US Green Building Council LEED-AP-ND Practice Exam Questions & Answers

5 Free Questions · Last reviewed: September 5, 2026 · Prepared & Reviewed by the ValidExamDumps Editorial Team

Exam Facts

US Green Building Council LEED-AP-ND Exam Details

Key details for this exam, checked against the published exam outline

100 Practice Questions (Our Bank)
120 minutes Exam Duration
170 out of 200 Passing Score
USD 350 (non-members) Exam Fee
Exam Code
LEED-AP-ND
Full Name
LEED AP Neighborhood Development
Issuing Body
US Green Building Council
Question Format (Our Bank)
Multiple Choice
Delivery
Online proctored or at Prometric test center
Eligibility
Active LEED Green Associate credential required
Validity
3 years
Practice Questions

Free LEED-AP-ND Practice Questions

Each question shows the correct answer and an explanation of why it is right

VA
ValidExamDumps Editorial Team Every question and its answer is checked by our LEED-AP-ND exam preparation team, who also write the explanation shown with each one. How we research and review these pages

Which of the following la an eligible source of renewable energy tot Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit. Renewable Energy Production?

Correct Answer: A
Explanation

For the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit related to Renewable Energy Production, wind energy is an eligible source of renewable energy. LEED recognizes wind energy as a clean and sustainable energy source that contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Other options, such as ground-source heat pumps, are not considered renewable energy sources because they typically rely on electricity or other energy sources to operate. Combustion of municipal solid waste and forest biomass waste may produce energy, but they are not categorized as renewable in the context of LEED's Renewable Energy Production credit.

Which of the following site conditions should be considered in the selection of renewable energy technologies for Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit. Renewable Energy Production?

Correct Answer: A
Explanation

When selecting renewable energy technologies for the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit for Renewable Energy Production, site conditions such as wind exposure are crucial considerations. Wind exposure directly affects the feasibility and efficiency of wind energy systems, making it a key factor in determining whether wind turbines or other wind-based energy systems can be effectively implemented. While other factors like distance from a wetland or elevation above the floodplain are important for site selection, they are not directly related to the efficiency of renewable energy technologies like wind exposure is.

What Is the maximum distance from the project's geographic center that a community garden outside the project boundary can be located in order to satisfy the requirement for Neighborhood Pattern and Design Credit, Local Food Production?

A)

B)

mi. (0.8 km)

C)

D)

Correct Answer: B

What agency is responsible for identifying prime and unique sods in agriculture and older associated industries?

Correct Answer: C
Explanation

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a division of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is the agency responsible for identifying prime and unique soils in agriculture and other associated industries. Prime farmland is land that has the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops. The identification of such soils is crucial for ensuring that land development projects do not unnecessarily disturb valuable agricultural land. LEED credits often require consultation with NRCS or its local equivalent to verify the presence of prime soils and to make informed decisions about land use.


LEED v4 for Neighborhood Development, Current Version

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development

A project builds a central plant that burns biomass products to provide space heating and hot water to the development. Which of the following Green Infrastructure and Buildings credits could this help the project achieve?

Correct Answer: C
Explanation

The development of a central plant that burns biomass products to provide space heating and hot water is directly aligned with the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit for District Heating and Cooling. This credit rewards projects that implement district energy systems that use renewable energy sources, such as biomass, to provide heating and cooling to multiple buildings in a development. By using biomass, the project reduces reliance on fossil fuels, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and increases energy efficiency, all of which are key objectives of this credit.


LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Guide: This document details the requirements for achieving the District Heating and Cooling credit, including the use of renewable energy sources like biomass (USGBC, LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Current Version).

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development: This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how district energy systems can contribute to credit achievement, specifically focusing on the sustainability benefits of biomass and other renewable energy sources (USGBC, LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development).

USGBC Official Website: The website provides information on the Green Infrastructure and Buildings credits, including District Heating and Cooling, and highlights the advantages of using renewable energy in central plants (USGBC, LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System).

Get Full Access

100 questions covering all exam domains, starting from $20

Study Guide

What the US Green Building Council LEED-AP-ND Exam Covers

Exam domains verified against: Official US Green Building Council LEED-AP-ND exam guide, last checked September 2026.

Domain 1: LEED Project and Team Coordination 30%

This domain measures skills in coordinating LEED projects and managing diverse stakeholder teams. You need to understand how to align team members around roles, responsibilities, and project milestones from kickoff through closeout.

Domain 2: LEED Certification Process 30%

This domain covers the complete pathway to achieving LEED certification for neighborhood developments. You must know project registration procedures, mandatory prerequisites, documentation requirements, and the submission and review workflow.

