LEED v5 exam information

• LEED v5 exam overview
• Exam timeline and options
• What LEED professional exams will be updated to reflect the LEED v5 rating systems?
• When will the LEED v5 exams launch?
• When is the last day to register for the LEED v4 exams?
• When is the last day to take the LEED v4 exams?
• What happens if I do not take the LEED v4 exam by the last available test date?
• What happens if I do not take the LEED v4 exam by the last available test date and I require a language translation?
• What options do I have when registering for the LEED exams?
• Can I take the LEED v4 version of the exam after the LEED v5 version is published?
• I already have a credential. Will I need to retake the LEED credential exams?
• 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?
• I purchased a LEED v4 exam and study prep bundle. Will it still be valid after LEED v5 exams become available?
• Understanding the LEED v5 beta exams
• What is a beta exam?
• What are the benefits of taking the exam?
• What should I know if I opt in to take the LEED v5 beta exam?
• Can I take the LEED beta exams in a translated language?
• Will combined exams be available for the LEED AP with Specialty beta exams?
• When will I receive a score for my LEED v5 beta exam?
• What materials should I review to prepare for the LEED v5 exams?
• When will the LEED v5 Candidate Handbooks be available?
• LEED v5 beta exam registration
• When does LEED v5 beta exam registration open and when can I take the LEED v5 beta exams?
• When is the last day to register for the LEED v5 beta exams?
• How do I register for the LEED v5 beta exam?
• What if I do don't want to take the LEED v5 beta exam within the two-month testing window?
• How do I register through the standard exam registration process?
• If I register through the standard exam registration process, how do I know which version of the exam I will be taking?
• LEED v5 exams
• If I take the final version of the LEED v5 exam, when will I receive my score results?
• Are there differences between LEED v4 and LEED v5 exam versions in terms of industry recognition?
• I earned my LEED Green Associate by passing the LEED v4 exam. Am I eligible to take the LEED v5 LEED AP with Specialty exam?

LEED v5 exam overview

LEED v5, the latest version of the green building standard, launched in April 2025 for the commercial rating systems, LEED BD+C, ID+C, and O+M. When a new version of the LEED rating system is approved, GBCI updates the corresponding LEED credential exams to ensure alignment with the current standard.

Before the official exam is released, a beta exam is offered to pilot new exam questions and evaluate their performance. Data collected during the beta phase is used to establish the passing score, after which the final LEED v5 exam is launched.

Exam timeline and options

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

The following LEED professional exams, now based on LEED v4, will transition to align with the LEED v5 rating systems: 

• 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.

When will the LEED v5 exams launch?

Notes:

• Initially, the new LEED v5 beta exams will only be available in English and as a standalone exam. Learn more about translated versions or combined exam format.
• Scores for beta exams will not be immediately available. Learn more.

When is the last day to register for the LEED v4 exams?

The last day to register for the LEED v4 exams is:

Candidates must complete registration by these dates to be eligible to take the corresponding LEED v4 exams.

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

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

What happens if I do not take the LEED v4 exam by the last available test date?

If you do not take the LEED v4 exam by the last test date, your exam eligibility ID (EID) will automatically be reassigned to the LEED v5 exam.

All exam EIDs will automatically be reassigned to the English version of the LEED v5 exam. LEED v5 beta exams will only be available in English.

For details on LEED v5 exam availability, review the key exam dates.

What happens if I do not take the LEED v4 exam by the last available test date and I require a language translation?

If you do not take the LEED v4 exam by the last test date, your translated exam will automatically be reassigned to the English version of the LEED v5 exam. LEED v5 beta exams will only be available in English.

For details on exam availability, please review the key exam dates.

What options do I have when registering for the LEED exams?

You can register in two ways:

1. LEED v5 beta exam (data collection phase) 
   • Opt in to the LEED v5 beta exam during the registration process.
   • Includes a discounted registration fee.
   • Requires testing within a two-month window.
   • Registration opens mid-February, 2026.
2. Standard LEED exam registration
   • Register through the standard process, without opting into the LEED v5 beta exam
   • The test available to candidates selecting this option will depend on when the test is scheduled. Please review the key exam dates.
   • Registration is now open.

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?

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?

Candidates who are planning to take the LEED Green Associate exam before April 26, 2026 or the LEED AP with Specialty exam before June 28, 2026 should continue to study LEED v4 exam content. Candidates who are planning to take the test after these dates should study LEED v5 materials.

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.

Understanding the LEED v5 beta exams

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 final exam.

The beta exam includes two phases:

• Data collection phase: During this phase, GBCI collects data related to the performance of exam questions. The results of this data analysis helps GBCI set the final passing score for the final exam. Candidates who want to test during this limited period must opt in to the LEED v5 beta exam during registration. Learn about the benefits of taking the beta exam during this phase.
• 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 data analysis. Candidates can still take the beta exam during this time, but their exam results are not used in the data analysis. Candidates who register through the standard exam registration process have the opportunity to participate in this phase depending on when they take their exam. See the key exam dates.

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.

What are the benefits of taking a beta exam?

Candidates who opt in to take the LEED v5 beta exam during the exam registration process benefit from:

• A 30% discount on the exam registration fee.
• Continuing education (CE) hours upon passing the exam.
• Helping develop and validate the LEED v5 exam, which helps keep the credential fair, relevant, and aligned with industry standards.

Learn how to register for the LEED v5 beta exam.

What should I know if I opt in to take the LEED v5 beta exam?

