The registration process for the LEED Green Associate and LEED AP+ exams has changed slightly since the U.S. Green Building Council migrated the exam application and credential maintenance process from GBCI.org to USGBC.org. Below we have outlined the updated steps for registering for the LEED exams.
LEED Green Associate Exam
If you are just beginning your LEED accreditation path, you will want to begin with the LEED Green Associate credentialing exam. Here are the steps for becoming a LEED Green Associate:
- Attend a preparatory course and study for the exam (recommended).
- Create an account or Login at http://www.usgbc.org/account/credentials.
- Confirm that your name on your account exactly matches that on your current photo ID. If you need to make any changes, call USGBC at 1-800-795-1747.
- Under "select an exam from the list" choose LEED Green Associate
- Complete the application and pay the exam fee, which is $200 for USGBC National members, or $250 for non-members.
- Once the application is submitted, USGBC will provide you with an Eligbility ID and a link to schedule your exam with Prometric Testing Centers.
- Testing locations are available throughout the U.S. and internationally, and the exams are offered year-round by appointment.
LEED AP with Specialty Exam
Note: To be eligible for this exam, you must have experience working on a LEED registered project within the last three years. Also you must have already passed the Green Associate exam, or plan to register for the Combined Exam. The combined exam is comprised of the 2 hour Green Associate Exam, directly followed by the 2 hour LEED AP+ exam.
- Earn eligibility through work experience or join an online program to connect you with a real LEED project.
- Attend a preparatory course and study for the exam (recommended).
- Create an account or login at http://www.usgbc.org/account/credentials.
- Confirm that your name on your account exactly matches that on your current photo ID. If you need to make any changes, call 1-800-795-1747.
- Under "select an exam from the list" choose LEED AP for the specialty you are interested in achieving. Not sure which LEED AP credential you want to earn? Visit www.greenedu.com/leed-ap to learn more about each specialty.
- Complete the application and pay the exam fee, which is $250 for USGBC National members, or $350 for non-members if you're already a Green Associate. If you are taking the Combined Exam, the fee is $400 for members, and $550 for non-members.
- Once the application is submitted, USGBC will provide you with an Eligbility ID and a link to schedule your exam with Prometric Testing Centers.
- Testing locations are available throughout the U.S. and internationally, and the exams are offered year-round by appointment.
LEED Exam Details
Each LEED exam is made up of 100 multiple-choice questions, with a two hour time limit. A passing score is 170 points, and the exam questions are weighted. The exams are taken at a computer at your local Prometric testing center. You can view available testing center locations at www.prometric.com/gbci. Once you complete your exam, you will be notified of your exam score immediately after submitting it for review at the testing center.
If you pass the LEED exam, you will be issued a certificate from USGBC, and you can begin using the designations on your business cards, email signature, and so on. Remember that LEED GA is not an acceptable format for designating the Green Associate credential - you can choose from "LEED Green Assoc." or "LEED Green Associate". Credential certificates can be obtained by logging in to your online USGBC account and downloading a PDF copy for your records, or requesting a hard copy certificate to be mailed to you.
Once you have earned a LEED credential, you must comply with the LEED Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) which requires the completion of continuing education and a $50 renewal fee every two years to keep your credential current.
If you unfortunately fail either exam, you are allowed to retake the exam up to two more times during a one-year period. After that time, you will need to wait 90 days before reapply and starting a new application period. If you take the combined exam and only pass one section, you will only need to retake that section you failed, however you are not awarded any credential in the interim.
Want to learn more about becoming a LEED Professional? Attend our FREE 1 hour webinar for an introduction to the LEED rating systems and credentials. Register at http://www.greenedu.com/free-intro-to-leed-accreditation-webinar-courses or call GreenEDU at 646-564-3546 to speak with a LEED credential expert!