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LEED Work Experience: What Green Building Training to Consider?

 

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Question:

Sandy asks: Hi, I passed my LEED GA exam. I don't have any background in construction my bachelor is in life sciences but when I started working in FPD I really liked the green building industry and enjoyed working there. I am also preparing for LEED AP exam but the problem is where to get the project experience? What else certification or accreditation would you recommend to get a better job in this industry. Thanks in advance.

Answer:
Advice provided by: Alex Spilger, LEED AP, GreenStep
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Hi Sandy, thank you for your question.

I think that two valuable skills that you may want to learn more about include energy modeling and commissioning since they are required on most LEED projects. If you can take a course on how to use the EnergyStar portfolio manager tool to help buildings receive an EnergyStar score that is also a marketable skill set.

Depending on your location, many utilities offer free courses on energy efficiency, lighting design, commissioning, etc. Such courses may be helpful in increasing your knowledge of green building.

In terms of LEED Project Experience, I am the administrator of GreenStep's Professional Project Experience Program and would certainly recommend it as one option for you to consider.

If you are interested in energy auditing, you might consider learning more about the Building Performance Institute and BPI training. Other than that, there aren't any specific certifications that I'm aware of other than the LEED GA and LEED AP that I would recommend at this point.

I hope this helps.

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Expert Advice and Comments

RE: LEED Project Experience

Tue, 09/21/2010 - 15:10 — Kwok (not verified)

My Green Associate exam is on 16th Dec 2010.
I am interested in your Leed Professional Project Experience Program. which is starting today 21.09.10.
Should I register for this program now or should I wait for your next run?
When will be the next run?

Rgds

Woo KF

RE: LEED Project experience

Mon, 10/18/2010 - 21:59 — GBGuru

Hi Woo,

The next round is October 26th, 2010. It's more or less every 6 weeks.

RE: Real LEED project?

Tue, 09/21/2010 - 15:33 — Bruce (not verified)

The very first question is ... is the project you would have me work on an actual LEED project?

Does one have to be a LEED Green Associate to get this project experience?

RE: LEED GA for LEED AP

Mon, 10/18/2010 - 22:00 — GBGuru

Hi Bruce,

No, you don't have to be a LEED GA to participate in the LEED professional project experience program. Some participants are, but most are not. The project that you will work on is a registered LEED project.

Thanks!

Tue, 09/21/2010 - 15:43 — Liz (not verified)

Once again...many thanks for your online training program and project experience ...I could not have received my LEED AP (Homes)without your training program! And I got it first time around using only your information , not the USGBC reference guide which would have been too much to take in all at once. The simulated questions prepared me well...although I think you should make them a tad bit more difficulties the exam was definitely tough. I got 89% so I was happy!

Now i think I'll just do the online courses for interest and continuing education....

RE: Thanks

Mon, 10/18/2010 - 22:02 — GBGuru

Hi Liz, thanks again for your nice feedback and congratulations again on passing the exam! That's a fantastic feeling... I remember it well.

RE: Project experience and LEED ND

Thu, 11/25/2010 - 08:59 — Shamsa (not verified)

My question is on LEED Professional Project Experience Program by Green Step.

Will this 5 week course help me with the LEED ND exam?

RE: LEED ND Exam

Fri, 11/26/2010 - 16:36 — GBGuru

Hi Shamsa,

Yes, the Professional Project Experience Program will be able to prepare you to take the LEED ND exam as well as provide you with the LEED project experience that is required by GBCI.

Rob

LEED AP and GA Exams

Mon, 11/29/2010 - 12:07 — Mohamedel (not verified)

Does the first part of the LEED AP Building Design + Construction Exam the same as the LEED GA Exam? So do I have to buy books for the LEED GA exam to prepare for this part or the LEED AP books already take into account the first part of the exam (LEED GA part)?

RE: First part of LEED BD+C exam

Mon, 01/24/2011 - 12:21 — freerob (not verified)

Hi Mohamedel,

Yes, for people who are eligible to take the LEED AP exam and don't take the LEED Green Associate exam first, then yes, the LEED GA exam is the first part of the two part LEED AP BD+C exam. The LEED AP exam is really two exams, but for LEED Green Associates who choose to continue on to LEED AP, they don't have to retake that particular exam.

See this post on the LEED GA exam for more info.

Thanks again,
Rob

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