• By opting into the LEED v5 beta exam (data collection phase), you are helping shape the final version of the exam. GBCI will use exam data from the beta period to evaluate performance and establish the passing score.
• In recognition of your participation, you will receive a 30% discount on the exam registration fee and continuing education (CE) hours upon passing the exam.
• You can opt in to the LEED v5 beta exam only during the registration windows listed below, and testing for this option is available only within the corresponding testing windows.

* All dates reflect U.S. Eastern Time.

• Score reports will be released at the conclusion of the beta phase, once the passing score has been finalized. This is expected in Q4 (October - December) 2026.
• To register, log in to your Credential Dashboard during the registration window, begin the LEED exam registration process, and select the option to "Opt in to the LEED v5 beta exam".

Can I take the LEED beta 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. Combined exams will not be available during the LEED v5 beta phase. 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 all combined LEED v4 exams will be retired. The last day to sit for the combined version of the LEED Green Associate exam 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?

For LEED v5 beta exam candidates, exam results are released after the beta testing phase concludes and the exam analysis is complete. Based on current timelines, scores are tentatively expected to be released as follows:

• LEED Green Associate: October 2026
• LEED AP with Specialty: December 2026

These timelines are estimates and may change based on beta exam participation and the time required to complete exam analysis. Candidates will be notified when their results are available. 

The final LEED v5 exams will be published after beta exam scores are released for each exam. Once the final exam is available, candidates who take the final LEED exam will receive their results immediately upon completing the exam.

What materials should I review to prepare for the LEED v5 exams?

LEED v5 exams are developed using reference documents that support the content and competencies assessed on each exam.

Please review the Exam References section of the LEED v5 section in the LEED Candidate Handbooks to understand the materials used to develop the LEED v5 exams.

When will the LEED v5 Candidate Handbooks be available?

The current LEED Candidate Handbooks will be updated to include a LEED v5 beta exam section. These updates will be available to candidates by mid-February, 2026, when LEED v5 beta exam registration opens.

LEED v5 beta exam registration

When does LEED v5 beta exam registration open and when can I take the LEED v5 beta exams?

Registration for the LEED v5 beta exams  (data collection phase) opens on mid-February, 2026. Although you may register starting on that date, beta exams can only be taken during the following two-month testing window:

*All dates reflect Eastern time.

Notes:

• By opting to take the LEED v5 beta exam, you will be participating in the data collection phase of the beta exam. 
• Candidates must take the LEED v5 beta exam within its designated testing window.

Learn how to register for the LEED v5 beta exam.

When is the last day to register for the LEED v5 beta exams?

The last day to opt-in to registration for the LEED v5 beta exams (data collection phase) is:

*All dates reflect Eastern time.

Candidates must complete registration by these dates to be eligible to take the corresponding LEED v5 beta exam.

How do I register for the LEED v5 beta exam?

LEED v5 registration opens Mid-February, 2026.

To register:

1. Sign in to your Credential Dashboard
2. Click “Register” next to your selected LEED exam
3. Select the option to “Opt in to take the LEED v5 beta exam” and complete your registration.

Notes:  

• Scores for beta exams will not be immediately available. Learn more.  
• If you need your exam results sooner, consider taking the current exam before the beta exam launches. 

What if I don’t want to take the LEED v5 beta exam within the two-month testing window?

If you prefer not to take the LEED v5 beta exam during the two-month testing window , you may choose to register through the standard exam registration process  instead.

Candidates who register through the standard process have 12 months from the registration date to schedule and take their exam. Depending on when you test, you may take the LEED v4 exam, the LEED v5 beta exam  (testing only phase), or the final version of the LEED v5 exam.

For details on exam availability, please review the key exam dates.

How do I register through the standard exam registration process?

Candidates who register through the standard process have 12 months from the registration date to schedule and take their exam. Depending on when you test, you may take the LEED v4 exam, the LEED v5 beta exam  (testing only phase), or the final version of the LEED v5 exam.

To register:

1. Sign in to your Credential Dashboard.
2. Click “Register” next to your selected LEED exam.
3. Select the option to “Continue with the standard exam registration” and complete your registration.

For details on exam availability, please review the key exam dates.

If I register through the standard exam registration process, how do I know which version of the exam I will be taking?

Depending on when you test, you may take the LEED v4 exam, the LEED v5 beta exam  (testing only phase), or the final version of the LEED v5 exam.

* Exam dates are subject to change and may slightly shift based on beta exam (data collection phase) participation.

LEED v5 exam

If I take the final version of the LEED v5 exam, when will I receive my score results?

The final LEED v5 exams will be published after beta exam scores are released for each exam. Once the final exam is available, candidates who take the final LEED exam will receive their results immediately upon completing the exam.

Are there differences between LEED v4 and LEED v5 exam versions in terms of industry recognition?

No. Both exam versions lead to the same LEED credential and are equally recognized by the industry.
Whether you take the LEED v4 or LEED v5 exam, successful candidates earn the same credential, which is administered and maintained under GBCI standards. While exam versions are updated over time to reflect changes to the LEED rating system content, the value, credibility and industry recognition of the LEED credential remain unchanged.

I earned my LEED Green Associate by passing the LEED v4 exam. Am I eligible to take the LEED v5 LEED AP with Specialty exam?

Yes. Candidates who earned the LEED Green Associate credential, regardless of whether it was earned through the LEED v4 or LEED v5 exam, are eligible to take the new LEED v5 LEED AP with Specialty exam.

Eligibility requirements for the LEED AP with Specialty credential remain the same across exam versions.