LEED-AP-Homes USGBC LEED AP Homes (Residential) Exam Free Practice Exam Questions (2025 Updated)
Prepare effectively for your USGBC LEED-AP-Homes LEED AP Homes (Residential) Exam certification with our extensive collection of free, high-quality practice questions. Each question is designed to mirror the actual exam format and objectives, complete with comprehensive answers and detailed explanations. Our materials are regularly updated for 2025, ensuring you have the most current resources to build confidence and succeed on your first attempt.
Minimum outdoor air ventilation in a LEED for Homes project is addressed by which of the following standards?
IECC 2012
ENERGY STAR for Homes
ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2010
ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010
The Answer Is:
CExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses minimum outdoor air ventilation requirements in theIndoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Prerequisite: Ventilation, which ensures adequate indoor air quality through proper ventilation design.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EQ Prerequisite: Ventilation
Meet the minimum outdoor air ventilation requirements of ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2010, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings. This standard specifies minimum ventilation rates and other measures to provide acceptable indoor air quality in residential buildings.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite: Ventilation, p. 142.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EQ Prerequisite: Ventilation
Comply with ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2010 for minimum outdoor air ventilation rates in single-family and low-rise multifamily homes to ensure healthy indoor air quality.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isASHRAE Standard 62.2-2010(Option C), as it is the specific standard referenced for minimum ventilation requirements in LEED for Homes.
Why not the other options?
In order for a project to earn Innovation Credit, LEED AP for Homes, the LEED AP for Homes must be a principal member of the:
Project team and possess the credential prior to preliminary rating
Project team and possess the credential prior to project registration
Verification team and possess the credential prior to preliminary rating
Verification team and possess the credential prior to project registration
The Answer Is:
BExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theInnovation (IN) Credit: LEED Accredited Professional, which awards a point for having a LEED AP for Homes as a principal member of the project team to guide sustainable design and certification.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
IN Credit: LEED Accredited Professional (1 point)
At least one principal participant of the project team must be a LEED AP for Homes and hold the credential prior to project registration. The LEED AP must be actively involved in the project to ensure effective implementation of LEED strategies.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Innovation Credit: LEED Accredited Professional, p. 189.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
IN Credit: LEED Accredited Professional
The LEED AP for Homes must be a principal member of the project team (not the verification team) and possess the credential before project registration to earn the credit.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isproject team and possess the credential prior to project registration(Option B), as this meets the credit’s requirements for the LEED AP’s role and timing.
Why not the other options?
A. Project team and possess the credential prior to preliminary rating: The credential must be held before project registration, not preliminary rating.
C. Verification team and possess the credential prior to preliminary rating: The LEED AP must be on the project team, not the verification team.
To support acoustic comfort in a home, the maximum sone level for bathroom exhaust fans is:
0.5
1
2
3
The Answer Is:
BExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses acoustic comfort in theIndoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Credit: Enhanced Ventilation, which includes requirements for bathroom exhaust fans to ensure they are quiet to encourage use and maintain indoor air quality.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EQ Credit: Enhanced Ventilation (1–3 points)
For bathroom exhaust fans, select equipment with a maximum noise level of 1.0 sone to support acoustic comfort and encourage regular use. Low-noise fans reduce disturbance while providing adequate ventilation.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Enhanced Ventilation, p. 146.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EQ Credit: Enhanced Ventilation
Bathroom exhaust fans must not exceed 1.0 sone to meet acoustic comfort requirements, ensuring quiet operation for occupant satisfaction.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The maximum sone level for bathroom exhaust fans is1.0 sone(Option B), as this balances effective ventilation with minimal noise to support occupant comfort.
Why not the other options?
A project team plans to use certified lumber for all the floors on a project. Which of the following measures does the builder need to take to achieve points that contribute to Materials and Resources Credit, Environmentally Preferable Products?
Purchase all lumber from Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certified mills
Include Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certified lumber in all plans and specifications
Notify all suppliers of project requirement for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified lumber
Collect all vendor chain of custody (COC) certificates to document the use of FSC certified materials
The Answer Is:
DExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)awards points for theMaterials and Resources (MR) Credit: Environmentally Preferable Productswhen using certified lumber, specificallyForest Stewardship Council (FSC)certified wood, which ensures sustainable forestry practices. Documentation is critical to verify compliance.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products (1–4 points)
Use products that meet one or more of the following criteria for at least 25%, 50%, or 90% (by cost) of the total materials:
FSC-certified wood: Wood products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.Projects must provide chain of custody (COC) certificates from vendors to document that the wood is FSC-certified, verifying sustainable sourcing.Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Materials and Resources Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160–161.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products
To earn points for FSC-certified wood, projects must collect chain of custody (COC) certificates from suppliers to document that the lumber meets FSC standards.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
To achieve points, the builder mustcollect all vendor chain of custody (COC) certificates to document the use of FSC certified materials(Option D). COC certificates trace the wood from FSC-certified forests to the project, ensuring compliance with the credit’s requirements.
Why not the other options?
The use of native plants in place of conventional turf grass can increase which of the following?
