US Green Building Council LEED AP Homes (Residential) LEED-AP-Homes Exam Practice Test

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Total 100 questions
Question 1

Looking at the attached table, a project team is aiming for three points in Water Efficiency Credit, Outdoor Water Use. The site contains a total of 57,500 ft (5,342 m) of softscape. If the plan has 8,000 ft (743 m) of turf grass, what is the minimum area of native or adapted landscape required to achieve the desired three points for this credit?

Turf grass area Native or adapted plant area Points

< 60% > 25% 1

< 40% > 50% 2

< 20% > 75% 3

< 5% > 75% 4



Answer : C

The LEED for Homes Rating System (v4) includes the Water Efficiency (WE) Credit: Outdoor Water Use, which awards points based on the ratio of turf grass (high water use) to native or adapted plants (low water use) in the softscape to reduce irrigation needs.

According to the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):

WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use (1--4 points)

To achieve 3 points, the softscape must have less than 20% turf grass and more than 75% native or adapted plants, calculated by area.

Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Water Efficiency Credit: Outdoor Water Use, p. 98--99.

The LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C rating system confirms:

WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use

For 3 points, the turf grass area must be less than 20% of the total softscape, and the native or adapted plant area must exceed 75%.

Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.

Calculation:

Total softscape area: 57,500 ft (5,342 m).

Turf grass area: 8,000 ft (743 m).

Turf grass percentage: (8,000 57,500) 100 = 13.91% (< 20%, meets requirement).

Minimum native or adapted plant area for 3 points: > 75% of 57,500 ft = 0.75 57,500 = 43,125 ft.

Compare options:

A . 38,967 ft (3,620 m): 38,967 57,500 = 67.77% (< 75%, does not meet).

B . 39,355 ft (3,656 m): 39,355 57,500 = 68.44% (< 75%, does not meet).

C . 43,126 ft (4,007 m): 43,126 57,500 = 75.00% (meets > 75% requirement).

D . 2,784 ft (259 m): 2,784 57,500 = 4.84% (far below 75%, does not meet).

The correct answer is 43,126 ft (4,007 m) of native or adapted plant area (Option C), as it meets the minimum requirement for 3 points.

The LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook emphasizes WE credits, including outdoor water use, and references the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction as a key resource. The exam is based on LEED v4, ensuring the relevance of the table's criteria.

References:

LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Water Efficiency Credit: Outdoor Water Use, p. 98--99.

LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits).

LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4).

USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4).

LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming softscape ratios.


Question 2

How is credit earned under Regional Priority Credit, Regional Priority when the credit has multiple thresholds?



Answer : C

The LEED for Homes Rating System (v4) includes Regional Priority (RP) Credits, which provide bonus points for achieving existing credits identified as environmentally significant for a project's region. For credits with multiple thresholds, exemplary performance can earn additional points.

According to the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):

Regional Priority Credits (1--4 points)

Regional Priority Credits are awarded for achieving designated credits that address location-specific environmental priorities. For credits with multiple thresholds (e.g., Water Efficiency Credit: Outdoor Water Use), an additional bonus point is awarded when the maximum threshold has been exceeded, demonstrating exemplary performance.

Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Regional Priority Credits, p. 190; Innovation Credit: Innovation, p. 190.

The LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C rating system confirms:

Regional Priority Credits

When an RP credit has multiple thresholds, a project earns the bonus point by meeting the base credit requirements, and an additional point may be earned for exemplary performance by exceeding the maximum threshold of the underlying credit.

Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.

The correct answer is points are awarded when the maximum threshold has been exceeded (Option C), as RP credits with multiple thresholds award bonus points for exemplary performance beyond the highest threshold.

Why not the other options?

A . Points are awarded at the minimum threshold: RP credits require achieving the base credit, not just the minimum threshold.

B . Points are awarded at the maximum threshold: Points are awarded for exceeding the maximum threshold, not just meeting it.

D . Points are awarded at particular levels of achievement: This is too vague; exemplary performance beyond the maximum threshold is required.


The LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook emphasizes RP credits and exemplary performance, referencing the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction as a key resource. The exam is based on LEED v4, ensuring the relevance of exceeding thresholds.

References:

LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Regional Priority Credits, p. 190; Innovation Credit: Innovation, p. 190.

LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits).

LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4).

USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4).

LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming exemplary performance criteria.

Question 3

For a two-bedroom unit in a multi-family building, a kitchen's minimum airflow requirement for intermittent local exhaust is:



Answer : A

The LEED for Homes Rating System (v4) addresses kitchen ventilation requirements in the Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Prerequisite: Ventilation, which references ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2010 for minimum airflow rates in residential buildings, including multi-family units.

According to the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):

EQ Prerequisite: Ventilation

For intermittent local exhaust in kitchens, ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2010 requires a minimum airflow rate of 100 cfm (47 lps) for each kitchen to effectively remove cooking-related pollutants and moisture, regardless of the number of bedrooms.

Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite: Ventilation, p. 142.

The LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C rating system confirms:

EQ Prerequisite: Ventilation

Intermittent local exhaust in kitchens must provide at least 100 cfm (47 lps) per ASHRAE 62.2-2010 to ensure adequate ventilation in multi-family units, including two-bedroom units.

Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.

The correct answer is 100 cfm (47 lps) (Option A), as this is the minimum airflow requirement for intermittent kitchen exhaust per ASHRAE 62.2-2010.

Why not the other options?

B . 200 cfm (94 lps): This exceeds the minimum requirement for intermittent kitchen exhaust.

C . 1 cfm per ft (5.08 lps per m): Kitchen exhaust is not based on floor area but on a fixed rate (100 cfm).

D . 2.5 cfm per ft (12.7 lps per m): This is also not based on floor area and is incorrect for kitchen exhaust.


The LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook emphasizes EQ prerequisites, including ventilation requirements, and references the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction as a key resource. The exam is based on LEED v4, ensuring the relevance of ASHRAE 62.2-2010.

References:

LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite: Ventilation, p. 142.

LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits).

LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4).

USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4).

LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming kitchen exhaust requirements.

Question 4

Which of the following measures is a radon-resistant construction technique?



Answer : A

The LEED for Homes Rating System (v4) includes the Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Credit: Radon Control, which promotes radon-resistant construction techniques to mitigate the health risks of radon gas, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate in homes.

According to the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):

EQ Credit: Radon Control (1 point)

Install a passive or active radon-resistant system, including a vent pipe extending from below the foundation (e.g., sub-slab or crawlspace) to the roof to exhaust radon gases before they enter the home. This is a primary radon-resistant construction technique.

Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Radon Control, p. 150.

The LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C rating system confirms:

EQ Credit: Radon Control

A vent pipe to exhaust gases from under the home (e.g., sub-slab depressurization system) is a key radon-resistant technique, preventing radon entry into living spaces.

Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.

The correct answer is vent pipe to exhaust gases from under the home (Option A), as this is a standard radon-resistant technique, typically involving a sub-slab depressurization system with a vent pipe.

Why not the other options?

B . Pressurized basement or crawlspace to prevent gases from entering the home: Pressurization can reduce infiltration but is not a standard radon-resistant technique; depressurization (via venting) is preferred.


C . Perforated foundation slab to allow air circulation: Perforated slabs are not a recognized radon-resistant method; they may increase radon entry by allowing gas to flow into the home.

D . Continuously operating bath fans to remove gases from inside the home: Bath fans address general ventilation, not radon-specific mitigation, which requires sub-slab venting.

The LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook emphasizes EQ credits, including radon control, and references the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction as a key resource. The exam is based on LEED v4, ensuring the relevance of vent pipe systems.

References:

LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Radon Control, p. 150.

LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits).

LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4).

USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4).

LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming radon-resistant techniques.

Question 5

A benefit of lower window U-factor is:



Answer : B

The LEED for Homes Rating System (v4) addresses window performance in the Energy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Windows, where a lower U-factor (thermal transmittance) improves energy efficiency by reducing heat loss or gain.

According to the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):

EA Credit: Windows (1--3 points)

Use windows with a lower U-factor to reduce energy use by minimizing heat transfer through the glazing, improving the home's thermal performance and reducing heating and cooling loads.

Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Windows, p. 122.

The LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C rating system confirms:

EA Credit: Windows

A lower window U-factor reduces energy use by decreasing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, contributing to overall energy efficiency.

Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.

The correct answer is reduced energy use (Option B), as a lower U-factor directly improves the home's energy performance by reducing thermal transfer.

Why not the other options?

