Accredited Professional (AP) Recertification Handbook
2026 GRESB AP: Real Estate Recertification Exam
This page is dedicated to individuals pursuing the GRESB AP: Real Estate recertification.
If you are not currently registered for the GRESB AP recertification exam and wish to learn more, please visit our website here.
Introduction
About GRESB AP Recertification
The GRESB AP: Real Estate Recertification exam is designed exclusively for existing GRESB AP holders maintaining their accreditation. The recertification exam assesses only new and updated content introduced for the 2026 GRESB Standards, rather than the full body of exam material.
Aligned with the 2026 GRESB Real Estate Standards, this recertification exam focuses on 2026 updates to the GRESB Standards, reporting requirements, and scoring methodology introduced for the current reporting cycle. It ensures credential holders remain up to date and continue to demonstrate current, applied expertise in GRESB Real Estate Assessments.
GRESB AP Recertification Handbook
The Handbook is a key resource for candidates preparing to re-certify their GRESB AP Real Estate credential. It provides a comprehensive overview of the program, covering essential details such as eligibility requirements, registration and fees, exam structure, study materials, scoring information, and credential maintenance.
This Handbook is a study companion and reference guide, outlining the exam format, question types, and key content areas to help candidates prepare effectively. It also includes important information about exam instructions, post-exam processes, and ongoing credential maintenance requirements to ensure that GRESB APs remain up to date with evolving standards and industry best practices.
The GRESB AP Real Estate Recertification exam is updated annually to reflect the latest GRESB Standards and industry developments. This handbook pertains specifically to the 2026 recertification exam, which remains available until the launch of the next annual version.
Candidates are encouraged to review this Handbook carefully as they continue their GRESB AP journey.
Who can take the recertification exam?
This recertification exam is available only to individuals who have previously earned the GRESB AP: Real Estate credential. You can apply your unique code found in your user settings to purchase the exam.
Registration Process and Fees
The recertification exam fee is 50% of the standard exam price (EUR 238 or USD 285).
To purchase the GRESB AP Real Estate exam, follow these steps:
Identify your unique discount code
If you passed the previous year’s GRESB AP exam, you will find your unique discount code in your account settings. This code can be used to purchase the relevant recertification exam. Please note that the discount code is linked to your individual account and email address and cannot be transferred or used by another person.
How to find your unique discount code:
Navigate to Settings -> Account
Scroll down to Further Information to find the discount code
Exam Preparation
The recertification exam consists of 40 questions. It focuses on topics considered most relevant to the 2026 Real Estate Standards and Assessment. These include, but are not limited to:
Energy Efficiency
Net Zero and Target Setting
Renewable Energy
Embodied Carbon
Residential Sector Specificity
Technical Methodology Refinements
Building Certifications
Asset and Portfolio Classification
Assurance and Verification
Standards Methodology Insights Report
Recertification Resources
GRESB Guides
Visit the Getting Started section of GRESB Guides for all foundational information needed prior to beginning the Real Estate Assessment. GRESB recommends reviewing the following pages to prepare for the exam
2026 Foundation Roadmap
2025 Standards Updates
About GRESB Guides: Guidance Clarifications
Visit the Completing GRESB Assessments of GRESB Guides for all information needed to support GRESB members in understanding the technical reporting requirements and scoring methodology of the Real Estate Assessment. It includes the following information at an indicator-by-indicator level:
Completion Instructions
Evidence Requirements
Specific Scoring Methodology
Technical FAQs
Visit the Leveraging your Data section of GRESB Guides for information designed to help members make the most of their assessment output— including performance insights and data analysis and management tools.
Find a clear explanation of the various components and terminology used in the GRESB Benchmark Report, Score Contribution Tool, and Standards Methodology Insights Report, as well as details regarding valuable peer comparison approaches. These outputs are designed to help Participants identify areas of risk and opportunity and strengthen stakeholder engagements.
Find overviews for each of GRESB's asset and portfolio analysis tools, such as Asset Analytics, Portfolio Analysis Tool, the Carbon Footprint Dashboard, and REAL Benchmarks. These tools aim to help GRESB Members deepen their understanding of sustainability performance.
Exam Instructions
Upon purchasing the exam, the examinee will receive an email invitation to register for the exam. Once they have done so, they can commence the exam at their convenience.
Please note that the exam will close on the day of the release of the updated exam.
Open-Book Format
The exam is open book, and examinees are encouraged to use the GRESB AP Handbook as a reference during the exam. Questions can be skipped and returned to later by bookmarking them, provided the section has not been submitted.
Upon completion of each section, examinees will be prompted to "Submit section." Once submitted, answers cannot be revisited or altered.
Recommended Time
Once the exam begins, there is a 24-hour window for completion. Although the 40-question exam is typically completed within under an hour, examinees have the flexibility to manage their time throughout the day. It's important to allocate sufficient time for thoughtful responses.
Post Exam
Upon completing the exam, click "Submit attempt." The passing score for the GRESB AP re-certification exam is 70%.
Upon submission, you will promptly receive your score, an overview of questions, and results.
Successful candidates will obtain a personalized recertification certificate, QR code, and link for LinkedIn use, valid for 12 months from the passing date. Passing the AP re-certification exam extends your title of GRESB Accredited Professional. However, successful examinees must take the annually updated exam to maintain their AP status. GRESB APs will also be listed on the GRESB AP Directory until their credential expires.
Data Confidentiality and Privacy Statement
GRESB B.V. is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. By signing up to the GRESB AP online testing environment (Synap) users agree to the storage and handling of their data by GRESB, in accordance with the GRESB Privacy Statement.
To safeguard your control over the dissemination of your GRESB AP exam results, your scores are disclosed exclusively to you, the exam participant, and GRESB staff. GRESB is committed to preserving the confidentiality of exam scores and does not disclose them unless expressly authorized. However, GRESB may compile and share aggregate, non-identifying information derived from this data, ensuring preservation of candidate anonymity and privacy.
For any questions, please reach out to the GRESB Helpdesk.
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