USGBC LEED AP BD+C Practice Exams
Last updated on Oct 22,2026- Exam Code: LEED AP BD+C
- Exam Name: LEED AP Building Design + Construction
- Certification Provider: USGBC
- Latest update: Oct 22,2026
Question #11
When attempting Regional Priority Credit, what must be provided in LEED Online?
- A . Latitude and longitude
- B . Heating and cooling degree days
- C . Climate zone
- D . ENERGY STAR® score
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
To pursue a Regional Priority Credit in LEED, project teams must provide the latitude and longitude
(A) of the project in LEED Online. This information helps the LEED system identify which regional priorities are applicable based on the project’s geographic location. Regional Priority Credits are customized credits specific to environmental concerns in a particular area, rewarding projects for addressing local issues. Other options like heating and cooling degree days (B), climate zone (C), and ENERGY STAR® score (D) are not required to qualify for these credits.
A
Explanation:
To pursue a Regional Priority Credit in LEED, project teams must provide the latitude and longitude
(A) of the project in LEED Online. This information helps the LEED system identify which regional priorities are applicable based on the project’s geographic location. Regional Priority Credits are customized credits specific to environmental concerns in a particular area, rewarding projects for addressing local issues. Other options like heating and cooling degree days (B), climate zone (C), and ENERGY STAR® score (D) are not required to qualify for these credits.
Question #12
Which group of chemicals emitted by some building materials is linked to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer?
- A . Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
- B . Polyvinyl Chlorides (PVCs)
- C . Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
- D . Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) (D) are chemicals often found in building materials, such as paints, adhesives, and finishes, and are associated with health risks, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and certain cancers. VOCs release harmful gases that contribute to indoor air pollution, and LEED encourages using low-VOC materials to protect occupant health. PVCs (B) and CFCs (C) are harmful to the environment but are not directly linked to these health conditions.
D
Explanation:
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) (D) are chemicals often found in building materials, such as paints, adhesives, and finishes, and are associated with health risks, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and certain cancers. VOCs release harmful gases that contribute to indoor air pollution, and LEED encourages using low-VOC materials to protect occupant health. PVCs (B) and CFCs (C) are harmful to the environment but are not directly linked to these health conditions.
Question #13
Which of the following sinks is classified as a private lavatory faucet under Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction?
- A . A sink in an office restroom
- B . A sink in a school classroom
- C . A sink in a hotel room bathroom
- D . A sink in a shared office restroom
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
A sink in a hotel room bathroom is classified as a private lavatory faucet under Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction. According to the LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, a private lavatory faucet is defined as “a faucet that is not generally accessible and is used only by the building’s occupants and not by the public or visitors” 1. A sink in an office restroom, a school classroom, or a shared office restroom are examples of public lavatory faucets, which have different baseline flow rates and requirements.
Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Water Efficiency Category, WEc Indoor Water Use Reduction, page 681.
C
Explanation:
A sink in a hotel room bathroom is classified as a private lavatory faucet under Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction. According to the LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, a private lavatory faucet is defined as “a faucet that is not generally accessible and is used only by the building’s occupants and not by the public or visitors” 1. A sink in an office restroom, a school classroom, or a shared office restroom are examples of public lavatory faucets, which have different baseline flow rates and requirements.
Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Water Efficiency Category, WEc Indoor Water Use Reduction, page 681.
Question #14
What document allows a LEED AP to register a project and sign the Certification Agreement?
- A . Owner Confirmation of Agent Authority
- B . Architect Code of Professional Conduct
- C . Commissioning (Cx) Agent Construction Permit
- D . LEED AP Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the document that allows a LEED AP to register a project and sign the Certification Agreement is the Owner Confirmation of Agent Authority. This form is used to validate the Certification Agreement when it is signed by someone other than the owner, such as a LEED AP. It provides proof that the owner accepts the conditions in the Certification Agreement and authorizes the LEED AP to act as the owner’s agent for the purpose of LEED project certification1. The other choices are not relevant documents for this purpose.
Reference: LEED Certification Agreement and other legal matters1
A
Explanation:
According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the document that allows a LEED AP to register a project and sign the Certification Agreement is the Owner Confirmation of Agent Authority. This form is used to validate the Certification Agreement when it is signed by someone other than the owner, such as a LEED AP. It provides proof that the owner accepts the conditions in the Certification Agreement and authorizes the LEED AP to act as the owner’s agent for the purpose of LEED project certification1. The other choices are not relevant documents for this purpose.
Reference: LEED Certification Agreement and other legal matters1
Question #15
A project attempting to meet the preferred parking requirements for Location and Transportation Credit, Green Vehicles may provide what incentive to meet the requirements and highlight the project sustainable vehicle strategy?
