Accredited Professional (AP) Handbook

2026 GRESB AP: Real Estate

This page is dedicated to individuals pursuing the GRESB AP: Real Estate certification. If you are not currently registered for a GRESB AP exam and wish to learn more, please visit our website here.

Introduction

About GRESB AP

The GRESB Accredited Professional (GRESB AP) program is designed to equip professionals with the expertise to navigate GRESB Assessments, effectively manage sustainability data, and improve real asset performance.

The GRESB AP: Real Estate credential recognizes individuals with a deep understanding of GRESB reporting, data management, and benchmarking methodologies, ensuring they can contribute to more accurate, strategic, and impactful sustainability reporting. By earning this credential, professionals demonstrate their ability to drive stronger sustainability outcomes, improving performance for their organizations and the broader industry.

GRESB AP Handbook

The Handbook is a key resource for candidates preparing to earn the 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 exam is updated annually to reflect the latest GRESB Standards and industry developments. This handbook pertains specifically to the 2026 exam, which remains available until the launch of the next annual version.

Candidates are encouraged to review this Handbook carefully as they begin their GRESB AP journe

GRESB AP: Real Estate Exam

The GRESB AP: Real Estate exam is the first real estate credential available as part of the program. Designed to equip professionals with the skills needed for the end-to-end management of the GRESB Real Estate Assessment, this level of accreditation focuses on key competencies required during the annual reporting process, including preparation, data collection, documentation, and submission of the Assessment.

In addition to reporting, the exam emphasizes interpretation of results and scoring, ensuring candidates can effectively analyze benchmark reports, scoring methodology, and performance insights. The exam also covers foundational principles, providing examinees with a comprehensive understanding of the GRESB reporting landscape, scoring framework, and key sustainability performance indicators.

As a GRESB Accredited Professional, individuals demonstrate proficiency in navigating the intricacies of sustainability reporting, ensuring accuracy in both reporting and results interpretation.

Who Can Take the Exam?

The GRESB AP Real Estate exam is open to:

• GRESB Members, Participants, and Partners

• Professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of the GRESB Assessments, real estate sustainability reporting, and industry best practices

• Individuals aiming to advance their careers in sustainable real assets

Registration Process and Fees

The fee for the exam is EUR 475 or USD 570. Candidates may contact their GRESB account manager for special fee considerations. Credential holders re-certifying their GRESB AP status are eligible for a 50% discount on the recertification exam fee.

To purchase the GRESB AP Real Estate exam, follow these steps:

1

Visit the shop

Go to: go.learngresb.com/shop

2

Purchase the exam

Complete the checkout process.

3

Create your account

After purchase, create your account using the invitation link sent to you.

4

Start the exam

Start the exam at your convenience once your account is set up.

GRESB AP: Real Estate Exam

Exam Development

The GRESB AP program is an evolving initiative, driven by a commitment to continuous improvement. Exam development is an iterative process that incorporates insights from multiple sources, including feedback rounds from internal and external test takers and industry experts, such as individuals on the GRESB Foundation’s Real Estate Expert Resource Group. Test scores, along with individual questions, contribute to the exam's refinement. This collaborative approach ensures that the GRESB AP exam remains a dynamic and relevant exam, reflecting the evolving landscape of sustainability reporting in the real assets industry.

The GRESB AP exam is updated annually to ensure it remains aligned with the latest GRESB Real Estate Standards, industry best practices, and real-world reporting challenges. Each year, the exam is revised to incorporate changes in the GRESB Standards, ensuring that GRESB APs remain knowledgeable about the latest reporting requirements and advancements in sustainability, resilience, and resource efficiency within real assets.

This continuous improvement process ensures that each year’s exam reflects the most current knowledge and expectations, making the credential not just a one-time achievement but an ongoing learning opportunity that keeps GRESB APs up to date with the latest developments in real estate sustainability.

Exam Version

The GRESB AP program is an evolving initiative, driven by a commitment to continuous improvement. Exam development is an iterative process that incorporates insights from multiple sources, including feedback rounds from internal and external test takers and industry experts, such as individuals on the GRESB Foundation’s Real Estate Expert Resource Group. Test scores, along with individual questions, contribute to the exam's refinement. This collaborative approach ensures that the GRESB AP exam remains a dynamic and relevant exam, reflecting the evolving landscape of sustainability reporting in the real assets industry.

The GRESB AP exam is updated annually to ensure it remains aligned with the latest GRESB Real Estate Standards, industry best practices, and real-world reporting challenges. Each year, the exam is revised to incorporate changes in the GRESB Standards, ensuring that GRESB APs remain knowledgeable about the latest reporting requirements and advancements in sustainability, resilience, and resource efficiency within real assets.

