In June 2010, I passed the IGBC AP exam. As I was preparing for this course, I searched Internet to get advice, study material, and question papers and the result was…ZERO. Nothing is available on the net and most of the information was pertaining to Green Building exam of USA (LEED AP).
So, I decided to write about it to help the others who want to make a career in Green Buildings. This information will help you if you’re preparing for the IGBC AP test.
As this test is designed to test the knowledge of a candidate on green building design and construction, it is not compulsory to have any practical knowledge of green building construction & design and does not need to attend any institution to learn the syllabus. It only needs candidate’s interest on green building/energy efficiency /sustainable building construction & practices.
As I mentioned above, there is no third party or free references guides available for this exam. Only reference available at free of cost is abridged version of IGBC rating system and Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). These books will give you enough knowledge to get 50 to 70% of marks. As the minimum percentage of marks required to pass this exam is 80%(85 out of 110 questions), you have to read few more books.
My recommendations:
- The best way to pass this exam is to buy a detailed reference guide priced at Rs. 1000. Go to the IGBC – AP site for the address of CII and contact them through snail mail or by calling them on the telephone numbers mentioned to get the details about this book.
- If you are from construction side, go through the Best Management Practices section in National Building Code India book.
- Attend green building training programme conducted by IGBC. Check IGBC website to get details of training programmes.
- Search internet for USGBC LEED reference guides which are available in some torrent sites (though it is illegal).
- Download USGBC’s reference books from their website and go through them to get knowledge, which even helps you in green building designing and practicing.
- Get the basic knowledge of ASHRAE standards.
Still have questions? Post in comments and I will answer them whenever I become free. I am thinking to prepare few model questions, so that you can understand how the exam will look like. Stay tuned!
I was looking over the questions in the blog and I wanted to clarify what is de answer for “RBTS helps in the treatment of?” I have gone over the reference guide but I must have missed it.
RBTS(Reed Bed Treatment system) – Reed Bed Wastewater Filtration System used to treat waste water. The system uses REED plants (one type of grass which grows in water) to remove sludge practicals from waste water. Google it for more information.
thank u mr. kiran…:)…
will the exam include general questions like this which have not been covered by any of the material/resources?
which version to study
Abridged version-LEED 2011 for India – NC
or LEED-INDIA NC Abridged Version 1.0
You can refer any version as the exam is not based on any specific rating system.
HI Kiran
thanks for starting this blog
Can any body answer following quostions for me
Pervious pavement will secure points under which credit
a. Heat island – non roof
b. Storm water harvesting
c. Reducing site disturbance
d. Light pollution
6. Given that thickness is a constant, which insulation restricts the maximum conduction of heat
a. Thermocol
b. Extruded polysterene
c. Glass wool
d. Brick wall
Concrete walls vs. fly ash walls
a. Fly ash walls conduct less heat
b. Concrete walls conduct less heat
c. Both walls conduct same heat
d. Depends on the climate
8. Shading Coefficient of Glass in tropical climate regions should be
a. As low as possible
b. Optimal
c. As high as possible
d. Neither too low nor too high
9. Design solution to address glare problem due to glazing
a. Provide light shelves above the working level
b. Restrict users from closing down the windows
c. Select glass with high visual list transmittance value
d. Provide artificial lighting
10. Species factor for vegetation that need no water for irrigation is
a. 0.9
b. 0
c. 0.5
d. 0.1
11. Recommended ventilation rates for non-a/c spaces in factories as per NBC
a. 15-30 air changes /hr
b. 3-5 air changes /hr
c. 8-10 air changes /hr
d. 2-4 air changes /hr
12. NBC parking are guidelines are based on:
a. Building area
b. Location
c. Building function
d. No of occupants and function
13. Design building walls with shallow floor plates will help in:
a. Maximum day-lit areas
b. Enhanced views
c. Thermal comfort
d. Low building footprint
14. LED and T-5 lights help in:
a. Reducing LPD
b. Enhance interior lighting levels
c. Reduce light pollution
d. Monitor building performance
15. Ensure species that drop berries, flowers/leaves are not in entrance so that organic matter do not migrate into the building. This is to take care of:
a. Protect berries, flowers/leaves
b. Ensure local bio diversity
c. Provide IAQ during construction
d. Ensure good IAQ
16. Insist on post-occupancy performance audit to:
a. Improve IAQ
b. Verify proper implementation of green building measures
c. Reduce moisture
d. Enhance energy & IAQ
17. Toilet and kitchen & sink waste water with organic waste are:
a. Black water
b. Gray water
c. Potable water
d. Normal water
18. Reporting Coefficient of Chiller is as per which standard:
a. CTI
b. BEE
c. ISHRAE
d. ARI
19. Moisture sensors in landscape help in:
a. Reducing water use
b. Increasing water use
c. Waste water reduction
d. Good vegetation
Q5:b
Q6:c
Q7:a
Q8:a
Q9:c
Q10:b
Q11:c
Q12:b
Q13:d
Q14:c
Q15:d
Q16:b
Q17:b
Q18:b
Q19:c
Regards
Ginen Dharamshi
Hi,
I was planning to take the exam by the year end. I am currently collecting all the materials required.
