Prepare to Pass the LEED Green Associate Test!

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James asks: I would like to become a Green Associate, LEED AP with a Specialty in construction. What steps are necessary and what qualifications are needed, for the Associate Certification, the LEED AP, and then the Specialty Cert.

Answer: Hi James: As you may know, the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), the non-profit organization that is responsible for developing and overseeing the LEED Professional Credentialing system, launched a new professional credential structure in June 2009. Many people are familiar with the LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) credential and with this new system, the LEED Green Associate credential was born.

The LEED Green Associate credential is the Tier I (beginning) credential in the credentialing process and professionals who have earned the credential have demonstrated a high level of competency in green building principles and the LEED Green Building Rating System. The LEED Green Associate credential is perfect for those non-technical professionals who are interested in sustainability and green building, and/or those people who work for companies that operate with a strong sustainability policy.

For those professionals seeking mastery of a specific LEED rating system, the LEED AP credential may be for you. If you are interested in the construction field, you may want to consider the LEED Building Design and Construction (BD+C) specialty track. By choosing the BD+C exam, once you pass the exam, you will have earned that specialty.

However, no matter how you cut it, passing the LEED Green Associate exam is a required first step in becoming a LEED AP.

The prerequisite requirements to take the LEED Green Associate exam are simply to fulfill ONE of the following options:

1. Demonstrate experience in the form of EITHER documented involvement in support of a LEED Registered Project OR employment (or previous employment) in a sustainable field of work (employment in a profession or at a company that relates to environmentalism or the green building industry) OR engagement in (or completion of) an program that addresses green building principles

Also, candidates are required to submit to an application audit. Five to seven percent of all applications will be audited; you will be notified immediately if you are chosen for an audit and will be notified of your eligibility within 14 days. Candidates must also agree to the Disciplinary and Exam Appeals Policy and Credentialing Maintenance Program (CMP) as outlined at the GBCI's website.

The costs of taking the exam are relatively reasonable. There is a $50.00 application fee and a fee of $150.00 for full time students and U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) National Members and $200 for all others. To maintain the credential costs $50.00 for a renewal fee every two years.

It is recommended that you get a hold of a study guide to prepare for the LEED Green Associate exam. In addition to a study guide, there are many other helpful study tools at your disposal such as practice exams and exam simulators. LEED preparation products and services may be costly and can quickly add up so you may want to try a reputable free practice tool for the LEED Green Associate exam at first.

Good luck!

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