Comments on: Should I take the LEED Green Associate exam, or a LEED AP specialty exam?

By: VINEET KAPOOR

VINEET KAPOOR — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 08:14:00 +0000

I would like to apply for LEED GA and LEED AP Exam. I m associated with any such project in past. Am I eligible for that or not. Pls advise. Regards
Vineet

By: Elena

Elena — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:26:46 +0000

I plan on taking the LEED AP specialty exam. I was told that it is a 4 hour exam; 2 hours GA and 2 hours AP. Is it smart to take both tests at the same time? What are the suggested study guides or methods I should use?

By: Julie

Julie — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:48:10 +0000

I ultimately plan to become a LEED AP, but I’m considering taking first the GA, and later the specialty test to become AP. Based on a couple comments here, it led me to believe that breaking it out like this would cost the exact same as if I took everything at once, but upon reviewing the USGBC website further I don’t think that’s the case. The GA exam has a $50 application fee and the AP exam has a $100 application fee. So, my interpretation is that you’d have to spend an extra $50 (the application fee for the GA) if you wanted to break it out into 2 exams.

I would not be surprised if USGBC’s website was a little misleading (confusion is what led me here) – does anyone have any experience with this?

By: Rajendrasinh

Rajendrasinh — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:11:47 +0000

I am qualified Architect. I have never worked or involved with Green Architecture building. Can I directly appear for LEED AP exam? Is it mandatory to clear Green Asso. exam first & then only I can appear for Leed AP?

By: Pat

Pat — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:35:56 +0000

Brian, sounds like a great plan! Good luck studying for the BD+C exam!

By: Brian

Brian — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:01:40 +0000

I took the Green Associate test stand alone for the same reasons. It does not have any additional expense, allows you to focus on (2) 2 hour tests, and allows you to concentrate on your specialty exam with general knowledge under your belt.

I am studying for BD&C now and it is much more intensive.

Good Luck!

By: Pat

Pat — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:25:09 +0000

Hi Abhi,

They have a free handbook that you can download here: http://www.gbci.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=97

However, that is all they provide, and you’ll definitely need to get some study material in order to have the knowledge to pass the exam. The USGBC & GBCI offer some great material, and you can always use the resources here on GreenExamAcademy as well. Thanks, and best of luck to you!

By: Abhi

Abhi — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:46:48 +0000

Hi Pat, I am planning to appear for the GA exam. Do they provide some preparatory material when you qualify for the exam or does one have to buy it? How does that work?
Txs,
:ab

By: Pat

Pat — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 22:14:26 +0000

Hey David,

Employers don’t actively search for Green Associated, but if they have two identical candidates, and one has a GA credential and one doesn’t, then definitely they’ll go for the one with the GA.

Also, it is the stepping stone to the LEED AP credential, and having that on your resume will definitely show any employer that you’re staying updated with the industry (because the exam is still fairly new).

I definitely think it’s worth something, because a lot of employers know LEED is the in thing, and that it takes some work to pass the exam.

Just my 2 cents. Hope that helps!

By: davidhenry

davidhenry — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 22:11:40 +0000

Hi Pat, what does the Green Associate Credential really do for one’s career? I do not see any jobs or ads for Green Associates? Is it really worth anything as a “Stand Alone’ designation.

By: Pat

Pat — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:36:18 +0000

I believe the link below contains some information about courses that are held by the GBCI and or qualify.

http://www.gbci.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=200

By: sushma

sushma — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:32:44 +0000

Hi
What type of educational courses we can take from GBCI.org to ful fill the eligibility requirement? Can you provide me some link for this?

Thank you

By: Pat

Pat — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:07:41 +0000

Hi Leilani,

Yes, you can do that. I’m sure a lot of people who do not yet qualify for the Specialty exams will do just that. Good luck!

By: Leilani Barkan

Leilani Barkan — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:34:13 +0000

Hi!
I am currently a LEED AP and I am going to coach others in taking the new version. I have been searching to find the answer to this question; can you take the Green Associate test first and then at a later date take the specialized test? Thank you, Lani

By: Pat

Pat — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 21:58:50 +0000

Hi Madhavi, I completely understand. The Green Associate Exam Walkthrough is definitely printable. Thanks!

By: Pat

Pat — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 21:58:05 +0000

Hi Addled – in terms of fees, I believe it all works out to be the same in the end. I’ll confirm that in a little bit for you. Headache wise, it actually might be advantageous to take the GA exam first and focus on that material, then sue your knowledge from that to make it easier to learn the BD+C stuff later on. Just my opinion though – anyone else have any thoughts about this?

Another thing to consider, is that you’ll be sitting for a 4 hour exam (two 2 hour exams) if you were to take both at the same time – which can be a headache for a lot of people too. It depends on the person I guess.

Hope this helps!

By: Madhavi

Madhavi — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 20:53:58 +0000

I am planning to buy the LEED Green Associate Exam walkthrough for V3. My question is; Though it is not ‘GREEN’ idea, I like to read hardcopy. Would I be able to print the walkthrough once I buy it?

By: Addled

Addled — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:29:42 +0000

I have some time on my hands (recently laid off), and am anxious to get started and get LEED qualifications on my resume. Since BD+C doesn’t go live until 15 September, I wonder if it is worth the hassle to take the Green Associate Exam now, and take the BD+C portion later… in terms of fees and/or potential headaches. I’d appreciate any insight. Your site has been extremely helpful – thanks!