Fertilizer demand
Native wildlife habitat
Irrigation demand
Pesticide demand
The Answer Is:
BExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)encourages the use of native plants in theSustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Site Development – Protect or Restore HabitatandWater Efficiency (WE) Credit: Outdoor Water Useto enhance environmental benefits, including support for local ecosystems.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
SS Credit: Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitat (1–2 points)
Using native plants in place of conventional turf grass increases native wildlife habitat by providing food, shelter, and breeding areas for local species, supporting biodiversity.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Sustainable Sites Credit: Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitat, p. 74.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
SS Credit: Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitat
Native plants enhance native wildlife habitat by creating ecosystems that support local fauna, unlike turf grass, which offers minimal ecological value.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isnative wildlife habitat(Option B), as native plants are adapted to local conditions and support indigenous species, unlike turf grass.
Why not the other options?
Sustainable Sites Prerequisite, No Invasive Plants requires that all site vegetation:
Be native to the project’s region
Be drought tolerant
Be listed by USDA Cooperative Extension Service or equivalent
Provide shading to 25% of hardscapes
The Answer Is:
CExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theSustainable Sites (SS) Prerequisite: No Invasive Plants, which ensures that landscaping does not introduce invasive species that could harm local ecosystems.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
SS Prerequisite: No Invasive Plants
All site vegetation must be non-invasive, as verified by the USDA Cooperative Extension Service or an equivalent authority (e.g., local native plant societies or university extension programs). Invasive species are those that are non-native and likely to cause environmental harm.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Sustainable Sites Prerequisite: No Invasive Plants, p. 72.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
SS Prerequisite: No Invasive Plants
All plants must be verified as non-invasive by the USDA Cooperative Extension Service or equivalent to ensure they do not disrupt local ecosystems.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isbe listed by USDA Cooperative Extension Service or equivalent(Option C), as this ensures that all site vegetation is non-invasive, meeting the prerequisite.
Why not the other options?
Envelope leakage is minimized by:
Installing a drainage plane.
Conducting a blower door test.
Installing a continuous air barrier.
Specifying HERS Grade II Insulation.
The Answer Is:
CExplanation:
Minimizing envelope leakage is a critical component of improving energy efficiency in homes, as it reduces unintended air infiltration and exfiltration through the building envelope. This concept is addressed in theLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)under theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA)category, specifically in credits related toAir InfiltrationandBuilding Envelope Performance.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4), the primary method to minimize envelope leakage is to install acontinuous air barrier:
EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance
To reduce air infiltration, projects must include a continuous air barrier system that is sealed at all penetrations, joints, and interfaces to prevent air leakage. The air barrier must be installed around the entire building envelope, including walls, roofs, and floors.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112.
Additionally, theLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system reinforces this requirement:
EA Credit: Air Infiltration
Install a continuous air barrier system to control air leakage through the building envelope. The air barrier must be airtight, durable, and continuous, with all seams, penetrations, and transitions sealed.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
Acontinuous air barrieris a system of materials (e.g., house wraps, sealed drywall, or spray foam) that forms a complete barrier to air movement, significantly reducing energy losses due to leakage. This is a proactive design and construction strategy to achieve energy efficiency goals.
Why not the other options?
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?
Radon Control
Contaminant Control
Enhanced Combustion Venting
Enhanced Ventilation
The Answer Is:
DExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)requires theIndoor 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 theLEED 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.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating 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.
TheEnhanced Ventilationcredit (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?
Introduction of outdoor air works to improve indoor air quality by:
Dilution
Source control
Pressurization
Source removal
The Answer Is:
AExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses indoor air quality in theIndoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Prerequisite: VentilationandEQ Credit: Enhanced Ventilation, which require outdoor air to improve indoor air quality by reducing pollutant concentrations.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EQ Prerequisite: Ventilation
Introduce outdoor air to dilute indoor pollutants, improving air quality by reducing the concentration of contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon dioxide.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite: Ventilation, p. 142.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EQ Prerequisite: Ventilation
Outdoor air ventilation dilutes indoor pollutants, ensuring a healthier indoor environment by lowering contaminant levels.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The introduction of outdoor air improves indoor air quality primarily throughdilution(Option A), as it mixes with indoor air to reduce pollutant concentrations.
Why not the other options?
What is the definition of a shower compartment?
Has a floor area of no more than 2,500 in² (1.6 m²) with all fixtures within the compartment counting as a single fixture for calculation purposes
Has a floor area of no more than 5,000 in² (3.2 m²) with all fixtures within the compartment counting as a single fixture for calculation purposes
Has a floor area of no more than 2,500 in² (1.6 m²) with all fixtures within the compartment counting separately for calculation purposes
Has a floor area of no more than 1,000 in² (0.6 m²) with all fixtures within the compartment counting separately for calculation purposes
The Answer Is:
AExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses shower compartments in theWater Efficiency (WE) Credit: Indoor Water Use, where the definition impacts water use calculations for fixtures like showerheads.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
WE Credit: Indoor Water Use (1–6 points)
A shower compartment is defined as an enclosed area with a floor area of no more than 2,500 in² (1.6 m²), where all fixtures (e.g., multiple showerheads) within the compartment count as a single fixture for water use calculation purposes. This accounts for simultaneous use in a single showering event.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Water Efficiency Credit: Indoor Water Use, p. 96.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
WE Credit: Indoor Water Use
A shower compartment has a maximum floor area of 2,500 in² (1.6 m²), and all fixtures within it are treated as a single fixture for calculating water use, reflecting typical usage patterns.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer ishas a floor area of no more than 2,500 in² (1.6 m²) with all fixtures within the compartment counting as a single fixture for calculation purposes(Option A), as this matches the LEED definition.
Why not the other options?
