Your existing LEED AP credential depends on exactly what you do (or don’t do) between now and June 2011.
As of July 1st, 2009, your LEED AP credential is now considered a Legacy LEED AP. This shows that you have a credential from one of the previous exams. You now have three options:
Option 1: LEED AP with Specialty – No Exam
You can become a LEED AP with Specialty by enrolling in the new LEED v3 system before June 2011. This involves:
- Agreeing to the Credentialing Maintenance Program (CMP), and
- Signing the Disciplinary Policy, and
- Completing the CMP requirements for the initial 2-year reporting period
Once enrolled, you can then use the BD&C, ID&C, or O&M, Homes or ND (neighborhood development) designations after your name. In addition, you will have to participate in the CMP after 2 years to maintain your specialty, and pay a $50 fee every two years, starting June 2011 (since you’re a LEED AP, the first 2 year $50 payment from now until 2011 is waived).
Option 2: LEED AP with Specialty – With Exam
Instead of completing the Credentialing Maintenance Program requirements, you can take a specialty exam to earn your LEEDv3 credential. You must pass your exam by June 2011. This involves:
- Agreeing to the Credentialing Maintenance Program (CMP), and
- Signing the Disciplinary Policy, and
- Passing one of the Specialty Exams (BD&C, ID&C, O&M, Homes, ND)
(Just FYI: your existing LEED AP credential qualifies you to take a LEED AP Specialty exam. People who are not LEED APs are required to have experience working on a LEED project as a prerequisite to taking the exam).
After you pass you can then use the BD&C, ID&C, or O&M or ND designations after your name. In addition, you will have to participate in the CMP after 2 years to maintain your specialty.
Note: A Legacy LEED AP cannot add Homes without proof of work on a LEED for Homes registered project, or a prior LEED for Homes designation. This is because LEED for Homes is a newer designation.
A $150 exam fee will apply for taking the LEED AP Specialty exam of your choice.
Option 3: Do Nothing
If you choose to do nothing, or you did not enroll in LEEDv3 or pass an exam by June 2011, you will remain a Legacy LEED AP. If you choose to opt into LEEDv3 after June 2011, you will have to meet all eligibility requirements and retake the exam.
UPDATE: starting August 3, 2009, you will be able to view your enrollment window through www.GBCI.org > My Credentials. This is where you'll then be able to officially do Option 1 or Option 2 above to become a part of LEED v3.
FAQs about your existing LEED AP credential:
- What happens to my LEED AP credential now that LEEDv3 has launched?
- Can a Legacy LEED AP still work on LEED v3 projects?
- Do I have to take any more tests to maintain my LEED credential?
- If I choose to take another exam, which exam should I take?
- If I pass one exam track, can I work on projects being certified under a different rating system?
- Do I have to take the LEED Green Associate exam?
- How do I prepare for a LEED AP Specialty exam?
- What EXACTLY is the Credential Maintenance Program for LEED?