- A . Three years of free parking for green vehicles
- B . Preferred parking decals for 5% of occupants utilizing carpool vehicles
- C . A permanent discounted parking rate of at least 20% for all green vehicles
- D . An annual maintenance voucher for at least 5% of occupants driving green vehicles
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The Location and Transportation Credit, Green Vehicles aims to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the use of low-emitting, fuel-efficient, and alternative-fuel
vehicles1. One of the requirements for this credit is to provide preferred parking for green vehicles for 5% of the total vehicle parking capacity of the project1. Preferred parking is defined as parking that is clearly marked and located in the most convenient spaces available to the driver or nearest to the main entrance of the project2. In addition to providing preferred parking, the project may also offer one or more incentives to encourage the use of green vehicles, such as a discounted parking rate, free parking passes, or rebates for parking fees3. The question asks what incentive may be provided to meet the requirements and highlight the project sustainable vehicle strategy. The correct answer is C. A permanent discounted parking rate of at least 20% for all green vehicles, because this incentive meets the minimum threshold of 20% discount suggested by the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction3, and it also demonstrates the project’s commitment to supporting green vehicles in the long term. The other options are either not sufficient or not relevant for this credit.
Option A. Three years of free parking for green vehicles is not sufficient because it is not permanent and may not be attractive enough for drivers to switch to green vehicles.
Option B. Preferred parking decals for 5% of occupants utilizing carpool vehicles is not relevant because it does not address green vehicles, but rather carpool vehicles, which are covered by a different credit (Location and Transportation Credit, Reduced Parking Footprint)4.
Option D. An annual maintenance voucher for at least 5% of occupants driving green vehicles is not sufficient because it is not directly related to parking and may not be a significant incentive for drivers.
Reference: Green Vehicles
Green Vehicles – Canada Green Building Council
[LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4], page 544 Reduced Parking Footprint
C
Explanation:
The Location and Transportation Credit, Green Vehicles aims to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the use of low-emitting, fuel-efficient, and alternative-fuel
vehicles1. One of the requirements for this credit is to provide preferred parking for green vehicles for 5% of the total vehicle parking capacity of the project1. Preferred parking is defined as parking that is clearly marked and located in the most convenient spaces available to the driver or nearest to the main entrance of the project2. In addition to providing preferred parking, the project may also offer one or more incentives to encourage the use of green vehicles, such as a discounted parking rate, free parking passes, or rebates for parking fees3. The question asks what incentive may be provided to meet the requirements and highlight the project sustainable vehicle strategy. The correct answer is C. A permanent discounted parking rate of at least 20% for all green vehicles, because this incentive meets the minimum threshold of 20% discount suggested by the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction3, and it also demonstrates the project’s commitment to supporting green vehicles in the long term. The other options are either not sufficient or not relevant for this credit.
Option A. Three years of free parking for green vehicles is not sufficient because it is not permanent and may not be attractive enough for drivers to switch to green vehicles.
Option B. Preferred parking decals for 5% of occupants utilizing carpool vehicles is not relevant because it does not address green vehicles, but rather carpool vehicles, which are covered by a different credit (Location and Transportation Credit, Reduced Parking Footprint)4.
Option D. An annual maintenance voucher for at least 5% of occupants driving green vehicles is not sufficient because it is not directly related to parking and may not be a significant incentive for drivers.
Reference: Green Vehicles
Green Vehicles – Canada Green Building Council
[LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4], page 544 Reduced Parking Footprint
Question #16
A school wants to incorporate natural daylighting in classrooms on all sides of the building.
What can the project design team explain to the school district about how this strategy will affect the operational energy cost?
- A . Heat gain will reduce the air conditioning load
- B . Having the lights off reduces the electricity use
- C . Reduction in lighting fixture use reduces re-lamping
- D . There would be passive solar heating benefits to all of the classrooms
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Natural daylighting can reduce the electricity use for artificial lighting, which is one of the major components of operational energy cost for buildings. By having the lights off or dimmed when sufficient daylight is available, the project can save energy and money. The other options are not necessarily true or relevant for natural daylighting. Heat gain and passive solar heating depend on the orientation, shading, and insulation of the windows, not just the amount of daylight. Reduction in lighting fixture use may reduce re-lamping, but that is not a significant factor in operational energy cost compared to electricity use.
Reference: EA Credit Optimize Energy Performance, EQ Credit Daylight, LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction123
B
Explanation:
Natural daylighting can reduce the electricity use for artificial lighting, which is one of the major components of operational energy cost for buildings. By having the lights off or dimmed when sufficient daylight is available, the project can save energy and money. The other options are not necessarily true or relevant for natural daylighting. Heat gain and passive solar heating depend on the orientation, shading, and insulation of the windows, not just the amount of daylight. Reduction in lighting fixture use may reduce re-lamping, but that is not a significant factor in operational energy cost compared to electricity use.
Reference: EA Credit Optimize Energy Performance, EQ Credit Daylight, LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction123
Question #17
Which of the following strategies would be considered an acceptable minor improvement within the wetland buffer for Location and Transportation Credit, Sensitive Land Protection?
