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100+ Free LEED AP ND Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: LEED AP ND Exam

100

Exam Questions

85 scored + 15 pretest

2 hrs

Test Time

GBCI

170/200

Passing Score

GBCI

$250

Exam Fee

Stand-alone specialty

5

Credit Categories

GBCI

2 yr

Credential Validity

30 CE hours to renew

The LEED AP ND exam has 100 questions (85 scored + 15 pretest) with a 2-hour time limit. A score of 170 out of 200 is required to pass. The exam covers 5 categories: Smart Location and Linkage (27 points), Neighborhood Pattern and Design (44 points), Green Infrastructure and Buildings (29 points), Innovation (6 points), and Regional Priority (4 points). The exam requires an active LEED Green Associate credential. LEED ND was co-developed by USGBC, CNU, and NRDC.

About the LEED AP ND Exam

The LEED AP Neighborhood Development (ND) credential validates advanced knowledge of neighborhood-scale sustainable planning and design. It covers the LEED ND rating system including smart location and linkage, neighborhood pattern and design, green infrastructure and buildings, innovation, and regional priority credits. This specialty completes the LEED AP set alongside BD+C, ID+C, and O+M.

Assessment

100 multiple-choice questions (85 scored + 15 pretest)

Time Limit

2 hours

Passing Score

170/200 scaled score

Exam Fee

$250 combined (LEED Green Associate + specialty) (GBCI (Green Business Certification Inc.))

LEED AP ND Exam Content Outline

25%

Smart Location and Linkage

Smart location, imperiled species, wetland conservation, farmland conservation, floodplain avoidance, preferred locations, brownfield remediation, transit access

40%

Neighborhood Pattern and Design

Walkable streets, compact development, connected community, mixed-use, housing diversity, transit facilities, community engagement, local food production

26%

Green Infrastructure and Buildings

Certified green buildings, energy performance, water efficiency, stormwater management, heat island reduction, solar orientation, district energy

5%

Innovation

Innovation strategies, exemplary performance, LEED AP participation

4%

Regional Priority

Geographically specific environmental and social priorities identified by USGBC regional councils

How to Pass the LEED AP ND Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 170/200 scaled score
  • Assessment: 100 multiple-choice questions (85 scored + 15 pretest)
  • Time limit: 2 hours
  • Exam fee: $250 combined (LEED Green Associate + specialty)

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

LEED AP ND Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus on Neighborhood Pattern and Design (40%) — it carries the highest weight and covers walkability, compact development, and mixed-use design
2Understand the relationship between LEED ND credits and smart growth/New Urbanism principles
3Master the prerequisites — failing any prerequisite means failing certification regardless of points earned
4Study the three certification stages: Conditional Approval, Plan, and Certified Neighborhood Development
5Learn buffer distances for wetlands (100 ft) and water bodies (50 ft) as these are frequently tested

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the LEED AP ND exam?

The LEED AP ND is a specialty credential from GBCI for professionals working in neighborhood-scale sustainable development. It covers the LEED ND rating system, which addresses smart growth, walkability, mixed-use design, green infrastructure, and community connectivity at the neighborhood scale.

Do I need LEED Green Associate before taking LEED AP ND?

Yes, you must hold an active LEED Green Associate credential or take the combined LEED GA + AP ND exam. The stand-alone AP specialty exam requires current LEED Green Associate status at the time of registration.

What score is needed to pass LEED AP ND?

You need a scaled score of 170 out of 200 to pass the LEED AP ND exam. The exam has 100 questions (85 scored + 15 pretest) with a 2-hour time limit. Pretest questions are not identified and do not count toward your score.

How is LEED AP ND different from LEED AP BD+C?

LEED AP BD+C focuses on individual building design and construction, while LEED AP ND focuses on neighborhood-scale planning including multiple buildings, streets, infrastructure, and open spaces. ND covers smart growth principles, walkability, transit-oriented development, and community-level sustainability.

How much does the LEED AP ND exam cost?

The stand-alone LEED AP ND specialty exam costs approximately $250 ($200 for USGBC members). The combined LEED GA + AP ND exam costs approximately $550 ($400 for members). USGBC membership provides exam fee discounts.