About the Leed Green Associate Certification - What is it? How Does it Benefit Your Career?

The LEED Green Associate (GA) certification is an industry standard for green building professionals. It is designed for those who want to demonstrate a basic knowledge of green design, construction, and operations, but who do not necessarily participate in design and construction work. This certification is ideal for people working in more of a support role or on the path towards establishing a career in a sustainable field.  

This credential will make you more marketable to potential employers and clients; it will confirm your general understanding of LEED concepts and sustainable building practices - such as the knowledge to implement the many different ways of using less energy, water, and natural resources; creating less waste; and fostering a healthier, more comfortable environment.

The LEED Green Associate certification is a stepping stone for becoming a full LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP). The LEED credential is available not only to design professionals - such as architects or engineers - but also to marketing professionals, attorneys, developers, real estate professionals, owners, maintenance staff, specialty consultants, product or manufacturers' representatives, lenders, contractors, and any others involved in the design, construction, inspection, or operation of green buildings.

How Does the LEED Green Associate Certification Benefit My Career?

LEED is well-established in both the public and private sectors for classifying a "green building."
It is the most distinguished and widely accepted environmental design and green building certification. Becoming LEED certified opens the door to a wealth of opportunity within the building, design and construction world.

• LEED is used at the General Services Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Departments of State, Energy, Agriculture, Health and Human Services, and Interior to encourage and evaluate green building design and construction for all new and major renovation projects
• LEED is used in Navy, Army and Air Force construction projects
• Most states require new state-funded projects to achieve a minimum level of LEED certification
• Increasing numbers of local governments, higher education institutions, and public schools are encouraging or requiring their new facilities and major renovations to be LEED certified
• Many corporations are choosing LEED certification for their facilities when construction of green buildings supports their corporate mission

How Do I Apply for the LEED Green Associate Certification?

To apply for the LEED Green Associate certification exam, you must either have professional experience related to green building or be a student enrolled in coursework related to sustainable design, in which case you may take the exam without professional work experience. Allied’s Green Building Practices course qualifies as acceptable coursework. 

The LEED Green Associate exam is designed to test broad knowledge of sustainable design principles and basic understanding of the LEED rating systems.

Get started today!

Enroll in Allied's Green Building Practices course and complete the education you need to qualify for the LEED Green Associate certification exam.