LEED v3.0
The LEED AP program has always been grounded in the pursuit of excellence and continuous improvement. To continue to meet these goals, GBCI developed a new, multi-faceted credentialing system that ensures that LEED professionals have the latest knowledge and understanding of green building practices and that they are recognized for distinction. On April 27, 2009, USGBC launched LEED v3.0.
Three fundamental changes to the LEED credentialing program are being phased in throughout 2009:
· Three levels of excellence that distinguish practitioners with basic, advanced, and extraordinary levels of knowledge. The three tiers include: LEED Green Associate, LEED AP, LEED Fellow
· Eligibility requirements for all levels of the exam system.
· Credentialing maintenance requirements that ensure that LEED professionals have the latest knowledge and understanding of green building practices.
LEED v3.0 Timeline:
· March 27: Reference guide e-copies available for order; hard copies available for pre-order.
· April 27: LEED v3 launches.
· June 27: New projects will be required to register for LEED 2009.
· Dec. 31: Last day of free migration period, during which currently registered projects can transition to LEED 2009 and LEED Online v3 without paying a new registration fee.
LEED Green Associate
For professionals who want to demonstrate green building expertise in non-technical fields of practice, GBCI has created the LEED Green Associate credential, which denotes basic knowledge of green design, construction, and operations. The Green Associate credential also serves as the first step for professionals pursuing a LEED AP specialization. To take the LEED Green Associate exam, you must have previous experience supporting a LEED-registered project, working in a sustainable field of work, or attending an education program that addresses green building principles. You only have to meet one of these criteria to demonstrate eligibility.
The requirements to take a LEED Green Associate Exam:
· Agree to the disciplinary policy and Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) as outlined at www.gbci.org.
· EITHER document involvement in support of LEED OR be employed in a sustainable field of work OR engaged in an education program in green building principles and LEED.
· 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.
The CMP requirements for a LEED Green Associate:
A: Participate in 15 hours of continuing education required every 2 years, with 3 hours obtained from an approved program specific to the LEED Rating System, credit categories, and LEED updates.
LEED AP
The LEED AP credential will continue to signify an advanced depth of knowledge in green building practices; it also will reflect the ability to specialize in a particular LEED Rating System. The LEED AP exam is divided into two parts. The first step is the LEED Green Associate exam, which demonstrates general knowledge of green building practices. The second step is a specialty exam based on one of the LEED Rating Systems. These parts may be taken together or separately.
The new LEED AP specialties are as follows:
· Operations + Maintenance [apply now]
· Building Design + Construction [available summer 2009]
· Interior Design + Construction [available summer 2009]
· Neighborhood Development [available 2010]
The requirements to take a LEED AP exam:
1. Agree to the disciplinary policy and Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) as outlined at www.gbci.org.
2. Document professional experience on a LEED project, within the last 3 years, with verification through LEED Online or employer attestation.
3. 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.
The CMP requirements for a LEED AP?
A: Participate in 30 hours of continuing education required every 2 years, with 6 hours obtained from an approved program specific to the LEED Rating System, credit categories, and LEED updates.
LEED Fellow
Looking beyond 2009, GBCI is working to develop a third designation, currently referred to as the LEED AP Fellow credential.
LEED Fellows would become part of an extraordinary class of leading professionals distinguished by their years of experience and contributions to the standards of practice and body of knowledge for achieving continuous improvement in the green building field. This credential is still under development.