Domain 3: Analysis Required for LEED Credits 30%

This domain assesses your ability to analyze neighborhood sites and designs to determine which LEED credits are achievable and applicable. You need practical skill in mapping credit requirements to local conditions and project goals.

Sample question from this domain above: Q2

Domain 4: Advocacy and Education for Adoption of LEED Rating Systems 10%

This domain focuses on strategies for promoting LEED and sustainable practices to organizations and communities. You should understand how to build awareness and support for neighborhood development certification among stakeholders.

Domain 5: Smart Location and Linkage

This knowledge domain emphasizes site selection and connectivity principles for sustainable neighborhoods. You need to evaluate proximity to transit, services, and community assets that reduce automobile dependence.

Sample question from this domain above: Q1

Domain 6: Neighborhood Pattern and Design

This knowledge domain covers urban design principles that promote walkability, mixed-use development, and human-scale neighborhoods. You should understand street networks, building placement, and design standards that support sustainable community life.

Sample question from this domain above: Q4

Domain 7: Green Infrastructure and Buildings

This knowledge domain addresses integration of environmental systems within neighborhood projects. You need knowledge of renewable energy, energy efficiency, stormwater management, waste reduction, and ecosystem benefits.

Sample questions from this domain above: Q3Q5

Domain 8: Project Surroundings and Public Outreach

This knowledge domain addresses the broader context of neighborhood projects including land use planning, zoning, regulatory frameworks, and community engagement. You should understand how local government and public process shape development outcomes.

FAQ

LEED-AP-ND Exam FAQ

Common questions about the exam itself

Do I need the LEED Green Associate before taking LEED AP ND?
Yes, you must hold an active LEED Green Associate credential at the time of registration and keep it active through your exam date. If you do not yet have this credential, you can register for a combined exam that covers both Green Associate and LEED AP ND content in one sitting.
How long is the LEED AP ND exam and what does it cover?
The LEED AP ND specialty exam itself is 2 hours long and tests your knowledge of neighborhood-scale sustainable planning and design. The exam covers five main credit categories: Smart Location and Linkage, Neighborhood Pattern and Design, Green Infrastructure and Buildings, Innovation, and Regional Priority.
What score do I need to pass LEED AP ND?
You need to score 170 out of 200 points to pass the exam. The exam has 100 questions, with 85 scored questions and 15 pretest questions that do not count toward your final score.
How much does the LEED AP ND exam cost?
A stand-alone LEED AP ND specialty exam costs USD 350 for non-members. USGBC members pay USD 250 for the same exam. If you take the combined LEED Green Associate and LEED AP ND exam together, the cost is USD 550 for non-members or USD 400 for members.
How long does LEED AP ND certification last and what is required to renew it?
Your LEED AP ND credential is valid for 3 years from the date you pass the exam. To renew, you must complete 30 continuing education hours during the 3-year cycle, with specific requirements in designated knowledge areas. There is also a biennial credential maintenance fee.
Which objective area in LEED AP ND is hardest for most candidates?
Smart Location and Linkage is often the most challenging domain because it requires understanding transit connectivity metrics, walkability scoring, and site selection criteria that vary by location. Practice mapping the prerequisites and credit requirements for this category until the scoring thresholds become automatic.
How much study time should I plan for LEED AP ND?
Candidates with relevant neighborhood planning or sustainability background typically need 4 to 8 weeks of dedicated study. Those new to the field should plan 8 to 12 weeks. The complexity comes from the technical nature of site analysis and credit interactions rather than simple memorization.
What happens on exam day for LEED AP ND?
You take a 2-hour proctored exam online or at a Prometric test center with 100 multiple-choice questions. The exam includes an introduction, non-disclosure agreement, and tutorial before the timed section begins. You must have a quiet space, valid ID, and a stable internet connection if testing online.
Can I retake LEED AP ND if I fail and how long must I wait?
Yes, you can retake the exam. Your registration fee covers one attempt, so you must pay the full exam fee again to sit a second time. There is no mandatory waiting period between attempts, though you may want time to study and close knowledge gaps first.
How does LEED AP ND relate to other LEED AP specialties like BD+C and O+M?
LEED AP ND is a specialty credential that applies specifically to professionals working on neighborhood-scale projects. After you earn LEED AP ND, you can pursue other specialties such as LEED AP BD+C for building design and construction or LEED AP O+M for operations and maintenance. Each specialty tests different knowledge areas and serves different professional tracks.