Key details for this exam, checked against the published exam outline
Each question shows the correct answer and an explanation of why it is right
During the walk-through with a new home occupant, which of the following is NOT required?
The LEED for Homes Rating System (v4) requires a walk-through as part of the Innovation (IN) Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager to educate occupants on the operation and maintenance of sustainable systems.
According to the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
IN Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager
Conduct a minimum two-hour walk-through with the homeowner, including:
Identification of all installed equipment (e.g., HVAC, water heating systems).
Instruction on how to use and operate the equipment and green measures.
Information on how to maintain the equipment to ensure ongoing performance.
Information on product return policies or rebates is not required.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Innovation Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager, p. 188.
The LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C rating system confirms:
IN Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner or Tenant
The walk-through must cover equipment identification, operation, and maintenance instructions, but does not include product return policies or rebates.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer is information related to product return policies and rebates (Option D), as this is not a required component of the walk-through.
Why not the other options?
A . Identification of all installed equipment: This is required to familiarize occupants with sustainable systems.
B . Instruction in how to use the measures and operate the equipment: This is required to ensure proper operation.
C . Information on how to maintain the equipment: This is required to support long-term performance.
The LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook emphasizes IN prerequisites, including walk-through requirements, and references the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction as a key resource. The exam is based on LEED v4, ensuring the relevance of walk-through content.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Innovation Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager, p. 188.
LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits).
LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4).
USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4).
LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming walk-through requirements.
The design charrette must occur no later than which phase in order to earn the Integrative Process Credit, Option 2: Design Charrette?
The LEED for Homes Rating System (v4) includes the Integrative Process (IP) Credit: Integrative Process, Option 2: Design Charrette, which requires a collaborative meeting early in the design process to integrate green strategies.
According to the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
IP Credit: Integrative Process, Option 2: Design Charrette (1 point)
Conduct a design charrette no later than the schematic design phase to ensure early integration of green strategies across all project aspects, including energy, water, and materials.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Integrative Process Credit: Integrative Process, p. 45.
The LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C rating system confirms:
IP Credit: Integrative Process, Option 2: Design Charrette
The charrette must occur no later than the schematic design phase to effectively influence the project's sustainability goals and design decisions.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer is Schematic Design (Option B), as the charrette must occur by this phase to ensure early integration of sustainable strategies.
Why not the other options?
A . Bid Solicitation: This is a post-design phase, too late for the charrette's purpose.
C . Design Development: This is later than schematic design, reducing the charrette's impact on early design decisions.
D . Construction Drawings: This is a final design phase, far too late for integrative planning.
The LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook emphasizes IP credits, including the timing of the design charrette, and references the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction as a key resource. The exam is based on LEED v4, ensuring the relevance of the schematic design phase.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Integrative Process Credit: Integrative Process, p. 45.
LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits).
LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4).
USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4).
LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming charrette timing.
A LEED for Homes project is located in an area heavily infested with termites. A project could earn Sustainable Sites Credit, Nontoxic Pest Control for employing which of the following design strategies?
The LEED for Homes Rating System (v4) includes the Sustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control, which awards points for physical or nontoxic strategies to prevent pest entry, particularly in areas with high pest activity like termites, without relying on chemical treatments.
According to the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
SS Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control (1 point)
Employ physical barriers to prevent pest entry, such as installing code-approved termite barriers (e.g., physical shields or mesh) around foundations to protect against termite infestation in a nontoxic manner.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Sustainable Sites Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control, p. 82.
The LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C rating system confirms:
SS Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control
Installing a code-approved termite barrier is a recognized strategy to earn points by preventing termite access without chemical treatments, suitable for areas with heavy infestation.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer is installing a code-approved termite barrier (Option A), as this is a physical, nontoxic strategy explicitly recognized for the credit in termite-prone areas.
Why not the other options?
B . Installing FSC-certified ipe wood for all decking and stairs: FSC certification ensures sustainable sourcing but does not address pest control.
C . Installing wood framing that is treated 3 ft. (0.9 m) above the foundation: Chemical treatment (e.g., with borates) is not considered nontoxic under this credit.
D . Installing landscaping at least 12 in. (0.3 m) away from all parts of the home: While this may reduce pest access, it is not a primary strategy listed for this credit.
The LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook emphasizes SS credits, including nontoxic pest control, and references the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction as a key resource. The exam is based on LEED v4, ensuring the relevance of termite barriers.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Sustainable Sites Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control, p. 82.
LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits).
LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4).
USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4).
LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming pest control strategies.
Which of the following is a requirement for Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Contaminant Control, Option 2: Shoe Removal and Storage?
