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.
Blog Post
Studying for the LEED-AP Test
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?Published December 30, 2007 Permalink Citation
(2007, December 30). Studying for the LEED-AP Test. Retrieved from https://www.buildinggreen.com/news-article/studying-leed-ap-test
Comments
I'm working on an article tha
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.
Renee, you have not missed th
Renee, you have not missed the deadline to retake. You have until tomorrow at midnight to register to retake.
I recently took and passed, t
I recently took and passed, the LEED-NC test. I started really putting in effort about 1.5 months ago. The test was difficult and tricky. Being a mechancial engineer i knew the EA , WE , and EQ credits better than the others. I was nervous during the test becasue half of the first 30 questions i marked to do later. The majority of them dealt with MR & SS credits and the submittal process. I can't stress enough to know the formula for FTE and what credits it applies to. Know more than just the BOD, know what applies to it. The CIR process is easy to remember and is on the test in multiple forms. Know the ASHRAE standards and what credits their associated with. I recommed obtaining and taking the practice test from the Colorado USGBC and purchasing the practice exams from http://www.greenexamprep.com. Proir to taking the exam i made my own flashcards from every credit from another purchased document LEEP AP Reveiw and Workbook. Making your own flashcards is time consuming process. In all i had around 200, but these are the reason i passed. The LEED AP Review and Workbook was my main study guide for making flashcards. Memorzation is key, but implementation is gold for passing the test. No one test is the same and the credits i knew best were not even on the exam for the most part. I barely passed by the way with a 172. What a relief!
Hi Scarmade, I'm confused. Ma
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.
Just took LEED 2.2 exam...DID
Just took LEED 2.2 exam...DID NOT PASS, made a 162. Did the University of Florida prep exams, had the 2.2 study guide read through three times, made flash cards and studied at least 1 hour a day for 6 weeks. You have to know the CIR process and you must know the synergies between credits, how one would influence the other. Know plumbing fixture flow rates and affects on credits. But above all it is memorizing and practice exams. I have missed the dealine to register and re-take, so I will have to wait for new version. I think GBCI has a definite money making operation. GOOD LUCK
Renee, the USGBC website curr
Renee, the USGBC website currently says, "Due to unexpected website maintenance, we are extending the deadline for registration for the LEED AP NC and CI exams to April 1, 2009 at 11:59 pm (Pacific Time)." The GBCI website is currently blank.
My desire to take the LEED AP
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.
I just passed the LEED AP wit
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-
What exactly is the reference
What exactly is the reference guide mentioned in this blog. Where do I find it? Is there a cost for it?
The difference in the two dis
The difference in the two disciplines is the NC covers "new construction" or extensive remodel work. LEED CI is for 'Commercial Interiors" does not apply to new construction or simple remodel work. Mainly for Tenant improvements. Go for LEED NC there is more study materials available and the exam for each discipline is almost the same. If you pass the LEED NC exam you will understand all LEED Certification areas. Purcahse the LEED NC reference manual at USGBC.org and read several times cover to cover. Not an easy exam. Make sure you understand the inter-relationships between all of the credits and intents. Know the ASHRAE standards well. You need to know how to calculate Water efficientcy and waste water discharge calculations as well.
Hola, I am an interior design
Hola,
I am an interior designer, and I want to get my LEED AP. I am confused about what category should i take LEED NC or LEED CI. I know since I am a designer I should probably take CI, but I am more interested in taking NC. Isn't NC the base for the other reference guides? besides, isn't there more study material available to help me pass the test? what is the difference between NC and CI? I'm confused.. help!!! Gracias. ;)
The scaled score is a puzzle
The scaled score is a puzzle to me: however, the following website may reveal something on the issue:
I studied for about a month b
I studied for about a month before the test (2-4 hours per week) and took the week off before the test to cram. I then took the test one the last possible day, June 30th and passed with a 180. I wasn't feeling as confident as I would have liked going into the test so was quite relieved.
Out of the nine in my department that took the test over the past year, four, including myself passed it the first time (44% pass rate). One person passed it the second time and another failed it a second time. The four who failed will either try again for LEED 2009 (version 3?) or not bother.
I see that some people mention sections of the test that they did poorly on but actual scores are not listed. This may be helpful to others by suggesting what sections might be harder or easier than others. My scores were 1) Knowledge...68%, 2) Coordinate...89%, 3) Implement...93%, Verify...50%.
It will be interesting to see how the new version evolves and how difficult that exam will be. Good luck to all in the future.
