July 2017 EPMA Meeting; Earning and Maintaining LEED & WELL Credentials

By Manuel Esquivel

Whether you already have or are preparing to obtain LEED and WELL certifications, there are many easily-forgotten but key-to-remember details. During our July 2017 EPMA Meeting, Brian Fontaine presented on earning and maintaining LEED and WELL credentials.

There are two levels of LEED credentials which anyone can seek to attain, LEED Green Associate and LEED Accredited Professional with Specialty (AP Specialty). There is one WELL certification, WELL Accredited Professional. Although no prior practical experience is required to obtain the LEED Green Associate, it is highly recommended that you gain exposure to LEED and Green Building concepts through a combination of education, work experience, and volunteering. To obtain the LEED AP Specialty certificate no formal documentation of experience is required, but prior work on a LEED-registered or certified projected is directly assessed within the exam. The WELL Accredited Professional certification does not require prior experience.  

You can learn about LEED and WELL exam registration procedures and costs in Brian’s presentation. LEED exam premiums are lower for USGBC members, so check if your organization is a member before making your payment. There is a LEED Green Associate / LEED AP Specialty combined exam at a lower price than the added costs of the two separate exams. WELL exam premiums are lower for USGBC members, ASID members, and those with LEED certifications.   

There are both print and digital guides to help you prepare for the exams, which typically range from zero to $250. Popular resource for study guides, practice exams, and flashcards include Green Building Education Services (GBES), Poplar Network, and GreenStep.

Once you pass the exams make sure to maintain your credentials! This includes logging a certain number of Continuing Education hours and paying a maintenance fee every two years. There are many ways to obtain your Continuing Education hours, including hosting Lunch and Learns at your organization using USGBC approved presentations, attending EPMA meetings, and acquiring LEED and WELL project experience. You can find the specific number of hours needed for each certification, more options to fulfill the hours, and maintenance fees in Brian’s presentation.

If you need further support to prepare for your exam or have other creative ideas on how to earn Continuing Education hours, join us during the upcoming monthly EPMA meeting and share your thoughts.