Main points of US Green Building Council LEED-AP-ID-C Test

The LEED AP ID+C exam (LEED Accredited Professional Interior Design + Construction) focuses on the application of LEED principles specifically within the interior design and construction context. The main points covered are heavily weighted towards the LEED v4.1 and v4.1 BD+C rating systems, although some aspects of other rating systems might be touched upon. Here's a breakdown of the key areas:

I. Fundamental LEED Principles and the Rating System:

• LEED's overarching goals: Understanding sustainability concepts, the triple bottom line (people, planet, profit), and how LEED contributes to a more sustainable built environment.
• LEED Rating System Structure: Familiarizing yourself with the credit categories (Location & Transportation, Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation, Regional Priority). Knowing how credits are weighted and how points are earned is crucial.
• LEED Project Phases: Understanding the different phases of a project (design, construction, operation) and how LEED applies at each stage.
• LEED Documentation: Familiarity with the required documentation and submittal processes.

II. Key Credit Categories Relevant to Interior Design & Construction:

While all categories are relevant, these are particularly emphasized:

• Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ): This is a major focus. You'll need to know about:
  • Thermal comfort: Temperature, humidity, air movement.
  • Indoor air quality: Ventilation, filtration, VOC emissions from materials.
  • Lighting: Daylighting, electric lighting, glare control.
  • Acoustic performance: Noise control.
  • Materials Selection: Low-VOC materials, recycled content, sustainably-harvested wood.
• Materials and Resources: Understanding sustainable sourcing of materials, recycled content, regional materials, embodied carbon, waste management, and sustainable demolition and construction practices.
• Energy and Atmosphere: While less focused on design specifics compared to IEQ, understanding energy modeling, lighting power density, and energy performance optimization is important. This often overlaps with IEQ lighting credits.
• Location & Transportation: While less intensely focused on interior design itself, understanding sustainable site selection, proximity to public transportation, and reducing transportation impacts are still relevant.

III. Specific Knowledge Areas for ID+C:

• Interior Design Specific Strategies: Understanding how design choices affect LEED performance, addressing the unique challenges of interior spaces, and knowing how to optimize credits within existing buildings.
• Renovations and Retrofits: The exam will cover the differences between new construction and renovation/retrofit projects and the unique requirements and challenges involved.
• Construction Practices: Understanding sustainable construction methods and their impact on LEED compliance.
• Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA): A fundamental concept in LEED, understanding the environmental impact of materials throughout their entire lifespan.

IV. Strategies for Success:

• Official LEED Resources: The USGBC website, LEED reference guides, and training materials are essential.
• Practice Exams: Take numerous practice exams to familiarize yourself with the question formats and identify areas needing improvement.
• Focus on Application: The exam emphasizes applying LEED principles to real-world scenarios rather than simply memorizing facts.

Remember, this is a summary. The exam covers a broad range of topics in detail. Thorough preparation using official USGBC materials and practice exams is crucial for success.