1. Become a LEED Green Associate or LEED AP
The following document is based on information available in 2011. Please note that
this information is subject to change based on decisions made by the USGBC and
GBCI. Check for updates at http://www.usgbc.org/ and http://www.gbci.org/.
Why become a LEED Green Associate or LEED AP?
In today’s building marketplace, employers and clients are increasingly looking for
people who know how to design, build, operate, and maintain green buildings. Being
a LEED Green Associate or LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) gives you an edge
in the industry by showing potential employers and clients that you have knowledge
about the LEED rating systems.
The new credentialing system has multiple tiers, allowing you to distinguish your
level of knowledge and expertise. The three tiers are as follows:
1. LEED Green Associate: Demonstrates knowledge and skill in practicing
green design, construction, and operations. Candidates demonstrate a basic
understanding of green building and have worked in a sustainable field or
engaged in an education program with green building principles. These
candidates generally include students, manufactures, business professionals,
facility managers, educators, marketers, etc.
2. LEED AP: Demonstrates extraordinary knowledge and skill in practicing green
design, construction, and operations. This includes specialization in a
particular field. Candidates demonstrate advanced understanding of green
building and have experience working on LEED projects. These candidates
generally include architects, interior designers, engineers, contractors, facility
managers, planners, developers, etc.
3. LEED Fellow: An elite group of leading professionals, distinguished by their
years of experience and major contributions to the green building field. The
application process for this is currently under development.
Which exam should I take?
The LEED exam consists of 2 parts. The first part of the exam is called the LEED Green
Associate exam where you are asked to demonstrate general knowledge of green
building practices. The second part includes a specialty exam. There are five different
Specialties:

2. • Operations + Maintenance (previously Existing Buildings: Operations +
Maintenance): Mostly for facilities and maintenance professionals, available
now
• Homes: For residential professionals, available now
• Building Design + Construction (previously New Construction): For the
majority of test takers, available now
• Interior Design + Construction (previously Commercial Interiors): Mostly for
interior designers, available now
• Neighborhood Development: For planners, governmental, and large-scale
development professionals, available now
Becoming a LEED Green Associate or LEED AP means passing both exams, the
LEED Green Associate exam AND a specialty exam. Candidates do not have to take a
Specialty exam, unless they want to be considered a LEED AP. Therefore, you can
either have the LEED Green Associate credential or the LEED AP credential. To become
a LEED AP, you do not have to take both parts of the exam at the same time. You can
take the LEED Green Associate exam, and then the specialty exam at a later date if you
so choose.
What are the requirements?
LEED Green Associate Exam:
• Agree to the disciplinary policy and Credentialing Maintenance Program
(CMP).
• Have experience in the form of EITHER documented involvement on a LEED-
registered project OR employment (or previous employment) in a sustainable
field of work OR engagement in (or completion of) an education program that
addresses green building principles.
• Submit to an application audit. Five to seven percent 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.
LEED Specialty Exams:
• Agree to the disciplinary policy and Credentialing Maintenance Program
(CMP).
• Document professional experience on a LEED project, within the last 3 years,
with verification through LEED Online or employer attestation.
• Submit to application audit. Five to seven percent of all applications will be
audited; you will be notified immediately if you are chosen for an audit and will
be advised of your eligibility within 14 days.

3. Notes
To take either exam, your experience must be documented in the form of a letter from
a supervisor, client, project manager, or teacher describing involvement or a
certificate of completion from a qualifying course.
LEED Green Associate Exam:
• Eligibility based on project involvement: You must name a specific LEED-
registered project, affirm you were involved with the project, and provide dates
that you were involved.
• Eligibility based on project employment: You must explain how your profession
or company relates to environmentalism or the green building industry, affirm
employment, and provide job title or company name and dates of employment.
• Eligibility based on education: You must provide the course's title and provider,
explain how the course relates to green building principles or LEED, affirm you
were enrolled in the course, and provide dates of enrollment.
LEED Specialty Exams:
• Describe your involvement on the LEED Project as a consultant, contracted
worker, member of the LEED Project Team, LEED Homes Provider, LEED
Commercial Reviewer, LEED Homes Green Verifier, or staff member of a
Certifying Body.
How do I register?
Start by visiting the GBCI website (http://www.gbci.org/). At the top right of the page
click “My Credentials.” Login if you have a profile, or click “First time here?” to register.
Under “Current Options” hit “Apply for an exam.” Follow the prompts submitting all of
the proper information and materials. You will be notified when your application is
complete. Within a week you will be notified if your application is approved. Once
approved, you can click on the supplied link and proceed to register.
How much does it cost?
For Green Associate Exam
• Application Fee: $50
• Exam fee (per exam appointment): $150 for USGBC National Members and full-
time students $200 for all others
• Credentialing Maintenance renewal fee: $50 every 2 years

4. For Combined Exam (Green Associate and Specialty Exam)
• Application Fee: $100
• Exam fee (per exam appointment): $300 for USGBC National Members $450 for
non-members
• Credentialing Maintenance renewal fee: $50 every 2 years
For Specialty Exam Only
• Application fee: $100
• Exam fee (per exam appointment): $150 for USGBC National Members $250 for
non-members
• Credentialing Maintenance renewal fee: $50 every 2 years
For helpful and important information by the Green Building Certification Institute,
please visit www.gbci.org/.
Thanks to PPI for providing a 15% discount on LEED study materials for our
community. See what upcoming LEED trainings that we offer.