Educational background in environmental design. Work/Internship experience on green building projects. Volunteer work with LEED or similar green building certifications. [1] X Research source

The LEED GA exam costs $250. There is a $50 rebate for previous members of LEED. [2] X Research source

The Green Building Council has created a simple primer for the test, complete with practice problems and links to suggested study materials, on their website. [3] X Research source You can find tutoring opportunities near you by searching online for “LEED Green Associates Tutoring” plus your zip code. They start around $300 for a 5-hour course.

Recall: This is simply remembering and reciting facts and building codes taken straight from the exam prep book. Application: You will be given a problem or scenario and asked to solve it using familiar theories and practices of green buildings and LEED codes. Analysis: The most complicated questions, these require that you break down complex problems and determine a solution that accounts for multiple relationships, theories, and interactions within a building. [4] X Research source

You must score 170 points or higher to pass. You will be given a 10 minute break midway through the test.

BD+C: Building Design and Construction. Plans and builds green structures in any sector– commercial, home, healthcare, educational, etc. O+M: Operations and Management. LEED O+Ms update existing structures to be more sustainable, resourceful, and efficient. ID+C: Interior Design and Construction. Design and build indoor home and commercial spaces to make them more healthy, efficient and productive. ND: Neighborhood Development. Designs, plans, and develops large living spaces as walkable, comfortable neighborhoods. Homes: Specializes in designing healthy, durable homes with minimal waste and efficient energy consumption. [7] X Research source

To save money and time, you can take both the GA test and your specific AP test together. [8] X Research source

Like the GA test, you must score 170 points or higher to pass. You will be given a 10 minute break midway through the test.

If you do not document your CE hours, you will have to retake the test after two years.

New Neighborhoods, building upgrades, and complete remodeling projects can all be LEED certified.

BD+C: Building Design and Construction. This certifies any newly constructed building that meets LEED requirements. O+M: Operations and Management. Certifies improvements to existing buildings that makes them more efficient or green. ID+C: Interior Design and Construction. Certifies interior designs as healthy and efficient work spaces. ND: Neighborhood Development. Certifies neighborhood construction, design, and planning. Homes: Certifies individual homes as efficient in energy consumption and wast management.

Several credits, like “building water metering” are required to become LEED certified. Buildings can also reach for higher certifications, such as Silver (50-59 points), Gold, (60-79 points) or Platinum (80+ points) certifications. [9] X Research source

Each AP specializes in a specific field related to your project (ie. AP O+Ms are trained to work on improvement projects).

Create a U. S. Green Business Council account. Register your building project. If you are certifying multiple buildings at once (for a campus or large project) be sure to apply for “group” certification. [10] X Research source Provide documentation of LEED credits you apply for.

If you are denied, you may appeal by adding new credits, documentation, or testimony to your application. [11] X Research source