- A . Build a two-story fitness facility
- B . Change the grade to install a security fence
- C . Provide a vehicular access drive that is less than 16 ft. (5 m) in width
- D . Remove trees that are less than 6 inches (15.24 cm) diameter at breast height
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
Providing a vehicular access drive that is less than 16 ft. (5 m) in width is considered an acceptable minor improvement within the wetland buffer for Location and Transportation Credit, Sensitive Land Protection. This credit requires avoiding development on land that meets one or more of the following criteria: prime farmland, floodplains, threatened or endangered species habitat, water bodies, wetlands, or land within 100 feet (30 meters) of these water bodies or wetlands1. However, the credit allows minor improvements within the wetland buffer if they are necessary for the project and have minimal environmental impact2. Examples of minor improvements include trails, boardwalks, stormwater outfalls, and utility crossings2.
Reference: Credit: Sensitive land protection | U.S. Green Building Council
NC-v4.1 LTc2: Sensitive land protection | LEEDuser
C
Explanation:
Providing a vehicular access drive that is less than 16 ft. (5 m) in width is considered an acceptable minor improvement within the wetland buffer for Location and Transportation Credit, Sensitive Land Protection. This credit requires avoiding development on land that meets one or more of the following criteria: prime farmland, floodplains, threatened or endangered species habitat, water bodies, wetlands, or land within 100 feet (30 meters) of these water bodies or wetlands1. However, the credit allows minor improvements within the wetland buffer if they are necessary for the project and have minimal environmental impact2. Examples of minor improvements include trails, boardwalks, stormwater outfalls, and utility crossings2.
Reference: Credit: Sensitive land protection | U.S. Green Building Council
NC-v4.1 LTc2: Sensitive land protection | LEEDuser
Question #18
Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Outdoor Water Use Reduction, Option 2. Reduced Irrigation, requires that a project’s landscape water requirement be reduced by what percentage from the calculated baseline for the project site’s peak watering month?
- A . 20%
- B . 25%
- C . 30%
- D . 40%
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Outdoor Water Use Reduction, Option 2. Reduced Irrigation, requires that a project’s landscape water requirement be reduced by at least 30% from the calculated baseline for the project site’s peak watering month. The baseline is determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense Water Budget Tool, or a local equivalent for projects outside the U.S. The reduction must be achieved through plant species selection and irrigation system efficiency1.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Outdoor Water Use Reduction, Option 2. Reduced Irrigation, Requirements1
C
Explanation:
According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Outdoor Water Use Reduction, Option 2. Reduced Irrigation, requires that a project’s landscape water requirement be reduced by at least 30% from the calculated baseline for the project site’s peak watering month. The baseline is determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense Water Budget Tool, or a local equivalent for projects outside the U.S. The reduction must be achieved through plant species selection and irrigation system efficiency1.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Outdoor Water Use Reduction, Option 2. Reduced Irrigation, Requirements1
Question #19
What is the sequence of the process for LEED certification?
- A . Submit documentation through LEED Online, Choose Rating System, Review, Register, Certify
- B . Submit documentation through LEED Online, Choose Rating System, Register, Review, Certify
- C . Choose Rating System, Register, Submit documentation through LEED Online, Review, Certify
- D . Choose Rating System, Register, Submit documentation through LEED Online, Certify, Review
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The correct sequence for LEED certification is: Choose Rating System, Register, Submit documentation through LEED Online, Review, Certify (C). Projects begin by selecting the appropriate LEED rating system, then register with USGBC, followed by documentation submission for review. After review, certification is granted based on achieved points. This structured approach ensures accurate and consistent compliance with LEED standards.
C
Explanation:
The correct sequence for LEED certification is: Choose Rating System, Register, Submit documentation through LEED Online, Review, Certify (C). Projects begin by selecting the appropriate LEED rating system, then register with USGBC, followed by documentation submission for review. After review, certification is granted based on achieved points. This structured approach ensures accurate and consistent compliance with LEED standards.
Question #20
Which of the following documents contains the design team’s interpretation of the Owner’s Project Requirements?
- A . Basis of Design (BOD)
- B . Simple Box Energy Model Analysis
- C . System’s manual
- D . Integrated Project Delivery report
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
The Basis of Design (BOD) is the document that contains the design team’s interpretation of the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR). The BOD describes the proposed systems and how they will meet the OPR, as well as the assumptions and criteria used for the design. The BOD is a key document for the Integrative Process credit and the Enhanced Commissioning credit in LEED BD+C12.
Reference: LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Integrative Process, page 301; LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Enhanced Commissioning, page 681
A
Explanation:
The Basis of Design (BOD) is the document that contains the design team’s interpretation of the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR). The BOD describes the proposed systems and how they will meet the OPR, as well as the assumptions and criteria used for the design. The BOD is a key document for the Integrative Process credit and the Enhanced Commissioning credit in LEED BD+C12.
Reference: LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Integrative Process, page 301; LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Enhanced Commissioning, page 681