USGBC LEED AP BD+C Practice Exams
Last updated on Oct 24,2026- Exam Code: LEED AP BD+C
- Exam Name: LEED AP Building Design + Construction
- Certification Provider: USGBC
- Latest update: Oct 24,2026
Question #261
Which of the following could be considered diverted construction waste?
- A . Excavated soil
- B . Land-clearing debris
- C . Alternative daily cover
- D . Asphalt with aggregate
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, diverted construction waste is defined as "materials that are diverted from disposal in landfills or incineration facilities and are instead reused, recycled, composted, or salvaged"1. Asphalt with aggregate is an example of a material that can be recycled and reused for paving or other applications. Excavated soil and land-clearing debris are excluded from the calculation of the total construction and demolition waste for the MR Credit Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction1. Alternative daily cover is a material that is used to cover the surface of an active landfill at the end of each day to control odors, pests, and litter. It is not considered as diversion because it does not reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills2.
Reference: MR Credit Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction3142
D
Explanation:
According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, diverted construction waste is defined as "materials that are diverted from disposal in landfills or incineration facilities and are instead reused, recycled, composted, or salvaged"1. Asphalt with aggregate is an example of a material that can be recycled and reused for paving or other applications. Excavated soil and land-clearing debris are excluded from the calculation of the total construction and demolition waste for the MR Credit Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction1. Alternative daily cover is a material that is used to cover the surface of an active landfill at the end of each day to control odors, pests, and litter. It is not considered as diversion because it does not reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills2.
Reference: MR Credit Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction3142
Question #262
For schools intended for grades eight and below (or ages 14 and below), which of the following scenarios would demonstrate compliance with Location and Transportation Credit, Access to Quality Transit, Schools, Option 2. Pedestrian Access?
- A . 30% of the students live no more than a 3/4 mi. (1.20 km) walking distance from a functional entry of a school building
- B . 50% of the students live no more than a 3/4 mi. (1.20 km) walking distance from a functional entry of a school building
- C . 30% of the students live no more than a 1 1/2 mi. (2.40 km) walking distance from a functional entry of a school building
- D . 50% of the students live no more than a 1 1/2 mi. (2.40 km) walking distance from a functional entry of a school building
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
For schools intended for grades eight and below (or ages 14 and below), Option 2. Pedestrian Access requires that at least 50% of the students live no more than a 3/4 mi. (1.20 km) walking distance from a functional entry of a school building. This option aims to encourage schools to locate in areas where students can walk or bike to school, reducing vehicle trips and emissions, and promoting physical activity and health. Option 2 is available only for projects that do not meet the requirements of Option 1. Transit-Served Location, which requires access to quality transit service within a 1/4 mi.
(400 m) walking distance for at least 50% of the students.
Reference: Access to Quality Transit credit in LEED BD+C: Schools v4 – LEED v41
LEED Certification- Requirements for LT CREDIT: ACCESS TO QUALITY TRANSIT2
Understanding the LEED BD+C: Location and Transport credit3
B
Explanation:
For schools intended for grades eight and below (or ages 14 and below), Option 2. Pedestrian Access requires that at least 50% of the students live no more than a 3/4 mi. (1.20 km) walking distance from a functional entry of a school building. This option aims to encourage schools to locate in areas where students can walk or bike to school, reducing vehicle trips and emissions, and promoting physical activity and health. Option 2 is available only for projects that do not meet the requirements of Option 1. Transit-Served Location, which requires access to quality transit service within a 1/4 mi.
(400 m) walking distance for at least 50% of the students.
Reference: Access to Quality Transit credit in LEED BD+C: Schools v4 – LEED v41
LEED Certification- Requirements for LT CREDIT: ACCESS TO QUALITY TRANSIT2
Understanding the LEED BD+C: Location and Transport credit3
Question #263
Where must a building’s no-smoking signage be posted?
