How to become a LEED AP+ (LEED Accredited Professional Plus)

In 2009, the US Green Building Council (USGBC) updated requirements for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP)designation.

The designation how has more refinements, including an entry level designation called LEED GA (Green Associate), and LEED AP (Accredited Professional) + specialty. The specialty is earned by taking an exam demonstrating knowledge of one of four LEED rating systems.

Professionals who are interested in illustrating to the public their knowledge and experience on a LEED project should consider pursuing the new LEED-AP+ designation.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Professional Experience on a LEED Project, demonstrated by
• documented involvement on a LEED-registered project via LEED Online, OR
• Employer attestation
• $100 Application Fee
• Testing Fee (See Fee Schedule in Resources Section)

1. Are you ready to be a LEED AP+?
   Check the "Things You'll Need" section to make sure you have the prerequisites. If not, perhaps the How to Become a LEED GA article in the resource section is the place to start.
   
   Once you determine that LEED AP+ is the right designation for you, go to www.gbci.org and begin the online sign up process by creating an account.
   
   Agree to the disciplinary policy and Credentialing Maintenance Program, and acknowledge the potential for an application audit.

2. Determine your Specialty:
   Choose one of the following:
   1) LEED AP + Building Design and Construction
   2) LEED AP + Interior Design and Construction
   3) LEED AP + Homes
   4) LEED AP + Operations and Maintenance
   5) LEED AP + Neighborhood Development (Available 2010)

3. Study for the Exam:
   There are many ways to go about studying for the exam, including online resources, in-person prep classes, and good, old-fashioned books.
   
   Two of the best resources for helping you to pass the LEED AP+ test prep are listed below. LEED AP study materials can be reviewed in some of the forums listed below, as well.

4. Schedule your exam:
   You will want to schedule your exam with Prometric (the test administrator) several weeks prior to when you want to take it. Setting a deadline and preparing to pay the exam fee will help you take the prep seriously.

5. Sit for the exam:
   The LEED AP + exam is administered by computer at a Prometric testing center. There are two parts to the exam, 1) The LEED Green Associate Exam and 2) The Specialty Exam.
   There are 100 multiple choice questions on each test and the time limit is 4 hours.

6. Pass the test, get the credential:
   Test scores can range from 125 to 200, with 170 being the passing threshold for each test. You must pass both tests!
   
   If you score 170 or greater, congratulations, you are officially a LEED AP+.
   
   You will want to reprint your business cards to tell the world of your new knowledge.

7. Maintain your record:
   You will need to participate in continuing education (30 hours every 2 years, with 6 hours obtained from an approved program specific to the LEED Rating System) in order to keep the designation.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are already a LEED AP (pre LEED 3.0), you only have to sit for the specialty exam.
• If you are not ready to tackle a four hour test, think about applying to become a LEED GA first.
• Rescheduling your exam within 30 days of your scheduled date will result in a $30 change fee. You cannot reschedule a test within 48 hours of test time.
• 5-7% of applications are audited; don't fudge the experience requirement on your application
• The LEED AP+ designation required ongoing maintenance in the form of fees and continuing education. See requirements in the resources section.
• If you do not pass both sections of the LEED AP test, you are not allowed to use the designation. In other words, if you pass the LEED GA section and not the specialty, you CANNOT use the LEED GA designation.

Resources

• How to Become a LEED GA
• GCBI LEED AP+ Requirements and Fee Schedule
• Credential Maintenance Requirements
• Study Materials
• LEED Discussion Forum
• Get your Candidate Handbook here