The LEED professional credentialing exams are about to change.
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) are transitioning from the LEED v4 exams to the new LEED v5 exams in 2026. If you are planning to become a LEED Green Associate or LEED AP, understanding the transition timeline can help you decide the best time to take the exam.
For many candidates, taking the current LEED v4 exam before the transition may offer several advantages.
Important LEED v4 Exam Deadlines
According to USGBC/GBCI, the current exam version will soon be retired.
LEED Green Associate (v4)
- Last day to register: April 21, 2026
- Last day to take the exam: April 26, 2026
LEED AP with Specialty (BD+C, O+M, ID+C)
- Last day to register: June 24, 2026
- Last day to take the exam: June 28, 2026
After these dates, candidates will transition to the LEED v5 exams.
You can learn more about the official transition timeline on the USGBC website.
What Happens When LEED v5 Exams Launch?
Until the final LEED v5 exam is released, candidates will take a beta version of the exam.
This means:
- You can take the exam as scheduled.
- Exam results may not be available immediately.
- GBCI will establish the passing score after analyzing beta test results.
- Candidates will be notified of their final score later.
For some candidates, waiting weeks or months for exam results can be inconvenient.
What If I Register for the LEED v4 Exam But Cannot Take It?
If you schedule the LEED v4 exam but miss the testing window, you will not be able to take that version after the deadline.
Instead, your exam eligibility will move to the LEED v5 exam.
This is another reason many candidates choose to prepare early and schedule their exam with enough time before the transition deadline.
Why Many Professionals Choose to Take LEED v4
While LEED v5 introduces exciting updates, there are several practical reasons many candidates prefer taking the current exam version.
- Established Study Materials
LEED v4 has been available for years, meaning there are well-developed study resources, practice exams, and training programs available.
With a new exam version, learning resources may take time to mature.
- Immediate Exam Results
With LEED v4 exams, candidates typically receive their results immediately after completing the test.
Beta exams for new versions often delay score reporting while passing thresholds are determined.
- Familiar Exam Structure
The current exam format has been stable and widely understood.
Historically, when new versions of LEED exams are introduced, the exam structure and content may change significantly as the rating system evolves.
- Certainty Before the Transition
Preparing now allows candidates to take the exam with a clear timeline and known content scope, rather than navigating the uncertainty that can accompany a newly released exam.
How Long Does It Take to Prepare for the LEED Exam?
Many candidates prepare for the LEED exam in 5–7 weeks with a structured study plan.
At GBRI, our LEED Exam Prep programs help candidates:
- Understand the LEED rating system
- Learn key exam concepts efficiently
- Practice with exam-style questions
- Prepare confidently for test day
Our structured courses are designed to help professionals prepare efficiently before the exam transition.
Learn more about our LEED Exam Prep programs here
Already a LEED Green Associate or LEED AP?
If you’re looking for LEED v5–related continuing education courses, GBRI offers several USGBC-approved courses designed to help professionals stay current with emerging sustainability topics and earn their required CE hours.
Final Thoughts
With the LEED exam transitioning to LEED v5 in 2026, candidates now have a limited window to take the current LEED v4 exam.
For many professionals, taking the exam now offers the advantages of:
- Immediate results
- Established study resources
- Familiar exam structure
- A clear preparation timeline
If earning your LEED credential is on your professional goals list, now may be the ideal time to start preparing.