- A . Within 10 ft. (3 m) of all building entrances
- B . Within 10 ft. (3 m) of the main building entrance(s)
- C . Within 25 ft. (8 m) of all building entrances
- D . Within 25 ft. (8 m) of the main building entrance(s)
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
This is the requirement for the Indoor Environmental Quality prerequisite Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control, which applies to all LEED BD+C rating systems. The intent is to prevent or minimize exposure of building occupants, indoor surfaces, and ventilation air distribution systems to environmental tobacco smoke. The no-smoking signage must explicitly state the 25 ft. (8 m) limit and communicate the no-smoking policy to occupants.
Reference: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], Indoor Environment Prerequisite: No Smoking within 25 Feet of Building, Non-smoking policy + signage. Message has links.
C
Explanation:
This is the requirement for the Indoor Environmental Quality prerequisite Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control, which applies to all LEED BD+C rating systems. The intent is to prevent or minimize exposure of building occupants, indoor surfaces, and ventilation air distribution systems to environmental tobacco smoke. The no-smoking signage must explicitly state the 25 ft. (8 m) limit and communicate the no-smoking policy to occupants.
Reference: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], Indoor Environment Prerequisite: No Smoking within 25 Feet of Building, Non-smoking policy + signage. Message has links.
Question #264
A project team develops a site plan for a school project with an athletic field and a playground with real grass. In order to qualify for the Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Outdoor Water Use Reduction, the landscape area calculations:
- A . Must include the athletic field and playground
- B . May include the playground but must exclude the athletic field
- C . Must include the playground but exclude the athletic field
- D . May include or exclude the athletic field and the playground
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
For the Water Efficiency (WE) Prerequisite: Outdoor Water Use Reduction, athletic fields and playgrounds are considered special landscape areas and can be optionally included in landscape area calculations. This flexibility (D) allows teams to decide based on the unique water needs of these areas, as athletic fields often require extensive watering for maintenance. LEED recognizes these areas’ high water demand and provides an exception, acknowledging the potential challenges in reducing water for such intensive-use spaces.
D
Explanation:
For the Water Efficiency (WE) Prerequisite: Outdoor Water Use Reduction, athletic fields and playgrounds are considered special landscape areas and can be optionally included in landscape area calculations. This flexibility (D) allows teams to decide based on the unique water needs of these areas, as athletic fields often require extensive watering for maintenance. LEED recognizes these areas’ high water demand and provides an exception, acknowledging the potential challenges in reducing water for such intensive-use spaces.
Question #265
When the LEED AP is applying the Integrative Process to a Building Design and Construction project, when should the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) be created and updated?
- A . Prior to beginning design and are generally not updated
- B . Once the project design is completed and edited throughout the project
- C . During predesign and are edited throughout the project
- D . After the design is completed and are generally not updated
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
In the Integrative Process, the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) should be created during the predesign phase and edited throughout the project (C). The OPR documents the owner’s goals and objectives, guiding design decisions to align with these priorities. Updating the OPR as necessary ensures that project design and construction remain aligned with the owner’s vision and LEED requirements.
C
Explanation:
In the Integrative Process, the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) should be created during the predesign phase and edited throughout the project (C). The OPR documents the owner’s goals and objectives, guiding design decisions to align with these priorities. Updating the OPR as necessary ensures that project design and construction remain aligned with the owner’s vision and LEED requirements.
Question #266
What is a viable strategy for optimizing open space under Sustainable Sites Credit, Open Space? U
- A . Coordinate open space features during the construction phase
- B . Minimize the floor-area ratio (FAR) and accessibility for open space
- C . Design a parking and road footprint layout that is not near open land
- D . Coordinate open space features early during the site planning phase
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
Coordinating open space features early during the site planning phase is a viable strategy for optimizing open space under Sustainable Sites Credit, Open Space. This can help to preserve natural habitats, reduce heat island effects, and enhance human health and well-being. The credit requires that the project provide outdoor space that is at least 30% of the total site area, and that at least 25% of that outdoor space meets certain criteria for vegetated, pervious, or shaded areas.
