LEED FAQ
What does LEED stand for?
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
What does LEED AP stand for?
LEED Accredited Professional
What does GBCI stand for?
Green Building Certification Institute
How can I get my company’s products or services LEED certified?
USGBC does not certify, promote, or endorse any products, companies, or individuals. Products may contribute to points toward a building’s LEED rating.
How can I become LEED certified?
People can’t become LEED certified. People can become LEED Green Associates or LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs). Only buildings can become LEED certified.
How can I become a LEED Green Associate?
Individuals can become a LEED Green Associate by passing the LEED Green Associate exam. Details of this exam can be found on GBCI’s About: LEED Green Association web page.
How can I become a LEED AP?
There are currently a number of LEED AP exams that can be taken. Those exams can be found on GBCI’s LEED Professional Credentials web page. Additional information about the LEED AP exams in general can be found on GBCI’s About: LEED AP web page.
Is the LEED AP for Homes Green Rater process different from the LEED AP process?
Yes, the LEED AP for Homes Green Rater process is slightly different. Please visit GBCI’s About: LEED for Homes Green Rater web page.
How much does it cost to take the LEED AP exam?
The cost of the exam varies depending on the exam. Please visit GBCI’s LEED Professional Exam Guide web page for the current rates.
I have a lot of questions about the LEED Green Associate and LEED AP process. Who can answer all of my questions?
Refer to the GBCI web site as a resource for exam policies, guidelines, and tips.
I’m not sure which exam to take. How can I decide?
You can download copies of the rating systems in the LEED Rating Systems section of the USGBC web site. The Rating Systems list the intent, requirements, submittals, and technologies/strategies for each credit and includes the Credit Checklists.
Can I study for the exam using only the LEED Rating System and Credit Checklist?
It is highly recommended that you purchase the Reference Guide for the exam that you will be taking. The Reference Guide covers all information that can be included on the exam.
What are the benefits of earning the LEED AP credential?
- Help a LEED registered project one point toward certification
- Strengthen your green building qualifications
- Market your green building knowledge to potential employers and clients
- Contribute to your professional development
- Earn recognition with the nation’s predominant green building professional credential
- Receive a LEED AP certificate and opt to be listed in GBCI’s Directory of LEED Accredited Professionals
I am a LEED Green Associate or LEED AP. Now what?
Credential maintenance is the next step. Learn more on GBCI’s Credential Maintenance Program web page.
Where can I find a list of LEED Registered and Certified projects in the area?
There is a searchable database of LEED Registered and LEED Certified projects on the USGBC web site. For a map of the certified projects in Illinois, click Illinois LEED Certified Projects.
GBCI customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time at 800-795-1747.
LEED Accreditation Exam – exam@gbci.org
LEED Rating System, project registration, and certification – leedinfo@usgbc.org
LEED Training Workshops – workshop@usgbc.org
