Become an IGBC AP!

I gave the IGBC AP exam last year and cleared it in first attempt. Some of my friends keep asking me how to prepare for the exam. So I thought of writing this article to help everyone crack the exam.

What is IGBC AP?

Indian Green Building Council Accredited Professional (IGBC – AP) is a designated professional to participate in green building projects developed using IGBC rating system like IGBC Green Homes, IGBC Factory buildings, IGBC SEZ etc. Whoever wants to become IGBC – AP has to pass IGBC – AP exam conducted by Indian Green Building Council. This designation indicates that the professional has basic knowledge of green construction, operations, and building design. IGBC – AP tests your knowledge and understanding on green building design and IGBC process. Anyone can take this exam and it does not need any experience or qualification in green building design and construction.

Why become an IGBC AP?

• IGBC AP accreditation will set you apart amongst your peers. You will expand your skill sets and capabilities, enhancing your credibility with clients and employers.
• You will increase your value in your current position and to your current employer.
• You will be improve your opportunities for employment and be more marketable to potential employers.
• You get to add a fancy “IGBC AP” at the end of your name,
• You’ll know that you’re doing good things for the environment.

What is the examination structure?

The examination has the following four sections:

Section I : Green Building Design & Construction (50 questions)

The purpose of this section is to demonstrate the candidate's general understanding of the green building design and construction industry as they relate to green building practices.

Sample questions:

• The volume of rain water harvesting structure is designed based on?
• The U value of glass to be selected for a building in a tropical climate should be?

Section II : Building Standards & Codes (15 questions)

This section is to verify the candidate's understanding and knowledge on few of the local building standards and codes as they relate to environmental aspects.

Sample questions:

• ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004 deals with?
• How many number of climate zones are there in India as per NBC?

 Section III : IGBC Resources and Processes (15 questions)

This section would test the candidate's understanding of processes and resources related to IGBC programmes.

Sample Questions:

• How to register a project for Green Building certification?
• Pre-certified projects under the IGBC have to report progress for every _____ months?

 Section IV : Green Design Strategies & Impacts (30 questions)

This section is to evaluate understanding of green building strategies and the impact that they would result in. The candidate is required to match the impact to a strategy provided.

Sample questions:

• Walls in a building to be insulated to?
• Compost toilets treat human waste by?

The exam consists of 110 questions in multiple-choice format with each question carrying one mark. To be successful, the candidates will have to score a minimum of 85 marks.

Step-by-step approach to prepare for IGBC – AP Exam

• Start with abridged version of IGBC rating system. Download the abridged version of rating systems free from IGBC website which provides very basic information of each credit. Read and review the object of each credit point.
• Purchase IGBC reference guide, which provides comprehensive information on the IGBC rating system.
• Review the intent of each credit point, approach and methodologies to achieve those credit points.
• Read and understand the Process of registration and certification of a project which is given at the beginning of each rating system guide.
• Read the basics of ECBC, NBC and ASHRAE standards.
• Lecture talks and slides of Prof. Anupam Jain (at RICS SBE) are a good source of knowledge too. (Please send me an email request if you need these slides)
• Read online. 
• Attend IGBC training programme, if possible.

Some important points

• You don't have to remember any numerical values like what amounts to how many credits or percentage calculation for points 
• The exam is entirely based upon an individual’s understanding of the topic
• You must understand the meaning of each technical word to understand the concept behind it
• You don't need to read all the different IGBC rating systems, just go through the Green New building, Green Homes and Green Factories rating system. Also go through the LEED India NC rating system.
• The Section III : IGBC Resources and Processes is the easiest section. You just need to read the introductory pages in the rating systems.
• You don't have to read the entire ASHRAE standards, just know which code is for what purpose. (ASHRAE 55, 62.1, and 90.1)

I hope I have given you a brief idea how to prepare for the exam. I will be posting some sample questions from time to time. 

All the best!

Go green!