Are you looking to demonstrate your commitment to and expertise in green communities? LEED Professional Credentials allow practitioners in the green building industry to demonstrate their current knowledge of green building technologies, best practices and understanding of the rapidly evolving LEED green building program.
Where do I start?
The LEED Green Associate credential is the first step for anyone either in or pursuing a career in green communities and verifies a general knowledge about green buildings, USGBC and the LEED Green Building Certification System.
To qualify to sit for the LEED Green Associate exam, candidates must demonstrate one of the following:
- Either documented involvement on a project registered or certified for LEED
- OR employment (or previous employment) in a sustainable field of work
- OR engagement in (or completion of) an education program that addresses green building principles
Once a LEED Green Associate, 15 hours of continuing education every two years is required on to maintain the credential.
What if I currently work in green building construction, operations and maintenance?
The LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) credential shows proficiency in the LEED Green Building Certification Program, including the strategies, approaches and technical requirements to achieve LEED certification for a project. Candidates for LEED AP must specialize within one of LEED’s suite of rating systems, from homes to operations and maintenance to design and construction.
To become a LEED AP with specialty, candidates must show documented professional experience on a LEED-registered project within the last three years, with verification through LEED Online or employer attestation.
Once a LEED AP with specialty, 30 hours of continuing education every two years is required to maintain the credential.
How do I know whether to sit for one or both exams?
You may want to ask yourself: Would I be better suited to take the LEED Green Associate exam to showcase my general green building knowledge or do I have plans to work directly in the LEED certification process, which may require a LEED AP with specialty credential? If you are not sure, you can always sit for the LEED Green Associate exam and then decide later about whether to pursue the LEED AP designation.
Get credit for credential maintenance while in school Successfully completing or teaching a course at an accredited colleges or university related to green building can earn you continuing education (CE) hours. For more information, take a look at the Credential Maintenance Program Guide. It has never been easier to earn hours at school!
For more information on LEED Professional Credentials, visit the Green Building Certification Institute’s website.