There are 6 LEED Credentials and the LEED Fellow designation

Are you new to LEED Accreditation? If so, you are in the right place because below is what you need to know about green building industry knowledge resources as well as our LEED credential classes for the LEED Green Associate and LEED AP with specialties that have been trusted by over 150,000 professionals. There are 6 different LEED credentials that you can earn (pictured above) and you can also become a LEED Fellow after being a LEED AP for 10+ years and having a big positive impact on the Green Building Movement.

LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the world’s most widely used and recognized green building program with over 2.2 Million sf of buildings certified every day. Created and maintained by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED can reference either a certification (for buildings) or accreditation (for individuals).

You can earn LEED accredidation for any of the LEED credentials, but you must start with the LEED Green Associate as it is the prerequisite to taking the LEED AP exams and earning the Accredited Professional (AP) designation.

Looking for LEED certification classes?

Our mission is to help professionals like you advance their careers and earn LEED credentials because it helps advance the green building movement. We offer two types of LEED accreditation classes:

1. Online LEED Study Tools (these include on-demand video trainings, comprehensive exam study guides, #1 selling practice tests, flash cards, study sheets, and more). Click here to browse all on-demand study tools that are backed by our no-hassle, 100% satisfaction guarantee.

2. In-person LEED certification classes. If you have a group of 10 or more, we can fly a trainer to teach your team! Click here to learn about our in-person LEED classes taught by GBES experts that have aced the LEED exams.

LEED certification vs LEED accreditation

Buildings can be certified LEED Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum. These buildings must be constructed, maintained and operated in a sustainable, or resource efficient, way. They should be healthy for their occupants and the environment and meet certain criteria. Individuals who work in the green building industry or related fields can achieve LEED accreditation by demonstrating their green building knowledge. LEED credentials are granted by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI).

There are two main types of accreditation for individuals, each with their respective LEED exam prep classes: LEED Green Associate and LEED Accredited Professional (AP). The LEED AP accreditation is broken into 5 specialty categories that correspond to the 5 main LEED v4 Rating Systems.  In order to earn any of these credentials, you must study for and pass a 100-question multiple-choice exam. The exams are 2-hours long and administered through Prometric testing centers near you.

The LEED Green Associate credential is a prerequisite to the LEED AP credentials

LEED Green Associate

LEED Green Associate is the Tier I credential (meaning passing this exam is a prerequisite for the Tier II LEED AP w/specialty credentials).  The LEED Green Associate is the first step in establishing a professional’s expertise in green building principles and practices. Once you have completed your respective LEED exam prep classes and pass the LEED Green Associate exam, your accreditation will signify your knowledge of sustainable design, construction and operations.

LEED AP Credential

LEED AP is the Tier II credential designed to showcase deep knowledge and understanding of construction, operations, and the LEED rating system, including the ability to facilitate the certification process. USGBC strongly recommends working on a LEED-registered project before seeking the LEED AP accreditation. However, project experience is not required to take the LEED exam. Passing the LEED Green Associate exam is now the only requirement to sit for a LEED AP exam.

  • LEED AP BD+C: Suitable for professionals working in the design and construction phases of green buildings in the commercial, residential, educational, and healthcare sectors.
  • LEED AP O+M: Serves professionals who implement sustainable practices that improve a building’s energy performance and reduces the impact on the environment through operations and maintenance on existing buildings.
  • LEED AP ID+C: Suitable for hose who improve the interiors of commercial and tenant spaces through design and construction to create a healthy indoor environment for occupants.
  • LEED AP Homes: Suitable for professionals working in the design and construction of healthy homes that use fewer resources and produce less waste.
  • LEED AP ND: For those who plan and develop communities that are walkable and sustainable.

The green building industry is expected to reach over $303 billion and grow by 10.26% from 2018-2023, and the demand for qualified, accredited individuals will only increase. Prepare yourself by taking any of our LEED exam prep classes, and get ready to showcase a professional ability and commitment to the green building industry, with credentials recognized all over the world.

Browse our leading online LEED Exam Prep options:

Our mission is to help professionals like you advance their careers and earn LEED credentials because it helps advance the green building movement. If you’re ready to become a LEED professional, start with one of our best-selling online tools to help you earn the LEED Green Associate or LEED AP credential. That is what we do, and we would like to help you too. For only $247, you can get unlimited access to all of our LEED and WELL exam prep study tools and continuing education courses for an entire year! Click here to learn more.

Source: http://www.usgbc.org/credentials