage between rooms) in order to MEET the prerequisite for Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control as the primary qualifier for meeting the Indoor Environmental Quality Component of the LEED checklist. THAT is but one example of a HOST of different standards and acronymns that the Guide is proliferated with. The downfall of MOST of us who have failed the exam is that we may have fooled ourselves into thinking we have EACH of those acronymns correctly memorized and associated with the appropriate part of the LEED checklist. The BETTER you can drill yourself with flashcards that can correctly relate these standards to the the correct LEED section and credit number , the higher chance you have of passing. Just remember, the only thing you can walk into the exam with is YOUR BRAIN - no other reference material is allowed so unless you have it ALL in your head - you risk not passing the exam. I only wish THIS forum had existed before I wrote the exam and that someone had shared this data with me.
Posted 1/18/08 2:25 PM by Draftman56
Tristan,
Having a thorough understanding of green design is but the first of several steps to mastering the LEED exam. I have an Architecture degree specializing in Sustainable Design, but after visiting the forums and reading many heartbreaking tales of those who only came close to passing, I too was apprehensive about being able to pass the test the first time I took it. I didn't want to pay to take the test multiple times - it's not cheap, so I divised a plan to put me in the best possible position to pass the test the first and hopefully only time I took it.
Was I successful?
Absolutely! I scored 190 out of 200 passing with flying colors that first attempt.
I think anyone could do the same with hard work, sufficient time, and an effective game plan.
Knowing how to learn is just as important as knowing what to learn.
I'm trying to figure out how can I best help others prepare for the exam. My first effort will be to lead an ongoing class at the A/E firm where I work for those who want to prepare for the exam. I've thought of blogging about what we cover each week if I can find the time. While not as effective as actually being in the class, it might be sufficient for a self-starter.
But for those just starting this journey, I recommend focusing on the first step of becoming very familiar with basic principles of sustainable design and there are some very good online resources for that. If anyone is interested, I will be glad to share where to start.
Having a thorough understanding of green design is but the first of several steps to mastering the LEED exam. I have an Architecture degree specializing in Sustainable Design, but after visiting the forums and reading many heartbreaking tales of those who only came close to passing, I too was apprehensive about being able to pass the test the first time I took it. I didn't want to pay to take the test multiple times - it's not cheap, so I divised a plan to put me in the best possible position to pass the test the first and hopefully only time I took it.
Was I successful?
Absolutely! I scored 190 out of 200 passing with flying colors that first attempt.
I think anyone could do the same with hard work, sufficient time, and an effective game plan.
Knowing how to learn is just as important as knowing what to learn.
I'm trying to figure out how can I best help others prepare for the exam. My first effort will be to lead an ongoing class at the A/E firm where I work for those who want to prepare for the exam. I've thought of blogging about what we cover each week if I can find the time. While not as effective as actually being in the class, it might be sufficient for a self-starter.
But for those just starting this journey, I recommend focusing on the first step of becoming very familiar with basic principles of sustainable design and there are some very good online resources for that. If anyone is interested, I will be glad to share where to start.
Posted 1/19/08 8:39 PM by MaryLea
Yes Mary Lea, I think it would be great for you to share those resources with this list. Thanks and congradulations on your success! Laura
Posted 1/24/08 9:57 AM by Laura Lauffer
Hi Mary Lea
I too am looking for something that would prepare me the best possible way. I do agree that it is an expensive exam and I wouldlike to only take it once. Please share your resources.
Thanks
Andrew
I too am looking for something that would prepare me the best possible way. I do agree that it is an expensive exam and I wouldlike to only take it once. Please share your resources.
Thanks
Andrew
Posted 1/24/08 2:35 PM by Andrew M
OK - here we go.
Step 1 - Realize that adequate preparation takes time - lots of time if you don't want this process to be painful. I studied for over a year, off and on, but a lot of that time was spent figuring out how to study. If you already have a good, and I mean really good understanding of sustainable design, you can get ready to take the exam in 2 - 3 months.