This continuous improvement process ensures that each year’s exam reflects the most current knowledge and expectations, making the credential not just a one-time achievement but an ongoing learning opportunity that keeps GRESB APs up to date with the latest developments in real estate sustainability.

Exam Question Types

The GRESB AP Exam is designed to assess your understanding of key sustainability reporting concepts, the importance of reporting to GRESB, and the skills needed to successfully complete an assessment. Whether you are the primary reporting lead for your organization or contributing as part of a broader team, this exam will equip you with the knowledge and competencies required to navigate the GRESB process effectively.

Types of Questions

The exam consists of two primary question types:

• Knowledge-Based Questions These questions assess your ability to recall key concepts, definitions, and processes related to the GRESB Assessments. Example: ‘What is the purpose of the GRESB Materiality Assessment?’

• Application/Scenario-Based Questions These questions present real-world scenarios requiring you to apply GRESB principles to problem-solving. Example: ‘An entity is expanding its portfolio and acquiring assets in a new region. How should the reporting boundaries be adjusted to ensure accurate GRESB submission?’

Exam Format and Sections

The GRESB AP exam is an open-book exam, encouraging examinees to leverage the array of resources provided in the GRESB AP Handbook in the “Exam preparation” section. We strongly recommend that candidates familiarize themselves with these materials before the exam, not only to enhance their understanding of the content but also to cultivate effective resource navigation — a necessary skill for completing the GRESB Real Estate Assessment. The GRESB AP: Real Estate exam consists of three main components: Fundamentals, Reporting, and Results. Each section is designed to provide you with the essential knowledge and skills needed for comprehensive and end-to-end management of the GRESB Real Estate Assessment.

The exam sections are as follows:

• Fundamentals: Examinees will gain foundational insights into GRESB, the GRESB Foundation, and general industry topics

• Reporting: This section delves into the technical aspects of reporting, covering relevant dates, GRESB Portal functionalities, support, GRESB Assessment components, reporting characteristics, scoring, and indicators

• Results: Examinees will explore the GRESB Assessment results, including the interpretation of aggregate results, benchmark reports, and considerations related to data and investor access. Further details on the specific resources corresponding to each section are provided below.

Time

Examinees are allotted a 24-hour window to complete the exam. A well-prepared examinee, having thoroughly studied the content and materials, should find it feasible to complete the exam within 2–3 hours.

Exam Preparation

The resources listed below serve as both guides and study materials, indicating the relevant materials for each section. While the exam allows open-book access to these resources, we strongly recommend thoroughly reviewing them before the exam for optimal preparation.

Fundamentals (10 questions)

Gain a foundational understanding of GRESB, the GRESB Foundation, the Foundation Roadmap, general sustainability topics, and industry alignment.

Fundamentals Resources

GRESB Guides

Visit the Getting Started section of GRESB Guides for fundamental information. This section includes:

Standards Origin and Evolution

• This page includes information about our mission, vision, values, and governance structure, including the relationship between the GRESB Foundation and GRESB.

2026 Foundation Roadmap

• This page outlines the immediate and future priorities for the GRESB Standards. It details the Foundation's advisory groups, which are instrumental in the evolution of the Standards, and emphasizes industry collaboration. The Roadmap outlines the main drivers for development of the GRESB Standards, highlights key focus areas for 2026, and introduces topics under consideration for the coming years.

Core Concepts

Available as part of the online training platform exclusively available to GRESB APs, this video series provides a comprehensive overview of key concepts essential for baseline knowledge for completing the GRESB Assessments, focusing on five core areas:

• Origin and Evolution

• Industry Impact

• Financial Materiality

• Investment Strategy

• Rating and Scoring

By reviewing these videos, candidates can deepen their understanding of these critical topics and strengthen their preparation for the GRESB AP exam, particularly in the fundamentals section.

Integration of Fundamentals Videos into the Exam

As part of the Fundamentals section of the GRESB AP: Real Estate exam, the GRESB Fundamentals video series is integrated directly into the exam experience. During the exam, candidates will be required to watch short video modules and then answer a set of questions based on the content presented.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to review the Fundamentals video series in advance as part of their exam preparation. However, these videos will also be available within the exam itself and are intended to assess understanding of core GRESB concepts, context, and intent- not memorization.

GRESB Website

Visit the About GRESB page of the GRESB website for more details about GRESB's mission and vision.

Reporting (35 questions)

Explore the technical aspects of GRESB reporting, covering the functionalities of the GRESB Portal, supporting tools, GRESB Assessment components, reporting requirements, characteristics and tools, and scoring methodologies.

Reporting 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 Reporting section of the exam.

• GRESB Portal Setup and Navigation

• Assessment Structure and Scope

• Scoring Basics

• Data Sharing & Confidentiality Practices

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

GRESB Website

• Industry Insights Articles

GRESB Training Platform

GRESB's training platform (go.learngresb.com) offers a structured, step-by-step learning experience to further supplement the core educational material hosted in GRESB Guides.