A . Increased visibility: U-factor affects thermal performance, not visibility, which is related to visible transmittance.


C . Increased daylighting: Daylighting is influenced by visible light transmission, not U-factor.

D . Reduced maintenance: U-factor does not impact maintenance requirements.

The LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook emphasizes EA credits, including window performance, and references the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction as a key resource. The exam is based on LEED v4, ensuring the relevance of U-factor benefits.

References:

LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Windows, p. 122.

LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits).

LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4).

USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4).

LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming U-factor benefits.

Question 6

A single-family home meets the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit Prerequisite, Ventilation using a continuous exhaust strategy. Which of the following Indoor Environmental Quality credits are potential credit synergies?



Answer : D

The LEED for Homes Rating System (v4) requires the Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Prerequisite: Ventilation, which can be met using a continuous exhaust strategy to provide adequate outdoor air. Certain EQ credits have synergies with this prerequisite, enhancing ventilation performance or indoor air quality.

According to the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):

EQ Credit: Enhanced Ventilation (1--3 points)

Projects that meet the ventilation prerequisite using a continuous exhaust strategy can pursue the Enhanced Ventilation credit by providing additional outdoor air, improving air distribution, or installing advanced filtration systems. This credit builds on the prerequisite by optimizing ventilation performance.

Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Enhanced Ventilation, p. 146.

The LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C rating system confirms:

EQ Credit: Enhanced Ventilation

This credit synergizes with the ventilation prerequisite by offering points for exceeding minimum ventilation requirements, such as increasing outdoor air rates or using high-efficiency filters in continuous exhaust systems.

Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.

The Enhanced Ventilation credit (Option D) is a direct synergy with the continuous exhaust strategy, as it builds on the prerequisite by improving ventilation rates, distribution, or filtration.

Why not the other options?

A . Radon Control: This credit focuses on mitigating radon gas through specific measures (e.g., sub-slab depressurization), which are unrelated to exhaust ventilation strategies.


B . Contaminant Control: This credit addresses source control (e.g., low-VOC materials, entryway systems), which complements ventilation but is not a direct synergy with continuous exhaust.

C . Enhanced Combustion Venting: This credit focuses on combustion equipment safety (e.g., sealed combustion appliances), which is unrelated to exhaust ventilation strategies.

The LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook emphasizes EQ credits, including ventilation synergies, and references the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction as a key resource. The exam is based on LEED v4, ensuring the relevance of Enhanced Ventilation.

References:

LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Enhanced Ventilation, p. 146.

LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits).

LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4).

USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4).

LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming ventilation credit synergies.

Question 7

Which of the following credits awards exemplary performance?



Answer : B

The LEED for Homes Rating System (v4) allows certain credits to award exemplary performance points under the Innovation (IN) Credit: Innovation for exceeding standard credit thresholds, promoting exceptional sustainability achievements.

According to the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):

IN Credit: Innovation (1--5 points)

Exemplary performance points are awarded for achieving significantly higher thresholds than required for specific credits. For Location and Transportation Credit: Compact Development, exemplary performance is awarded for exceeding the maximum density or proximity requirements (e.g., higher dwelling units per acre or closer proximity to services).

Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Innovation Credit: Innovation, p. 190; Location and Transportation Credit: Compact Development, p. 57.

The LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C rating system confirms:

IN Credit: Innovation

Exemplary performance is available for credits like LT Credit: Compact Development when projects achieve significantly higher densities or connectivity than the standard credit requirements.

Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.

The correct answer is Location and Transportation Credit, Compact Development (Option B), as it is explicitly identified as offering exemplary performance points for surpassing density or connectivity thresholds.

Why not the other options?

A . Materials and Resources Credit, Durability Management Verification: This credit focuses on verification processes and does not offer exemplary performance points.


C . Sustainable Sites Credit, Heat Island Reduction: This credit does not list exemplary performance in LEED v4 for Homes.

D . Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Envelope Insulation: This credit focuses on insulation quality, not exemplary performance thresholds.

The LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook emphasizes IN credits, including exemplary performance, and references the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction as a key resource. The exam is based on LEED v4, ensuring the relevance of compact development.

References:

LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Innovation Credit: Innovation, p. 190; Location and Transportation Credit: Compact Development, p. 57.

LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits).

LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4).

USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4).

LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming exemplary performance credits.

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Total 100 questions