But let's make the assumption that some of us could benefit from a better awareness of basic green design principles. Fortunately a great course explaining these principles exists, online no less, and even better - it's FREE. But before I give you the link to the course, let me tell you about another free resource that will make this task easier.
If you grew up in America, you didn't study English in order to learn to talk. You just absorbed it bit by bit as you grew from a baby to a toddler to a child. This is a useful tool for anything you need to learn. Hang out and "talk shop" with those who are knowledgeable about green design. And read, read, read. Subscribe to - and here's that word again - FREE magazines that focus on sustaninable design. I'm not talking about reading each one from cover to cover; just skim them, stopping to read those things that catch your eye. Before long more and more information will begin to stick. Sort of like hiking through a cockle burr patch (If you're from the South and like being out in nature, you know what I'm talking about.)
The three best magazines to start with are Environmental Design & Construction, Building Design & Construction, and Eco-Structure. All of these are free and subscription info can be found online. Just Google them.
Now back to the free course. I like this course for several reasons. First, the format follows some of the best principles for learning - such as breaking things into bite size pieces. It also has short videos to accompany the text and open-book quizzes at the end of those bite size pieces. The text is another great FREE resource. (The goal here is to save your money for those resources that are NOT free.) Besides you can get a certificate of completion for each piece and CEU's for the course. What's not to like?
The course is called High Performance School Design. Even though it's geared towards school design, it is applicable to many building types and is a great overview about green design. You can find the course here -
http://www.nyserda.org/hps/default.asp
If you have trouble locating the text, let me know. That should be enough to get you started. Let me know how it goes.
Step 1 - Realize that adequate preparation takes time - lots of time if you don't want this process to be painful. I studied for over a year, off and on, but a lot of that time was spent figuring out how to study. If you already have a good, and I mean really good understanding of sustainable design, you can get ready to take the exam in 2 - 3 months.
But let's make the assumption that some of us could benefit from a better awareness of basic green design principles. Fortunately a great course explaining these principles exists, online no less, and even better - it's FREE. But before I give you the link to the course, let me tell you about another free resource that will make this task easier.
If you grew up in America, you didn't study English in order to learn to talk. You just absorbed it bit by bit as you grew from a baby to a toddler to a child. This is a useful tool for anything you need to learn. Hang out and "talk shop" with those who are knowledgeable about green design. And read, read, read. Subscribe to - and here's that word again - FREE magazines that focus on sustaninable design. I'm not talking about reading each one from cover to cover; just skim them, stopping to read those things that catch your eye. Before long more and more information will begin to stick. Sort of like hiking through a cockle burr patch (If you're from the South and like being out in nature, you know what I'm talking about.)
The three best magazines to start with are Environmental Design & Construction, Building Design & Construction, and Eco-Structure. All of these are free and subscription info can be found online. Just Google them.
Now back to the free course. I like this course for several reasons. First, the format follows some of the best principles for learning - such as breaking things into bite size pieces. It also has short videos to accompany the text and open-book quizzes at the end of those bite size pieces. The text is another great FREE resource. (The goal here is to save your money for those resources that are NOT free.) Besides you can get a certificate of completion for each piece and CEU's for the course. What's not to like?
The course is called High Performance School Design. Even though it's geared towards school design, it is applicable to many building types and is a great overview about green design. You can find the course here -
http://www.nyserda.org/hps/default.asp
If you have trouble locating the text, let me know. That should be enough to get you started. Let me know how it goes.
Posted 1/27/08 10:06 PM by MaryLea
I agree with MaryLea about taking your time to absorb all the exciting information about green buildings and LEED designs. I passed the LEED v2.2 after 6 months of studying. I took my time and read the reference manual slowly and made sure I understood what i was reading. I avoided trying to memorize anything because to me LEED was more than just being able to use it on a business card. I work for an engineering firm that allows me opportunity to work on unique design projects that are poised for LEED certifications. THe challenge of being part of this new transformation is what drives me to actually learn the LEED rating system.
