Filed under: leed exam | Tags: leed certification, leed exam, leed exam prep, LEED Training
The credential examination for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) measures an individual’s understanding of environmentally responsible (green) building practices. The electronic examination (completed via computer at a remote testing site) costs $250 for USGBC members and $350 for non-members. Once your exam scores have been calculated and a passing score is achieved, certificates of accreditation are mailed to the recipients within six to eight weeks of the date the exam was completed; however, successful candidates may begin using their earned credential immediately.
Successful completion of the LEED exam is required in order for an individual to become a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP). Becoming a LEED AP affords you the opportunity to execute the process of LEED certification for a potential or existing building project. The Green Building Certification Institute, or GBCI (sustained by the United States Green Building Council, or USGBC) governs and administers the examination process with the purpose of ensuring the objectivity of the way in which the certification program is carried out. LEED examination focuses on all of the practices and principles associated with green building as well as the building elements required to achieve certain credits and incentives. Many of the questions call for multiple answers and require critical thinking and a full knowledge of the LEED rating system as well as techniques and outcomes of green building.
Leed training and LEED preparation are almost essential for successful completion of LEED examination. A firm grasp of all concepts related to the categories of green building as well as how each category affects and is affected by the others is key. Earning a total of 170 of 200 possible points is required to pass the examination. Statistics show that more than half of the individuals taking the LEED exam for the first time fail. Lack of sufficient preparation is most commonly to blame for a failing score. Those who do not participate in lead training and/or lead preparation are advised to carefully study the USGBC’s Reference Guide thoroughly and diligently. Memorization, study, and at least 40 to 60 hours (including courses) of reviewing reference material are recommended.
Two of the most common pieces of advice for taking the LEED exam in addition to study techniques and participation in exam prep and LEED training are to manage the allotted time wisely by skipping confusing questions and coming back to them and also using the process of elimination for answers of which you are unsure. The successful completion of LEED preparatory courses places the examinee at a great advantage during the exam. Many LEED exam prep courses boast of up to a 90% first-time pass rate. The LEED exam features 80 multiple choice questions. Examiners allow 2 hours for the test to be administered.
Filed under: LEED Training | Tags: leed, leed 2009, leed ap, leed exam, leed exam prep, leed green associate, leed online, LEED Training
Training for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) must be associated with the United States Green Building Counsel (USGBC). This can be accomplished by obtaining your training directly from the USGBC or indirectly through USGBC-approved Education Providers. All training options and sources provide you the opportunity to acquire the same comprehensive data; however, each means of LEED training offers its own unique set of perks and advantages. Through traditional, instructor-led LEED training, you will be able to benefit from the educators’ experience, set up connections with other participants, and receive a discounted LEED Reference Guide directly from the USGBC. Other training options include online courses governed by the USGBC which allow you to control the schedule of your training, webinars hosted by the USGBC which give you the chance to interact with experts in the industry, and participation in Education Provider Programs approved by the USGBC which allow you to take advantage of various learning arrangements. All training opportunities will fully prepare you for LEED credential assessments.
Training involves learning the environmental benefits as well as the financial requirements of LEED implementation. In addition, you should be exposed to the process by which you will obtain the monetary benefits of your LEED building project, such as tax rebates and zoning allowances. Also, by proper training in this area you will be more likely to bypass many of the potential situations that have proven to be counterproductive for many project developers seeking LEED certification. LEED training will provide you with a wealth of useful information applicable to projects with the goal of conserving energy, reducing carbon dioxide emanation, increasing the efficiency of water systems, and building in a manner that is environmentally responsible thus strengthening the quality of the indoor atmosphere while reducing the impact on the outdoor environment.
While much of the training for LEED certification relies heavily on the aspects of what the LEED system rates and how this rating benefits the project owner, you will also find out about the standards for eligibility pertaining to commercial buildings and residential buildings as well as the different types of LEED rating systems. LEED training establishes an understanding of what the USGBC’s goal and purpose are for LEED certification and sheds light on exactly what the expectations are of a LEED Accredited Professional. In conjunction with this material, you will also be presented with other general information concerning the most commonly accepted standard of environmentally conscious building. In the most basic sense, LEED training can provide you with a plethora of tips and ideas to aid you in finding opportunities to build greener projects or even re-green your existing commercial or residential institution. In the most specific sense, LEED training supplies the participant with a complete education on the process of LEED implementation, certification, benefits, and incentives.
