USGBC LEED AP BD+C Practice Exams
Last updated on Oct 21,2026- Exam Code: LEED AP BD+C
- Exam Name: LEED AP Building Design + Construction
- Certification Provider: USGBC
- Latest update: Oct 21,2026
Question #1
Which of the following project types is required to consider the perimeter floor area instead of the regularly occupied floor area under the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Daylight calculations?
- A . Retail
- B . Schools
- C . Healthcare
- D . Core and Shell
Correct Answer: C
Question #2
Every location in the U.S. identifies how many regional credits?
- A . Four
- B . Five
- C . Six
- D . Seven
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Every location in the U.S. identifies four regional credits that are of particular importance for that region. These credits are selected by the USGBC regional councils and chapters based on the environmental, social, and public health issues that are relevant for their areas. A project can earn up to four bonus points by achieving these regional credits.
Reference:
• LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, page 6081
• Regional Priority (RP) credits C U.S. Green Building Council2
A
Explanation:
Every location in the U.S. identifies four regional credits that are of particular importance for that region. These credits are selected by the USGBC regional councils and chapters based on the environmental, social, and public health issues that are relevant for their areas. A project can earn up to four bonus points by achieving these regional credits.
Reference:
• LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, page 6081
• Regional Priority (RP) credits C U.S. Green Building Council2
Question #3
Which of the following activities must be prohibited within a building as a prerequisite to LEED certification?
- A . Burning fossil fuels
- B . Smoking tobacco products
- C . Preparing non-organic foods
- D . Manufacturing toxic chemicals
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Smoking tobacco products must be prohibited within a building as a prerequisite to LEED certification, according to the Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite, Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control1. This prerequisite aims to prevent or minimize exposure of building occupants, indoor surfaces, and ventilation air distribution systems to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), which is a known human carcinogen and a source of indoor air pollution2. The prerequisite requires the project to meet one of the following options:
Option 1. No Smoking. Prohibit smoking in the building and within 25 feet (8 meters) of all entries, outdoor air intakes, and operable windows.
Option 2. Smoking Areas. Designate smoking areas outside the building and at least 25 feet (8 meters) from all entries, outdoor air intakes, and operable windows. If smoking areas are enclosed, they must be negatively pressurized and vented directly to the outdoors. Prohibit smoking in all common areas of residential buildings and provide signage to indicate smoking and nonsmoking areas.
The other activities, such as burning fossil fuels, preparing non-organic foods, and manufacturing toxic chemicals, are not explicitly prohibited by any LEED prerequisites, although they may have negative impacts on the environment, health, and energy performance of the building.
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4
Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control | U.S. Green Building Council Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) – World Health Organization Environmental Tobacco Smoke – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
B
Explanation:
Smoking tobacco products must be prohibited within a building as a prerequisite to LEED certification, according to the Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite, Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control1. This prerequisite aims to prevent or minimize exposure of building occupants, indoor surfaces, and ventilation air distribution systems to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), which is a known human carcinogen and a source of indoor air pollution2. The prerequisite requires the project to meet one of the following options:
Option 1. No Smoking. Prohibit smoking in the building and within 25 feet (8 meters) of all entries, outdoor air intakes, and operable windows.
Option 2. Smoking Areas. Designate smoking areas outside the building and at least 25 feet (8 meters) from all entries, outdoor air intakes, and operable windows. If smoking areas are enclosed, they must be negatively pressurized and vented directly to the outdoors. Prohibit smoking in all common areas of residential buildings and provide signage to indicate smoking and nonsmoking areas.
The other activities, such as burning fossil fuels, preparing non-organic foods, and manufacturing toxic chemicals, are not explicitly prohibited by any LEED prerequisites, although they may have negative impacts on the environment, health, and energy performance of the building.
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4
Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control | U.S. Green Building Council Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) – World Health Organization Environmental Tobacco Smoke – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Question #4
The design team and project owner decided not to pursue Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Enhanced Commissioning, but would hire a Commissioning Authority (CxA) to oversee the requirements for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification.
What is a required responsibility for the CxA to achieve the stated objective?
