Comments on: What EXACTLY is the Credential Maintenance Program for LEED?

By: Jolene

Jolene — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:20:08 +0000

One of the options for those of us who are LEED AP from a previous exam is “do nothing.” What happens if someone chooses this option? I hope you have time (anyone) to respond to this as I keep getting asked this question.

By: Pat

Pat — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:58:26 +0000

Amgad,

Auditing is their way of taking a Random Sample of people and seeing if they’ve met the eligibility requirements.

If you’re not a part of that 5-7%, then you have nothing to worry about, and you’ll be approved and be able to register for an exam date and take the test.

There’s no way of knowing if you’ll be in that 5-7&, so it’s best to do everything you need to do (all eligibility requirements, etc.), just in case.

They can’t possibly look at every single person’s application, which is why it’s a random 5-7% audit.

Hope that helps!

-Pat

By: Amgad Khattab

Amgad Khattab — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:51:20 +0000

I was planning to take leed Green associate courses to get prepared for the exam and while reading the Candidate handbook, I did not understand this phrase, under Eligibility Requirements section ” Five to seven percent of all applications will be audited; you will be notified immediately if you are chosen for an audit and will be notified of your eligibility within seven days.”

What if I am not one of the 5-7 percent? What I am suppose to do then?

By: Denise

Denise — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 03:25:23 +0000

I’m also concerned about the CMP for legacy LEED APs. I can pay the $50 every 2yrs. It’s the costs of some courses approved for fufilling the required 6 LEED ceu’s + courses needed for the other 24 ceu’s. Some are free, and some are not, and the latter can add up over 2yrs. Thanks for your website, Pat.

By: Brian Dillon

Brian Dillon — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:41:30 +0000

I am a LEED AP and a P.E. – Can the Contiuning Education Courses I use for my PE count towards the Legacy LEED AP Maintenace and Vice Versa. Otherwise I am going to be up to my neck in C.E. Courses for LEED AP and PE which is not right.

By: Jolene

Jolene — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:35:29 +0000

Pat,
Could you confirm that I am understanding the Legacy LEED AP maintenance correctly? The fee is waived until 2011, but the continuing education units are not waived until then. Even if we passed the LEED exam before version 3.0 was put into place, we must take maintenance courses starting now and earn 30 hours of continuing education (with 6 hours specific to the LEED Rating, etc.) before 2011. Or is the fee waived AND the requirement for continuing education units waived until 2011?

By: Tallaat

Tallaat — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:03:07 +0000

USGBC should wake up and realize that no hiring agency now a days care about considering you as LEED AP, NC, specially in this gloomy economy. After becoming LEED AP I never increased my chance to be considered more selectable potential candidate.I rather found that beeing more proficient in eQUEST/DOE2 is more important than LEED, AP in order to know about energy simulation model. I am not convinced to spend more time, money and bear frustration for possessing a LEED certification.
LEED AP NC Architect

By: Bob Welch

Bob Welch — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:11:48 +0000

Pat:

Thanks for the update. I used your material and passed LEED in June 2009.
As far as USGBC is concened, I’m not willing to give them the authority to monitor and bill me every 2 years. I intend to stay just a LEED AP forever.

I believe USGBC places more value on current certification than does their audience. I’ve personally observed that many potential clients don’t feel the value of a LEED building rating is worth the expense. They will build to conform to the standards, but aren’t willing to pay USGBC for the rating.

By: david

david — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:10:29 +0000

I just called USGBC b/c their email was confusing. I found out I can A) do nothing and remain LEED AP or B) opt in for free (now) and become LEED AP+ on the date they send me an email allowing me to opt in (I assume that would be sometime this fall). Then 2 years from the date I get the email allowing me to opt in I will have to either A) re-test in my specialty (I will not do this option) or B)have completed 30 credit hours of CEU’s in my specialty. Then every 2 years I will have to continue to get 30 credit hours of CEU’s and pay a $50 maintenance fee. This is truly a ponzi scheme of the highest order.

I asked them what happens if right now I choose the do nothing option and then 3 years from now I want to be LEED AP+. She said at that time it would be as if I never had a LEED credential at all and would have to meet all the requirements for anyone taking the new exam and I would have to re-test.

I also asked what happens if I choose to upgrade now and become LEEDAP+ and then 3 years from now I decide it is a waste of time and money and I wish I have never upgraded. She said I could always opt out and then I would just go back to being LEED AP.

It sounds like the smart money is on upgrading to LEED AP+ via additional classes for now.

By: Timothy Miller

Timothy Miller — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:53:14 +0000

Pat, thank you for the great website! Through a combination of your site and the USGBC study guide, I passed on June 30th. Thank you for your well organized study tips.

I, however, like the others posting here, am frustrated and confused. I was under the impression from the USGBC email that if I acquired my certified AP accreditation from v2.2 or earlier, I could opt to do nothing. The confusion comes from whether or not I must sign up and take more exams, etc. And do we HAVE to fulfill CE credits? I dont mind, I would just the prefer the veil come off and a simpler explanation could get out there. And Pat, I know you’re the guy for the job!

Thanks again-

Tim

By: david

david — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 16:32:33 +0000

This is much more clear than the email leed sent out, I still don’t understand it. I think they might be going nuts over there at GBCI?

By: Swapna Joshi

Swapna Joshi — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 16:51:21 +0000

I could reach the exact matter I wanted on this website within few seconds. Good organised website.

By: Swapna Joshi

Swapna Joshi — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 16:49:22 +0000

I must mention that the moment I get a doubt about anything related to LEED I just jump to ur website.
And yeah, all my queries get solved…
I passed on the 29th June & am very glad to see the change on this website & glad to see a picture of you
Keep up the good work.
Thanks again.

By: Ram

Ram — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:51:07 +0000

Pat,
Great Website! I passed the LEED NC v2.2 on June 30th and your website played a significant role in my success!! Thanks a Million!

Now the Million Dollar question: many have passed the “Legacy” LEED AP after putting in a lot of hardwork, taking time off from work, family responsibilities, etc. Now the USGBC says we have to go through a whole bunch of crap “again”?? I am now more and more convinced that USGBC ir running a “SCAM” agency…purely to suck money out of people to fill their coffers!

a Frustrated LEED(Legacy) AP