GRESB encourages users to take advantage of the training material—much of which is time agnostic— but to refer to GRESB Guides for the most up-to-date guidance.

This platform is designed to support both your GRESB AP credentialing journey and GRESB Assessment participation, offering key insights into best practices, scoring methodologies, and industry trends.

Your login credentials for the AP program also provide access to the training platform—no separate account is required. You can navigate training content through the main menu or browse structured collections based on specific topics.

The content of the platform is categorized into the following sections:

• General: The Account set-up and GRESB Portal sections guide GRESB members into the step-by-step process of creating a new reporting entity as well as adding new users to the GRESB Portal.

• Reporting: The Reporting section explains how to complete the Real Estate Assessment, including its structure, key reporting components, and asset-level data requirements. It also covers use of the Asset Spreadsheet and Asset Portal, along with upload, validation, and reporting tools.

• Results: The Results section explains data confidentiality, the process and benefits of conducting a Pre-Submission Check, and the requirements for submitting a Public Disclosure Assessment.

Access the GRESB Real Estate Assessment training here.

Results (30 questions)

This section focuses on interpreting GRESB Assessment results, including aggregated results, benchmark reports, and key considerations around data access, utilization, and investor access. The Scoring Document is an essential resource for completing this section, as it will guide GRESB's evaluation of your understanding of the scoring and benchmarking outputs in the Real Estate Assessment.

Results Resources

GRESB Guides

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.

Results Insights

• 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.

Asset & Portfolio Analysis

• Find overviews for each of GRESB's asset and portfolio analysis tools, such as Asset Analytics, Portfolio Analysis Tool, the Carbon Footprint Dashboard, and Asset Benchmarking (formerly REAL Benchmarks). These tools aim to help GRESB Members deepen their understanding of sustainability performance.

Data Management

• Learn about the Data Exporter Tool, which equips GRESB Participants and Investors with hundreds of data points collected across the Real Estate Assessments.

GRESB Website

Timeline: The GRESB Assessment cycle has several important dates to be aware of. The timeline can be found on the GRESB website.

2025 Real Estate Benchmark Results: This webpage provides access to several benchmarks from the 2025 results such as participation numbers, scoring averages, net-zero progress, Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CREEM), rating cut-off, consumption metrics aggregation, Sector Leaders, and more.

Exam Instructions

Upon purchasing the exam, examinees will receive an invitation to create their account. This invitation link is valid for 7 days. Please note that this link is for account setup only and does not provide immediate access to the exam. The GRESB AP exam is conducted through a third-party online platform. Once the user account is set up, the examinee can commence the exam at their convenience. Prior to starting the exam, a thorough review of the resources provided, including the GRESB AP Handbook, is recommended. Familiarization with the materials can enhance exam readiness, efficiency, and performance. Please note that the exam will close on the day of the release of the updated exam. The 2026 AP exam will close on February 2, 2027. For GRESB Partners who receive GRESB AP exam seats as part of their membership, exam access remains available until December 31, 2026.

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. Strategic time management is advised, prioritizing questions accordingly. Upon completion of each section, examinees will be prompted to "Submit section." Once submitted, answers cannot be revisited or altered. Confidence in responses is important before finalizing each section.

Recommended Time

Once the exam begins, there is a 24-hour window for completion. Although the exam is typically completed within two hours, examinees have the flexibility to manage their time throughout the day. It's important to allocate sufficient time for thoughtful responses.

Section Breakdown

• Fundamentals: 10 questions

• Reporting: 30 questions

• Results: 35 questions

Post Exam

Upon completing the exam, click "Submit attempt." The passing score for the GRESB AP exam is 70%. Upon submission, you will promptly receive your score, an overview of questions and guidance, and results. Successful candidates will obtain a personalized certificate, QR code, and link for LinkedIn use, valid for 12 months from the passing date. Passing the AP exam grants you the 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.

What happens if you fail?

In the event of a failed attempt, a single retake is available. If you do not pass on your retake, you will need to purchase another exam if you wish to make further attempts. Following an unsuccessful attempt, carefully review your results and the questions answered incorrectly. Dedicate time to study the provided resources, focusing on areas that need improvement. You may retake the exam starting 48 hours after the initial attempt.

Credential Maintenance and Renewal Process

Each year, GRESB Accredited Professionals must take an recertification exam aligned with the new GRESB Real Estate Standards and industry developments to maintain the GRESB AP credential. GRESB Accredited Professionals can access this exam at a discounted rate of 50%, ensuring their credential remain current.

See here for the AP Recertification Handbook.

Credential Validity

• The GRESB AP: Real Estate credential is valid for one year from the date of passing the exam.

