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What does an EDGE Expert do?
An EDGE Expert helps clients through EDGE certification: modelling the building in the EDGE App, selecting measures, preparing documentation and guiding the project through the audits. The role does not include auditing, and one person can hold only one role on a given project[1]. For how certification works from the client's side, see the guide on EDGE certification in Lebanon.
How do you become an EDGE Expert, step by step?
- Complete an EDGE Experts training, either live with EDGE Faculty or online on demand through GBCI, the Green Building Council of South Africa or Sintali[2].
- Receive your EDGE Exam eligibility ID, which IFC emails within two weeks of completing the training[3].
- Prepare with the EDGE sample questions and, if useful, the online practice exam (USD 30)[3].
- Schedule the EDGE Exam with Prometric, at a test centre or remotely[3].
- Pass the exam and keep your status active under the EDGE Expert licensing protocol[1].
What does the EDGE Exam cover?
The exam has 75 multiple-choice questions[4]. It tests whether you can use EDGE correctly on a real project, not only recall definitions.
| Area | What to know |
|---|---|
| EDGE App and baseline | How the baseline is set by country and building type, and which inputs change it |
| Energy measures | Envelope, glazing, shading, cooling and heating systems, lighting, controls and renewables |
| Water measures | Efficient fixtures, water recycling and rainwater harvesting |
| Materials | Embodied carbon of floors, roofs, walls and windows, and how material choices change the result |
| Certification process | Roles, design and post-construction audits, and the documentation each stage needs |
Based on EDGE Experts training content[2].
How should you prepare?
The most effective preparation is to model a real or realistic building in the EDGE App from start to finish: set up the project, test measures until all three categories pass, and note which inputs move the results most. Then work through the sample questions and the practice exam, and review the roles and audit steps, which candidates often underestimate.
Where independent support helps
Training led by EDGE Faculty links the exam content to real projects in the region. Otibara delivers EDGE Expert and green building training, in English and Arabic.
Common questions
How long does the EDGE Experts training take?
It depends on the provider. Sintali's online course is about eight hours, the Green Building Council of South Africa's has six modules of about an hour each, and GBCI's course costs USD 150 with one year of access[2].
Can I take the EDGE Exam online?
Yes. The exam can be taken at a Prometric test centre or remotely online[3].
Can I reschedule the exam?
Yes. Rescheduling or cancelling is free up to 30 days before the appointment; between 29 and three days before, a USD 25 fee applies[3].
What is the difference between an EDGE Expert and an EDGE Auditor?
The EDGE Expert supports the client in achieving certification. The EDGE Auditor independently checks the design and the completed building for the certification body. The same person cannot hold both roles on one project[1].