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Qualifying for LEED GA and LEED AP+: May I Use the Same Certification Project?

   

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Question:

Tom asks: The GBCI website states that the one of the prereq. for taking the Green Associate Exam is: "demonstrate or document involvement in support of LEED projects". Now, for taking the LEED AP with specialty, it states; "Demonstrate PROFESSIONAL (caps mine) experience on at least one LEED project." OK. Here's my situation and question: I am a project superintendent on a LEED registered project. I am not an AP or Associate, but want to take the exams (both for Green Associate and AP +)... I'm pretty sure my current project will qualify me for the Green Associate's exam, but can I use the same project as documented experience for the LEED AP + exam?

Answer:
Advice provided by: Rob Freeman Jr, LEED AP, Green-Buildings.com
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Hi Tom,

Thanks for your question.

Yes, you may use the same LEED Certification project as a reference for both accreditation requirements (i.e. either the LEED AP exam or the LEED GA exam). If you're eligible for the LEED AP, you're automatically eligible for LEED GA.

LEED GA offers three options to fulfill eligibility to take that exam and project experience is only one of those options. You're not obligated to document your work on a LEED Certification project, it's merely an option.

You may qualify for the LEED GA exam by either 1) enrolling in a green course of study OR 2) being employed in a "sustainable field of work" (which you're in) OR 3) working on a LEED Certification project.

Good luck!

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Expert Advice and Comments

How much project experience is required for the GA Exam?

Fri, 02/11/2011 - 15:42 — Debra Miller (not verified)

I am in the position where someone is requesting that I write a letter documenting their involvement in a LEED project. The individual has participated in an open house and 1-2 hours on the jobsite. Is this enough for just the GA exam?

Additional info I missed

Fri, 02/11/2011 - 15:43 — Debra Miller (not verified)

I should say that both the Open house and the jobsite experience were on a LEED registered Home.

RE: LEED registered home

Wed, 02/23/2011 - 17:44 — GBGuru

Hi Debra,

Yes, this should qualify, no problem.

Rob

RE: Experience for the LEED GA exam

Wed, 02/23/2011 - 17:44 — GBGuru

Hi Debra,

Thanks for your question. The work experience prerequisite for the LEED GA exam requires that the person has experience in a "Sustainable field of work". If they are working in the real estate field, and working on a green building, technically they would qualify even without having worked on a LEED registered project. It sounds like this was a LEED for Homes project?

Best,
Rob

2011 LEED exam eligibility

Thu, 04/28/2011 - 14:38 — John Yob (not verified)

I took the LEED prep course in April 2010 and got my completion certificate to take the actual exam. LEED 2.0 was the exam then. Life got in the way and I wasn't able to take the exam. Now that LEED 3.0 is in effect, do I have to retake the prep course?

Thanks,
John

rpfjr's picture

Retaking LEED course

Tue, 01/03/2012 - 17:16 — rpfjr

Hi John,

No, you shouldn't have to retake the course. You can provide your Certificate of Completion and it should be accepted.

Rob is the founder of Green-Buildings.com.

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