- A . Verify that training requirements are completed
- B . Develop systems manual for the commissioned systems
- C . Review contractor submittals for the commissioned systems
- D . Verify installation and performance of the commissioned systems
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification, requires the project to hire a Commissioning Authority (CxA) to oversee the commissioning process for the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and renewable energy systems and assemblies. The CxA must have documented commissioning authority experience in at least two building projects, and must not be an employee of the design or construction firms, although they may be contracted through them. The CxA must report the results, findings, and recommendations directly to the owner1.
One of the required responsibilities for the CxA to achieve the prerequisite is to verify installation and performance of the commissioned systems. This includes conducting site observations and spot-checking of equipment installation, performing functional performance testing of the systems, verifying system performance by reviewing testing and balancing reports, and preparing a summary commissioning report of the activities and results1.
The other choices are not required responsibilities for the CxA to achieve the prerequisite, but they are additional responsibilities for the CxA to achieve the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Enhanced Commissioning, which goes beyond the prerequisite by including more systems, more verification activities, and more documentation.
These additional responsibilities are2:
Verify that training requirements are completed. This includes reviewing training plans, agendas, and materials, and verifying that the training delivery and documentation are completed and consistent with the owner’s project requirements (OPR).
Develop systems manual for the commissioned systems. This includes compiling and reviewing the systems manual that provides the necessary information for operating and maintaining the commissioned systems.
Review contractor submittals for the commissioned systems. This includes reviewing the design intent and basis of design documentation, and providing feedback on the contractor submittals related to the commissioned systems, such as shop drawings, product data, and samples.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification, Requirements1; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Enhanced Commissioning, Requirements2
D
Explanation:
According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification, requires the project to hire a Commissioning Authority (CxA) to oversee the commissioning process for the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and renewable energy systems and assemblies. The CxA must have documented commissioning authority experience in at least two building projects, and must not be an employee of the design or construction firms, although they may be contracted through them. The CxA must report the results, findings, and recommendations directly to the owner1.
One of the required responsibilities for the CxA to achieve the prerequisite is to verify installation and performance of the commissioned systems. This includes conducting site observations and spot-checking of equipment installation, performing functional performance testing of the systems, verifying system performance by reviewing testing and balancing reports, and preparing a summary commissioning report of the activities and results1.
The other choices are not required responsibilities for the CxA to achieve the prerequisite, but they are additional responsibilities for the CxA to achieve the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Enhanced Commissioning, which goes beyond the prerequisite by including more systems, more verification activities, and more documentation.
These additional responsibilities are2:
Verify that training requirements are completed. This includes reviewing training plans, agendas, and materials, and verifying that the training delivery and documentation are completed and consistent with the owner’s project requirements (OPR).
Develop systems manual for the commissioned systems. This includes compiling and reviewing the systems manual that provides the necessary information for operating and maintaining the commissioned systems.
Review contractor submittals for the commissioned systems. This includes reviewing the design intent and basis of design documentation, and providing feedback on the contractor submittals related to the commissioned systems, such as shop drawings, product data, and samples.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification, Requirements1; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Enhanced Commissioning, Requirements2
Question #5
In order to meet the minimum qualifications for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification a Commissioning (Cx) agent must have completed the commissioning process activities for a minimum of how many similar projects?
- A . Zero
- B . One
- C . Two
- D . Three
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The commissioning (Cx) agent must have completed the commissioning process activities for a minimum of two similar projects in order to meet the minimum qualifications for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification. This is stated in the LEED v4 Building Design + Construction Guide, under the section “Energy and Atmosphere Credits Overview”. The guide also provides examples of similar projects that can be used as references for commissioning.
Reference: [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], Fundamental commissioning and verification – U.S. Green Building Council, EA Energy & Atmosphere Overview – Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification C Above Green, EAp1: Fundamental Commissioning and Verification C Above Green, LEED credit library | U.S. Green Building Council
C
Explanation:
The commissioning (Cx) agent must have completed the commissioning process activities for a minimum of two similar projects in order to meet the minimum qualifications for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification. This is stated in the LEED v4 Building Design + Construction Guide, under the section “Energy and Atmosphere Credits Overview”. The guide also provides examples of similar projects that can be used as references for commissioning.