Renewal Deadline

• APs must complete the updated GRESB AP: Real Estate recertification exam before their credential expires to maintain active status.

Registration Process for Credential Maintenance

• Users who pass the GRESB AP exam can view their unique discount code in their account on the testing platform. This code provides a 50% discount on the following year’s recertification exam and is exclusively available to users who have successfully passed. The code is directly linked to your user account and can be applied at checkout when purchasing the next year’s exam.

For GRESB Partners: If your exam access was provided through the GRESB Partner program, please contact your account manager for details on the renewal process.

Lapsed Credentials

• If an AP does not renew their credential within the required timeframe, they must retake the full exam at the standard rate to regain their status.

Annual Updates to the GRESB AP Real Estate Exam

Each year, the GRESB AP Real Estate exam is updated to reflect the latest developments in the GRESB Real Estate Standard, scoring methodology, and industry best practices. These updates ensure that credential holders remain equipped with the most relevant knowledge and skills to support high-quality GRESB reporting, strategic sustainability planning, and investor engagement.

For the 2026 exam cycle, several key enhancements were introduced based on feedback from industry experts, GRESB stakeholders, and evolving sustainability trends.

1

New GRESB Fundamentals video series

An updated GRESB Fundamentals video series is available as part of the GRESB AP Training module, covering:

• Origin and Evolution of GRESB

• Industry Impact

• Financial Materiality

• Investment Strategy

• Rating and Scoring

These videos are integrated into the 2026 exam preparation resources.

2

More In-Depth Coverage of 2026 Roadmap Priorities

The 2026 exam includes questions covering the GRESB Foundation Roadmap and its influence on the standard, including:

• New and upcoming changes to the GRESB Real Estate Standards

• Future scoring methodologies and reporting requirements

• GRESB’s strategic direction for performance-based assessment and data quality improvements

3

Expanded Coverage of Key Sustainability Topics

The 2026 exam includes new and updated questions on critical areas such as:

• Net Zero

• Asset Performance

• Embodied Carbon

• Energy Efficiency

• Building Certifications

• Renewable Energy

4

Practical Focus on the Asset Spreadsheet and Validation Requirements

The exam includes more practical, scenario-based questions requiring familiarity with:

• Navigating and completing the Asset Spreadsheet accurately

• Common reporting challenges and validation errors

• Compliance with validation requirements

5

Expanded Results Insights and Analysis

The exam covers new results insights and asset analysis tools, such as the updated Benchmark Reports, Score Contribution Tool, Standards Methodology Insights Report, and more.

6

Exclusive Content for GRESB APs – Guest Lectures

GRESB AP credential holders receive exclusive access to content and guest lectures from subject matter experts working on initiatives led by the GRESB Foundation. These materials are available in the GRESB AP Training module.

Appendix

Glossary of GRESB Terminology

Assessment

Any or all Participants submitting data annually to assess sustainability performance and GRESB’s activities connected with those processes.

Benchmarks

Provides an in-depth analysis of the sustainability performance of a company, fund, or asset participating in the GRESB Assessments.

Indicators

Questions regarding one of the sustainability dimensions related to the entity or asset.

Working group

A gathering of experts discussing and collaborating on a topic to offer the GRESB Foundation an informed perspective.

Survey

A series of questions presented to a sample of GRESB stakeholders around a specific topic to inform the GRESB Foundation.

Member or industry feedback

Feedback collected in response to information included in or excluded from the GRESB Standards, Benchmarks, and indicators.

Committees

Any committees established by the Foundation Board for strategic or technical recommendations and advice for the development of the GRESB Standards.

Foundation Board

The management board of the GRESB Foundation.

GRESB Assessment

(i) a Participant submitting data annually to assess sustainability performance of real estate and/or infrastructure investments; (ii) GRESB’s activities connected with such assessment processes including data processing, validation, analysis, scoring, benchmarking, and development of the data.

GRESB B.V.

A benefit corporation incorporated as a private company under the law of the Netherlands (registration number 55416071).

GRESB Industry Partners (Industry Partners)

Any national, regional, or global industry body or association working in real estate or infrastructure that collaborates with GRESB.

GRESB Investor Member (Investor Member)

Any entity party to an Investor Membership Agreement with GRESB to receive access to GRESB data.

GRESB Member (Member)

Any entity party to a Membership Agreement with GRESB.

GRESB Partner (Partner)

Any entity party to a Partner Membership Agreement with GRESB.

GRESB Standards

The standards for assessing and benchmarking ESG performance; includes questions, evidence, indicators, and weighting.

GRESB Participant

Any entity party to a Participant Membership Agreement with GRESB to participate in the GRESB Assessment(s).

GRESB’s online non-public portal

Currently accessed via https://portal.gresb.com/ and used for providing GRESB products and services.

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.