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LEED Certification – What You Should Know?
What is LEED?
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The objective of LEED certification revolves around driving, and highlighting efficient energy and sustainable environmental design. LEED certification is sponsored, developed and audited by the US Green Building Council. Certification consists of four different tiers; Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum. The certification points are earned in nine major sections

Who is LEED Certification for?
Earning LEED credits contain benefits for design, construction and ownership of buildings. For owners, LEED promises several benefits. LEED buildings demonstrate higher tenant rates. Tenant are more likely to pay more for a LEED certified building. A building owner justifiably charges more for rent of a LEED building. Further increasing attractiveness for owners, LEED reduces Operating costs.
Tenants will pay more for the increase in health and productivity. In LEED certified buildings, absenteeism fades dramatically. Productivity increases in a LEED certified building from improved air quality. Health, as measured by decrease in sick days, also increases productivity. 61% of companies cite sustainability as increasing financial stability. As more organizations acknowledge the positive influence of certifying LEED, the demand for LEED certified professionals will increase.
How does a LEED Credential Benefit You?
LEED represents a wave towards the future. As demand for sustainable building practices increases, demand for professionals equipped with LEED knowledge will increase. Earning a LEED credential also improves a professional's marketability as design and construction firms will increasingly desire LEED credentials. For the budding designer, earning a LEED credential shows initiative for continued improvement. For both established and new professionals, a LEED credential exhibits depth of knowledge with the global standard in green building, LEED.
Once earning a LEED credential such a LEED Green Associate or LEED AP, the prospective appeal to sustainably minded firms and clients skyrockets. Many clients insist on a design firm containing LEED credential-holding professionals. A sustainably minded firm will greatly favor a prospect with a LEED credential.
Which LEED Credential is right for me -LEED Green Associate or LEED AP?
LEED Credentials come in three tiers- LEED Green Associate, LEED Accredited Professional (AP) & LEED Fellow. We'll discuss the difference between a LEED Green Associate & LEED AP.

LEED Green Associate

The LEED Green Associate credential comprises the first tier in development of LEED credentials. Earning a LEED Green Associate title conveys a position of authority and commitment in advancing the adoption of sustainable building practices. LEED Green Associates earn their credential by demonstrating the most current green building principles and practices. The LEED Green Associate designation embodies a beneficial stepping stone by showcasing a desire for continual improvement.

LEED AP

A LEED Accredited Professional (AP) exhibits a deeper well of knowledge and, by extension, an even greater commitment towards sustainable building. Earning a LEED AP credential requires specializing in a specific field. The specialization of LEED designation resembles the specialization of graduate school. To gain higher levels of mastery in a subject, one must specialize. One can specialize in each of the different rating systems of LEED including;

LEED AP Building Design Construction
LEED AP Operations Maintenance
LEED AP Interior Design Construction
LEED AP Neighborhood Development
LEED AP Homes
Exam Preparation
How much does it cost?
Earning a LEED credential requires passing a standardized exam. Both exams cost a nominal fee. The LEED Green Associate exam contains a fee of $200 for members, $100 for students and $250 for non-members. The LEED AP combined exam (LEED Green Associate Exam LEED AP Exam) contains a fee of $400 for members and $550 for non-members. To only take the specialty section costs $250 for members and $350 for non-members.
There are excellent courses available to aid in preparation for the LEED exams. The Exam Prepper in partnership with GBRI offers courses for the LEED Green Associate exam and LEED AP BDC and OM exams. Completing the classes can take as little as five weeks for LEED Green Associate and 7 weeks for LEED AP. The courses come with several features to ensure best ways to pass the exam including;
5. Study Guide and Online Modules
6. Practice Exams containing over 500 practice questions accompanied by explanations, increasing understanding of required principles.
7. Live and on-demand access for a full year
8. Flashcards & Memorization Charts
9. Audio Files
10. Reference and study materials
11. Instant access
Earning a LEED Credential demonstrates a desire for professional development and a commitment to sustainable building practices. We offer extensive and proven exam prep courses to best ready you for improving your future marketability by earning LEED credentials.
To learn more about GBRI's exam preparation programs, visit theexamprepper.com
LEED Green Associate Exam Prep