LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and is a system for rating green building design. The LEED standards were developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to create criteria for sustainable building projects. Building projects that meet LEED certification standards make more efficient use of energy and resources, and local and state governments often offer tax and other incentives for LEED certified buildings.

The LEED process is overseen by professionals in the construction industry who have passed a rigorous exam to ensure that they understand LEED criteria. LEED committees composed of these accredited professionals come up with technical criteria for green building projects, which are open to public review by thousands of member organizations of the USGBC.

LEED certification is a valuable credential for professionals in real estate, construction, engineering, building design, and related fields. Currently, there is no minimum level of education or experience required in order to take the exam, though this may change in the future. There are three areas of LEED certification, including new construction, existing buildings, and commercial interiors.

As of March 2009, LEED is introducing a new two-tiered certification program. Those who pass an initial 2.5 hour exam will receive Tier I certification as a LEED Green Associate, and those who pass an additional 1.5 hour exam will receive the Tier II LEED Accredited Professional credential.

Employers benefit from hiring LEED certified professionals, because they provide expertise to builders and designers on LEED related projects, and demonstrate solid knowledge of green building principles. LEED certification is a solidly marketable credential for job seekers and qualifies individuals to be listed on the directory of LEED certified professionals.

To register for the exam and learn more about exam preparation options, visit the Green Building Certification Institute. The LEED exam is offered at sites throughout the United States and at select international locations.

Leed Certification Resources

*LEED AP Exam Guide: Study Materials, Sample Questions, Mock Exam, Building LEED Certification (LEED-NC) and Going Green
*LEED for New Construction Exam Flashcard Secrets: LEED Test Practice Questions & Review for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Exam
*2009 Leed Ap Exam Guide: Study Materials, 800 Sample Questions, 10 Full Length Mock Exam, Building Leed Certification V2.2 (Leed-nc) (Leed NC 2.2)
*2009 Leed Ap N.c. New Construction Exam - 12 Full Length Sample Exams - 960 Questions