Reference: LEED credit library: This is the USGBC’s comprehensive listing of all the LEED credits available in pursuing certification for your project. The credit library contains the requirements and guidance for each credit, as well as the web-based reference guide for the Building Design and Construction rating system.
Open Space: This is the specific credit page for the Open Space credit under the Sustainable Sites category. It provides the intent, requirements, and strategies for achieving the credit, as well as the number of points available and the applicable project types.
Step by Step Approach to Comply with the Open Space Credit in LEED v4: This is a blog post that explains the steps and calculations involved in complying with the Open Space credit. It also provides some examples and tips for optimizing open space design.
D
Explanation:
Coordinating open space features early during the site planning phase is a viable strategy for optimizing open space under Sustainable Sites Credit, Open Space. This can help to preserve natural habitats, reduce heat island effects, and enhance human health and well-being. The credit requires that the project provide outdoor space that is at least 30% of the total site area, and that at least 25% of that outdoor space meets certain criteria for vegetated, pervious, or shaded areas.
Reference: LEED credit library: This is the USGBC’s comprehensive listing of all the LEED credits available in pursuing certification for your project. The credit library contains the requirements and guidance for each credit, as well as the web-based reference guide for the Building Design and Construction rating system.
Open Space: This is the specific credit page for the Open Space credit under the Sustainable Sites category. It provides the intent, requirements, and strategies for achieving the credit, as well as the number of points available and the applicable project types.
Step by Step Approach to Comply with the Open Space Credit in LEED v4: This is a blog post that explains the steps and calculations involved in complying with the Open Space credit. It also provides some examples and tips for optimizing open space design.
Question #267
To assess the feasibility of earning Location and Transportation Credit, Reduced Parking Footprint, the project team should be familiar with what local government regulation?
- A . Design guidelines for orientation of parking garages along street frontages
- B . Minimum dimensions for on-street parking spaces required by the zoning code
- C . Building code standards for structured parking garages
- D . Minimum number of parking spaces required by the zoning code
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
To evaluate the Location and Transportation (LT) Credit: Reduced Parking Footprint, the project team should be aware of the minimum number of parking spaces required by the zoning code (D). This credit aims to reduce the environmental impact of parking by minimizing the number of spaces provided, encouraging alternative transportation methods. Knowledge of local parking minimums helps the team ensure compliance with LEED while avoiding excess parking, which can contribute to urban sprawl and the heat island effect. Design guidelines and building code standards are not directly relevant to this credit.
D
Explanation:
To evaluate the Location and Transportation (LT) Credit: Reduced Parking Footprint, the project team should be aware of the minimum number of parking spaces required by the zoning code (D). This credit aims to reduce the environmental impact of parking by minimizing the number of spaces provided, encouraging alternative transportation methods. Knowledge of local parking minimums helps the team ensure compliance with LEED while avoiding excess parking, which can contribute to urban sprawl and the heat island effect. Design guidelines and building code standards are not directly relevant to this credit.
Question #268
A contractor wants to use an adhesive that exceeds the allowed Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content limit under Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Low Emitting Materials. This credit can be earned if
- A . the VOC budget method is applied for VOC content
- B . the adhesive is not included in the LEED documentation
- C . 75% of the adhesives used comply with the VOC content limit and emissions requirements
- D . 95% of the adhesives used comply with the VOC content limit and emissions requirements
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
This credit can be earned if the VOC budget method is applied for VOC content. The VOC budget method allows the use of some products that exceed the VOC content limit, as long as the total VOC content of all products within a category does not exceed the total allowable VOC content for that category1. The adhesive is a product within the wet-applied and aerosol adhesives category, which has a VOC content limit of 70 g/L1. The contractor must calculate the VOC budget for this category and ensure that it does not exceed the limit. The other options are not valid ways to earn this credit. The adhesive must be included in the LEED documentation, as all products used in the project must be accounted for1. The credit requires that 100% of the adhesives used comply with the VOC content limit and emissions requirements, not 75% or 95%1.