The IGBC website recommends the detailed reference guide for NC, CS and homes. Is this necessary or is the abrdiged version enough.
Mili
Hello Kiran
Thanks a lot for starting this blog and allowing novice like us to understand IGBC better.
I would request you to publish a preparation timetable which you followed to clear this exam. Approximate hours needed to prepare for it etc.
Thanks a ton
Dev
Hi kiran
This is imran i need some clarification about the IGBC exam reference book…Which one more helpful for me and to reach maximum score of this exam can you help me
hi friend
i am confused whether to take LEED GA or IGBC AP exam ? which is best???
I recommend you to complete IGBC AP certification first before attempting the LEED GA exam, because you need IGBC AP to work on IGBC rated projects in India.
hi,
m doing my M.Arch in green buildings and want to gv leed AP exam can u plz tel tell me what is the diffence betn IGBC leed AP n USGBC Leed AP, N which is the prefferable exam for long term practice in this field . Plz help me
hi kiran
first of all very thankful to u to give a such a useful ideas alonging this igbc exam .i m little bit confused where should i have to started .can u guide me please .. .
The IGBC AP exam is based on the general practice of green futures and reference guide of the IGBC rating system. The reference guide is the manual that is used when certifying a project. You can start with studying abridged version of rating systems which are available free to download n IGBC website or buy reference guide from IGBC.
Hello Kiran, Bala,
Which is the link to ASHRAE standards doc.?
Should one refer to Standard 90.1-2004 on any latest versions?
Best,
Makesh R
Hi Kiran,
Can you Please answer the below questions :
Pervious pavement will secure points under which credit
a. Heat island – non roof
b. Storm water harvesting
c. Reducing site disturbance
d. Light pollution
6. Given that thickness is a constant, which insulation restricts the maximum conduction of heat
a. Thermocol
b. Extruded polysterene
c. Glass wool
d. Brick wall
Concrete walls vs. fly ash walls
a. Fly ash walls conduct less heat
b. Concrete walls conduct less heat
c. Both walls conduct same heat
d. Depends on the climate
8. Shading Coefficient of Glass in tropical climate regions should be
a. As low as possible
b. Optimal
c. As high as possible
d. Neither too low nor too high
9. Design solution to address glare problem due to glazing
a. Provide light shelves above the working level
b. Restrict users from closing down the windows
c. Select glass with high visual list transmittance value
d. Provide artificial lighting
10. Species factor for vegetation that need no water for irrigation is
a. 0.9
b. 0
c. 0.5
d. 0.1
11. Recommended ventilation rates for non-a/c spaces in factories as per NBC
a. 15-30 air changes /hr
b. 3-5 air changes /hr
c. 8-10 air changes /hr
d. 2-4 air changes /hr
12. NBC parking are guidelines are based on:
a. Building area
b. Location
c. Building function
d. No of occupants and function
13. Design building walls with shallow floor plates will help in:
a. Maximum day-lit areas
b. Enhanced views
c. Thermal comfort
d. Low building footprint
14. LED and T-5 lights help in:
a. Reducing LPD
b. Enhance interior lighting levels
c. Reduce light pollution
d. Monitor building performance
15. Ensure species that drop berries, flowers/leaves are not in entrance so that organic matter do not migrate into the building. This is to take care of:
a. Protect berries, flowers/leaves
b. Ensure local bio diversity
c. Provide IAQ during construction
d. Ensure good IAQ
16. Insist on post-occupancy performance audit to:
a. Improve IAQ
b. Verify proper implementation of green building measures
c. Reduce moisture
d. Enhance energy & IAQ
17. Toilet and kitchen & sink waste water with organic waste are:
a. Black water
b. Gray water
c. Potable water
d. Normal water
18. Reporting Coefficient of Chiller is as per which standard:
a. CTI
b. BEE
c. ISHRAE
d. ARI
19. Moisture sensors in landscape help in:
a. Reducing water use
b. Increasing water use
c. Waste water reduction
d. Good vegetation
I AM A ENERGY AUDITOR & MANAGER, WHETHER THIS EXAM OF IGBC AP IS HELP FUL TO ME.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS DRAWN AFTER RECEIVING IGBC AP CERTIFICATION ?
