About sixty percent of the CPBD Exam covers building design. Questions cover the following topics: site design; foundations, concrete, and structural masonry; framing systems; thermal and moisture protection; mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP); building science and sustainability; domestic architecture; and areas related to building planning code.

NCBDC offers the Certified Professional Building Designer (CPBD) certification in recognition of practitioners who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary to competently perform the building design professional role. The CPBD exam focuses on four domains of knowledge: business administration, business practices, design process, and building design. Green CE offers courses on subjects applicable to the design process and building design.