The LEED Accredited Professional (AP) with Specialty in Building Design + Construction (BD+C) is an advanced credential offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI).

It demonstrates in-depth expertise in green building design, construction, and major renovations, as well as the ability to lead and manage LEED BD+C projects through certification.

• Architects, engineers, and designers involved in building projects
• Construction and project managers working on new construction and major renovation projects
• Sustainability consultants and LEED project administrators
• Professionals who already hold LEED Green Associate (GA) and want to advance their credential

• No strict prerequisites, but:
  • It is highly recommended that candidates first earn the LEED GA credential
  • Experience working on LEED-registered projects is strongly encouraged
• Many training providers (like Green International) guide candidates even without prior LEED project exposure

Apart from BD+C (Building Design + Construction), other specialties include:

• ID+C – Interior Design + Construction
• O+M – Operations + Maintenance
• ND – Neighborhood Development
• Homes – Residential projects

• Create a free account on USGBC.org
• Register for the exam through GBCI
• Pay exam fees
• Schedule exam at a Prometric test center or choose online proctoring

• Two parts (if not already a LEED GA):
  1. LEED Green Associate Exam (Part 1)
  2. LEED AP BD+C Exam (Part 2)
• Exam Format:

• 1. 100 multiple-choice questions per part
  2. Computer-based, proctored
  3. Duration: 2 hours per part
  4. Passing score: 170/200 (scaled)

• Standalone exam (if you already hold GA): Only the BD+C specialty exam needs to be taken.

• Recommended: LEED GA certification (though not strictly required, many employers prefer it)
• Beneficial: Experience working on LEED projects

• Combined Exam (GA + AP): $550 (non-members) / $400 (USGBC members)
• AP Specialty Only (if already GA): $350 (non-members) / $250 (USGBC members)
• Students: Discounts available ($250 for GA + AP bundle)

The exam content is based on the LEED v4.1 BD+C rating system, covering:

• Integrative Process
• Location & Transportation
• Sustainable Sites
• Water Efficiency
• Energy & Atmosphere
• Materials & Resources
• Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
• Innovation
• Regional Priority Credits
• Project Team Roles & LEED Process

• Study the LEED AP BD+C Candidate Handbook & Exam Content Outline
• Use the LEED Reference Guide (BD+C)
• Attend an exam prep course (e.g., Green International’s project-based training)
• Practice with mock exams & case-based scenarios
• Review LEED credit categories & calculations (energy, water, materials, etc.)

• Scaled score of 170 out of 200
• Equates to roughly 85–90 correct answers out of 100

✅ Yes. After achieving one LEED AP specialty (e.g., BD+C), you can take additional specialty exams (e.g., O+M, ID+C, Homes, ND).

• Credential is valid for 2 years
• To maintain:
  • Earn 30 Continuing Education (CE) hours every 2 years (6 must be LEED-specific)
  • Submit proof via USGBC portal
  • OR retake the exam

• 30 CE hours every 2 years
• At least 6 hours must be LEED-specific
• Remaining can include general sustainability, green building, or related topics

• Recognition as an advanced green building professional
• Ability to lead LEED-certified projects as a project administrator
• Career growth in architecture, engineering, construction, and sustainability consulting
• Opens opportunities for international projects requiring LEED expertise
• Higher salary prospects compared to non-certified peers

✅ Yes. LEED is the world’s most widely used green building rating system (used in 180+ countries). LEED AP is globally recognized as an advanced sustainability credential.

✅ Yes. You can:

• • Take GA first, then AP later
  • Or register for the combined GA + AP exam in one sitting

❌ No. Technically, you can register directly for the AP exam.
⚠️ However, most professionals take GA first because it provides the foundation needed for success in the AP exam.

✅ Yes. Many candidates opt for the combined exam (GA + AP), which is completed in one sitting (4 hours).

✅ Absolutely.

• • GA establishes your foundational green building knowledge
  • AP shows advanced expertise and ability to lead LEED projects
  • Together, they make you highly attractive to global employers

• If you hold both credentials, CE hours can overlap.
• Example: Earning 30 CE hours for AP automatically satisfies the 15 CE hours required for GA.

• LEED GA = foundation. LEED AP BD+C = advanced leadership credential.
• If your career is in design, construction, or major projects, BD+C is the most relevant AP specialty.
• Employers hiring for sustainability roles, green projects, or international contracts strongly prefer LEED AP-certified professionals.