LEED AP CERTIFICATION EXPLAINED!
WHAT IS LEED AP AND HOW TO BECOME LEED ACCREDITED IN 2 WEEKS
TRUSTED BY 5,000+ STUDENTS
TRUSTED BY 5,000+ STUDENTS
LEED AP stands for LEED Accredited Professional. It’s a certification that demonstrates advanced knowledge of sustainable building practices and the LEED certification process. A LEED AP is a professional who helps guide projects through the LEED certification system, ensuring they meet all environmental and sustainability standards.
Professionals with a LEED AP certification are recognized for their expertise in areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable site planning. Holding this credential shows you are skilled in navigating the complexities of the LEED AP exam and can help a project team streamline the certification process.
The LEED AP title is highly valued by developers and firms who want to ensure their projects are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient. It’s a mark of credibility that shows a deep understanding of green building principles.
WHAT IS A LEED AP
LEED AP stands for LEED Accredited Professional. Which showcases credibility, knowledge and authority in green building practices. A LEED AP streamlines the LEED certification process, guiding the project team to developing lower impact developments.
Just like a buildings market themselves as LEED certified projects to gain tax incentives, sell their project faster and for more. Architecture and Engineering offices are marketing themselves with the amount of LEED AP LEED APs in the company. Which helps land more projects and stand out from competition.
In specific the demand for LEED AP BD+C is greatest when compared to other specialties. Simply because the demand is higher, more LEED projects are being certified under the LEED new construction and major renovation rating system, which requires LEED AP BD+C professionals.
+5,000 OF OUR STUDENTS PASSED THE LEED AP test, it’s your time!
meet your instructor
shadi abousamra
LEED TRAINER, SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTANT, UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR
Shadi AbouSamra is a Sustainability consultant, LEED and WELL AP trainer, and university professor. Specialized in sustainable design, LEED certification, and high-performance buildings.
He has trained over +5,000 professionals to pass the LEED AP test and WELL AP.
Students worldwide have been prepared by Shadi from USA, UAE, Canada, KSA and many more.
His LEED test preparation has saved professionals their valuable time and money. Helping scale their career and become more credible, using live and on-demand LEED AP courses that has achieved a 100% pass rate.
IS THE LEED CERTIFICATION WORTH IT? SEE WHAT OUR STUDENTS ARE SAYING
- 35% SALARY HIKE
- Ashraf Shaaban
Project Manager
- 50% SALARY HIKE
- Omar Doughan
Operations Manager
- 47% SALARY HIKE
- Zeina Sawaya
Arch. Consultant
- FIRST JOB
- Linda K.
Junior Architect
- 20% SALARY HIKE
- Daria Taeb
Project Manager
- Ashraf Shaaban
Project Manager
- Omar Doughan
Operations Manager
- Zeina Sawaya
Arch. Consultant
LEED AP Exam and Why You Must Earn it
A LEED AP credential can not only enhance your career and increase your salary but also position you as a steward of sustainable practices. Mentioned below are the most compelling reasons why you should consider becoming a LEED AP. Most of which can be a way to renew your LEED Green Associate or you can take on free LEED CE hours.
Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it’s a moral and practical imperative. Passing the LEED AP test allows you to play a pivotal role in championing sustainability within the built environment. It signifies your commitment to mitigating the adverse impacts of construction and real estate on our planet.
Sustainable building practices aim to reduce carbon emissions, conserve natural resources, and create healthier living and working spaces. Your expertise will help shape structures that are more energy-efficient, water-conscious, and environmentally responsible.
1. CAREER ADVANCEMENT
In today’s competitive job market, standing out from the crowd is essential. The LEED accreditation is like a spotlight on your resume, highlighting your commitment to sustainability and your expertise in sustainable building practices. Employers, clients, and colleagues recognize it as a symbol of your dedication to a more environmentally conscious world.
As a LEED AP, you’ll find doors opening to roles in green building consulting, sustainability management, project leadership, and more. You’ll be at the forefront of shaping the future of your industry, making meaningful contributions, and reaping the rewards of a career that aligns with your passion for sustainability.
2. MULTI-DISCIPLINARY RELEVANCE
Sustainability is not confined to a single profession or industry; it’s a cross-cutting concern that impacts all sectors. The beauty of the LEED AP certification is its versatility. It welcomes professionals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to join the ranks of sustainability advocates.
Architects, engineers, project managers, interior designers, real estate experts, facility managers, and more can all find their niche within the LEED AP program. The specialization options within the LEED AP certification allow you to tailor your expertise to your specific field of interest. This means that no matter where you are in your career or what your professional background is, there’s a path for you to make a meaningful impact in sustainability
3. KNOWLEDGE ENRICHMENT
Pursuing a LEED AP certification is a journey of continuous learning and personal growth. It goes beyond textbook knowledge; it immerses you in the practical intricacies of green building and sustainable design. You’ll gain a profound understanding of not just what sustainability is but how to implement it in the real world.
This knowledge enrichment extends to various facets of sustainable construction, from selecting environmentally friendly materials to optimizing energy and water efficiency. You’ll be equipped with the ability to identify opportunities for sustainability improvements and the skills to implement them effectively. Your expertise will make you a valuable resource on any project team.
