LEED Credentialing Process

This is Page 5 of 8 in the Getting Started with LEED series.

The LEED v3 credentialing process has three tiers for individual certification.

The first tier is the LEED Green Associate. The Green Associate Exam is a required first step and covers the basics of the LEED Green Building Rating Systems.

The second tier is the LEED AP with specialty. LEED AP with specialty consists of five specialty LEED Exams. Individuals must have documented LEED project experience before being allowed to write one of these exams. An example of this new credentialing tier is LEED Homes, which covers LEED standards for residential construction.

The third tier is LEED AP Fellow. At this time, the GBCI has not defined the LEED AP Fellow qualification criteria.

Who Does LEED impact?

LEED impacts anyone involved in building design, construction, and operations. From the owner and architect to the contractors actually building a building, the entire building industry has a vested interest in making buildings that cost less to operate, are healthier and more comfortable for occupants, and are ultimately better for our country and our planet.

LEED Credentialing - Who Should Become Accredited?

Any individual can become credentialed with the Green Building Certification Institute. As of May 2009, the new credentialing system is broken into three tiers. The only Tier I credential available is called LEED Green Associate.  A candidate who passes the 2-hour LEED Green Associate exam has demonstrated that they possess the knowledge and skill to support green design, construction, and operations.

There are five Tier II credentials available, which are all called LEED AP with Specialty. The LEED AP with Specialty credential signifies an advanced depth of knowledge in green building practices. Two-hour specialty exams are available for each of the five major categories of LEED. A candidate only needs to pass one of the five Specialty exams to be considered a LEED AP with Specialty.

The third and final LEED credential is the Tier III LEED AP Fellow.  LEED Fellows 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 in the green building field.