USGBC implements changes to LEED credentialing
May 18th, 2009 8:30 pm
USGBC has made a determination to establish a clear three-tier credential system for everyone who is planning or has already gained a LEED Accredited Professional designation.
Tier I – LEED Green Associate (GA) is geared towards all green enthusiasts but not practicing professionals like product manufacturers, marketers, finance people, customer service reps for a large construction firm, students, etc. The computer-based exam will still consist of 100 multiple choice questions to be answered in 2 hours time. However, even though more basic in nature, the new exam appears to be harder with a passing rate at the scary 20% (down 14% from the previous v2 of the LEED exam). The good news is the exam fees decreased from $400 for a non-USGBC members last year to $200 for a non-USGBC member.
Tier II – LEED Accredited Professional (AP)+Specialty is geared towards all architecture, design, build, engineering, construction industry professionals who actually participate in the design process of a LEED project. They must possess a far greater sustainable and integrated design knowledge and skills than the LEED GA would have. The exam is not easy but if you have already taken a LEED AP v2 test (like myself), we can (but are not required to) choose to take the specialty part of the exam or remain LEED APs without a specialty. There are five specialties available:
Building Design + Construction [BD&C],
Interior Design + Construction [ID&C],
Operations +Maintenance [O&M],
Neighborhood Development [ND] (available in 2010)
The cost for the two-part exam is currently $400 for non-members and $250 for just the specialty part. In order to maintain your accreditation, we will now be required to record 30 hours of continuing education courses every 2 years. More info on the CMPs and any other changes to the LEED rating system, log on to www.usgbc.org. or visit www.intheleed.com
Tier III – LEED Fellow is geared towards the elite class of professionals and practitioners and is still being determined.
re: Tier I – What is the LEED reference guide that a professional preparing to take the Green Associate exam would need to study?
May 19, 2009 at 5:06 pm
LEED 2009 Reference Guide info is attached. You can purchase a hard copy or an e-book version.
http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1970#2a
May 20, 2009 at 8:15 am
I have been here. If you go to the bottom of the page, and click dowload/buy and then click 2009 reference guides, you will find USGBC only has guides for Tier II – BD&C, ID&C, and O&M … I can’t find one for just the Green Associate exam.
May 20, 2009 at 9:09 am
It appears that the GA Reference Guide is not released as of yet. Read the following post for more detail
http://www.green-buildings.com/content/78515-leed-green-associate-reference-guide-has-gbci-released-one
May 20, 2009 at 9:23 am
Thank you!
May 20, 2009 at 11:10 am
Thanks for sharing!
http://GreenerMilwaukee.com
May 21, 2009 at 1:35 pm
There is no reference guide associated with the LEED GA credential. The GA is not rating system-specific – it’s to show general knowledge of LEED and green building and is for students, real estate professionals, and people involved with LEED projects who aren’t responsible for actual implementation. I hear that USGBC is planning a study guide for the GA test, which isn’t out yet.
May 21, 2009 at 3:56 pm