Can i know the answer
Species factor for vegetation that need no water for irrigation is
a. 0.9
b. 0
c. 0.5
d. 0.1
Species factor for vegetation that need no water for irrigation is
a. 0.9
b. 0
c. 0.5
d. 0.1
it should be zero
Mr. Kiran
Thank you for your Guide,
I am in UAE and currently preparing for the LEED GA – USGBC, and planning to prepare for IGBC exam, need your comments.
i am planning to write the exam in jan..can somebody tell me whether the abridged version would suffice or i need to go through the detailed reference guide ?.
hey!thats really nice…u have come up to help others…
really thankful for this…i was going thru the same problem of not getting enough data,,, and suddenly found ur site…
i m really confused about how to clear the concepts as few things are just to remember or just to read….but you know i would like to know the facts behind the figures…… 🙂
thanks…
hi
i am architect by profesiion..
can u send me the data if u got …i need it…i am planning to give igbc exams may be after 3 months…i need help….
thnks
Hi
I am planning to take IGBC AP certification in few months and now preparing for same. Please help in refering the study material. I have already send Rs 1000 to CII Hyderabad for the guide.I have gone through IGBC website and downloaded the attached files.
1.IGBC_Green_Factory_Building_Rating_system.pdf
2.IGBC_Green_Homes_Abridged_Version.pdf
3.IGBC_Green_SEZ_Abridged_Reference_Guide_(Pilot_Version).pdf
4.LEED_2011_for_India_-_NC.PDF
5.LEED_CS_2011_for_India.pdf
6.LEED-India_CS_guide.pdf
7.LEEDIndiaNCAbridgedversion.pdf
8.ECBC User Guide V-0.2 (Public).pdf(has total 176 pages).
Kindly help in understanding which books to refer.
Saurabh Nag.
8527537416
saurabhnag2006@gmail.com
Go through all abridged reference books and questions posted on my blog
can u send me these pdf files …i need it…i am planning to give igbc exams may be after 3 months…ii need you help..vishal.pride1987@gmail.com
hi kiran,
Thankyou for starting this blog.
Iam planning to give the exam in December/Jan probably.wats the best preparation strategy? just through online material or do we need any other resources also?
check step by step guide to IGBC ap in homepage of dis blog…and attend all the practice questions n find the answer for them….dats d best strategy..
Kiran:
Amazing job by you guys…i will be wrtiting the exam in a months time..a bit confused as to what books should be studied.
I have the green homes abridged, factory abridged and LEED india nc refrence guide.
What else do you suggest we need to read before the exam?
Thanks
Sukriti
Go through abridged versions thoroughly and practice questions posted in this blog
Thanks a lot guys, especially Kiran and Bala for your contribution.Today I got my appointment confirmed for next month and since I was at CII,Hyd I took some time to find out about their personal suggestions on study references. They’re selling LEED India Reference Guide for Rs.1000/- which can be obtained either by sending a DD or by paying cash at CII,Hyd. The person at the reception was betting that all the 110 questions would be covered in the same guide. As I had a similar copy of LEED USGBC, I did not go into purchasing the Indian Version. I found that most of the content was same except for few codes and standards that are specific to Indian market.
