LEED exams are moving to v5
LEED exams will update to reflect the latest rating system in Spring 2026
CAGBC Staff on January 28, 2026
- Rating System/Standard
- LEED v4
- LEED v5
- Theme
- Learn
The LEED® professional credential is one of the most widely recognized accreditations of expertise in green building. Successfully passing the exam validates a professional’s knowledge and provides industry recognition for skills in sustainable design, construction, and operations.
This Spring, LEED exams will transition to LEED v5, reflecting updates to the rating system, incorporating new standards and best practices, and marking the next evolution of the LEED professional credential for green building professionals across Canada.
LEED exam transition dates
The Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) has confirmed dates for the LEED exam transition from v4 to v5:
LEED Green Associate
The last day to take the LEED v4 exam is April 26, 2026. The LEED v5 beta exam launches on April 28, 2026 (English only), with the standard LEED v5 exam expected in Q2 2026.
LEED AP with Specialty (BD+C, O+M, ID+C)
The last day to take LEED v4 exams is June 28, 2026, followed by the LEED v5 beta exam launch on June 30, 2026.
What professionals need to know about earning a LEED credential before the transition
Earning your LEED Green Associate (GA) or LEED Accredited Professional (AP) with specialty credential under v4 ensures you’re recognized as a sustainability leader, while remaining well positioned to build on your expertise under LEED v5.
Until the LEED v5 transition this spring, the LEED v4 exam will remain available. All current LEED v4 study materials and prep bundles remain valid and recognized, so professionals preparing to write their exam in the coming months should continue using v4 resources. Once the new material is available, professionals planning to write the exam will need updated study materials to prepare for the new exam. This transition ensures a clear pathway from the current standard to LEED v5 while maintaining credential validity for those completing v4 exams ahead of the change.
Prepare for your LEED GA exam with CAGBC
Over 300+ professionals have prepared for their LEED GA Exam with CAGBC
More than 4,000 professionals across Canada hold a LEED credential. To date, over 300 professionals have completed LEED exam preparation through CAGBC’s LEED Green Associate Exam Kickstarter and Prep Course. If you’re planning to complete your LEED v4 exam before the transition, CAGBC offers two ways to help you prepare, each including 10+ hours of instruction, slides with notes, and over 500 practice exam questions.
Live Instructor-Led:
- The live LEED Green Associate Exam Kickstarter is held multiple times a year, and offers virtual interaction with an instructor and a small group of learners over several sessions. Register for the final offering before the LEED v5 exam transitions taking place February 17 – 26, 2026.
Self-paced:
- Study at your own pace with CAGBC’s on-demand LEED Green Associate Exam Prep Course through the CAGBC Learning Hub.
How this transition affects LEED Accredited Professionals
Professionals who already hold a LEED credential in good standing will not be required to retake the exam when LEED v5 launches. Instead, credentials will continue to be maintained through GBCI’s Credential Maintenance Program.
CAGBC will begin rolling out LEED v5 exam preparation courses in Spring 2026, ahead of the formal exam release. Courses will be offered via on-demand and instructor-led workshops and will be announced when available.
Learn more
Interested in writing the exam for your LEED credential under LEED v4 or being one of the first to write the exam under LEED v5?
Review USGBC’s article and check out the USGBC LEED v5 exam FAQ.