Reference: • Low-emitting materials, p. 2
A
Explanation:
This credit can be earned if the VOC budget method is applied for VOC content. The VOC budget method allows the use of some products that exceed the VOC content limit, as long as the total VOC content of all products within a category does not exceed the total allowable VOC content for that category1. The adhesive is a product within the wet-applied and aerosol adhesives category, which has a VOC content limit of 70 g/L1. The contractor must calculate the VOC budget for this category and ensure that it does not exceed the limit. The other options are not valid ways to earn this credit. The adhesive must be included in the LEED documentation, as all products used in the project must be accounted for1. The credit requires that 100% of the adhesives used comply with the VOC content limit and emissions requirements, not 75% or 95%1.
Reference: • Low-emitting materials, p. 2
Question #269
What standard should an engineer use when establishing minimum ventilation rates for a new mechanically ventilated space to earn Indoor Environmental Quality, Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance?
- A . Local building code
- B . ASHRAE 62.1-2010
- C . International Mechanical Code 2012
- D . The ventilation code requiring the greatest volume of outside air
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
ASHRAE 62.1-2010 is the standard that an engineer should use when establishing minimum ventilation rates for a new mechanically ventilated space to earn Indoor Environmental Quality, Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance. This is the standard referenced by the LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide for this prerequisite. Local building code, International Mechanical Code 2012, and the ventilation code requiring the greatest volume of outside air are not acceptable alternatives for this prerequisite.
Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Indoor Environmental Quality Category, EQp Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance, page 674.
B
Explanation:
ASHRAE 62.1-2010 is the standard that an engineer should use when establishing minimum ventilation rates for a new mechanically ventilated space to earn Indoor Environmental Quality, Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance. This is the standard referenced by the LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide for this prerequisite. Local building code, International Mechanical Code 2012, and the ventilation code requiring the greatest volume of outside air are not acceptable alternatives for this prerequisite.
Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Indoor Environmental Quality Category, EQp Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance, page 674.
Question #270
Which of the following products are eligible for a WaterSense label?
- A . Tankless toilets
- B . Waterless urinals
- C . Public lavatory faucets
- D . Private lavatory faucets
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
Private lavatory faucets are eligible for a WaterSense label, provided they meet EPA’s specifications for water efficiency and performance, and are backed by independent, third-party certification. Tankless toilets, waterless urinals, and public lavatory faucets are not eligible for a WaterSense label because they are not included in the product categories that WaterSense covers. WaterSense currently labels products in the following categories: tank-type toilets, water-using urinals, private lavatory faucets, showerheads, irrigation controllers, spray sprinkler bodies, and pre-rinse spray valves.
Reference: WaterSense Products | US EPA1
The WaterSense Label | US EPA2
Water Sense Labeling | LEEDuser3
Labeled Faucet Questions | WaterSense | US EPA4
What is the WaterSense Label and How Does it Apply?5
D
Explanation:
Private lavatory faucets are eligible for a WaterSense label, provided they meet EPA’s specifications for water efficiency and performance, and are backed by independent, third-party certification. Tankless toilets, waterless urinals, and public lavatory faucets are not eligible for a WaterSense label because they are not included in the product categories that WaterSense covers. WaterSense currently labels products in the following categories: tank-type toilets, water-using urinals, private lavatory faucets, showerheads, irrigation controllers, spray sprinkler bodies, and pre-rinse spray valves.
Reference: WaterSense Products | US EPA1
The WaterSense Label | US EPA2
Water Sense Labeling | LEEDuser3
Labeled Faucet Questions | WaterSense | US EPA4
What is the WaterSense Label and How Does it Apply?5