Hi Donna, thank you for your question.

Once you earn the LEED Green Associate accreditation, you’ll be able take the LEED AP exams once you’ve gained LEED project experience. This is the largest difference in the new testing system. For specific requirements and strategies, candidate handbooks are available to help walk you through the process.

There are several universities, colleges and distance learning programs that are turning their focus on the green movement. It’s routine that I see an invitation at least once a week for a new program. That being said, the GBCI is somewhat explicit to have LEED project experience to meet testing and acceptation requirements.

Your best local resource when looking to get involved in the USGBC on a personal and local level would be to look up and join your local USGBC Chapter. You can look up your local chapter on the USGBC website, www.usgbc.org. USGBC Chapters “provide local green building resources, education, and leadership opportunities”.

Making connections at the local level will help you network with other ‘green minded’ professionals and learn about potential job opportunities in your area.

If you’re looking for a job, I’d also recommend checking out USGBC's Career Center.

There are resources for both job seekers (browse available jobs, post your resume, receive job alerts, etc) and recruiters (view submitted resumes, post jobs, purchase recruitment products). Many popular job search sites like Monster.com have special sections on green jobs. And since ‘green’ is such a buzz word right now, many sites dedicated to green careers have sprung up as well:

greenjobs.com

greenjobs.net

sustainablebusiness.com

and one of my personal favorite sites, Treehugger, also has a jobs section.

Many colleges, companies and cities are also looking to hire 'green coordinators’ or ‘sustainability consultants’ as well. Your LEED Green Associate credential demonstrates that you have a demonstrated knowledge in the field of green buildings and should be a great start.

Good luck!
Sarah Gudeman, LEED AP

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