Reference: [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], Fundamental commissioning and verification – U.S. Green Building Council, EA Energy & Atmosphere Overview – Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification C Above Green, EAp1: Fundamental Commissioning and Verification C Above Green, LEED credit library | U.S. Green Building Council
Question #6
What LEED Building Design and Construction project type should exclude weekend transit service from the transit service level calculations for Location and Transportation Credit, Access to Quality Transit, if the project occupants do not commute to the building during weekends?
- A . Schools
- B . Data centers
- C . Hospitality
- D . Warehouses and distribution centers
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Data centers are buildings that house computer systems and associated components, such as servers, storage devices, and network equipment. They typically operate 24/7 and do not have regular commuting patterns of occupants. Therefore, they can exclude weekend transit service from the transit service level calculations for the Location and Transportation Credit, Access to Quality Transit12. This credit aims to encourage development in locations that are served by high-quality transit, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions, transportation costs, and automobile dependence.
Reference: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, NC-v4.1 LTc5: Access to quality transit | LEEDuser
B
Explanation:
Data centers are buildings that house computer systems and associated components, such as servers, storage devices, and network equipment. They typically operate 24/7 and do not have regular commuting patterns of occupants. Therefore, they can exclude weekend transit service from the transit service level calculations for the Location and Transportation Credit, Access to Quality Transit12. This credit aims to encourage development in locations that are served by high-quality transit, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions, transportation costs, and automobile dependence.
Reference: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, NC-v4.1 LTc5: Access to quality transit | LEEDuser
Question #7
What are the Storage and Collection of Recyclables requirements for only Retail projects under the Materials and Resources Prerequisite?
- A . Retail projects must conduct a waste stream audit for the duration of the project in an existing location or make projections based on historical data for similar establishments. Identify the top-five recyclable waste streams while stating the top-four waste streams where both collection and storage space will be provided
- B . Retail projects must conduct a waste stream audit once a month for the project in an existing or rented location or make projections based on data gathered from a previous cycle. Identify the top-three recyclable waste streams while stating the top-two waste streams where both collection and storage space will be provided
- C . Retail projects must conduct a waste stream audit twice a year for the project in an existing or rented location or make projections based on the previous year’s data for their business. Identify the top-four recyclable waste streams while stating the top-three waste streams where both collection and storage space will be provided
- D . Retail projects must conduct a waste stream audit for the once a year for the project in an existing or rented location or make projections based on the previous year’s data for their business. Identify the top-four recyclable waste streams while stating the top-three waste streams where both collection and storage space will be provided
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Retail projects must conduct a waste stream audit for the duration of the project in an existing location or make projections based on historical data for similar establishments. Identify the top-five recyclable waste streams while stating the top-four waste streams where both collection and storage space will be provided. This is the requirement for Retail projects under the Materials and Resources Prerequisite, Storage and Collection of Recyclables, according to the LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide1. The purpose of this prerequisite is to facilitate the reduction of waste generated by building occupants that is hauled to and disposed of in landfills1. The prerequisite applies to all LEED BD+C projects, but Retail projects have a different approach than other project types because of their unique waste streams and operational characteristics1. Retail projects must conduct a waste stream audit for the duration of the project in an existing location or make projections based on historical data for similar establishments. The audit or projection must identify the top-five recyclable waste streams by weight or volume using consistent metrics throughout1. The waste stream study period must be a minimum of 24 hours1. Retail projects must also provide dedicated areas that serve the entire building and are accessible to waste haulers and building occupants for the collection and storage of materials for recycling for at least four of the top-five recyclable waste streams identified by the audit or projection1.
