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Lesley Baulding, Created: Apr 03, 2019, Last modified: Apr 27, 2020Getting Your LEED License
There is no such thing as a “LEED License.”
Many people confuse the terms license and certification, so let’s get that out of the way right now.
Licensure = mandated by the state to practice a profession or offer a service within that designated scope of practice
Certification = provided by a private organization comprised of trade-specific professionals who identify tasks and duties that best represent a competent professional in the industry
But wait, I thought you said that “green buildings earn a designation called LEED Certification.” I am a person, not a building…
Right. As a person, you’ll want to earn LEED Accreditation.
People Get LEED Accredited
I know, it doesn’t roll off the tongue very easily. But buildings and people both can’t be certified – that’d be confusing. So buildings get LEED certified, and people get LEED Accredited.
The first step to LEED Accreditation is called LEED Green Associate.
To become a LEED Green Associate accredited professional, you have to pass a 100-question, multiple-choice exam.
LEED Green Associate is the required first step for ALL candidates, regardless of occupation, education, or experience.
Now, going back to our original topic about licensure…
The Relationship Between Licensure and LEED
The professionals commonly involved with LEED Certification building projects are architects, engineers, and facility managers who already possess a state license specific to their trade.
For example…
To become a licensed architect
To become a licensed engineer
To become a licensed general contractor
To become a licensed interior designer
To become a licensed landscape architect
As these professionals orient their careers to offer more sustainability-related services, they add onto their existing license by pursuing LEED Accreditation.
That’s not to say that you can’t learn about LEED unless you have a license.
Can I Learn LEED Without a License?
Yes! If you are changing careers or simply want to provide sustainability-related services, LEED Accreditation can help be a foot-in-the-door to job interviews for admin and office roles.
There are occupations in the building industry that benefit from LEED knowledge, even if those professionals aren’t directly working on building projects.
Office jobs where LEED Accreditation can be helpful:
Although they aren’t working in the field and managing LEED building projects, these professionals still have to talk-the-talk and understand the terminology and processes.
You can’t adequately sell your product without understanding the greater context of how it benefits LEED building projects.
The reality is, LEED Green Associate is an entry-level credential that has no prerequisites. The reason for that is because the topics introduce everyone to LEED and are applicable to a wide range of occupations.
If you’re ready to learn more, start with LEED Green Associate Exam Prep training. Our course provides a thorough introduction to LEED building practices. Regardless of whether you go on to take the LEED Green Associate exam and earn the accreditation, you’ll gain a wealth of knowledge.
