Why You Should Take the LEED Exam Now Before LEED v5 Launches:
You will not have to retest when LEED v5 launches. Once you earn your LEED credentials under v4, they remain valid as long as you maintain them through continuing education. This means you can confidently pursue your credential now without worrying about a new exam later.
There will be a rush to register projects under LEED v4 and v4.1 before they sunset in early 2026, and those projects will remain active for years.
What This Means for You
- You will be qualified to contribute to the majority of LEED projects in progress today.
- You will build a strong foundation in LEED v4, the system most teams are still using.
- You will be ready for LEED v5 with continuing education that levels you up on the new system.
- You will not have to retest when v5 launches. Your credentials remain valid as long as you maintain them.
Studying now keeps you relevant today and ready for tomorrow!
GBES is currently developing LEED v5 study materials in advance of the new exam, but the exact rollout date in 2026 remains uncertain. If you choose to take the test now, GBES will offer LEED v5 education designed to get you up to speed and deepen your knowledge of v5 as projects increase.
What USGBC Says About LEED v4 and v4.1 Project Registration:
LEED v4 and LEED v4.1 registrations for BD+C, ID+C, and O+M are targeted to close at the end of the first quarter of 2026. Project teams will continue to be able to register for LEED v4 and v4.1 until that time. After registration closes, already-registered projects will be able to complete their certification process for up to six years.
Note: Rating systems focused on residential projects will follow a different timeline. More details will be published on the LEED v5 page and in the USGBC Help Center.
