When Should I Take the LEED AP exam?
During my speaking engagements regarding green building legal issues, I have noticed that the same questions keep coming up. I thought I would begin to answer some of these questions for Green Building Law Update readers that have the similar questions.
Question: When should I take the LEED Accredited Professional (AP) examination?
This is a tricky question. You may or may not know that the current version of the LEED rating system is Version 2.2. In 2009, the USGBC is releasing a new version of the LEED rating system, version 3.0. What does this have to do with the LEED AP exam? The LEED AP exam primarily tests your knowledge of the LEED rating system. When a new rating system is implemented, a new version of the LEED AP exam must be created.
When the Green Building Certification Institute (the entity responsible for administering the LEED AP exam) creates the LEED AP exam for version 3.0, the exam will likely be more difficult. According to Professional Publications Inc., "the LEED 2009 exams will be more difficult than the current versions with an expected pass rate of only 20%, compared to 34% for the current exams." Furthermore, Professional Publications Inc. states that "the GBCI will stop administering the current LEED exams in late December, and availability of the LEED 2009 exams has not yet been announced."
In short, you are best served to take the LEED AP exam before 2009.
Have questions for Green Building Law Update? Send your questions to chris@greenbuildinglawupdate.com or post them in the comments section below.
UPDATE: GreenBuild Recap Part II: New LEED AP Program Announced
Related Links
- What is a LEED AP? (GBCI)
- LEED Version 3.0 Aims to Respond to Market’s Needs (FacilitiesNet)
- FAQs About the LEED Professional Accreditation Exams (PPI)
I have heard this same advice and sentiment given a lot lately. I have not yet taken the exam, but decided on taking the newer version. It seems to me that I will be better served by studying future standards for the LEED system rather than those which will soon be outdated. This movement is about being progressive in our approach to solutions toward a more sustainable future, and I would like to embrace this philosophy by challenging myself to what may be a more difficult challenge.
Seth,
Thanks for the great comment and fair criticism of my post. You raise a very important point: it is imperative that LEED APs figure out the differences between LEED v. 2.2 and LEED v. 3.0 when it is published. Look for a future post on LEED v. 3.0 on my blog.
Chris
I'm scheduled to take the exam in December. If I don't pass it and take it again in Jan 09, will I have to meet the 2009 prerequisite requirements or will I fall under the 2008 requirements since I'm paying for it in December? (09- prerequisite one year on a LEED project, Documented proof of work on a LEED project within the last 2-3 years) Also, once I pay the $400 fee will I still be allowed to take the exam again free of charge in 2009?
Consuella,
Thanks for the great comments. I would suggest you contact your local chapter of the USGBC or GBCI regarding these issues but I will do my best to answer your questions.
First, it is my understanding that you have until March 31, 2009 to take the LEED v.2.2 exam, which is the current version. See this post: http://www.greenbuildinglawupdate.com/2008/11/articles/trends/greenbuild-recap-part-ii-new-leed-ap-program-announced/
Second, I believe you have to pay each time you take the exam.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
Chris
Interesting article, I enjoyed reading.. Thanks for sharing on LEED Exam preparation.. I have another good article on LEED exam
http://www.planetprinciples.com/content/leed-exam-prep