If you are brave & motivated
If you are brave & motivated enough to take the LEED exam for the 1st time DO NOT be discouraged if you fail w/ lets say...a 165'ish..As I did...a simple dumb-blonde designer who passed the 2nd time w/ a 185%....no kidding.
My protocal: go back as a a serious agressor..take every exam prep course you can find, fail it w/ a 50% if need be...go back and correct your mistakes and take it again & again till you get a 80% or better (memorization does kick in), then go on to the next test.
Remember WE3, it's a short section but will kick your butt on the exam. HINTS: The Leed AP requirements/times of submission aren't really explored in depth via the manuals but you can bet you"ll see alot of it in the exam. Fund Comm. vs. Enhanced, you better know that better than your own name. As well, PLEASE read each question thoroughly at least twice, there are so many tricks! Also, try to rule out the wrong answers 1st, they are typically obvious if you just relax and read the question through thoroughly. Not sure if this help but I stressed about this exam too long & too hard not to share what I ascertained through it all.
Hi MaryLea. I am interested i
Hi MaryLea.
I am interested in Step 2. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Fro what its worth, I took th
Fro what its worth, I took the prep course about one year ago, then immersed myself into the performance building industry as a strategic endeavour for our company as I am a business developer. I did not look at the manual or guide for the entire time. When June 2009 approached, I enrolled to take the test before the June 30 deadline. The day before the test, I broke out the manual and started to read from cover to cover, starting at 6 AM. I had perused before, but never performed a deep reading. By 11:30 PM, I finished the review, with about 2 hours of breaks and meals. I read for understanding, not memorization, putting each section into the context of how I would serve / benefit my clients. I did try to distinguish between the various acronyms and their meaning and application. Occasionally I would google the acronym and study the various links for greater depth. I did re-read the intent section for each credit, however.
At midnight, the night before the 9 AM test, I took three practice exams from the Green Building Education Services. I found these to mimic the LEED test very closely, even providing a breakdown of strengths and weaknesses just like the exam. The format was nearly identical. And I selected to see wrong answers as they occured with manual references. I re-read each section based on a wrong answer at that point in time to better understand the right answer. I started to see a pattern emerge -- I was not reading the questions carefully enough. They are worded pretty tricky and need to be fully understood before you even look at the response choices. I fell into this trap on several questions, and when I re-read the sections it became clear understanding the question is equally important as the response. Subtle word play can often mis-lead.
The other benefit this $49.95 service was that the practice questions were harder than the actual exam, psychologically comforting after I got into the first 10 questions of the actual test.
By 3:30 AM, I fell over dog-tired, after 22 hours of straight studying, completing 2 1/2 practice tests, and earning a 67-70% correct answers. I took a 2 hour nap, showered to wake myself up. I then completed the third test, feeling a bit more comfortable. But I still had intrepdation as I needed to pass or face starting all over with the new accreditation process beginning in July. I approached this mentally by resigning myself to failing, taking pressure off myself and treating this like an expensive lesson in procrastination.
When I finished the exam with 30 minutes to spare, I reviewed the questions I did not feel comfortable with, as the test exam center has this cool review feature. I re-read each question and my response. By really focusing on what each question meant, I realized two questions were misinterpreted. I changed my responses as the answers were farily evident with the correct interpretation of the question. Then I pressed SUBMIT and waited . . . to take a questionnaire about how easy the exam process was . . . and waited. Congratulations, you scored 171 out of 200. You passed. Needless to say, I wa not only relieved, but estatic. I promptly drove home and went to bed.
Unfortunately, I do think it'
Unfortunately, I do think it's a weird exam. I joined a LEED team in January with no prior LEED or building experience (I have an art/art history degree) thanks to a great boss with a lot of faith. I began studying then, and passed the LEED-CI exam in March with a 191. I do think memorizing the Reference Guide is key, and I'm happy to say that most of it has stuck with me, probably since I'm actively engaged on a CI project. One thing I found helpful was to create a spreadsheet with a row for each credit, with columns for requirements, reference standards, exemplary threshold (if any), and notes. For instance, for Heat Island Reduction: Non-Roof, my "Notes" column includes "Areas must be shaded at noon on June 21." Every time I went back to it, I shaded the first column as red, yellow or green to designate my comfort with that credit. This way, I could constantly focus on the trouble spots and not keep reviewing the easier credits. I've always had a knack for test taking...find it a bit disturbing that those with relevant degrees and a lot of experience have failed the exam. I can't put my finger on what makes this exam so tricky...