Reference: Prerequisite: Storage and collection of recyclables | U.S. Green Building Council
A
Explanation:
Retail projects must conduct a waste stream audit for the duration of the project in an existing location or make projections based on historical data for similar establishments. Identify the top-five recyclable waste streams while stating the top-four waste streams where both collection and storage space will be provided. This is the requirement for Retail projects under the Materials and Resources Prerequisite, Storage and Collection of Recyclables, according to the LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide1. The purpose of this prerequisite is to facilitate the reduction of waste generated by building occupants that is hauled to and disposed of in landfills1. The prerequisite applies to all LEED BD+C projects, but Retail projects have a different approach than other project types because of their unique waste streams and operational characteristics1. Retail projects must conduct a waste stream audit for the duration of the project in an existing location or make projections based on historical data for similar establishments. The audit or projection must identify the top-five recyclable waste streams by weight or volume using consistent metrics throughout1. The waste stream study period must be a minimum of 24 hours1. Retail projects must also provide dedicated areas that serve the entire building and are accessible to waste haulers and building occupants for the collection and storage of materials for recycling for at least four of the top-five recyclable waste streams identified by the audit or projection1.
Reference: Prerequisite: Storage and collection of recyclables | U.S. Green Building Council
Question #8
A project team has installed a rainwater harvesting system on site. In which of the following could this system be recognized?
- A . Water Efficiency Credit, Water Metering and Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction
- B . Water Efficiency Credit, Water Metering and Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Outdoor Water Use
Reduction - C . Sustainable Sites Credit, Rainwater Management and Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction
- D . Sustainable Sites Credit, Rainwater Management and Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
A rainwater harvesting system on site could be recognized in the Sustainable Sites Credit, Rainwater Management and the Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction. The Sustainable Sites Credit, Rainwater Management rewards projects that reduce runoff volume and improve water quality by replicating the natural hydrology and water balance of the site1. A rainwater harvesting system can help achieve this by capturing and reusing rainwater on site2. The Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction rewards projects that reduce indoor water consumption by installing water-efficient fixtures and fittings3. A rainwater harvesting system can help achieve this by providing an alternative source of water for non-potable uses such as toilet flushing and irrigation4.
The other options are not correct. The Water Efficiency Credit, Water Metering does not recognize rainwater harvesting systems, but rather requires projects to install permanent water meters that measure the total potable water use for the building and grounds. The Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Outdoor Water Use Reduction does not recognize rainwater harvesting systems, but rather requires projects to reduce outdoor water consumption by using plant species that are native or adapted to the region and by using irrigation systems that are efficient and properly controlled. The Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction does not recognize rainwater harvesting systems, but rather requires projects to reduce indoor water consumption by 20% from the baseline by installing water-efficient fixtures and fittings.
Reference:
• Rainwater Management, p. 1
• NC-v4 SSc4: Rainwater management, p. 2
• Indoor water use reduction, p. 1
• NC-v4 WEc3: Indoor water use reduction, p. 3
• [Water metering], p. 1
• [Outdoor water use reduction], p. 1
• [Indoor water use reduction], p. 2
C
Explanation:
A rainwater harvesting system on site could be recognized in the Sustainable Sites Credit, Rainwater Management and the Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction. The Sustainable Sites Credit, Rainwater Management rewards projects that reduce runoff volume and improve water quality by replicating the natural hydrology and water balance of the site1. A rainwater harvesting system can help achieve this by capturing and reusing rainwater on site2. The Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction rewards projects that reduce indoor water consumption by installing water-efficient fixtures and fittings3. A rainwater harvesting system can help achieve this by providing an alternative source of water for non-potable uses such as toilet flushing and irrigation4.
The other options are not correct. The Water Efficiency Credit, Water Metering does not recognize rainwater harvesting systems, but rather requires projects to install permanent water meters that measure the total potable water use for the building and grounds. The Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Outdoor Water Use Reduction does not recognize rainwater harvesting systems, but rather requires projects to reduce outdoor water consumption by using plant species that are native or adapted to the region and by using irrigation systems that are efficient and properly controlled. The Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction does not recognize rainwater harvesting systems, but rather requires projects to reduce indoor water consumption by 20% from the baseline by installing water-efficient fixtures and fittings.
Reference:
• Rainwater Management, p. 1
• NC-v4 SSc4: Rainwater management, p. 2
• Indoor water use reduction, p. 1
• NC-v4 WEc3: Indoor water use reduction, p. 3
• [Water metering], p. 1
• [Outdoor water use reduction], p. 1
• [Indoor water use reduction], p. 2
Question #9
When the LEED AP is applying the Integrative Process to a Building Design and Construction project, which of the following must be included in the Basis of Design (BOD)?