The LEED for Homes Rating System (v4) includes the Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Credit: Contaminant Control, Option 2: Shoe Removal and Storage, which aims to reduce indoor contaminants by providing a designated area for shoe removal and storage to prevent tracking pollutants into living spaces.
According to the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EQ Credit: Contaminant Control, Option 2: Shoe Removal and Storage (1--2 points)
Provide a designated shoe removal and storage area near the primary entryway, separated from living spaces by a door or other barrier to prevent contaminants from entering the home. The area must include storage for shoes but does not require ventilation or carpeting.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Contaminant Control, p. 148.
The LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C rating system confirms:
EQ Credit: Contaminant Control, Option 2: Shoe Removal and Storage
The shoe storage area must be separated from living spaces to prevent the spread of contaminants, typically with a door or partition, and does not require specific ventilation or carpeting.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer is area must be separated from the living space (Option A), as this is a key requirement to ensure contaminants are contained outside living areas.
Why not the other options?
B . Area must accommodate a bench and one pair of shoes per bedroom: While storage is required, there is no specific mandate for a bench or a fixed number of shoes per bedroom.
C . Area must be ventilated to the outdoors: Ventilation is not required for the shoe storage area; separation is sufficient.
D . Area must be carpeted: Carpeting is not required and may trap contaminants, contradicting the credit's intent.
The LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook emphasizes EQ credits, including contaminant control, and references the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction as a key resource. The exam is based on LEED v4, ensuring the relevance of shoe storage separation.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Contaminant Control, p. 148.
LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits).
LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4).
USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4).
LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming contaminant control requirements.
Which member of the verification team conducts field inspections of LEED prerequisites and credits?
The LEED for Homes Rating System (v4) requires third-party verification for prerequisites and credits, with specific roles defined for the verification team. The LEED Green Rater is responsible for conducting field inspections to verify compliance.
According to the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
Verification Process
The LEED Green Rater, a trained professional certified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), conducts field inspections to verify compliance with LEED for Homes prerequisites and credits, including energy, water, and indoor environmental quality measures.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Introduction, p. 28.
The LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C rating system confirms:
Verification Process
The LEED Green Rater performs on-site inspections to ensure that the project meets all prerequisites and targeted credits, documenting compliance for certification.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer is LEED Green Rater (Option D), as this team member is responsible for field inspections of LEED prerequisites and credits.
Why not the other options?
A . Energy Rater: The Energy Rater focuses on energy performance (e.g., HERS Index) but does not verify all LEED credits.
B . LEED for Homes Provider: The Provider oversees the certification process and coordinates verification but does not conduct field inspections.
C . LEED for Homes QAD: The Quality Assurance Designee (QAD) reviews documentation for quality control, not field inspections.
The LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook emphasizes the verification process, including the role of the Green Rater, and references the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction as a key resource. The exam is based on LEED v4, ensuring the relevance of the Green Rater's role.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Introduction, p. 28.
LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits).
LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4).
USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4).
LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming verification roles.
100 questions covering all exam domains, starting from $20
Exam domains verified against: Official US Green Building Council LEED-AP-Homes exam guide, last checked August 2026.
This section measures the skills of a Green Building Consultant. Candidates learn the fundamentals of the LEED certification system, rating system mechanics, and how to guide projects through the certification process. Focus areas include understanding credit requirements and documentation procedures.
This section measures the skills of an Environmental Planner. It focuses on how homes integrate with their surroundings and connect to transportation networks. Candidates study site selection criteria, proximity to amenities, and strategies for reducing transportation impacts.
Sample question from this domain above: Q3
This section measures the skills of a Sustainability Specialist. It emphasizes the selection and management of eco-friendly materials, efficient usage of resources, and implementation of waste reduction strategies to support green residential construction. Topics include recycled content, local sourcing, and construction waste management.
This section measures the skills of an Architectural Designer. It addresses indoor air health, natural light, and ventilation requirements to ensure occupant comfort and durability, reflecting a home's capacity to provide a healthy and lasting living environment. Candidates study air quality standards, daylight access, and moisture control.
Sample question from this domain above: Q4
This section measures the skills of a Design Innovation Lead. It invites professionals to explore creative and exemplary strategies that surpass standard credits, such as pilot projects. Candidates learn how to identify and implement innovative solutions that exceed typical LEED requirements.
This section measures the skills of a Regional Performance Advisor. It covers specific environmental credits that reflect local priorities, enabling tailored certification strategies. Focus includes understanding regional environmental challenges and adapting LEED strategies to local contexts.
Common questions about the exam itself