Tad, You've hit the nail on t
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?
Today's score: LEED: 170, or
Today's score: LEED: 170, or better - Sout'side Mike: 168.
...disappointing, but, it looks like I am in good company.
Thanks! to MaryLea, John McCann and those between for sharing their strategies.
I just took the AP test and p
I just took the AP test and passed with a 177. The exam wasn't as difficult as I expected primarily due to the fact that I recv'd great study advice from others who had taken it. The most important things to do are read the book cover to cover, you don't have to memorize it just know the high points. Take notes as you read through on all the intents, requirements, and referenced standards. Implementation is also an important aspect. But probably the most valuable thing I did was take practice exams. greenexamprep is a great site that offers 5 tests. I took the first one before I read the guide, and then took it again after. Once I was satisfied with my score on each test I would step up to the next one, and saved the final practice exam for the day of the test to revitalize all the information as a "cram" session. This worked for me. Good luck.
Janise, The answer to you que
Janise,
The answer to you question is yes, but you still have a very good chance of passing. In fact, many of the people that I know who pass were in the same situation as yours.
The key for you to pass is to get high scores on the LEED credits and other portion of the exam that you do know, and since you have NOT done actual LEED building certification, so there will be some questions that you may have to guess. This is the hard part of the exam, but these questions should be only a small percentage of the test if you prepare well. You should eliminate the obvious wrong answers and then do an educational guess. There is no penalty for guessing. If you have no idea what the correct answer is and cannot eliminate any obvious wrong answer, then do not waste too much time on the question, just pick a guess answer. The key is, you probably should try to use the same guess answer for all the questions that you have no ideas at all, i.e., if you choose "a" as the guess answer, then you should be consistent and use "a" as the guess answer for all the questions that you have no ideas at all. This way, you probably have a better chance to guess more correct answers.
Gang Chen, LEED AP, AIA
Author of
1. LEED AP Exam Guide
http://www.outskirtspress.com/examguide
2. Planting Design Illustrated
http://www.outskirtspress.com/GangChen
Very proud to have passed wit
Very proud to have passed with a 190 score. Thanks Tristan for your advice and tips. I believe that the way that I was able to pass with a healthy margin was to use a wide variety of tools that covered the same material in different ways... I travel an absolute ton for work and, if you suffer from this as well, I recommend buying audio files of the LEED credits and prerequisites which I got from http://www.green-buildings.com. Also, I used their Green Exam Prep practice tests with exam simulator over and over again until I was scoring over 80% on them regularly. I also found the Teknion audio files to be very helpful in going through the LEED CI reference guide section by section and highlighting what Sholem suggested was important, then going over it all multiple times. The actual exam questions were similar to the ones in the practice exams, but I believe they were more difficult and confusing than what I had experienced. Bottom line is you have to study your ass off...
I took the LEED exam earlier
I took the LEED exam earlier today. I had convinced myself that I wouldn't pass the test. After having taken 4 practice exams in the past three days (and never scoring over 71%) I suprised myself by scoring 190 out of 200.
I finished the exam in under an hour. I went back and checked three questions I had "marked"--I didn't change any of them. "Let it rip." I pressed the finished button and took the short survey. (Prometric was very clean, quiet, and professional--so no complaints there.)
The score really suprised me. Maybe I just studied the right stuff. Maybe the practice exams made me well prepared.
Whatever--I'm glad it's over.
Hey guys..this was one of the
Hey guys..this was one of the hardest things I have ever done.. but I passed..the first time! LOL
I really recommend cleanedison.com if any one out there is looking for classes. They various locations through out the US BUT also have online courses and a good sample exam on their website. Trust me, I used their one on one tutoring service and I can honestly say that there is no way I would have been able to pass this without them..
I recently took and passed th
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.
It's finally nice to see some
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.
The USGBC is a company out to
The USGBC is a company out to turn a profit. LEED reference guides are also very expensive. Now with so many no new versions out it's difficult to keep up. I guarantee that clients will ask for LEED for homes or LEED Core & Shell at one time or another and you'll need to buy a copy. Testing is also expensive but there are people like myself that have spent over 100 hours to prepare practice questions to geniunely help others study. I can't give them away but I don't charge alot either. For just 20 dollars I sell 240 practice questions, flashcards and more to people prepare so that they shouldn't have to retest once or even three times at 300 dollars a pop. All my information is designed with LEED NC the common type of rating system used. Check out LEEDAPHELP.com do yourself a favor.
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