LEED AP

LEED Credentialing FAQ

(See Greenbuild video presentation here - GBCI: Accreditation, Certification and more

Q: Why is the LEED AP exam system changing?
A: Since 2001, more than 65,000 building professional have earned the LEED AP credential by demonstrating their understanding of environmentally sustainable building design, construction and operation. The changes to the exam system are reflective of the rapid advances in green building technology and practice in the marketplace. The Green Building Certification Institutes (GBCI) new three-tiered credentialing system will ensure that LEED-credentialed professionals have the latest knowledge and understanding of green building practices AND that they're recognized with this distinction.

Q: What is the difference between the current LEED AP examination system and the LEED Credentialing system moving forward? 
A: There are three differences between the current LEED AP examination system and 2009 system.

1. There will be three levels of excellence for a professional to pursue. This improves upon the current LEED accreditation system by providing a mechanism to recognize knowledge and expertise beyond a basic understanding of green building practices. A tiered credentialing system allows the marketplace to distinguish between practitioners with basic, advanced, and extraordinary levels of knowledge.

2. GBCI will have eligibility requirements for all levels of the exam system

3. GBCI will have credentialing maintenance required for all levels of the exam. As sustainable technologies advance and the LEED rating system evolves, the LEED accreditation system needs a mechanism to ensure that LEED Professions have the latest knowledge and understanding of green building practices.

Q: What are the three levels or tiers of LEED Accreditation?
A: Tier I
LEED Green Associate: Evoking good environmental practice and being the first step in the LEED professionals career pathway the LEED Green Associate credential attests to demonstrated knowledge and skill in understanding and supporting green design, construction, and operations.

Tier II
LEED AP+ : The LEED AP+ credential signifies an extraordinary depth of knowledge in green building practices and specialization in a particular field: commercial building design & construction, commercial operations & maintenance, commercial interiors, residential design & construction, and neighborhood development.

TIER III
LEED AP Fellow: LEED Fellows enter an elite class of leading professionals who are distinguished by their years of experience and a peer review of their project portfolio. Fellows contribute to the standards of practice and body of knowledge for achieving continuous improvement in the green building field.

Q: What are the LEED AP+ specialty tracks?
A:

• Operations and Maintenance (old EB) 2009 O&M

• Residential Design and Construction (HOMES) 2009 HOMES

• Building Design and Construction (old NC) 2009 BD&C

• Interior Design and Construction (old CI) 2009 ID&C

• Neighborhood Development (ND) 2010 ND

Q: What is the timeline for introducing the new exam system?
A: The changes will be phased in throughout 2009 starting with beta testing for the LEED Green Associate Exam and the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance exams in February. Visit www.gbci.org for additional information.

Q: How are the exams going to be different from the current process? 
A: Tier 1, the LEED Green Associate exam is a computer based, multiple-choice examination; you will have 2.5 hours to complete it. This core exam is also part one of the LEED AP+ examination. If you become eligible to take the LEED AP+ exam and you have maintained your LEED Green Associate Credential, you will not have to take the Core exam again.

Tier 2, the LEED AP+ exams will be two parts. The exams are multiple choice and computer based. The first part will be the "core" knowledge exam (taken by Tier 1, LEED Green Associates) about green building and general knowledge about the LEED rating system process. The second part will be a specialty exam depending on the track you choose. You will have 4 hours to complete the examinations.

Q: What if I only pass one part of the exam?
A: If you only pass one part of the exam you will have to retake the part you failed.

Your eligibility is valid for one year and you will have three chances to take the failed portion. If you fail three times your eligibility will be suspended for three months and you will be required to reapply.

Q: How do I fit into the new system as a current LEED AP?
A: "Legacy" LEED AP: Thousands of LEED APs who pioneered the green building field may continue to bear the credential as a legacy with inactive status. To gain active status, they must choose to opt into the new system. LEED APs who elect to opt in to the new credentialing system should note the following:

• Beginning in June 2009, current LEED APs have two years to opt in. For example, if you choose to opt in December of 2009, you will have until December 31, 2011 to complete you required hours of credential maintenance.

• Opt-in requires signing the disciplinary policy and agreeing to credential maintenance. You will get to use the new LEED AP+ designation and be listed in the active registry.

