LEED Accredited Professional
The USGBC created the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program to certify buildings that adhere to their high standards for green design and construction, but those who administer the program are known as LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED AP).
Who Should Become a LEED AP?
Architects and engineers comprise the largest percentage of LEED APs, but they aren't the only ones who benefit from accreditation (remember, buildings are certified and people are accredited).
Many other professionals in the business, marketing and manufacturing fields also become LEED APs, as well as interior designers, urban planners, contractors and other building professionals. For some, the LEED AP designation is merely a credential for marketing purposes, while others apply this knowledge in their careers on a regular basis.
...but what about homeowners?
It's not necessary for the typical homeowner to become a LEED AP in order to complete a green home renovation, but anyone would surely benefit from the added knowledge. However, it's probably not worth taking the exam unless it would also benefit your career, and besides, you must demonstrate documented involvement with a LEED project or experience in a field related to sustainability to even take the exam.
Levels for LEED Accreditation
If you choose to take the exam, you may choose from three levels of expertise:
The Exam
The LEED AP exam is taken at an independent computerized testing center and consists of multiple choice questions. To take the LEED Green Associate Exam, the fee is approximately $150 for USGBC members and $200 otherwise, plus a $50 application fee. After passing the exam, you must pay a maintenance fee bi-annually. If you plan to also take a LEED AP specialty exam, expect to pay twice these costs.
For more information, visit www.gbci.org/
Who Should Become a LEED AP?
Architects and engineers comprise the largest percentage of LEED APs, but they aren't the only ones who benefit from accreditation (remember, buildings are certified and people are accredited).
Many other professionals in the business, marketing and manufacturing fields also become LEED APs, as well as interior designers, urban planners, contractors and other building professionals. For some, the LEED AP designation is merely a credential for marketing purposes, while others apply this knowledge in their careers on a regular basis.
...but what about homeowners?
It's not necessary for the typical homeowner to become a LEED AP in order to complete a green home renovation, but anyone would surely benefit from the added knowledge. However, it's probably not worth taking the exam unless it would also benefit your career, and besides, you must demonstrate documented involvement with a LEED project or experience in a field related to sustainability to even take the exam.
Levels for LEED Accreditation
If you choose to take the exam, you may choose from three levels of expertise:
- LEED Green Associate - exhibits a basic understanding of green building (students and educators, business professionals, facility managers and manufacturers)
- LEED AP - practices in the field of green design and building and specializes in a particular area, such as Homes, Building Design + Construction, Interior Design + Construction, Operations + Maintenance or Neighborhood Development (architects, interior designers, engineers, urban planners and developers)
- LEED Fellow - years of experience and major contributions to the field (application process is under development)
The Exam
The LEED AP exam is taken at an independent computerized testing center and consists of multiple choice questions. To take the LEED Green Associate Exam, the fee is approximately $150 for USGBC members and $200 otherwise, plus a $50 application fee. After passing the exam, you must pay a maintenance fee bi-annually. If you plan to also take a LEED AP specialty exam, expect to pay twice these costs.
For more information, visit www.gbci.org/
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