However, there have been a few key changes since those early days of LEED.
For example, the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) now manages the exams while the USGBC focuses on education and exam prep. And more recent, there are now two possible designations that can be earned, known as “Green Associate” and “LEED AP+”. The new designations, what they are, who they are meant for and how to earn them can get confusing so I tried to clear it up a little here.

The new Green Associate credential is meant for people who desire an understanding of the core concepts and strategies of the LEED rating system, but do not require an in depth knowledge of the implementation process. Real estate brokers, city managers, college students, and facility managers are some examples of the types of people who may be interested in becoming a Green Associate. 200-level courses offered by the USGBC, which will be available online in the spring of 2009, are recommended for those who wish to pursue this designation. See www.greenbuild365.org for the full course catalogue. The exam required to become a Green Associate is also expected to be available in the spring of 2009.

The LEED AP+ credential is meant for professionals currently implementing LEED or who may in the future, and who therefore require an in depth knowledge of the core concepts, strategies and implementation process of the LEED rating system. Architects, design professionals, green home builders and legacy LEED AP’s are some examples of the types of people who may be interested in becoming a LEED AP+. A difference between the legacy LEED AP’s and the new LEED AP+ is that you must indicate in which area of specialty the accreditation was earned. Currently, the areas of specialty are the following:
• Commercial building design & construction (BD+C)
• Commercial operations & maintenance (O+M)
• Commercial interiors (ID+C)
• Residential design & construction (Homes)
• Neighborhood development (ND)

300-level courses offered by the USGBC are recommended for those who wish to pursue this designation. See www.greenbuild365.org for the full course catalogue.

Above is a diagram of the new credentials from USGBC.

Legacy LEED AP’s have 2 years (from June 2009) to convert to the new LEED AP+. Although retaking the exam is not required, you do need to agree to green building continuing education and comply with the USGBC disciplinary policy.

For those who wish to become a LEED AP+, it seems as if, for now anyways, you can proceed to prepare for your exam of choice in the usual manner, since no real changes to the LEED AP exams have been announced. However, according to GBCI the LEED AP+ credentials won’t be available until spring of 2009. So I guess this means that if you take the exam before then, you will earn a legacy LEED AP and will have the option to opt into the LEED AP+ once it becomes available, but it is still unclear. USGBC says that intends to launch the new 300-level course offerings before the LEED AP+ becomes available but it is unclear when they will actually do this, and if the courses and exam support resources will be very different from what is already available for the legacy LEED AP exams.

1. People should sign-up as soon as possible. I passed in December and was told January would be the cut-off… well looks like folks might have a few more months.

   Posted by CURTIS | January 15, 2009, 6:15 pm

2. I registered to take the legacy LEED AP exam in March since I had heard that they had pushed the cutoff to the end of March. Then I heard recently that they pushed it again to August 2009, however I have been unable to confirm if this is true.

   Posted by 1sillygreengoose | February 7, 2009, 2:18 am

3. Update:
   According to http://www.green-buildings.com you have until March 31st to REGISTER for the legacy LEED AP exam. This means that you can actually take the exam after that date but it is unclear how far in advance you can schedule your exam.

   To read post about it go to:
   http://www.green-buildings.com/content/78412-new-leed-ap-exam-deadline

   Posted by 1sillygreengoose | February 12, 2009, 3:08 pm

4. great tips. I enjoyed reading this

   Posted by CLEP | March 17, 2009, 2:25 am