I'm preparing to take the BD+C exam and I'm not sure if studying the pilot credits is necessary. Do I only focus on the v2009 credits and MPRs? Any helpful study tips would be very much appreciated!
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Lawrence Lile
Chief EngineerLile Engineering, LLC
76 thumbs up
April 18, 2014 - 10:09 am
If you are taking the test before June 15, you'll be tested over LEED 2009. I would not spend time on the pilot credits for that. Know the requirements for each credit, know the thresholds where applicable, like 10% recycled content/20% recycled content. An excellent prep for the test is to read the first page of each credit in the BD+C reference guide - a good place to focus 80% of your study time. Beyond that, know definitions of terms (the glossary is a good place to start), Be familiar with MPRs, and download some sample LEEDONLINE templates. For materials credits, know which are counted by weight and which by cost. You've got 90% of your LEED AP test prep right there.
If you are waiting until after June 30, you'll be tested over LEED V4. The test will be tougher. I would not recommend taking this test without the LEED V4 handbook which is changed a lot. New terms and definitions. If you can find yourself a test prep class hosted by your USGBC chapter, go for it. Check the USGBC Colorado chapter for their excellent study guide. Beware the independant third party "study guides" online - I've been scammed by them.
Davis Kantor
LEED AP BD+C1 thumbs up
April 24, 2014 - 11:33 am
Thanks Lawrence. Would you say it's necessary to buy the BD+C reference guide or do online credit descriptions suffice?
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11477 thumbs up
April 24, 2014 - 12:14 pm
Depends on what other study materials you have. In the absence of other study materials I would be reluctant to go without the Reference Guide.