- A . Training requirements
- B . Allowable tolerance for facility operations
- C . Facility, system and assembly performance assumptions
- D . Environmental, energy efficiency and sustainability goals
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
The Basis of Design (BOD) is a document that describes the design intent and performance criteria for a project. It must include the environmental, energy efficiency and sustainability goals that the project team has established, as well as the strategies and systems to achieve them. The BOD is part of the Integrative Process credit, which aims to foster collaboration and holistic thinking among the project stakeholders from the pre-design phase to the occupancy phase.
Reference: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], [Integrative Process Calculator], [Integrative Process credit].
D
Explanation:
The Basis of Design (BOD) is a document that describes the design intent and performance criteria for a project. It must include the environmental, energy efficiency and sustainability goals that the project team has established, as well as the strategies and systems to achieve them. The BOD is part of the Integrative Process credit, which aims to foster collaboration and holistic thinking among the project stakeholders from the pre-design phase to the occupancy phase.
Reference: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], [Integrative Process Calculator], [Integrative Process credit].
Question #10
The project landscape architect suggests reducing the area planned for surface parking and replacing it with additional vegetated space.
What benefit would this strategy provide to the owner?
- A . Increases the rainwater infiltration capacity
- B . Decreases the amount of bicycle parking that must be provided
- C . Increases the overall SR (solar reflectance) of the hardscape area
- D . Decreases the required amount of on-street parking that must be provided
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Reducing the area planned for surface parking and replacing it with additional vegetated space can provide several benefits to the owner, such as:
Decreasing the amount of bicycle parking that must be provided, since there will be less demand for parking spaces for cyclists.
Increasing the overall SR (solar reflectance) of the hardscape area, which can reduce the cooling load and energy consumption of the building.
Decreasing the required amount of on-street parking that must be provided, since there will be less demand for parking spaces for cars.
However, one of the most significant benefits of this strategy is increasing the rainwater infiltration capacity, which can improve the water quality and quantity in the stormwater system. According to a study by Biondolilo1, integrating green space into parking lots can decrease stormwater runoff, mitigate the heat island effect, store carbon, improve air quality and may have social benefits as well. The study estimated that converting 30% of Manhattan’s parking into green space would decrease runoff and pollutants from parking lots1. Therefore, this strategy can help reduce water demand and environmental impact in arid climates.
Reference: How Eliminating Parking Minimums Actually Makes Cities Better
Analyzing the benefits of reducing parking: improving public transportation to reduce parking demand and increase space for green infrastructure in Manhattan, Kansas
Benefits of Urban Vegetation and Green Spaces – BeautyHarmonyLife Reduce Urban Heat Island Effect | Green Infrastructure | US EPA
A
Explanation:
Reducing the area planned for surface parking and replacing it with additional vegetated space can provide several benefits to the owner, such as:
Decreasing the amount of bicycle parking that must be provided, since there will be less demand for parking spaces for cyclists.
Increasing the overall SR (solar reflectance) of the hardscape area, which can reduce the cooling load and energy consumption of the building.
Decreasing the required amount of on-street parking that must be provided, since there will be less demand for parking spaces for cars.
However, one of the most significant benefits of this strategy is increasing the rainwater infiltration capacity, which can improve the water quality and quantity in the stormwater system. According to a study by Biondolilo1, integrating green space into parking lots can decrease stormwater runoff, mitigate the heat island effect, store carbon, improve air quality and may have social benefits as well. The study estimated that converting 30% of Manhattan’s parking into green space would decrease runoff and pollutants from parking lots1. Therefore, this strategy can help reduce water demand and environmental impact in arid climates.
Reference: How Eliminating Parking Minimums Actually Makes Cities Better
Analyzing the benefits of reducing parking: improving public transportation to reduce parking demand and increase space for green infrastructure in Manhattan, Kansas
Benefits of Urban Vegetation and Green Spaces – BeautyHarmonyLife Reduce Urban Heat Island Effect | Green Infrastructure | US EPA