Exam Content & GA Prep Materials

View - GA Exam Content Overview™

View - GA Exam Preparation Workbook™

View - GACEP1 Program Workbook™

Green Advantage Exams are challenging. While not required, Green Advantage® recommends that you take some type of green building training before sitting for the exam. Green Advantage also provides the following exam preparation materials for you to use to prepare for your exam: 

The GA Exam Content Overview™ is an important exam preparation resource provided at no cost that lists and describes the topics addressed within GA Exams®. A detailed review of this document is an important aid to exam preparation.

The GA Exam Preparation Workbook™  poses overview questions that you can use to test yourself before taking the exam. It is available at no cost. Remember that GA Exams^® are challenging, and filling in answers in the Workbook will help you know whether you are ready to take a test, or need further study and/or training.

AIA/CES GACEP1 Program Workbook™

The American Institute of Architects awards 8 CES Sustainable Design/HSW Learning Units to individuals upon successful completion of the GACEP1 Program. Individuals interested in receiving AIA/CES Learning Units should refer to the GACEP1 Program Workbook^TM for complete program details.

The Green Advantage® OBER includes a comprehensive vocabulary and concept listing related to the exam. The OBER is updated regularly and reflects any modifications made to exam content. Though the OBER is not designed to replace training, it will assist you in preparing for the Green Advantage (GA) Exam.

Study the OBER thoroughly, and consider how each concept fits with the others. Look up the referenced websites and review them. Some questions may relate to the content of these websites. The exam is open book but it is also timed so it pays to become familiar with the concepts without having to look at reference materials.

The great majority of OBER terms apply to both commercial and residential construction. However, there are some terms in the OBER that are specific to one type of construction. You should be aware of this in studying for a given exam - commercial, residential or commercial/residential. Be sure to understand the concept from the standpoint of field practice that relates to the exam you wish to take. For example, if you plan to take the residential exam, you should be familiar with the National Association of Home Builders Green Building Program. If you take the commercial exam, you will not be asked questions related to the NAHB Green Building Program. Individuals taking the commercial/residential exam are expected to know how to apply all of the terms in the OBER.

How to Obtain the OBER™

If you register online, you receive an Open Book Exam Reference (OBER) with your registration confirmation email. Use that document to study for the exam. If you do not register online, you should receive an OBER through the organization that is handling your registration. If your test date is approaching, and you have not received an OBER, please contact Green Advantage for assistance at exams@greenadvantage.org.

How to Obtain Updates of the OBER™

An expiration date is listed on the cover of the OBER. If your OBER expires before you take the exam, please request an updated version. Also, you are eligible to receive an updated OBER upon written request to Green Advantage, without charge, throughout the three-year period of your Certification. Send your request to exams@greenadvantage.org; please put OBER Request in the subject line. GA does not accept advance requests for automatic updates.