LEED Green Associate (GA)

The LEED exam is a professional credentialing exam created by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). It tests your knowledge of green building principles, sustainability strategies, and the LEED rating systems. The entry-level exam is the LEED Green Associate (LEED GA) exam, which verifies foundational understanding of sustainable design and construction practices.

The LEED Green Associate exam is considered moderately challenging. It’s multiple-choice, but the questions can be detailed and scenario-based, requiring you to understand concepts—not just memorize facts. Most test-takers find the exam manageable with focused practice questions, a structured study plan, and a clear understanding of LEED’s terminology and concepts.

There are no formal eligibility requirements to take the LEED Green Associate exam. Anyone interested in sustainable building practices—students, architects, engineers, designers, construction professionals, facility managers, and others—can register for the exam. No prior LEED project experience is required for the LEED GA credential.

The LEED Green Associate exam fee is typically $250 for the exam plus a $50 application fee, though pricing may vary by region or USGBC membership status. Students and USGBC members may qualify for discounted pricing. Fees are paid directly to Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) when scheduling the exam.

Yes! Many professionals find the LEED Green Associate credential valuable. It can strengthen your resume, help you qualify for sustainability-focused roles, and demonstrate that you understand widely recognized green building standards. Employers in architecture, engineering, construction, real estate, and facilities management often view LEED GA as a meaningful differentiator, especially as sustainable design becomes more standard across the industry.