THank you MaryLea for the indepth write up. I will pass on the link to NYSERDA to my fellow colleagues who you studying for the exam.
THank you MaryLea for the indepth write up. I will pass on the link to NYSERDA to my fellow colleagues who you studying for the exam.
Posted 1/31/08 2:16 AM by TAD
Tad,
You've hit the nail on the head! Great comment. Passing the exam MUST be motivated by reasons other than being able to add those letters at the end of your name.
What good does it do to claim you are accredited and then not be able to deliver a sustainable building because you don't truly understand what you're doing or you make the building more costly than it needs to be because of your lack of understanding? Then those creditials become just another form of greenwashing.
Congratulations on a job well done, with the skill to walk the talk. Congrats too for taking the 2.2 test and not rushing to take the easier 2.1 test and then be unfamiliar with the requirements for producing a 2.2 building.
One thing you did say may be slightly confusing though. In learning the information for the test, you say you avoided tryiing to memorize anything. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't any information you learn and retain, memorized? Could it be you avoided memorizing and putting the information in your short-term memory only to be emptied shortly after the test, but by taking your time studying, you stored the information in your long-term memory? You no doubt remember the majority of what you studied, maybe forgetting some of the details, but you could quickly put your hands on any information you needed if you had too.
Allowing adequate time to prepare is only Step 1. Have any of you looked into the online High Performance School Design course? Is anyone interested in Step 2?
You've hit the nail on the head! Great comment. Passing the exam MUST be motivated by reasons other than being able to add those letters at the end of your name.
What good does it do to claim you are accredited and then not be able to deliver a sustainable building because you don't truly understand what you're doing or you make the building more costly than it needs to be because of your lack of understanding? Then those creditials become just another form of greenwashing.
Congratulations on a job well done, with the skill to walk the talk. Congrats too for taking the 2.2 test and not rushing to take the easier 2.1 test and then be unfamiliar with the requirements for producing a 2.2 building.
One thing you did say may be slightly confusing though. In learning the information for the test, you say you avoided tryiing to memorize anything. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't any information you learn and retain, memorized? Could it be you avoided memorizing and putting the information in your short-term memory only to be emptied shortly after the test, but by taking your time studying, you stored the information in your long-term memory? You no doubt remember the majority of what you studied, maybe forgetting some of the details, but you could quickly put your hands on any information you needed if you had too.
Allowing adequate time to prepare is only Step 1. Have any of you looked into the online High Performance School Design course? Is anyone interested in Step 2?
Posted 2/9/08 6:03 PM by MaryLea
Hi MaryLea.
I am interested in Step 2. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
I am interested in Step 2. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Posted 2/12/08 3:48 PM by Julie
A few words of advice for anyone wanting to become accredited.
1- Have a timeline! Anyone knows how goals can slip unless we have a specific timeline. LEED is not rocket science but it is best to keep an aggressive timeline from the beginning if possible. During the beginning of your studies you are like a sponge and are soaking up a tremendous amount of info, hopefully because you are interested. That is the best time to keep feeding your appetite.
2- Attend a LEED Technical Review workshop. I know they can be very expensive if you don't have a company to pay for one but they are usually very well put together and can condense a tremendous amount of self study. They also provide a great deal of context and should give you a snapshot into the industry demographics which is helpful overall. Prepare yourself for the class by downloading a rating system and familiarizing yourself with the presentations available for download.
3- Schedule a test no later than 2 months after your class. Some testing centers can have up to a month backlog so don't wait. You can schedule the test down to the hour if you like so pick a time that works for you and stick to it. Much of the class is direct testable info so pay close attention and the longer you wait the more you will forget.
4- Read the reference guide. The 2inch thick book is the only way to get to the true testable elements of exam. The exam assumes you have a working knowledge of the point thresholds and instead focuses on the application of the credits. Look but don't memorize the formulas. Formulas and referenced standards are prime test questions! You are not expected to remember the exact formulas or standards but instead need to understand the elements used in the calculations. Ie: Is recycled content calculated by percentage of total project cost or project weight. Many of the formulas and standards repeat themselves so don't get too overwhelmed.
