Since learning about the LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) rating system, I knew it was a path I wanted to take. Since 1998, the US Green Building Council (USGBC) has been training and certifying professionals under the system  to promote green building standards. As I mentioned before in a previous blog post, I recently finished a course covering the core concepts of sustainable design. This allows me to undertake the test to become a LEED Green Associate.

You may not have heard about this specific credential but instead heard the words 'LEED AP.' The LEED AP, or Accredited Professional, is someone who has been involved in a LEED project and has considerable knowledge of green building and design principles. The Associate is an individual who has taken a class on green building principles, has been involved with a LEED project, or is employed in a sustainable field of work.

I luckily fall into the first category and have scheduled my exam for the 23rd of this month. A little close to the holidays but it should be a great way to kick them off. If you belong in any of the categories listed above and are thinking of taking the exam then here are the steps you need to take:

If you are not already a member of the USGBC then I encourage you to go to their website and join. Browse the site and look at their extensive resource section. You have access to all of the LEED checklists, handbooks for each test, and much more. Individual memberships apply to what are called chapters, and these can be found all over the United States. I currently belong to the California Central Coast Chapter, or C4. Also, check and see if your company is a national member. If so, ask the representative from your organization if you can be added to the ranks. This will provide you with more access than an individual membership.

USGBC Website: www.usgbc.org

GBCI Website: www.gbci.org

Now that you are a member it is time to decide which test you will choose. There are several different categories within the LEED AP test. It includes:

• LEED for Building Design & Construction (BD+C) - formerly known as New Construction

• LEED for Homes (H)

• LEED for Operations & Maintenance (O+M)

• LEED for Interior Design & Construction (ID+C)

• LEED for Neighborhood Development (ND) - currently seeking beta testers

When you are ready you can sign up for the test (either the Green Associate or AP) at the Green Building Certification Institute's website. The USGBC partners with them to provide credential maintenance. From there all it takes is downloading the official candidate handbook and other primary resources and studying up!

How long you need to study depends on where you stand knowing the information. I hope a few weeks are all I need to prepare for the GA exam. I'll let you know when i'm finished and how the experience went.

If you or anyone else you know has taken one of the exams let me know what you/they think about the system!