First step: If you want to take the current LEED NC v2.2 test, you need to go on GCBI's website to get an eligibility ID number before March 31, 2009. Yes, you can then take the LEED AP exam anytime after that- GCBI hasn't determined exactly when they're going to stop administering the current LEED-NC v2.2 exam, but it will likely be in late spring 2009. Once the new credential program takes into effect, the new LEED accreditation structure will look like (courtesy of GBCI.org):
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But for now, the LEED-NC v2.2 exam comprises of 80 multiple-choice questions with a time frame of two hours. It is scored on a scale from 125-200, with 170 as the passing score. The score is available immediately after the exam, and you can retake the exam immediately without a waiting period if you failed. However, if you fail, be aware you will have to pay the same amount to take the test over. As of 1/28/08, the test costs $300 for USGBC members; $400 for non-members.
There are six components to the LEED Green Building Rating System:
Sustainable Sites: 14 points
Water Efficiency: 5 points
Energy and Atmosphere: 17 points
Materials and Resources: 13 points
Indoor Environmental Quality: 15 points
Innovation & Design Process: 5 points
There are four categories to the LEED-NC v2.2 test:
1. Knowledge of LEED Credit, Intent and Requirements
2. Coordinate Project and Team
3. Implement LEED Process
4. Verify, Participate in, and Perform Technical Analyses required for LEED Credits
There are many blogs, websites and forums dedicated to LEED, but the following are essential to read:
The official USGBC LEED NC v2.2 Reference Guide
The Colorado Study Guide: a useful too to help you get acquainted with the exam structure. It contains many topics that the Reference Package fails to address. It's a MUST READ!
IntheLEED.com- a blog by a guy named Pat who has described his experience studying the exam. Plenty of tips, tricks, cheat sheets, etc. that are available free of charge.
AREforum.org- originally set up as a forum for people studying for the architectural registration exam, they have included a forum devoted to LEED. The site is well trafficked and is a great place to read the "brain dumps" from people who just passed or failed the test.