LEED Requirements: How to Qualify for the Green Associate & LEED AP Exams

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system, created by the US Green Building Council, is an international program that has certified buildings in 135 countries. While only buildings can achieve certification by meeting a range of sustainability criteria, professionals can earn accreditation, which signifies their understanding of green building and LEED principles.

The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) is a third-party organization that oversees both LEED building certification and accreditation for professionals. GBCI awards the LEED Green Associate, or Tier I, credential and the LEED Accredited (AP), or Tier II, credential to professionals who successfully apply for and pass the respective credentialing exams. The Green Associate is the first LEED credential because it is a prerequisite for the AP exam. The Green Associate demonstrates general knowledge and understanding of green building and the LEED rating systems, while the LEED AP demonstrates knowledge of a particular rating system. APs must choose a specialty track, which denotes the rating system of their expertise. For example, a professional who studies the LEED for Homes rating system would take the AP Homes exam, while one who takes the AP BD+C exam would need to know the Building Design + Construction rating systems (including New Construction).

To earn your credential, you must apply and register for the exam through GBCI, then schedule your exam at a Prometric testing center. The application process involves meeting GBCI's eligibility requirements, which are as follows:

LEED Green Associate Exam Eligibility

Prior to November 2012, the Green Associate exam had a choice of three eligibility requirements: green building education, work in a "sustainable field", or LEED project experience. Any one of the three options would satisfy the requirements. In November 2012, however, GBCI published a new Candidate Handbook, which removed eligibility requirements.

This means that now, there is no eligibility requirement for the Green Associate exam, and any professional can qualify. This is great news for exam candidates, who no longer have to produce transcripts, find courses that provide proof of eligibility, or request letters from their employers.

To learn more about preparing for the LEED Green Associate exam, visit our LEED exam prep page.

AP Exam Eligibility Requirements

Unlike the Green Associate Exam, the AP exam has two requirements for eligibility:

1. Currently a LEED Green Associate
2. Experience on a LEED registered project within the last three years

For your LEED project experience to qualify you, GBCI requires that your name is on the registry of a specific LEED project. The project may have already taken place or may currently be in progress - it just has to be registered with GBCI.

Earning LEED project experience may be difficult if your current job does not involve working on certification projects. Many LEED project teams are interested in hiring professionals who are already APs, because they can contribute a point to the certification project.

However, don't fear - Poplar offers the GreenStep LEED Project Experience Program, which allows you to work on a registered LEED project, 100% online. The program includes 4 weekly webinars (held on Tuesdays at 5:30 PM PST) and assignments. Once you've completed the program, your name will be included on the project registry, which will qualify you for the AP exam. As a special bonus, Poplar members receive 10% off of the cost of the program. Learn more and sign up here.