The USGBC has updated the new version of LEED, known as LEED 2009 and major changes are planned for the LEED AP process and accreditation. Newly minted LEED APs will be associated with a specialty, based on the exam they take.

This is a great idea because LEED APs are not all created equal. A developer or operator meeting a LEED AP at a conference currently has no idea what that person specializes in based on his accreditation. So now all new LEED APs will receive additional characters after their LEED AP title including:

BD+C (New Construction)
O+M (Operations & Maintenance)
ID+C (Commercial Interiors)
HOMES (LEED for Homes)
ND (Neighborhood Development)

So, for current LEED APs (to be referred to as "Legacy LEED APs") who have already taken the exam, you will be placed automatically into one of the new classifications of LEED AP, based on the exam you initially took. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO RETAKE THE EXAM!

However, to receive the new classification, existing LEED APs have two years to agree to comply with a LEED AP code of ethics, agree to the USGBC's terms on continuing education (TBD) and pay a fee of $50 either twice a year (biannual) or once every two years (biennial)... it's not clear to me at this time which it is.

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