Earlier this summer GBCI rolled out a revamped standard for LEED professionals. Up until this point all LEED Accredited Professionals (AP) took a single test to get their AP designation. The new system has introduced three tiers expertise. The first tier is Leed Green Associate. The second tier is LEED AP+, and the third tier is LEED Fellow.
Tiered credentials allow professionals to distinguish between basic, advanced and extraordinary levels of knowledge. Each tier has its own credential process and exam. Like most professional credentials, LEED designations have their own continuing education requirements. Just as this last change has been put in place, as the sustainable technology industry continues to evolve, so will the LEED Rating Systems. The intention of this last structural upgrade to the credential system is to position the LEED accreditation model to carry seamlessly into the future.
One of the biggest changes to the older LEED AP credential structure is the introduction of the LEED Green Associate designation. This level of expertise allows someone who only needs to have an understanding of the foundational elements of sustainable construction to become certified.
Before the new system, you either had to be an expert or nothing at all. Now that there are several levels of LEED, your LEED certification can grow as your career in sustainable construction design and operations evolves.
Between 2001 and the summer of 2009, over 100,000 building professionals have earned the LEED AP designation, Legacy LEED AP, illustrating their understanding of green building concepts and practice. The new tiered exam structure is a reflection of the important changes that sustainable building technology is currently undergoing. This new, credential systems will make sure that all LEED professional designations have the most up-to-date information and understand the newest green building practices. It also makes each professional’s level of expertise easily assessed by the marketplace.
LEED Green Associate, LEED AP+, and LEED Fellow
Here is what is expected of each tier in the new credential system.
- Tier I – LEED Green Associate – Holding this designation says that you have a broad-based level of skill and knowledge as it pertains to green design, operations and construction. LEED Green Associate is the only tier 1 certification for LEED.
- TIER III – LEED Fellow – This elite designation is still under development; however it will only be held by the those who contribute to the continued improvement of the sustainable construction field.
- TIER II – LEED AP+ – This is a specialty credential, which says that the holder of this designation has an in-depth level of knowledge in sustainable construction practices. It also means that they have specialized in one of five specific LEED Rating Systems which are Building Design and Construction (BD+C), Operations and Maintenance (O+M), Interior Design and Construction (ID+C), Homes, and Neighborhood Development (ND).
This new credential structure is an effort by GBCI to make sure that all LEED professionals are on the forefront of concepts, ideas and technologies as they pertain to sustainable construction design and operations. The LEED Green Associate is the latest designation and the first step towards becoming a green building professional.
Quick video on the LEED GA designation