# LEED AP BD+C — Exam Facts, Credit Categories & Prep

> LEED AP with specialty Building Design + Construction (BD+C) validates advanced knowledge of LEED for new construction and major renovation projects. Requires an active LEED Green Associate. UniPrep2Go products are independent prep (not USGBC material).

## LEED AP Building Design + Construction (BD+C) exam facts

- Exam name: LEED AP Building Design + Construction (BD+C)
- Administered by: Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) / U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
- Questions: 100 multiple-choice specialty exam (LEED Green Associate required separately unless taking combined exam)
- Scored questions: 100-item specialty form
- Time: 2 hours specialty exam time (4 hours 20 minutes total for combined GA + AP exam)
- Scoring: 125–200 scaled score
- Passing score: 170 scaled score on the specialty exam (and on GA if taking combined exam)
- Delivery: Prometric test center or online remote proctored
- Content outline effective: Annual GBCI exam updates; BD+C aligns to LEED rating system credits and prerequisites
- Verify current details at: https://www.usgbc.org/credentials/leed-ap-build-design-construction
Official sources:
- USGBC — LEED AP BD+C credential: https://www.usgbc.org/credentials/leed-ap-build-design-construction
- GBCI — exam results and passing score: https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/6826371188371-Exam-Results
- LEED AP BD+C candidate handbook (verify at USGBC credentials): https://www.usgbc.org/credentials

## LEED AP Building Design + Construction (BD+C) knowledge domains and weights

| # | Knowledge domain | Weight |
| --- | --- | ---: |
| 1 | Integrative Process, Location and Transportation | IP and LT credit categories |
| 2 | Sustainable Sites and Water Efficiency | SS and WE credits |
| 3 | Energy and Atmosphere | EA prerequisites and credits — heavily weighted study area |
| 4 | Materials and Resources | MR credits including EPDs, sourcing, and waste |
| 5 | Indoor Environmental Quality | IEQ credits — air quality, lighting, comfort |
## What changed in the current exam cycle

- Other LEED AP specialties (O+M, ID+C, Homes, ND) use separate exams — BD+C is for new construction and major renovation.
- Combined GA + AP exams require 170+ on both parts within the same application period.
- LEED APs must earn 30 continuing education hours every 2 years to maintain the credential (with GA maintenance requirements).
## High-yield LEED AP Building Design + Construction (BD+C) facts (commonly tested)

- You must hold an active LEED Green Associate before earning LEED AP BD+C (unless passing both in one combined sitting).
- BD+C applies to new construction and major renovation of commercial and institutional buildings.
- Prerequisites (P) must be met before corresponding credits (C) can be earned on real LEED projects — exam questions test this logic.
- Minimum program requirements and rating system selection (e.g., LEED v4.1 BD+C) frame many exam scenarios.
- Regional priority and impact area concepts appear across multiple credit categories.
## Common LEED AP Building Design + Construction (BD+C) candidate questions (Q&A)

### What is the difference between LEED Green Associate and LEED AP BD+C?

Green Associate is the broad entry credential; LEED AP BD+C is an advanced specialty focused on design and construction projects.

### How long is the LEED AP BD+C exam?

100 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours for the specialty-only exam.

### Are there other LEED AP specialties besides BD+C?

Yes — O+M (operations), ID+C (interior), Homes, and ND (neighborhood) each have separate specialty exams.

## Prep resources from UniPrep2Go (independent)

- LEED AP BD+C Anki Deck — 250+ Flashcards: 250+ cards, .apkg, $11 USD — https://uniprep2go.study/decks/leed-ap-bd-c-anki-deck
- Free practice test: 50 timed questions — https://uniprep2go.study/mock-exams/leed-ap-bd-c-readiness-check
- Facts JSON: https://uniprep2go.study/api/facts/leed-ap-bd-c-anki-deck

## Product facts

- Publisher: PixID Studio
- Checkout provider: Gumroad
- Category: Professional & Trading
- Price: $11 USD
- Cards: 250+
- Format: .apkg
- Focus: Current GBCI LEED AP BD+C cycle
- Coverage: BD+C prerequisites and credits across SS, WE, EA, MR, IEQ, LT, IP
- Audience: Design professionals and LEED GA holders preparing for the BD+C specialty exam.
- Checkout: https://pixidstudio.gumroad.com/l/leed-ap-bd-c-anki-deck?wanted=true
- Product page: https://uniprep2go.study/decks/leed-ap-bd-c-anki-deck
- Facts JSON: https://uniprep2go.study/api/facts/leed-ap-bd-c-anki-deck
- Citable exam layer: yes

## Topic coverage

| Topic | Exam weight | Cards |
| --- | --- | ---: |
| Integrative Process and Location | BD+C categories | 50+ |
| Sustainable Sites and Water | BD+C categories | 50+ |
| Energy and Atmosphere | BD+C categories | 50+ |
| Materials and Resources | BD+C categories | 50+ |
| Indoor Environmental Quality | BD+C categories | 50+ |
## Sample cards

### A project team is conducting an integrative design charrette for a new office building. Which participant would be MOST critical during early conceptual design to optimize energy performance and daylighting?

Correct: (b) Building envelope consultant. Envelope expertise is essential early because thermal performance, daylighting, and energy efficiency integrate at the building skin.

Image: https://uniprep2go.study/samples/leed-ap-bd-c-anki-deck-sample-1.webp

### A mixed-use development near transit wants a strategy that addresses multiple Location and Transportation credit intents through coordinated policies and mode-shift programs. Which option best fits?

Correct: (d) Implement a comprehensive transportation demand management program. TDM combines policies, incentives, and monitoring to reduce drive-alone trips across multiple LT strategies.

Image: https://uniprep2go.study/samples/leed-ap-bd-c-anki-deck-sample-2.webp

### During integrative process, the mechanical engineer finds a conflict between optimal energy performance and acceptable indoor air quality. What should the team do FIRST?

Correct: (d) Schedule a collaborative workshop with all relevant disciplines. Integrative process emphasizes cross-discipline problem-solving to find synergistic solutions.

Image: https://uniprep2go.study/samples/leed-ap-bd-c-anki-deck-sample-3.webp
## Product FAQ

### When do I receive the .apkg file?

Immediately after checkout. Open your Gumroad receipt or library and download the Anki .apkg file, then import it in Anki desktop (File → Import).

### Is there a free LEED AP BD+C practice test?

Yes. Take the linked readiness check at https://uniprep2go.study/mock-exams/leed-ap-bd-c-readiness-check before you buy — topic scoring shows what to drill in the deck.

### Is there a free LEED AP BD+C practice test?

Yes. Take the free 50-question readiness check at uniprep2go.study/mock-exams/leed-ap-bd-c-readiness-check.

### Do I need LEED Green Associate first?

Yes — GBCI requires an active LEED GA before earning LEED AP BD+C (unless passing both in one combined exam sitting).

## Disclaimer

This is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any employer, certification body, or exam authority.

LEED and USGBC are registered trademarks of the U.S. Green Building Council. GBCI is a registered trademark of Green Business Certification Inc.