Alan asks: I want to know what qualifications are needed to take the LEED AP exam?

Answer: Hi Alan, after March 31st, 2009, candidates for the LEED AP credential must fulfill eligibility various requirements.

Along with the changeover to LEED Version 3, the USGBC has introduced some fairly strict requirements in order to be eligible to take the LEED AP exam. We hope to be able to clear up some of the confusion surrounding these requirements so you can determine your eligibility, and if ineligible, show you the programs we offer in order to make you eligible for the test.

To take any of the Tier 2 LEED AP Exams (i.e. Building Operations & Maintenance, LEED AP Homes, Building Design + Construction, Interior Design + Construction, etc.) you must meet both of the following requirements:

1: You must have taken and passed the LEED Green Associate Exam

The first requirement for eligibility for the AP test is to have passed the Green Associate test. Some paperwork often refers to the Green Associate test as "Exam 1" and the AP tests as "Exam 2". There is no minimum time necessary between taking the Green Associate exam and when you take the AP exam.

For more information on the eligibilty requirements of the LEED Green Associate Exam, visit the FAQ for that Exam here.

2: You must be (or have been) involved in a LEED Certified Project within the past three years.

To prove eligibility by way of LEED project involvement, you must have been involved in the certification process of a LEED project within three years of the application's submittal date. This means that your name must be on the registry of a specific LEED project that has already taken place, or which is currently in progress (i.e. a registered project). This can sometimes be difficult to achieve, as many organizations prefer to have existing LEED APs take care of the certification process, but as there is no requirement for a person working on a LEED project to be a LEED AP, it is possible for you to work on a registered LEED project to be added to your businesses project.

If you do not have access to a LEED registered project through your employer, you may register for the LEED Professional Project Experience Program, in which you can participate in a registered LEED certification project. By successfully completing the program, you will be receive the credentials necessary to sit for the LEED AP exam.

If you already meet of these requirements, you are eligible to register for and take any of the v3 LEED AP exams.

To register to take the LEED AP+ exam, visit the Green Building Certification Institute and follow the instructions for Professional Accreditation.

Good luck!
Green-Buildings.com

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