Q: What if I don't opt in? 
A: You will remain a LEED AP with inactive status in our registry. If you choose to opt into the system after JUNE 2011 you must meet eligibility requirements and retest.

Q: What is the cost for a current LEED AP to opt in?
A: For the first two years the credentialing maintenance fee is waived. After June 2011, the credential maintenance fee will be $50 every two years.

Q: What if I want to get an additional designation?
A: If you are a current LEED AP, have agreed to the disciplinary policy and credentialing maintenance, you will only have to take the specialty portion of the exam.

Q: What is the cost associated with taking a specialty exam for a LEED AP who has opted into the new system?
A: USGBC national members $150.00, Non Members $250.00

Q: What are the requirements to take a LEED Green Associate Exam?
A: Candidates are required to:

• Agree to the disciplinary policy and credential maintenance guidelines as outlined at GBCI.org.

• Demonstrate or document involvement in support of LEED projects. There will be a drop down menu for you to choose from, or you will able to write in your involvement.

• Be employed in a sustainable field of work or engaged in an education program in green building principals and LEED. There will be a drop down menu for you to choose from or you will be able to write in your employment or educational experience.

• Submit to application audit. 5-7% of all applications will be audited; you will be notified immediately if you are chosen for an audit and will be notified of your eligibility within 14 days.

Q: What are the credential maintenance guidelines for a LEED Green Associate?
A: Participate in 15 hours of continuing education required every two years, with three hours obtained from an approved program specific to the LEED Rating System, credit categories, and LEED updates.

The information on credentialing maintenance will be available in 1st Quarter 2009. The system will be flexible to allow for credit other than taking a class or attending a workshop. Please visit GBCI.org for more information in 1st Quarter 2009.

Q: What are the costs involved with the LEED Green Associate credential?
A: Credential Fees: $50 application fee; $150 USGBC National Member fee per exam appointment; $200 non-member fee per exam appointment; $50 maintenance fee (every two years)

Q: What are the requirements to take a LEED AP+ exam?
A:

• Agree to the disciplinary policy and credential maintenance guidelines as outlined at GBCI.org.

• Demonstrate professional experience on at least one LEED project. There will be a drop down menu for you to choose from, or you will able to write in your involvement.

• Document work on a LEED project, within the last two to three years, with verification through LEED online or employer attestation.

• Submit to application audit. 5-7% of all applications will be audited, you will be notified immediately if you are chosen for an audit and will know notified of your eligibility within 14 days

Q: What are the credential maintenance guidelines for a LEED AP+?
A: Participate in 30 hours of continuing education required every two years, with six hours obtained from an approved program specific to the LEED Rating System, credit categories, and LEED updates. More information will be available at GBCI.org early in 2009.

Q: What are the costs associated with becoming a LEED AP+?
A: Credential Fees: $100 application fee; $300 USGBC National Member fee per exam appointment; $450 non-member fee per exam appointment; $50 maintenance fee (every two years). Any additional specialty exam is $150.00 members' $200.00 non-members plus the application fee.

Q: What are the requirements to obtain the LEED AP FELLOW Credential?
A: These requirements are currently under development. The Credential Fee is a $50 maintenance fee due every two years.

Q: How can I get more information about the LEED AP FELLOW credential? 
The LEED FELLOW program is currently under development and we will provide additional information 2009.

Timeline:

FEBRUARY 2009

LEED Green Associate Exam - Beta Test
LEED AP + Operations and Maintenance Exam - Beta Test

MARCH 2009

LEED AP + Homes Exam - Beta Test

SPRING 2009

LEED Green Associate Exam - Launch
LEED AP + Operations and Maintenance Exam - Launch
LEED AP + Design and Construction/Interior Design and Construction - Beta Test
New Candidate Application

SUMMER 2009

LEED AP + Homes Exam - Launch
LEED AP + Design and Construction/Interior Design and Construction - Beta Test
New Credentialing Maintenance Program - Launch

Q: What if I still have unanswered questions or want to learn more?
A: If you have questions about the LEED Professional credential, please contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For more detailed information costs, timing and eligibility requirements, please visit our web site at GBCI.org