LEED Green Associate Training

 At least a LEED GA certification is required for any principle working on a LEED project.  Increasingly however, the nations leading sustainable design experts recommend that everyone on a LEED job site have a GA certification so they can understand the purpose and requirements of the entire project, how each system individually contributes to the energy efficiency of the building as a whole. 

Do you have to be a GA to work on a LEED building?

The LEED GA is a prerequisite for the LEEP AP certifications. You can however take the tests at the same time if you have completed the prerequisites.

Can I skip the GA Exam, or is it necessary to get LEED AP?

There is a onetime registration fee with USGBC of $50 to be able to be eligible to register for the tests with Prometric. The fees for the actual test are listed below. The exam fee for the LEED Green Associate, per appointment, is: • USGBC national members/full-time students: $150 • All others: $200 For combined exam (both part 1, the LEED Green Associate exam, and part 2, the LEED AP specialty exam): • USGBC or CaGBC national members: $300 • Non-members: $450 For the LEED AP specialty exam only: • USGBC or CaGBC national members: $150 • Non-members: $250 There is a onetime registration fee with USGBC of $50 to be able to be eligible to register for the tests with Prometric. The fees for the actual test are listed below. The exam fee for the LEED Green Associate, per appointment, is: • USGBC national members/full-time students: $150 • All others: $200 For combined exam (both part 1, the LEED Green Associate exam, and part 2, the LEED AP specialty exam): • USGBC or CaGBC national members: $300 • Non-members: $450 For the LEED AP specialty exam only: • USGBC or CaGBC national members: $150 • Non-members: $250

How much $ to take the actual exam through USGBC?

All companies have a different notion of what is defined as "green".  However, the LEED GA is a nationally recognized certification, offered by the United State Green Building Council (USGBC).  While it is best to have your LEED AP if you are working on a LEED project, a LEED GA is the best stepping stone into the Green industry.

Is a GA enough for companies to recognize me as Green?

 Leading sustainable design professionals say yes.   Understanding the general concepts behind green building is essential to the overall success of a LEED project.  While you can have several LEED APs on staff to plan and design a green building, the individuals actually doing the work should understand LEED principles as well. The LEED GA is an excellent course for everyone on a construction crew, enabling your company to build green the right way, from the bottom up. 

Is there a good reason for a low level worker (drywaller) to be a GA?

Having your LEED GA will open doors into the green industry.  Employers know that a LEED GA has a broad understanding of the elements of sustainable design, green building, and the LEED process. Because so many building codes are changing to meet LEED standards, this certification will be increasingly marketable to a number of companies.  LEED GA as a added credential to you existing building experience will begin to open doors into the Green industry.  However, we strongly recommended that you get your LEED AP in a specialized field after you have completed the required project experience.   

Is there any career opptys with the LEED GA?

The new LEED program is LEED v3.  The new system builds on the fundamental structure and familiarity of the existing LEED program, but allows for the incorporation of new technology and put more emphasis on energy use and CO2 emissions. 

What is the new LEED program?

In order to be certified as having LEED project experience, you must have been personally involved with and contributed to a project registered for LEED certification. This ensures that you have been exposed to the LEED process and have an understanding of the project.  CleanEdisons Green Professional Training Program fulfills the requirement for having LEED project experience. 

What certifies me as having LEED experience?