5- Take practice tests. I keep many exam resources including practice tests on my website: http://www.2dinnovations.com/tips.html
6- Think positive! Studies prove that mental visualization of success will manifest itself and you will become accredited. I can't emphasize that enough. For a few minutes every day prior to the test, take a minute and totally relax yourself in quite surroundings. Envision yourself answering questions successfully and calmly until you see the screen showing: Congratulations! You have successfully passed the exam the exam.
Now that you are the latest LEEDap go have a beer for me!
1- Have a timeline! Anyone knows how goals can slip unless we have a specific timeline. LEED is not rocket science but it is best to keep an aggressive timeline from the beginning if possible. During the beginning of your studies you are like a sponge and are soaking up a tremendous amount of info, hopefully because you are interested. That is the best time to keep feeding your appetite.
2- Attend a LEED Technical Review workshop. I know they can be very expensive if you don't have a company to pay for one but they are usually very well put together and can condense a tremendous amount of self study. They also provide a great deal of context and should give you a snapshot into the industry demographics which is helpful overall. Prepare yourself for the class by downloading a rating system and familiarizing yourself with the presentations available for download.
3- Schedule a test no later than 2 months after your class. Some testing centers can have up to a month backlog so don't wait. You can schedule the test down to the hour if you like so pick a time that works for you and stick to it. Much of the class is direct testable info so pay close attention and the longer you wait the more you will forget.
4- Read the reference guide. The 2inch thick book is the only way to get to the true testable elements of exam. The exam assumes you have a working knowledge of the point thresholds and instead focuses on the application of the credits. Look but don't memorize the formulas. Formulas and referenced standards are prime test questions! You are not expected to remember the exact formulas or standards but instead need to understand the elements used in the calculations. Ie: Is recycled content calculated by percentage of total project cost or project weight. Many of the formulas and standards repeat themselves so don't get too overwhelmed.
5- Take practice tests. I keep many exam resources including practice tests on my website: http://www.2dinnovations.com/tips.html
6- Think positive! Studies prove that mental visualization of success will manifest itself and you will become accredited. I can't emphasize that enough. For a few minutes every day prior to the test, take a minute and totally relax yourself in quite surroundings. Envision yourself answering questions successfully and calmly until you see the screen showing: Congratulations! You have successfully passed the exam the exam.
Now that you are the latest LEEDap go have a beer for me!
Posted 2/24/08 6:59 PM by 2D_Innovations
Sorry this has been so long in coming. That said let's talk about Step 2
Well, first let me say I agree with 2D about having a timeline. Having a goal or target date for taking the test is a vital motivational tool. As a wise man once said -
Aim at nothing and you'll hit it everytime.
Divide the time between your start date and your test date into 8 periods. Allow one period for learning about the different LEED rating systems and when to use each one, for becoming familiar with the test format, for looking over the LEED accreditation handbook, and for gaining an overall familiarity with the rating system you are being tested on (for simplicity's sake we'll use LEED-NC 2.2 as our default from here on out). Also allow time in this period to gather your resources for studying. We'll cover those later.
That familiarity includes the 4 different levels of certification and how many points are required for each level. Know the 6 categories and the difference between prerequisites and credits.
How do you know if you are familiar enough with the material?
Can you easily say it in backwards order? For example, Innovation in Design, Indoor Environmental Quality, Materials & Resources, Energy & Atmosphere, Water Efficiency, and Sustainable Sites are the 6 categories in reverse order. Can you say these quickly in either order? If so, you know it pretty well.
The next 6 periods should be dedicated to learning the details of each of the 6 categories (because the Innovation in Design category is fairly short, during this period also become familiar with project registration, online credit templates, credit interpretation rulings, and the certification process) and the last period to taking practice tests & discovering and correcting your weaknesses.