I have already done a bit of background study and gone through the reference guides and other material available on IGBC website and this blog. Starting from now, would a month’s time be enough to be prepared for the test during same time next month. Apart from the material that I already have, is there anything else that would help me in my preparation? I need suggestions and feedback. Thanks in advance.
Dear Sir,
My honest feedback is that there are lot of questions that had come out of the book and there is no answer for it. When I tried to contact and tried to find the answers for the questions they suggested me to attend the training program that they conduct periodically but not ready to help by answering the questions.
Regards,
As mentioned in their website the exam is not based on any book or reference guides, you may get questions from out of book.
hi
myself vishal,
and i am planning to give igbc after 3 months…can you send me the data you have for igbc preparation ….
i need help..
hi Kiran
I have gone through all the reference material and background material, gone through all the questions and mock test that U have in your blog. I have my exam tomorrow morning.
I hope it goes well, any last minute suggestions U want to give.!!! a little nervous I am…!!!
Thank you Sairam and Kiran.
Hi Chetna, hope you’ve done well in your exam.Can you please share your experience and suggestions.I have my exam on 18th Feb and still have lots of material to go through.
Hey!
From where did you get the material.
Hi looking for LEED certified IGBC/USGBC professionals having good experience in building energy simulation tools. Contact me at sanjayv@firstgreenconsulting.in
9899295854
Sanjay Vashishtha
please do let me know how much time is enough for preparations for the exam ? Thanx 🙂
it depends on u..if u aware of green building ratings n principles,u can easily prepare n get through….
max of 1 month time…thats enough….
Hi Guys:
Im writing the exam tomorrow…have a few last minute doubts if someone can please help me with it.
1.Who handles brownfield development in india? is the ASTM or The MoT gOVT iNDIA?
2. Ecbc allows ase bldg to assume air cooled chillers in base as long as?
3.VLT of max day light should be?
as high, as how, optimal or nor high nor low?
4.what factor would indicate the extend of day light in a space?
vlt, window goemtry,shading coeff, u value
5. LPD as [er ecbc is?
It would be great is someone could please answer these for me and if anyone has any ast minute suggestions?
tHANKS
Hii there!!!!!!Passed the exam successfully on 5th May 2012……….A huge thanks to kiran!!!!!!!!
Hi riyaz,
share your experience with us, how much time u took for preparation.
Hi there,i took nearly took about 2 months its bcoz i m preprng for the usgbc leed ap.so it took such a long time.but for t igbc i thnk it vl take hardly 20 to 25 days.
hai brother,i am doing civil engineering 3rd year .can i know the benefits of the IGBC certificate for my career.in what way????plz reply.
of past ,green buildings are gaining more importance in construction field..if u become IGBC AP, u can be involve in any green building projects in INDIA.and u can become a good green consultant and can asssit corporates to pursure green ratings for theri buildngs…..so IGBC AP s a addiditonal qualification and it s valuable!!!!!
hey,
i am an architect and thinking of appearing this exam. can you tell me the job prospects os an architect who is also an IGBC AP. what is the demand?
Pl send me more info on how i can study for this exam & get thru.
just go thrgh the “igbc.in” website u vl cme to knw!!!!!!!!!
igbc or griha. ??
its upto u…check d rating and principles of both..thn decide which is best for u…if u ve any queries after reading it,post it here..
Thnx for reply sathik.. actully I am working for promoton & marketing of green product. So which exam should I go.. so thant my market value go up.. IGBC is active more then griha..bt its not gove org. ??
Plz Rply. Thanks.
Thanks alot for this question bank…..1 more Sailor on IGBC AP’s Ship…. 😀
congo…
will u plz breif me the procedure of the exam. i have dwnloaded the pdfs from igbc site. what more i have to learn b4 appear the exam.
Hope u can manage some time to help me.
Ananda
Hi Kiran,
Your site is inaccessible to all of us now because it says ” this site might harm your computer”.Please check why this is happening.