4. GLOBAL RECOGNITION
Sustainability knows no borders. It’s a global endeavor, and the LEED accreditation is a universal symbol of sustainable excellence. Whether you’re working in the heart of a bustling metropolis or on a remote project site, the principles of sustainable building apply everywhere.
The LEED AP certification is not confined to the United States; it’s a recognized standard worldwide. This global recognition means that your expertise is transferable across countries and continents. You can collaborate on international projects, influence global sustainability initiatives, and contribute to making the entire world a more sustainable place.
5. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The most compelling reason to become a LEED AP is the tangible environmental impact your work can achieve. Sustainable buildings have the power to mitigate climate change, conserve precious natural resources, and improve the well-being of occupants.
Green buildings are designed to be highly energy efficient, reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy consumption. They incorporate sustainable building materials, renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, to further minimise their carbon footprint. Water-efficient fixtures and systems reduce water consumption, contributing to water conservation efforts.
Beyond environmental benefits, sustainable buildings also prioritise the health and comfort of occupants. They offer improved indoor air quality, access to natural light, and spaces designed to enhance well-being. As a LEED AP, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring that these benefits are realised, creating buildings that not only tread lightly on the planet but also provide a superior living and working experience for people.
LEED AP CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
For you to even apply for a LEED AP exam, there is mainly 2 LEED AP certification requirements. First, it is essential that you must be over 18 years of age and the second requirement is to have a valid LEED Green Associate accreditation. Frequently asked, do you need a LEED Green Associate before a LEED AP? Yes, you need to have passed the Green Associate exam before you are eligible for the LEED AP exam. Below is a LEED AP lookup at the other LEED AP certification requirements you must fulfil to take the LEED AP exam.
EDUCATION AND BACKGROUND
There is no background or professional requirement to take on the exam. Though it is typical and more of a must-have for professionals having a degree in a relevant field such as architecture, engineering, interior design, or a related discipline. Also years of experience is not a requirement, even fresh graduates or students are eligible to take on the exam.
LEED GREEN ASSOCIATE CREDENTIAL
Mainly the only real requirement to apply for a LEED AP certification is a valid non expired LEED Green Associate credential. It serves as the foundation for the LEED certification.
LEED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
As previously stated there is no job experience requirement or green building experience requirement and definitely no need to have experience on a LEED project. Though experience can surely help reduce the LEED AP exam preparation process. If no experience is provided it is recommended to have a proper LEED AP training course to smoothen the learning experience.
IS THE LEED AP WORTH IT?
The LEED AP BD+C is the most in-demand LEED certification out of the rest of the LEED AP specialties and is a highly sought-after green building certification that demonstrates expertise in sustainable design for new construction and major renovation construction.
So is the LEED AP worth it? Yes, since it is a prestigious title for building professionals to earn. Just head to LinkedIn jobs, Indeed, Glassdoor or any job listing website just like the images above. When looking into any job requirement or qualification you will be surprised to see that LEED is either required or preferred in the building industry and LEED AP BD+C salaries prove to be higher than professionals without the LEED AP title. So the benefit of a LEED AP would be qualification to senior job roles, higher salaries, easier to land higher job positions and green building skills.
Frequently professionals ask if it’s worth it to be LEED Certified? Since most companies are pushing their employees to acquire LEED you can ensure it’s worth the small effort to achieve it.
Companies are either removing the employee annual bonus if they don’t achieve it or require senior roles to be LEED accredited so they can win more projects. Whereas newcomers must be accredited or indicate they will be in a few months. Companies are currently advertising themselves with how many LEED accredited staff work at the company.
WHAT LEED AP STAND FOR?
LEED is an acronym that stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and the AP stands for Accredited Professional. As a general overview, the LEED AP stands for an accreditation that gives professionals credibility in the built environment when discussing green buildings and sustainability, opening doors to new opportunities.
The title demonstrates that a designer or builder understands how to achieve the LEED certification on a project, showcasing that green buildings are more than just a trend.
If you are wondering how hard is the LEED AP exam? It is difficult since all LEED information is required, all calculations, all formulas, all credits and requirements. But it does not have to be hard if you have proper guidance. Don’t waste your time, money, and effort with complicated books and study guides that are not really guides but reference books for consultants, not functioning as LEED AP exam prep programs.
It’s doable to go through the materials on your own, it’s not rocket science, it’s just not ideal. Why spend more time and money on thick reference books that are tailored for sustainability consultants to refer to when certifying a project. They include much more information than you actually need for the exam and can be complicated to understand without a LEED AP trainer.
It is advisable to take a simplified LEED AP course that brakes down the complicated content saving both time and cost from LEED AP BD+C study guides. As a starting point it is ideal to go through the LEED AP BD+C candidate handbook then this archiroots simplified training which includes a LEED AP BD+C pass rate of 100%.
WHAT DOES THE LEED AP BD+C EXAM COST?
Fees differ if one of the above is different. Companies with USGBC memberships offer discounts to their employees. Students take the LEED AP exam for 250$ and veterans can apply for the exam for free.
Also the LEED AP has 1 requirement which is a valid LEED Green Associate title. The the candidate has not yet earned the Green Associate, then there is an additional $250 to take the GA exam. It is also possible to take a combined LEED Green Associate and LEED AP exam together in one sitting for $550. The exam is 4 hours rather than separate 2 hour exams.
BECOME A LEED AP BD+C!
