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Exam Information
Official specifications published by USGBC
Exam Format
120 min
100
170 out of 200 points
Associate
Registration
$250 USD
Prometric or online proctoring
English, Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese (Simplified) +5 more
Validity
2 years
Earn 15 Continuing Education (CE) hours within 2-year reporting period; 3 CE hours must be LEED-specific; 12 CE hours can be general green building topics
LEED-GA Exam Topics and Domains
LEED-GA is organized into 9 weighted domains. Expect to work with ASHRAE 55, ASHRAE 55-2004, ASHRAE 62.1, ASHRAE 62.1-2007, and more.
1
LEED Process
16%
Organization FundamentalsUSGBC and GBCI Roles
Scope of Each LEED Rating SystemRating System Selection
LEED Development ProcessConsensus-Based Process
Impact CategoriesEnvironmental Impact Goals
Structure of LEED Rating Systems
Credit CategoriesPrerequisites and Credits
LEED Certification Process
Certification LevelsProject Registration and ReviewCredit Interpretation Rulings (CIRs)Appeals Process
2
Integrative Strategies
8%
Systems ThinkingHolistic Approach
Supporting Standards and FrameworksReference Standards
Integrative Process
Collaborative Team ApproachOPR and Basis of Design
3
Location and Transportation
7%
Site SelectionSustainable Site Selection
Alternative Transportation
Bicycle FacilitiesPublic Transportation AccessGreen Vehicles
4
Sustainable Sites
7%
Rainwater ManagementStormwater Control
Light Pollution ReductionExterior Lighting Control
Site Development
Open SpaceDevelopment Density
Heat Island Effect
Non-Roof StrategiesRoof Strategies
5
Water Efficiency
9%
Outdoor Water Use Reduction
Landscape Water RequirementIrrigation Efficiency
Indoor Water Use Reduction
Fixture EfficiencyProcess Water
Alternative Water Sources
Potable Water DefinitionNon-Potable Water Sources
6
Energy and Atmosphere
10%
Energy MeteringAdvanced Energy Metering
Energy Performance
Energy ModelingSystems Not Included in Energy Use
Renewable Energy
On-Site Renewable EnergyGreen Power and RECs
Refrigerant Management
Ozone Depletion and Global WarmingHVAC Equipment Selection
Commissioning
Fundamental CommissioningEnhanced Commissioning
7
Materials and Resources
9%
Life-Cycle ThinkingLife-Cycle Assessment
Product TransparencyEnvironmental Product Declarations
Waste Management
Construction Waste DiversionSource Reduction
Sustainable Materials Selection
Recycled ContentRegional MaterialsFSC Certified WoodRapidly Renewable Materials
8
Indoor Environmental Quality
8%
Low-Emitting MaterialsVOC Limits
Indoor Air Quality
Minimum IAQ PerformanceIncreased VentilationIAQ Management During ConstructionIAQ Assessment
Thermal Comfort
Thermal Comfort DesignIndividual Thermal Comfort Control
Daylighting and Views
DaylightingQuality Views
9
Project Surroundings and Public Outreach
11%
Regional PriorityRegional Priority Credits
Green Building Education and AdvocacyTask Domains for LEED Green Associates
Innovation
Innovation CreditsLEED Accredited Professional
How do I earn this certification?
Passing LEED-GA earns the LEED Green Associate certification. It sits in the Green Building / Sustainability track.
Next Level Options
- LEED-AP-BD+C - LEED AP Building Design and Construction Advanced credential for professionals working on new buildings and major renovations
- LEED-AP-ID+C - LEED AP Interior Design and Construction Advanced credential for professionals working on tenant improvement projects
- LEED-AP-O+M - LEED AP Operations and Maintenance Advanced credential for professionals managing existing buildings
- LEED-AP-Homes - LEED AP Homes Advanced credential for professionals working on residential projects
- LEED-AP-ND - LEED AP Neighborhood Development Advanced credential for professionals working on community-scale projects
Alternative Paths
- WELL-AP - WELL Accredited Professional Complementary focus on human health in buildings
- SITES-AP - SITES Accredited Professional Focus on sustainable land design and development
- TRUE-Advisor - TRUE Advisor Specialization in waste management and zero waste facilities
- EDGE-Expert - EDGE Expert Green building certification for emerging markets
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for LEED-GA is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2014-04-01
- Announcement date: 2024-06-15
Updates
- LEED v5 Rating System 5.0 New exam launching April 28, 2026 • Release date: 2024-10-01
- LEED Online Platform Latest Platform updates improve project management for Green Associates • Release date: 2024-07-01
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Architects and designers and Engineers.