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LEED reference guides

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General

I'm preparing for my LEED exam. Which reference guide version should I be using?

The web-based LEED v4 reference guide. 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.

LEED v5 reference guides

How do I access the LEED v5 reference guides?

The LEED v5 reference guides are currently free for anyone to access and download as a PDF. It can be accessed through any LEED v5 credit in the LEED credit library or the resource library:

Can I add and save notes in the LEED v5 reference guides?

You can add notes to any page by selecting the note icon located at the bottom and right side of the page. Notes are saved locally in your browser using cookies or local storage so that you can return later to edit or review them. However, if you clear your cookies or switch browsers/devices, your notes may be lost.

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Can I download my notes along with the PDF?

To download the guide with your notes included, click the download icon at the bottom of the page. Then, check the box that says, “Add my notes to PDF” and click the Full Flipbook download button. The PDF will download to your device.

  • If you open it in a browser, your notes will be there, but they won’t be marked or color-coded—you’ll need to look through the document to find them.
  • If you open it on your desktop, your notes will be tagged and color-coded, making them easier to find.
  • Note: Any notes you take will not be included in the printed version.

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How do I search within a LEED v5 reference guide?

Search for words or phrases in the reference guide by selecting the search icon at the top right corner of the page. Once selected, a search bar will open. While the search bar is open, the table of contents will disappear. Once you close the search function, the table of contents will reappear.

Tip: Select the filter icon and then select the "Exact match" box to filter for results.

Search function:

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Filters and exact match:

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Which browsers are supported?

The LEED v5 reference guides will work on most modern browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari (macOS and iOS), and Mircosoft Edge. Internet Explorer is not supported.

To ensure the best experience, always use an up-to-date browser version.

LEED v4 web-based reference guide

Where can I buy the LEED v4 web-based reference guide?

To purchase the LEED v4 web-based reference guide, go to the product page in the USGBC Store. The LEED v4 web-based reference guide is also included with the purchase of a subscription to the USGBC course catalog.

If I purchase the LEED v4 web-based reference guide, does it expire after a year?

Yes, the web-based version is a one-year, renewable subscription.

Is the LEED v4 web-based reference guide included with my membership-based education benefits?

Unlimited company-wide access to the LEED v4 web-based reference guide is included with Platinum-level membership. LEED v4 web-based reference guide access is not included with Silver or Gold-level membership.

Is access to the LEED v4 web-based reference guide included in my course catalog subscription?

Yes, the subscription includes access to the LEED v4 web-based reference guide.

How can I purchase access to the LEED v4 web-based reference guide for my entire company?

The LEED v4 web-based reference guide is sold in terms of individual access. Therefore, organizations will need to purchase a LEED v4 web-based reference guide for each employee who needs access. Please note that Platinum-level companies receive organization-wide access to the web-based reference guide.

How do I access the web-based LEED v4 reference guides?

Once purchased (either directly or via trial period), your access to the web-based guide is immediate.

  • Step 1: Go to the LEED Credit Library
  • Step 2: Select the “v4” version of any applicable rating system and the credit you are interested in
  • Step 3: Select the Guide tab and you’ll see all of the content in the print/pdf versions of the guide plus helpful tutorials and videos.

Don’t forget to review the reference guide introductory and overview sections: Getting Started, Minimum Program Requirements, Rating System Selection, and Credit Category Overviews. These sections are supplemental to the web-based reference guide. To access, please select from the following links:

What content does the web-based reference guide cover?

The web-based reference guide includes all rating system adaptations within LEED v4. Prior versions of LEED are not included.

While LEED v4.1 is under development, only the credit requirements are included at this time. The LEED v4.1 reference guides, which include any applicable credit guidance in addition to the credit language, may be downloaded from the LEED v4.1 page.

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