People ask me this question all of the time, and I always give each person the same answer: it depends on you and your career goals. Here’s my opinion on who should take which exam (again, it’s really up to you):
- Building Design & Construction (BD&C): This exam actually covers three different rating systems: New Construction (which includes major renovation), Schools, and Core & Shell. So, if you plan on mainly working on commercial projects with these descriptions, BD&C is for you.
- Interior Design & Construction (ID&C): This rating system is mainly for tenant spaces that don’t occupy an entire building, i.e. tenant improvement projects. If you mainly do commercial interior work, this one is definitely for you.
- Existing Building: Operations & Maintenance (O&M): This rating system is applicable for buildings with commercial occupancies that involve building operations, process & system upgrades, minor space-use changes, facility alterations and additions.
- Homes: Need I say more? Actually – to be more specific, these are single-family, low-rise multi family (under 4 stories), affordable housing, production, manufactured & modular homes.
- Neighborhood Development (ND): If you work mainly on developmental projects, such as neighborhoods, infill projects and larger mixed use developments, LEED for ND is for you.
The first thing you should do is download the candidate handbook from the GBCI webpage for the exam you’re thinking of taking. The handbook will tell you important information about what is covered on the exam, as well as test taking policies.
Not all of them are live yet. In fact, only LEED for Homes and LEED for O&M are available at the moment. BD&C and ID+C are scheduled for this summer (2009), and ND in 2010.
FAQs about your existing LEED AP credential:
- What happens to my LEED AP credential now that LEEDv3 has launched?
- Can a Legacy LEED AP still work on LEED v3 projects?
- Do I have to take any more tests to maintain my LEED credential?
- If I choose to take another exam, which exam should I take?
- If I pass one exam track, can I work on projects being certified under a different rating system?
- Do I have to take the LEED Green Associate exam?
- How do I prepare for a LEED AP Specialty exam?
- What EXACTLY is the Credential Maintenance Program for LEED?