If you allow one week for each period of time, it would take you 2 months to prepare. Maybe I'm a slow learner, but there was no way I could learn and absorb all that I needed to know about Sustainable Sites (or any of the other categories for that matter) in one week while working full time. It would have taken my every waking moment outside of work and I wanted the process to be enjoyable, so I probably allowed each period to be about 2 weeks long. Besides learning more slowly allows things to enter long term memory rather than taking up temporary residence in short term memory.
Keep breaking down each period of time and each category into smaller and smaller segments until you know what you need to learn each day. You know - the eating-the-elephant-one-bite-at-a-time method.
I know this is not what I intended to talk about today, but this is just as important and 2D's comment got me thinking about these things. So what about Step 2?
Step 2 -
Discover and focus on your learning style, but reinforce your study with all the learning styles.
Do you learn best by reading something or seeing pictures, or do you prefer to have someone explain what you need to know? Perhaps you would rather take a hands on approach while someone walks you through the steps. The first learner would be a visual learner, the second - an auditory, and the third would be a kinesthetic learner.
How do these three styles affect your approach to learning the material to pass the LEED exam? Well, I'm out of time for now. Let me know if these chats are of help to you and I'll answer that question later.
Well, first let me say I agree with 2D about having a timeline. Having a goal or target date for taking the test is a vital motivational tool. As a wise man once said -
Aim at nothing and you'll hit it everytime.
Divide the time between your start date and your test date into 8 periods. Allow one period for learning about the different LEED rating systems and when to use each one, for becoming familiar with the test format, for looking over the LEED accreditation handbook, and for gaining an overall familiarity with the rating system you are being tested on (for simplicity's sake we'll use LEED-NC 2.2 as our default from here on out). Also allow time in this period to gather your resources for studying. We'll cover those later.
That familiarity includes the 4 different levels of certification and how many points are required for each level. Know the 6 categories and the difference between prerequisites and credits.
How do you know if you are familiar enough with the material?
Can you easily say it in backwards order? For example, Innovation in Design, Indoor Environmental Quality, Materials & Resources, Energy & Atmosphere, Water Efficiency, and Sustainable Sites are the 6 categories in reverse order. Can you say these quickly in either order? If so, you know it pretty well.
The next 6 periods should be dedicated to learning the details of each of the 6 categories (because the Innovation in Design category is fairly short, during this period also become familiar with project registration, online credit templates, credit interpretation rulings, and the certification process) and the last period to taking practice tests & discovering and correcting your weaknesses.
If you allow one week for each period of time, it would take you 2 months to prepare. Maybe I'm a slow learner, but there was no way I could learn and absorb all that I needed to know about Sustainable Sites (or any of the other categories for that matter) in one week while working full time. It would have taken my every waking moment outside of work and I wanted the process to be enjoyable, so I probably allowed each period to be about 2 weeks long. Besides learning more slowly allows things to enter long term memory rather than taking up temporary residence in short term memory.
Keep breaking down each period of time and each category into smaller and smaller segments until you know what you need to learn each day. You know - the eating-the-elephant-one-bite-at-a-time method.
I know this is not what I intended to talk about today, but this is just as important and 2D's comment got me thinking about these things. So what about Step 2?
Step 2 -
Discover and focus on your learning style, but reinforce your study with all the learning styles.
Do you learn best by reading something or seeing pictures, or do you prefer to have someone explain what you need to know? Perhaps you would rather take a hands on approach while someone walks you through the steps. The first learner would be a visual learner, the second - an auditory, and the third would be a kinesthetic learner.
How do these three styles affect your approach to learning the material to pass the LEED exam? Well, I'm out of time for now. Let me know if these chats are of help to you and I'll answer that question later.
Posted 2/25/08 4:18 PM by MaryLea
I'm considering going for LEED AP, but am coming from the construction side of the business, NOT the architectural/design side. Will that put me at a significant disadvantage in preparing for the exam? Any thoughts on how to best overcome my lack of true design experience.
