The LEED AP Requirements

LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs) areAccredited Professional specialties to prove
renowned sustainability experts who are able toproficiency to perspective employer and customers.
contribute to the rating of buildings with the variousLEED Accredited Professionals are considered experts
LEED systems and mentor all the other teamin the field distinguished by their many years of green
members. By obtaining your LEED Accreditedbuilding and LEED experience. The exact requirements
Professional designation, you are not only making aof this designation have not been identified at the
wise career investment, you are taking an essentialdate of this article.
step to remain competitive in a rapidly changingTier 1: LEED Green Associate
industry and positioning yourself for the high demandTo obtain the LEED Green Associate (LEED GA), you
green job market.must take and pass a 2-hour, 100 question multiple
The most accepted and recognizable Green Buildingchoice exam which will test your understanding of
Credential in the worldgreen building and core concepts.
There are more than 141,000 LEED APs as of JanLEED Green Associate Exam Eligibility
2010, with more being certified every day at anTo submit an application for the LEED Green
unparalleled rate. While LEED APs have always been aAssociate exam, you must meet or exceed at least
illustrious credential, many employers now want APone of the following prerequisites:
accreditation for new hires and are requiring only AP· Attendance of an green education program
accreditation as part of their staff education goals.that addresses sustainable building principles, OR
The demand for LEED APs has grown significantly as· Documented involvement on a
the federal government, states and cities andLEED-registered project
municipalities require LEED certification for all newThe PTL Green Associate class qualifies you to sit
government operated offices and facilities, and willfor the LEED Green Associate exam. After your
remain in this continued growth path as the need forclass, you will be provided with an electronic
energy efficiency and to limit global warmingcertificate of completion that you can submit with
continues.your application.
Credentialing StructureTier II: LEED AP with Specialty
Version 3.0 credential process features multiple tiersTo acquire the LEED AP with Specialty credential,
of accreditation that exhibit both level of proficiencyyou must pass a 2-hour, 100 question multiple choice
and areas of interest and specialization. The first stepexam which will test your understanding of the LEED
is the LEED Green Associate. This credential coversAP specialty you are pursuing. The LEED AP with
the core concept and sustainability plus a basicSpecialty credential is for individuals wanting to
understanding of the USGBC, GBCI and how buildingsdemonstrate an deep knowledge of green
are certified. This is also the Exam Part #1 of the APconstruction practices; it also will exhibit the ability to
specialty exams and By itself, it is very beneficial forspecialize in a individual LEED Rating System.
those seeking to show a general working knowledgeLEED AP Exam
of Leadership in Energy in Environmental Design andThe LEED Green Associate and LEED AP exams can
Sustainable Green Building methods. For individualsbe taken at the same time or may also be taken in
who take and pass the GA examination are allowedseparate appointments. You do not need to have
to use the LEED GA or LEED Green Associatealready passed the LEED Green Associate exam to
designation and accredited logo on your stationary,submit an application for the LEED Accredited
professional resume and your advertising.Professional exam. However, you must either be a
The second level is the LEED Accredited Professionallegacy LEED AP or have the LEED GA credential to
with a specialty. You have the option of fiveacquire the LEED AP accreditation.
separate exams that prove proficiency in theLEED AP Eligibility
advanced knowledge of sustainable and green buildingTo take the LEED AP exams, you must have prior
methods in a specialty field such as Building Designexperience with a LEED Certification Projects within
& Construction, Interior Design &the last three years of your application submittal
Construction, Green Building Operation &date. This documented work experience must be in
Maintenance, Homes or Neighborhood Development.the form of a letter of attestation from a supervisor,
You are only required to pass one of the specialtyclient, or project manager and must describe your
exams (in addition to the LEED Green Associateinvolvement on the LEED Project as a consultant,
exam) to make use of the LEED Accreditedcontracted worker, member of the LEED Project
Professional or LEED AP acronym as part of yourTeam, LEED Homes Provider, LEED Commercial
title on your stationary, professional resume and yourReviewer, LEED Homes Green Verifier, or staff
advertising. Some people have pursued multiple LEEDmember of a Certifying Body (CB).