Hey Kiran
I need your help to prepare a report on the differences in working/rating criteria of GRIHA & LEED-IGBC. Can u tell me some differences?
take rating system of any particluar building type ie homes factories of both griha and LEEd…review it and comapre d results
thanks bala & kiran for ur updates.
I came to knw that the candidates have to first clear the exam for paper 1 and then paper 2&3. and also we have to do a project for one year for 2& 3… plz help me out in this regard.
that is for LEED AP ….not for IGBC AP…
Sir,
Im a civil engg BE Graduate
Planning to take up IGBC AP exam.
Now that u r a Certified Professional
Can u plz tell me, hw are the career prospects for a
Green Building Professional in India .
And
As a student, hw to get inviolved in green building projects.
Thank u in advance
Hey Kiran,
I wanted to get the book which they are selling at cii, Hyderabad for my preparations.
To what name the D.D. has to be taken and what has to be written along with that to get that book ????
Can u pls reply me… waiting for ur reply…. Thank u…
send your D.D. / Cheque in favour of “Confederation of Indian Industry” payable at Hyderabad with order form download it here
Thank u KIRAN !!!! Thanks a lot for ur information….
Hello Sir,
I am a student of M.Sc. Environmental Sciences (Part 2) from University of Mumbai. I am writing to know whether I am eligible for the IGBC AP examination since only the students/professionals of building industry are shown to be eligible in the website.
I await a response at your earliest convenience.
Thank you.
Regards
Sonam
Hi Kiran
Just want to know where u wl get the centre for the exam can u explain?
The exam is conducted at twice a month at Merit Trac examination centers in the following cities Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and once a month at Pune, Ahmedabad, Cochin, Coimbatore, Lucknow.
You need to specify your preferred location in the online application form.
hey,
i am an architect and thinking of appearing this exam. can you tell me the job prospects as an architect who is also an IGBC AP. what is the demand?
hey guys,
I am taking my exam on 18th August. Can somebody please help me with the following questions. I am really confused about these:-
1. preferred location of co2 sensors in rooms of low occupancy – return air ducts or outside the room?
2. NBC parking guidelines are based on – Building area or no. of occupants and function?
3. LPD as per ECBC codes?
4. Why post consumer recycled content accorded higher value than post industrial?
4. LPD for office space as per ECBC codes?
5. In the life cycle of A/C , maximum expense on equipment will be on – Maintanence or energy cost?
6. VLT for maximum daylight should be – as high as possible or as low as possible or optimal or neither too high nor too low?
7. Factor that would indicate the extent of day light in a space will be- VLT or window geometry?
plz dear send me exam question bank
hello guys,
I am architecture graduate student.I have decided to take igbc-ap exam. How much preparation time is required for exam?
Hello Kiran & Balla,
Wonderful work…
this website is very informative.
I will be giving this exam on 15th Dec 2012…
please do let me know if there are any suggestions…
Thanks a lot for your efforts.
Regards,
Prajakta
Hi Kiran, Thanks for all you efforts in promoting IGBC AP exams details to all the aspirants.
India is divided to How many climate zones are as per NBC Standards? was one of the questions asked.
hi kiran,
had appeared for the igbc ap exam in january 2013 and scored 82 marks….should i attempt it again with the same study materials (i.e. mentioned by you).
regards
Anagha
Are you student..??
Hi Anagha,
Any questions you can share? It will be helpful.
I am still final year mechanical student and i am doing project on hvac design for my college building.And i have done diploma course in hvac design.so can i write igbc ap exam ,because in exam they have also added students category…
Hey
I have IGBC NC- 2007 & IGBC NC abridge version Feb-2011.
Do I need to buy latest version.
I am not getting NBC code online.
hi kiran….
This blog is really very very useful for aspirants like us.I’m an architect by profession n planning to take this exam.bt i jst wanted to knw advantages of this certification….like what will be my scope of work after this certification..like i wanted to knw future prospective.it will be really helpfull for me.
hello mam.
i am little bit confused about igbc exam.i have done m.tech in electrical power systems,dont have any experience in the civil/construction field i am thinking about this exam because energy saving part is common to my branch so is it possible for me to pass this exam ?do i need a hard preparation compare to other students belongs to civil field and how much time it will take for me????