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Key Facts: SITES AP Exam

100

Exam Questions

GBCI

2 hrs

Test Time

GBCI

$250

Exam Fee

GBCI

8

Credit Categories

SITES v2

2 yr

Credential Validity

GBCI

The SITES AP exam tests knowledge of sustainable landscape design across 8 credit categories. The 100-question computer-based exam is 2 hours long with a $250 fee. A scaled passing score is required. SITES complements LEED by addressing exterior and landscape sustainability — site ecology, green infrastructure, soil health, and human wellbeing in outdoor environments.

Sample SITES AP Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the SITES AP exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What does the SITES rating system primarily address?
A.Building energy performance
B.Sustainable landscape design and site development
C.Indoor air quality
D.Structural engineering
Explanation: The SITES (Sustainable Sites Initiative) rating system primarily addresses sustainable landscape design, site development, and land management. It provides guidelines and performance benchmarks for creating resilient, ecologically functional landscapes that benefit both people and the environment.
2Which organization administers the SITES AP credential?
A.USGBC
B.IWBI
C.GBCI (Green Business Certification Inc.)
D.EPA
Explanation: The SITES AP credential is administered by GBCI (Green Business Certification Inc.), the same organization that administers LEED credentials. GBCI provides third-party credentialing and certification for sustainability professionals across multiple rating systems.
3How many credit categories does the SITES v2 rating system include?
A.5
B.8
C.10
D.12
Explanation: SITES v2 includes 8 credit categories: Site Context, Pre-Design Assessment + Planning, Site Design — Water, Site Design — Soil + Vegetation, Site Design — Materials Selection, Site Design — Human Health + Well-Being, Construction, and Operations + Maintenance. Each category addresses different aspects of sustainable site development.
4What types of projects are eligible for SITES certification?
A.Only new construction buildings
B.Landscapes with or without buildings, including parks, campuses, streetscapes, and commercial developments
C.Only residential properties
D.Only government facilities
Explanation: SITES certification is available for a wide range of landscape projects including parks, open spaces, campuses, streetscapes, commercial developments, residential neighborhoods, and institutional grounds — with or without buildings. This broad eligibility makes SITES applicable to virtually any outdoor development project.
5What is the minimum percentage of stormwater that SITES typically requires to be managed on-site?
A.50% of average annual rainfall
B.80% of average annual rainfall
C.100% of average annual rainfall
D.Only the 2-year storm event
Explanation: SITES typically requires managing at least 50% of average annual rainfall on-site as a baseline, with higher performance levels earning more points. On-site stormwater management through infiltration, evapotranspiration, and reuse reduces downstream flooding and pollution while replenishing groundwater.
6Which SITES credit category addresses soil health and protection?
A.Site Context
B.Pre-Design Assessment + Planning
C.Site Design — Soil + Vegetation
D.Operations + Maintenance
Explanation: The Site Design — Soil + Vegetation category addresses soil health protection, restoration, and enhancement. Healthy soils are fundamental to sustainable landscapes because they support plant growth, filter water, sequester carbon, and provide habitat for beneficial organisms.
7What does SITES require regarding invasive species management?
A.No invasive species requirements
B.Identification and removal of invasive species with ongoing management plans
C.Only native species may be planted
D.Chemical herbicides must be used for removal
Explanation: SITES requires identification and removal of invasive species with ongoing management plans to prevent reestablishment. Invasive species displace native vegetation, reduce biodiversity, alter ecosystem functions, and can increase maintenance costs. SITES promotes integrated management approaches over reliance on chemical treatments.
8How does SITES address the urban heat island effect?
A.It does not address heat islands
B.Through vegetated surfaces, shade structures, and high-albedo materials
C.Only through white roofs
D.By requiring underground parking
Explanation: SITES addresses the urban heat island effect through multiple strategies including vegetated surfaces (green roofs, tree canopy), shade structures, and high-albedo (reflective) paving materials. These strategies reduce surface temperatures, decrease cooling energy demand, and improve outdoor thermal comfort for site users.
9What certification levels are available under SITES v2?
A.Certified and Platinum only
B.Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum
C.One Star through Four Stars
D.Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum
Explanation: SITES v2 offers four certification levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each level requires achieving a minimum number of points, with prerequisites that must be met regardless of the certification level pursued.
10What is a prerequisite in the SITES rating system?
A.An optional credit worth bonus points
B.A mandatory requirement that must be achieved for any level of certification
C.A credit that only applies to Platinum projects
D.A recommendation that does not affect scoring
Explanation: Prerequisites in SITES are mandatory requirements that every project must achieve regardless of the certification level pursued. They represent baseline sustainable site practices that form the foundation for all SITES-certified projects, similar to how LEED prerequisites function.

