Each LEED AP course is described in terms of how many prescriptive path hours it offers, categorized into seven different categories: Project site factors; water management; project systems and energy impacts; acquisition, installation and management of project materials; improvements to the indoor environment; stakeholder involvement in innovation; and, project surround and public outreach. Some courses have qualifying hours in all seven categories; other courses focus on only one or two categories.
Some LEED AP courses are taught online, while others are taught in person by a live instructor. Those interested in taking courses in person can consult the USGBC's website for information on upcoming sessions; not all courses are always available. Each live session generally takes one day to complete, and offers a physical certificate and direct reports of completion to the AIA and CSI. Online courses are offered in a webinar format, which allows individuals to participate via an Internet connection at a given time and place.
The LEED AP ID+C specialty coursework focuses on the design and construction of environmentally responsible, high-performance commercial spaces and tenant improvements. BD+C coursework focuses on high performance and environmentally sound high-rise, commercial and institutional buildings. Homes coursework focuses on high-performance green homes. O+M coursework focuses on the operation and maintenance of sustainable buildings that reduce their overall environmental impact. ND coursework focuses on the development and design of sustainable, environmentally responsible neighborhoods.
The 30 hours of continuing education must be completed every reporting period, which is a time span of two consecutive years. For those pursuing a certification with a specialty, six of these 30 hours must be in that LEED specialty. The courses can be taken in any order as long as they are completed successfully and all certificates of completion are dated within the appropriate period of time. The date of this completion period begins after the date of the last examination.