McGraw Hill Construction estimates that up to 48% of nonresidential construction projects will be green in 2015. For those in the construction industry that want to take advantage of the wealth of green building opportunity that both exists now and will grow in the future, becoming a LEED Green Associate is a great step in the right direction.
LEED Green Associates must demonstrate that they understand green design, operations, and construction through the LEED Green Associate Exam. The exam has 100 questions and takes about two hours to complete. It covers how LEED grading works, LEED processes, key green construction terminology, and sustainability concepts.
Each certification requires a $50 application fee, a $200 exam fee for USGBC members or students or a $250 exam fee for professionals. Biennially, USGBC charges $50 for CMP renewal.
With that said, it’s clear that the LEED Green Associate Exam is a costly, challenging endeavor. Construction professionals should take care to prep for the exam. Below are the 20 stand-out Green Associate Exam resources for professionals readying themselves for the test.
Books
Any LEED Green Associate hopeful should pick up the USGBC’s fundamental guide to LEED concepts. The guide covers what USGBC and LEED are and acts as a primer for those interested in green building. While this guide is available both as a hard copy and as an e-book, reviewers have noted that the e-book is currently not printable.
Price: $90. The e-book is available for $85. LEED v4 Green Associate Exam Guide (LEED GA)
This well-reviewed guide provides study materials and study questions in addition to suggestions for where to find more resources online (for example, the author offers in his product description to check out “The Treatment by LEED of the Environmental Impact of HVAC Refrigerants” because he doesn’t cover it in the book). Don’t let its smaller page count fool you—this book is chock full of information for any serious test-taker.
Price: $49.98
LEED Green Associate Exam Preparation Guide, LEED v4 Edition
Available in both a hard copy and an e-book, this guide was prepared by the makers of the LEED Green Associate Exam themselves. The book covers the test process and critical information relating to the exam. It also provides practice questions and an answer key along with a plethora of additional online resources.
Price: $99 for non-members, $89 for members. The e-book is available for $95. NEW LEED v4 GREEN ASSOCIATE GUARANTEED: Updated with NEW LEED v4!
In spite of the bombastic title, this e-book is a great resource for individuals who want to closely pair practice tests with learned material. At the end of every chapter, the author includes practice questions that one might see on the exam. The e-book also comes with a full final practice exam as well.
Price: $5.99
Online Courses
Everblue: LEED Green Associate Online Training Webinar
Need to take your time while studying for your exam? Need on-demand access for your online education? Everblue’s course offers full access for a year after purchase. The course offers 120 questions in each category and is available on all systems, including mobile.
Price: $299 Green Building Education Services: LEED v4 Exam Prep - LEED Green Associate Exam Prep On Demand Webinar
Claiming to be the “#1 Selling Online LEED Exam Preparation Course,” Green Building Education Service’s Webinar series is a staple in LEED GA prep. This on-demand webinar offers 600 practice questions, nine hours of instruction, and unlimited use for 120 days after purchase. The webinar can also be packaged with other preparation materials for a discounted cost.
Price: $149 GreenCE: LEED® Green Associate Exam Prep
Offering both live webinars with a dedicated instructor or “online anytime” options, GreenCE has programs that are great for any kind of distance learner. The courses cover the tip to tail aspects of the LEED Green Associate Exam, from the process of becoming a GA to specific exam topics like indoor environmental quality to exam-taking skills.
Price: Participants who register earlier for the live prep pay $169, whereas the regular cost is $199. There is a flat rate of $1,600 for groups larger than ten people. Green Training USA: LEED Green Associate Exam Prep
Green Training USA doesn’t shy away from bragging a little; its instructors claim that their courses have a “90% first time pass rate for certification exams.” From everyone who wants to review existing projects and who wants to learn how to use the new LEED v4 system to newbies in the industry, this course is great for professionals with all levels of experience.
Price: $299 RMC Green Building Training: LEED Green Associate Instructor-Led Live Online Courses
For those with three days that they can dedicate to an instructor-led, live online class, RMC’s Green Associate training offers one of the most hands-on online courses available. The classes run during normal working hours and provide all the fundamental materials needed to pass the exam. In addition to the course itself, registration includes an e-book and reference guide to passing the LEED Green Associate Exam. It also includes _FAST_rack Exam simulation software that “contains more than 500 questions and five testing modes.” Using this, students can create an unlimited number of practice exams.
Price: $299.99
In-person courses
Everblue: LEED Green Associate v4
Everblue might offer its LEED Green Associate program from coast-to-coast, but the thrust of the program is the same no matter where you take it: get certified. The program comes with Everblue’s unique Green Associate Handbook, 120 practice questions per category, two full practice exams, study sheets, and a certificate of completion.
Price: Varies by location and sign-up date. Green Education Services: LEED Green Associate Exam Prep Courses
With over 500, 5-star student reviews and 46 different training sites, Green Education Services probably serves your area, both in the United States and abroad. The course includes hundreds of practice questions along with supplementary readings and study sheets. Instructors provide their services and support until the student passes the exam.
Price: Varies by location.
Green Training USA: LEED Green Associate Exam Prep
Green Training USA offers the same LEED Green Associate Prep online as it does in person. The courses are offered across the United States in major urban areas including Washington, DC, New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Denver.
Price: $399 Poplar Education: LEED Green Associate Two-Day Training (v4)
Also offering courses across the country, Poplar’s LEED Green Associate program is approved by the American Institute of Architecture for 14 continuing education credits. The course comes with a certificate of completion, 200 practice questions in addition to 120 practice questions per category, and a handbook for soon-to-be Green Associates.
Price: $595
Free guides and resources:
If the resources above aren’t helpful enough, check out these free online resources for the aspiring Green Associate. These practice exams, handbooks, and guides are a great primer for anyone just getting started in LEED.
Should I take the LEED Green Associate exam, or a LEED AP specialty exam?
What EXACTLY is the Credential Maintenance Program for LEED?
More?
Obviously, there are many, many more great resources for LEED Green Associate Exam preparation. Where have you had good experiences? What did I miss? Leave your stories and recommendations below!