USGBC

The United States Green Building Council is the world’s leading institution for administering and granting professional certificates in the field of green building. According to the USGBC, its mission is to “Transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated through LEED, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible environment that improves the quality of life”.

LEED provides a practicable system that ensures efficient, healthy, cost-saving, and reduced carbon emission buildings for people. LEED certification is globally accepted as it is widely recognized as a symbol of excellence, sustainability achievement, and leadership. Also, the world’s most popular green building rating system.

 

There are two different levels to upgrade your career in green building:

1. LEED Green Associate (LEED GA)

• • • LEED Green Associate credential signifies that the holder has knowledge of green buildings and expertise in the LEED rating system and does not require any prerequisites to attend training or apply for the examination. To know more about LEED Green Associate check out this article LEED Green Associate.

2. LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)

• • • LEED Accredited Professional credential signifies that the holder has advanced knowledge of green buildings and expertise in the LEED rating system. Similar to the LEED GA, the LEED AP also focuses on two major domains, i.e, task, and knowledge. The LEED AP places more emphasis on high-level knowledge of sustainable building concepts and even more on the practical. Attaining the USGBC LEED Accredited Professional credential demonstrates your dedication to gaining practical knowledge of green building, improving your career, and contributing to the green building awareness and movement.

 

Prerequisites for the LEED AP

It is important that you know the criteria for attending the LEED AP Exam before you begin your exam application. To become a LEED Accredited Professional, you must have achieved the LEED GA credentials. It is mandatory to have passed the LEED GA exam and the certification must be valid before you can proceed to write the LEED AP exam.

If you have not written the LEED GA examination you have the opportunity to write it alongside the LEED AP exam.

Note: The combined exam duration will last for 4 hours. The First 2 hours will be given to write the LEED GA examination while the other 2 hours will be given to write the LEED AP examination.

It is recommended and important to have exposure to LEED and green building concepts through educational courses, or work experience before writing the exam. Read also, LEED Green Associate to learn more about the LEED GA.

 

LEED AP Specialty:

There are five different specialty credentials in the LEED Accredited Professional, they are as follows

1. LEED AP BD+C (Building Design + Construction): Professionals with experience in the design and construction phases of green buildings for the commercial, residential, educational, and healthcare sectors should pursue this certificate.

2. LEED AP ID+C (Interior Design + Construction): Professionals in the design, development, and improvement of commercial interiors and tenant spaces that provide a healthy, sustainable, and productive work environment will benefit from this certificate.

3. LEED AP O+M (Operations + Maintenance): Professionals who apply sustainable practices, improve performance, increase efficiency, and reduce environmental impact in existing buildings through improved operations and maintenance earn this certificate.

4. LEED AP ND (Neighborhood Development): Professionals involved in the planning, design, and development of sustainable, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods can earn this certificate.

5. LEED AP Homes: The LEED AP Homes accreditation is for professionals who work on designing and building healthy, long-lasting homes that use fewer resources and generate less waste. In the LEED for Homes rating system, the specialization represents practical knowledge.

3FOLD Training provides LEED Accredited Professional training in Building Design and Construction. If you are looking to enhance your career opportunities under LEED AP (BD+C), then 3FOLD is the place for you. To learn more or to enroll in our LEED AP (BD+C), kindly reach out via an inquiry form, whatsapp, or email.