LEEDS Certification

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jtester

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I'm thinking of testing for LEEDS certification. Do any of you have recommendations concerning which track to pursue. I am an electrical engineer, but the tests seem to cover all areas of design.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Jim T
 
I took (and passed) the test about two years ago. The test has changed since then. It did entail all engineering disciplines, as well as architecture and construction. I recall the test emphasizing mechanical (heating and ventilation), civil (materials of construction), and architecture. But I do not know what you mean by ?which track to pursue.? I was not aware that the USGBC had created any specialties or tracks. Can you shed some light on that topic?

Charles E. Beck, P.E., LEED Accredited Professional.
 
The LEEDS website offers three tracks, New Construction, Commercial Interiors, and Existing Buildings. I design electrical in all three and wonder the pros and cons of accreditation in one over another.

Thanks for your quick reply

Jim T
 
I looked at the LEEDs web site, and I see what you mean. I can't tell you anything more, I fear, as it turns out that I took the test almost three years ago (I looked myself up on their database).
 
I'm also an electrical engineer and passed the LEED exam a couple years ago. LEED-NC (new construction) is the original basis of LEED. They understand that there are different types of construction and so have been adding additional scoring systems. There's over half a dozen now. Most are just modifications of NC so they haven't bothered with a separate test. Commercial Interiors (LEED-CI) and Existing Building (LEED-EB) are different enough that they created different tests.

I would suggest NC for most people who want to get accredited. This applies to new and renovated buildings. If you work for a company that does mostly tenant spaces in core and shell type buildings then you'd want CI. LEED-EB is more for building owners that modifying there use of the existing building.

Anyone who passes an exam may use the "LEED-AP" phrase after their name. There is no distinction based on which test you took.

I like the goals of USGBC with their LEED program but the documentation for a project is a headache.

I hope this helps.
 
Good morning,

Do you guys have any pointers for studying for the exam? I am thinking about going for LEED-NC: 2.2. There is rumor that they are working on 3.0.

Thanks
 
My suggestion would be to read the entire LEED-NC 2.2 before taking the test. It's long and boring reading. Most people that I know who have done that have passed. Give yourself at least a month if you're reading a little bit each evening. You can also pay money for a study class. That makes some people more comfortable. Last week I heard someone say that the questions are more difficult if you answer the first questions correctly. They recommended answering the first 10 quesions wrong. Finish the rest of the questions and then go back and redo the first 10 questions. I don't know how true this is and the test is timed.

They are working on version 3.0. They're trying to address complaints about difficulties in documentation, unbalanced value of points, and credit variations between the different LEED categories. I think they're a couple years away releasing it. The only info I've seen about it has been USGBC asking their Chicago chapter for ideas.

Expect version 3.0 to be very energy consious. USGBC has agreed to reduce net carbon emissions to zero by 2030. Starting with a 50% reduction by 2010. I'll expect a lot more LEED buildings with solar arrays on the roof.
 
I was afraid of that answer. I have both the 2.1 and 2.2 books here. For the record, I got them when 2.2 was new. I just haven't been able to work up the will to read them cover to cover. haha

Thanks for the insight Mr. Bill
 
Most people I know that have taken it, pick the weekend before the test, and power read/study the whole weekend, take the test and have passed.

It's about 90% non-electrical, so you will need a broad understanding of other disciplines, predoninantly mechanical and architectural.
 
Read

Read

Read, read, read. There's lots of material. I think you absolutely need to have the Leed Reference Manual for the applicable test that you are taking.
 
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