About the SITES AP Exam

The SITES AP credential demonstrates expertise in the SITES (Sustainable Sites Initiative) rating system for sustainable landscape design and site development. Candidates must understand 8 credit categories covering site ecology, stormwater management, soil health, native vegetation, sustainable materials, human wellbeing, construction practices, and long-term operations and maintenance.

Exam sponsor: GBCI (Green Business Certification Inc.). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

100 multiple-choice questions covering SITES v2 credit categories: site context, pre-design, water, soil/vegetation, materials, human health, construction, and operations

Time Limit

2 hours

Passing Score

Scaled passing score

Exam / Certification Fees

$250

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: 60-70%. estimated for first-time takers with structured preparation This describes exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep users or results from using our resources. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

20%

Site Context & Pre-Design

Site assessment, sensitive habitats, floodplains, brownfields, transportation, cultural resources, and pre-design planning

25%

Water Management

Stormwater management, green infrastructure, irrigation reduction, permeable paving, rain gardens, and water quality

20%

Soil, Vegetation & Ecology

Soil health, native plants, invasive species, wildlife habitat, ecosystem restoration, and carbon sequestration

15%

Materials & Human Health

Sustainable materials, embodied carbon, recycled content, outdoor thermal comfort, accessibility, and community engagement

20%

Construction & Operations

Erosion control, topsoil management, waste diversion, maintenance plans, IPM, and ecological monitoring

Preparing for the SITES AP Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Scaled passing score
  • Assessment: 100 multiple-choice questions covering SITES v2 credit categories: site context, pre-design, water, soil/vegetation, materials, human health, construction, and operations
  • Time limit: 2 hours
  • Exam / certification fees: $250 Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

SITES AP: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master all 8 SITES v2 credit categories and understand the distinction between prerequisites and credits
2Focus heavily on stormwater management — green infrastructure, LID techniques, and water quality treatment are core topics
3Understand soil science fundamentals: organic matter, compaction, biology, and the importance of topsoil preservation
4Know native plant ecology, invasive species management, and the ecosystem services provided by vegetation
5Study the construction phase requirements including erosion control, tree protection, and waste diversion
6Learn the relationship between SITES and LEED — how they complement each other for comprehensive sustainability
7Review operations and maintenance requirements including IPM, organic maintenance, and ecological monitoring
8Practice with scenario questions about site design decisions and their environmental consequences

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SITES AP exam?

The SITES AP exam is a credential demonstrating expertise in the Sustainable Sites Initiative rating system for sustainable landscape design, administered by GBCI.

How many questions are on the SITES AP exam?

The exam has 100 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 2 hours.

What score do I need to pass the SITES AP exam?

The passing score is determined by psychometric analysis using a scaled scoring method. GBCI does not publish a specific numeric threshold.

How does SITES AP differ from LEED AP?

SITES AP focuses on sustainable landscape and site design (exterior environments), while LEED AP focuses on building sustainability. They are complementary credentials that can be pursued together.

Do I need LEED Green Associate before taking the SITES AP exam?

No, the SITES AP exam does not require LEED Green Associate as a prerequisite. It is an independent credential.

What types of projects does SITES cover?

SITES covers landscapes with or without buildings including parks, campuses, streetscapes, commercial developments, residential areas, and institutional grounds.

Can I take the SITES AP exam remotely?

Yes, the SITES AP exam can be taken at Prometric test centers or through online remote proctoring.