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LEED v5 exam information

  • Updated

Exam timeline

When will the LEED v5 exams launch?

The new LEED Green Associate beta exam will launch on April 28, 2026.

  • The last day to sit for the current standalone and combined versions of the LEED Green Associate exam, based on the LEED v4 rating system, is April 26, 2026.

The new LEED AP with Specialty beta exams will launch on June 30, 2026.

  • The last day to sit for the current standalone version of the LEED AP with Specialty exams, based on the LEED v4 rating system, is June 28, 2026.
  • The new LEED AP with Specialty exams launching under LEED v5 include: LEED AP BD+C, LEED AP O+M and LEED AP ID+C.

Notes:

When is the last day to take the LEED v4 exams?

  • LEED Green Associate

April 26, 2026 - The last day to sit for the current standalone and combined versions of the LEED Green Associate exam, based on the LEED v4 rating system.

  • LEED AP with Specialty

June 28, 2026 - The last day to sit for the current standalone version of the LEED AP BD+C, LEED AP O+M and LEED AP ID+C exams, based on the LEED v4 rating system.

Schedule and take your exam soon to ensure you can take it under the LEED v4 rating system.

What LEED professional exams will be updated to reflect the LEED v5 rating system?

The following LEED professional exams currently based on the LEED v4 rating system will transition to align with the LEED v5 rating system: 

  • LEED Green Associate 
  • LEED AP BD+C
  • LEED AP O+M
  • LEED AP ID+C

The LEED AP ND and LEED AP Homes exams will continue to be based on the LEED v4 rating system.

Can I take the LEED v4 version of the exam after the LEED v5 version is published?

No, if you do not take the exam before the LEED v5 exam version is published, you will need to take the LEED v5 version of the exam which will require additional study materials and preparation.

I already have a credential. Will I need to retake the updated LEED credential exams once they are released?

No, current credential holders in good standing will not need to retest and should follow all credential maintenance requirements found in the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) Guide.

Once you’re a LEED credential holder, you will continue to maintain your industry expertise through the two-year credential maintenance cycle. You will only need to retest if your credential expires.

I am currently studying for the LEED v4 version of the LEED Green Associate and/or LEED AP with specialty exam. Should I continue studying the LEED v4 content or transition to LEED v5?

If you are planning and preparing to take the LEED Green Associate or LEED AP with specialty exams this year, continue studying the LEED v4 content. Candidates who take the exam to earn their LEED credential in 2025 will be tested on the content from the LEED v4 rating systems.

I purchased a LEED v4 exam and study prep bundle. Will it still be valid after LEED v5 exams become available?

Yes, the bundle you purchased is intended for the LEED v4 version of the LEED exams. However, it will not apply to the updated LEED v5 version once the new exam launches in 2026. For more information about study materials, see Study bundles.

LEED v5 beta exam

What is a beta exam?

The purpose of a beta exam is to test new questions and evaluate their performance before they become part of the official exam.

When a new version of the LEED rating system is approved, GBCI creates a corresponding new version of the exam. The beta exam provides an opportunity to analyze questions under real testing conditions for clarity, fairness, and reliability.

The beta exam includes two phases:

  • Data collection phase: During this phase, GBCI collects data related to the performance of exam questions. Psychometricians (exam quality experts) review this data to determine which questions meet quality standards and set the final passing score. Candidates who test during this period directly contribute to shaping the final exam.
  • Testing only phase: Once enough data has been collected, the beta exam remains available for candidates to take, but responses from this phase are not used in the psychometric analysis. Candidates can still take the beta exam during this time, but their exam results are not used in the analysis.

Score reports are released at the end of the data collection phase when a passing score becomes available. Learn more about scoring and exam timelines.

Can I take the new LEED beta v5 exams in a translated language?

No. The LEED v5 beta exams will only be available in English. If you need a translated version, you must schedule and take the current LEED professional exams, based on the LEED v4 rating system, before the LEED v5 exams launch.

Any open exam registrations as of the launch of the LEED beta v5 exams will be transitioned to the English-only standalone version of the LEED v5 exam.

We will announce additional language translations for exams once available.

Will combined exams be available for the beta phase of the LEED AP with specialty exams?

No. The LEED v5 beta exams will only be available as English-only standalone exams. If you prefer the combined exam format, you must schedule and take the current LEED professional exams, based on LEED v4 rating system, before the LEED v5 exams launch.

Open exam registrations for combined LEED v4 exams will be retired. The last day to sit for the combined version of the LEED Green Associate exam (BD+C, O+M, or ID+C) is April 26, 2026.

We will share updates on any future combined exam format options for the new LEED v5 exams once confirmed.

When will I receive a score for my LEED v5 beta exam?

At launch, beta exams have no predefined passing score. The process of setting the passing score typically takes four to five months.

  • Score reports for exams taken during the initial phase are released once the passing score is determined. We anticipate this in Q4 2026. Candidates needing results sooner should take the current LEED v4 exam before the beta begins. View the exam timeline.
  • After the passing score is determined, the final exam will be published, at which point all exam candidates will receive their score reports immediately after taking the exam.

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