The LEED credentialing program allows designers, builders, and other professionals to demonstrate that they are up to date on green building and the LEED rating system. You must meet certain requirements to become a LEED Accredited Professional (AP), such as having experience working on green projects or in sustainability. You must also pass the necessary tests.
You must first decide which level of LEED accreditation you want to pursue when you decide to become a LEED Accredited Professional. LEED Green Associate, LEED AP Homes, LEED AP Interior Design + Construction, LEED AP Building Design + Construction, LEED AP Operations + Maintenance, and LEED AP Neighborhood Development were the LEED credentials that were available in November 2010. Candidates for all of the designations must have prior experience in green building or sustainability. This experience can be gained on LEED-certified projects, as well as through professional development and accredited educational programs.
An exam is also required to become a LEED Accredited Professional. For example, the LEED for Homes Green Rater exam is required to obtain certain LEED AP statuses. This exam necessitates prior preparation, which includes a series of self-guided online modules as well as a two-day classroom workshop. Only one part of this exam is required to become a LEED Accredited Professional at the LEED Green Associate level, compared to two for the LEED AP designation.
The test consists of 80 questions that cover almost every aspect of the LEED rating system, including the five main green building and sustainability topic areas: indoor air quality, materials and resources, energy and atmosphere, sustainable sites, and water efficiency. To become a LEED Accredited Professional, you must achieve a score of 170 on the required section of the exam. If you pass, you will be notified of your achievement and will be able to use your LEED credentials immediately.
If you fail the exam, LEED allows you to take it two more times while your application to become a LEED Accredited professional is still open. You can also file a complaint with the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), which oversees the LEED certification process. This appeal process, on the other hand, is only worthwhile if you believe that some of the questions were technically incorrect.