EDGE Expert
EDGE Expert Exam
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Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
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ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
The EDGE Expert credential is an IFC-accredited qualification for professionals who advise clients on green building design using the EDGE software - "Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies" - a free tool, a green building standard, and an international certification system. EDGE Experts work within or alongside a client's design team, quantify the value of passive and active design measures, run cost-benefit comparisons of green concepts, and help projects reach the EDGE standard of at least 20% savings in energy, water, and embodied carbon in materials against a local baseline. The credential suits sole practitioners, in-house sustainability staff, and members of architecture and engineering practices; firms also use it to upskill teams. The exam is computer-based, 2.5 hours long, delivered at a Prometric test center or remotely proctored, offered in English, Bahasa, Spanish, French, Chinese, Portuguese, and Vietnamese, and costs $100. Its content spans the EDGE software and modeling of resource savings, the EDGE standard and certification process, efficiency measures by location and climate, and bioclimatic design with cost-benefit analysis. Preparation means completing EDGE training with a licensed EDGE Faculty - in-person or online live, or self-paced online on-demand - then reviewing the learning materials and testing your knowledge with the EDGE Exam Prep guidance before scheduling.
What you'll study
About EDGE Expert preparation
What is the exam format and how long do I have?
It is a computer-based exam delivered at a Prometric test center or remotely with proctoring. The exam is 2 1/2 hours in length. Remotely proctored sittings can only be scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (EST), Monday through Friday.
How much does it cost to get credentialed?
The EDGE Exam costs $100. Training is separate: online on-demand training costs up to $150, and in-person or online live training with a licensed EDGE Faculty varies in cost. Budget for both, plus any rescheduling fees Prometric may apply.
Must I complete training before I can sit the exam?
Yes. To become an EDGE Expert you must successfully complete EDGE training and the EDGE Exam. Training is delivered by an official provider or licensed EDGE Faculty, online or in a classroom. Once training is complete, IFC emails you an EDGE Exam ID number that you use to schedule.
Do I qualify to become an EDGE Expert?
You need a higher education qualification (at least a bachelor's degree) in a construction industry-related field, or three years' experience in a construction industry-related field plus a higher education qualification of any kind. IFC publishes a list of construction industry roles and fields that qualify.
How hard is the exam, and does training cover everything?
Training prepares you for the exam, but some questions may not be covered in the training and can only be answered from your professional background and experience. Treat the training as a foundation and expect items that test applied judgment about measures, climate, and cost-benefit tradeoffs.
If I fail, can I retake the exam?
Retake terms are not published on the pages describing the credential. Check the Candidate Information Bulletin linked from the Prometric scheduling page, or contact Prometric directly, for the current retake policy, waiting periods, and any additional fees before you book a second attempt.
How do I schedule a test center versus a remote sitting?
For a test center, visit www.prometric.com/edge, where you can locate centers, or call +1 (800) 324-4715 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (EST) Monday through Friday. For a remote sitting, call +1 (800) 813-6779 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (EST) with a credit card for the $100 fee, or email [email protected].
What is a sensible study order?
Start with the training modules, which for the on-demand version run five to six modules of roughly one hour each. Then review the learning materials, test your knowledge, and only then schedule the exam using the EDGE Exam Prep guidance. Working through sample modeling decisions in the software reinforces the resource-savings content.
Where do candidates most often come unstuck?
Two patterns stand out. First, relying only on training slides and skipping hands-on EDGE software practice, which leaves modeling and aggregate-impact questions shaky. Second, underestimating climate and location specificity - efficiency measures are not universally interchangeable, so memorizing generic lists instead of reasoning about local baselines costs marks.
How does an EDGE Expert differ from an EDGE Auditor?
An EDGE Expert precedes the Auditor, working with the design team on decisions, confirming the project meets the EDGE standard using the software, and preparing it for certification. The Auditor does not influence design, joins once the submission is received, verifies documentation, and recommends the project for assessment. You cannot serve as both on the same project.