How Long Does It Take to Prepare for the LEED AP Exam?

Preparation time for the LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional) exam can vary widely, depending on your prior knowledge, study habits, and the specific LEED AP specialty you choose. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the time required for various preparation stages, along with tips for effective preparation.

Breakdown of Study Time

Study Materials

The time required for studying can include:

Books and Guides: Reading recommended materials such as the LEED AP study guide or other reference books can take between 10-20 hours.

Online Courses: Enrolling in a structured online course can take about 15-30 hours.

Practice Exams

Engaging in practice exams involves:

Practice Questions: Taking practice exams and reviewing answers can take 10-15 hours to identify weak areas.

Review and Revision

Reviewing the material for better understanding and retention:

Review Sessions: Revisiting challenging topics and summarizing key concepts can take 5-10 hours.

Total Estimated Time: Depending on your existing knowledge and study preferences, you might expect to spend anywhere from 40 to 75 hours preparing for the LEED AP exam.

Study Schedule

Full-time Study

For those who can study full-time, the preparation can be completed in one or two weeks.

Part-time Study

Studying part-time, for a few hours each week, could take several weeks to a couple of months.

Tips for Effective Preparation

>Create a study schedule to stay organized.

Utilize a variety of study resources, such as videos, flashcards, and group discussions.

Focusing on understanding the LEED rating systems and the exam format can enhance your preparation.

Tailor your study approach to your learning style for optimal results.

Guidelines by USGBC

The USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council) recommends preparing for the exam within 4 weeks, studying 3-5 hours each day. They also provide a study plan that includes:

Downloading the LEED AP BDC Exam Guide.

Studying the LEED AP BDC Student Handbook.

Investigating case studies on process and green building references for design and construction.

These resources comprehensively describe the purpose of each credit, listing related codes and project phases, as well as synergies with other credits. Understanding synergies is crucial, as they can significantly impact the exam difficulty.

Additional Resources

Additional reading from the LEED v4 reference guide can be beneficial, covering various sections such as:

Sustainable Sites

Energy and Atmosphere

Materials and Resources

Indoor Environment Quality

While 4 weeks are generally sufficient, some candidates have reported passing the exam in as little as one week or two, depending on their individual study time and learning style.