LEED Credentials

LEED accredited professionals speak the language of green building and are intimately familiar with the USGBC’s LEED’s rating systems.

There are three levels of professional credentials related to the LEED rating systems:

LEED Green Associate

This is the most basic level of LEED accreditation. Anyone can sit for the LEED Green Associate exam, and once they have passed, they are eligible for taking a more advanced exam for the next level of credential. The LEED Green Associate credential is achievable by students and professionals and is an accessible entryway into the green building profession, as there are no pre-requisites for taking the exam. Green Building Alliance hosts a LEED Green Associate Exam Prep Course several times per year, and GBA members are eligible for one-on-one exam tutoring upon request, pending availability.

LEED Accredited Professional with Specialty

A LEED Accredited Professional is more familiar with connections between the built environment, human health, and natural ecosystems and becomes well-versed in the requirements of a specific LEED rating system (for example, LEED BD+C or LEED for Neighborhood Development). Once they pass their LEED AP exam, these professionals become a LEED AP with a specialty in that rating system. If a project team seeks an Innovation point via the LEED AP credit, the LEED AP of record must specialize in the same rating system that is being pursued for certification.

LEED Fellow

LEED Fellows are LEED APs who have acquired significant technical knowledge and skill and they have a history of exemplary leadership, impactful commitment, service, and advocacy in green building and sustainability. LEED Fellows are nominated by their peers, undergo an extensive portfolio review, must have at least 10 years of experience in the green building industry and hold a LEED AP with specialty credential, among other requirements. The Pittsburgh region is home to a number of LEED Fellows include Dr. Vivian Loftness (Carnegie Mellon University), Marc Mondor (evolveEA) and Chris Klehm (Jendoco Construction).

Learn More

 For more information about earning LEED accreditation:

Check out USGBC’s instructions on taking the LEED Green Associate and LEED AP exams
See GBA’s event calendar for LEED exam prep courses

Visit GBA's LEED rating system page to learn more about the components of a LEED-certified structure.