Larry
Larry
Posted 2/25/08 4:26 PM by Larry
Larry, you'll be fine as long as you have a general understanding of all facets of construction much like a general contractor would. An architect has an advantage over other design professionals because they function like a jack of all trades. They have to know something about everything in order to design a structure that can actually be built. A general contractor has much of the same knowledge. LEED is not so much concerned with aesthetics and the psychological aspects of space which are two other areas of an architect's expertise.
Go for it. We need more people from the construction side to become LEED accredited.
The more people on the team that have their accreditation the more sucessful the project will be.
Go for it. We need more people from the construction side to become LEED accredited.
The more people on the team that have their accreditation the more sucessful the project will be.
Posted 2/25/08 5:42 PM by MaryLea
I'm working on an article that compares the LEED AP to the new NAHB and NARI programs for builders. If the LEED AP is so difficult to pass, should builders go for the NAHB or NARI certification instead? Is the residential marketplace sophisticated enough to care about whether a builder has any certification at all? Any and all advice appreciated.
Posted 2/26/08 4:57 PM by Rebecca
Tristan has posted a practice exam - see http://www.buildinggreen.com/live/index.cfm/2008/3...
Posted 3/15/08 8:28 PM by Mark Piepkorn
How important is it to have a degree in design or work in construction to take the LEED exam? I have a masters in Geology and have worked in a Civil Engineering firm (Water Resources) for 5 years. I am looking to take the AP exam because I would like to get into more integrated work.
Posted 3/17/08 3:35 PM by JenE
It's not important at all. It just might make the test a little more difficult, but we need more people from more disciplines to become LEED APs. Try to get a good basic foundation in green design first, though. Take a look at the online High Performance School course I referenced in an earlier comment.
Posted 3/17/08 6:13 PM by MaryLea
I took LEED NC 2.2 and passed it the First Time. My initial study plan was to memorize all the credits and intent but after taking the practice exams I realized that was just 50% of the effort. So I changed my plan and started focusing on Approach & Implementation portion of Reference Guide and the Free Templates. That improved my performance suddenly. I felt understanding each and every credit definitely helped me in the Test instead of Memorization.
Posted 3/19/08 9:29 AM by Chetan Kale, LEED AP
How do you score yourself on a practice exam to see if you’ve reached the 170-point threshold?
Posted 3/20/08 11:31 PM by Joe
Joe, there is not a simple answer to this question. The following is from the USGBC website:
"Q: How is the LEED Professional Accreditation exam scored?
A: A scaled scoring process is used to score each exam. Scores can range from 125 to 200, but candidates must achieve at least a 170 to pass the exam. Note that the scaled score is neither the number of items correct nor percentage correct. USGBC reports scaled scores so that candidates know that a passing score of 170 is required to pass on each test. In this way, confusion about what is required to become a LEED Accredited Professional is avoided."
Note that USGBC says what a scaled score isn't, but not what it is -- and they think that this avoids confusion?
The way this works, to my knowledge, is that different questions have different values based on difficulty. A difficult question might be worth 2 points, and an easy one is worth 1.5 points. A score of 170 out of 200 is 85%, but it might not translate to getting 85% of the questions correct. This makes it hard to score a practice exam, but I don't think it matters. Unless you are very familiar with LEED, you'll probably do poorly on your first practice (I did). Study more. If you get close to or even surpassing 85% on a practice exam and you're understanding and learning from your incorrect answers, you're in good shape.
"Q: How is the LEED Professional Accreditation exam scored?
A: A scaled scoring process is used to score each exam. Scores can range from 125 to 200, but candidates must achieve at least a 170 to pass the exam. Note that the scaled score is neither the number of items correct nor percentage correct. USGBC reports scaled scores so that candidates know that a passing score of 170 is required to pass on each test. In this way, confusion about what is required to become a LEED Accredited Professional is avoided."
Note that USGBC says what a scaled score isn't, but not what it is -- and they think that this avoids confusion?
