Advice provided by: Rob Freeman Jr, LEED AP, Green-Buildings.com
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Kim asks: I am interested in becoming a LEED AP. I have just graduated college and currently unemployed, so I thought it would be a good way to utilize my current free time. I am going to be taking the Green Associate Exam shortly. Upon me passing that exam, I have read that I need prior LEED project experience to proceed further. I have no problems with that, except in the current economic climate, jobs are scarce. Are there any educational programs that would satisfy that requirement?

Answer: Hi Kim, thank you for your question. Congratulations on your recent graduation and we wish you luck on the LEED Green Associate exam. Yes, the new rules (post June 30th, 2009) regarding the LEED AP exam require anyone who wishes to take that exam to have documented experience working on a LEED Registered Project in the past three years.

This presents a catch 22 situation for many people: How can I get experience without a job and how can I get a job without experience? While this was once a major problem, it is becoming easier these days to use the Internet and find internships, paid "Vocation Vacations" and other programs that provide in-depth professional work experiences and new professional connections.

In terms of getting the experience that you need to qualify to take the LEED AP exam, GreenStep Education manages a hands-on LEED project experience program in which participants may gain experience working on a LEED Registered Project.

In addition to working on a LEED Registered Project with an experienced project manager, participants in the GreenStep program get involved with LEED Online, learn the tools and systems involved with tracking specific credits and take responsibility for important aspects of the project which may include:

* Performing credit calculations
* Analyzing energy model reports
* Evaluating credit costs
* Trouble shooting potential setbacks
* Reviewing documentation for compliance
* Drafting Credit Interpretation Requests (CIR)

Upon successful completion of the program, team members are provided with a thorough letter describing in detail the team member's extended involvement in the LEED project and how his or her efforts helped complete specific credit requirements and move the project closer towards LEED Certification.

Hope this helps,