The way this works, to my knowledge, is that different questions have different values based on difficulty. A difficult question might be worth 2 points, and an easy one is worth 1.5 points. A score of 170 out of 200 is 85%, but it might not translate to getting 85% of the questions correct. This makes it hard to score a practice exam, but I don't think it matters. Unless you are very familiar with LEED, you'll probably do poorly on your first practice (I did). Study more. If you get close to or even surpassing 85% on a practice exam and you're understanding and learning from your incorrect answers, you're in good shape.
Posted 3/23/08 6:51 PM by Tristan Korthals Altes
Tristan,
I feel really good about earning my LEED AP Credential. I've gotten a nice promotion and gained more respect in my office because of it. Like yourself, who created that practice exam to help you and others (It's great, btw. I wish it was around before I passed my test on March 2nd), I started a blog to help myself study too, which turns out to be a great resource for others as well. I would be honored if you could take a look at it and offer your comments and recommendations/criticisms on it. I'm always looking for ways to improve the blog and help others pass the exam. I'd also love to trade links with you too if you see it proper. My name links to the website. Thanks in advance!
I feel really good about earning my LEED AP Credential. I've gotten a nice promotion and gained more respect in my office because of it. Like yourself, who created that practice exam to help you and others (It's great, btw. I wish it was around before I passed my test on March 2nd), I started a blog to help myself study too, which turns out to be a great resource for others as well. I would be honored if you could take a look at it and offer your comments and recommendations/criticisms on it. I'm always looking for ways to improve the blog and help others pass the exam. I'd also love to trade links with you too if you see it proper. My name links to the website. Thanks in advance!
Posted 3/27/08 1:54 PM by Pat
Why are you thanking MaryLea all she did was post and ad. Has LEED not taken enough of your money that you want to give it to her org? WTF is going on w/this industry. Ya I just failed the LEED AP by 2 pts and ya I'm a little bitter but come on people can''t you see a total snow job when you see it. Come on people.
Posted 4/15/08 10:47 PM by Scarmade
Hi Scarmade,
I'm confused. Maybe I missed something - where did MaryLea ask anybody to give money to any organization? What ad are you talking about?
She did take a lot of time to provide really great study tips, including references to free resources - she even capitalized the word FREE - and in my book, that's pretty great. Where's the snow job?
Sorry you didn't pass the LEED exam this time. I hope MaryLea's tips help you get it on the next try.
I'm confused. Maybe I missed something - where did MaryLea ask anybody to give money to any organization? What ad are you talking about?
She did take a lot of time to provide really great study tips, including references to free resources - she even capitalized the word FREE - and in my book, that's pretty great. Where's the snow job?
Sorry you didn't pass the LEED exam this time. I hope MaryLea's tips help you get it on the next try.
Posted 4/16/08 4:58 PM by Mark Piepkorn
I just passed the LEED AP with a score of 183. I think the best way to study is to learn the credit intents and requirements first, and really understand them, and them learn what you need to do to submit them to USGBC for credit and additional credit information. I was fortunate enough to be sent to a LEED Technical Review workshop to review NC 2.2. The workbook for this class was possibly the best source of condensed knowledge next to the reference guide. It made things much more manageable. Lastly, after all the studying, I took about 7 swings at practice tests from Greenexamprep.com. The 4 test this subscription site gives you access to were a bit more tricky that the actual test, and really makes sure you know your stuff. These tests make sure your brain is used to taking tests formulated the way the LEED AP is.
Lastly a good way to test yourself is to sit down with a LEED checklist with all the credit names listed and write out or resite the requirements. If you can do this for 90% of the credits, you're ready to pass. Remember though, its not just about credit intents and requirements. Theres alot to learn. Good Luck-
Lastly a good way to test yourself is to sit down with a LEED checklist with all the credit names listed and write out or resite the requirements. If you can do this for 90% of the credits, you're ready to pass. Remember though, its not just about credit intents and requirements. Theres alot to learn. Good Luck-
Posted 4/17/08 12:41 PM by J McCann
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