LEED Green Associate Course

What is LEED?

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is the world's foremost green building standard. It was developed by U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

How do I become LEED accredited?

After you take our course, you will receive a certificate of completion. Then take the 3rd party test from USGBC/GBCI (with separate exam fee). You will receive a certificate from USGBC/GBCI when you pass.

What is the difference between Green Associate and LEED Accredited Professional (AP)?

Green Associate "demonstrate[s] green building expertise in non-technical fields of practice." It shows "basic knowledge of green design, construction, and operations." LEED AP signifies "an advanced depth of knowledge in green building practices." At NYREI, we say Green Associate and AP are similar to Real Estate Salesperson and Broker. They both study Real Estate, but Salespersons learn the basics, and Brokers go into more depth.

If LEED Accredited Professional (AP) is better, can I skip Green Associate?

No. The LEED AP course builds on Green Associate. After you pass Green Associate, you may take our LEED AP course which is offered by appointment to small groups.

What does the price include?

Our Green Associate course is 4 sessions. All our reading and study materials are included in the price. The 3rd party exam fee is not included. The teacher, Kristen Bacorn, has worked on hundreds of green projects and is a recognized expert in the field. She is known for mentoring her students to get started in the industry. The class is fun and entertaining as well as informative.

What is the 3rd party exam?

Although U.S. Green Building Council developed LEED, they do not give tests. Tests are held at a professional testing facility called Prometric, a few blocks from NYREI. Prometric has dozens of computer cubicles offering all kinds of exams, and you may take the LEED exams whenever they have a free appointment for you. Exam procedures are thoroughly discussed in the class.

Do I have to study in addition to taking the course?

Yes - absolutely. It isn't possible for any school to give you all the information you need to pass in 2 days. The test is very difficult, and requires some self-study. We will teach you the material and give you tips on important things you must know, but it is up to you to read and study hard.

How long should I study?

That is a subjective question. It depends on how much free time you have, how well you can memorize, and other factors. However, do not fall into the trap of thinking that if you are very smart or a fast learner you don't have to study. The exams are HARD. Most architecture and engineering firms encourage study for at least 2-3 months.

If I need more study, can I just sit in on the class again for free?

No. Some students think if they return without signing the attendance sheet it won't hurt anyone. That's not true - it hurts the other students, the teacher and the school. As a result, we scrutinize the attendance sheets.

However, if for some reason you should fail the exam, we will allow you to repeat the class for free.

What are the exams like?

Green Associate and LEED AP exams are both multiple choice. However, they are often structured as, "Choose 3 out of 6," instead of the traditional 1 choice out of 4. Both exams are very, very hard.

Most estimates are that only about 30% of test-takers pass. That means 70% FAIL ! Our school has a documented pass rate that ranges between 85-95%. While many schools – especially online courses - claim a 90+ pass rate, we have observed that most do not engage in any systematic follow-up with their students. If for some reason you do not pass the 3rd party exam, you may take it again in accordance with USGBC/GBCI rules.

How can I qualify for the LEED Accredited Professional (AP) exam?

To take the AP exam, you must first take the Green Associate exam, even if you take it on the same day.

What kind of job can I get? How much can I earn?

It used to be that mostly architects and engineers became LEED accredited. But now, LEED touches every profession. Building owners want to hire people who understand green, from property managers to brokers, bankers, decorators, contractors, appraisers, home inspectors and more. It is not possible to give a specific figure on earnings, as LEED consultants make widely different amounts depending on their skills, experience, project type, and other considerations.

Green credentials do get employers' attention. If you can take only one career enrichment course, this is a great choice. LEED accreditation shows you have mastered complicated environmental material!

Can I get an internship?

It is not easy to find and join a LEED project team, as there are only about 1000 LEED buildings out of a total of a million buildings in New York City. The simplest way is with an internship. Our LEED teacher has helped dozens of qualified students become interns. Please be aware:

• Internships are not guaranteed: whether a student is hired for an internship is decided by the LEED Project Team and is out of the control of NYREI or its teachers.
• NYREI's teacher may assist some students in finding opportunities for internships.
• Internships are considered an education experience and sometimes students will be charged tuition for the privilege of working on a LEED project.
• Internship referrals are only available to students enrolled in our Green Associate courses. We will not provide referrals for non-students or past students.
• Other rules may apply and will be explained to students.

How can I find out more?

We urge you to read the USGBC/GBCI website thoroughly. In particular, you may read the Green Associate Handbook http://www.gbci.org/Libraries/Candidate_Handbooks/LEED_Green_Associate_Candidate_Handbook.sflb.ashx.

These FAQs are based on information provided by USGBC/GBCI. However, their policies and rules are subject to change at any time without notice or publication. If you need clarification on any subjects addressed in this document, please call USGBC/GBCI at (800) 795-1747.

Kristen Bacorn has been called one of the pioneers of the green architecture movement.

Kristen has over 35 years’ experience as a practicing environmentalist, starting in the 1970s when she performed energy research for a foreign oil producer and provided consulting for clients such as the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. In architecture school, she created environmentally conscious designs and received a university- wide award for architectural theory. In her master’s degree work at Harvard, she performed original research on critical environmental issues in New York City.

Kristen worked on the construction site of the nation's first green residential hi-rise, The Solaire, and wrote the first environmental architecture course to be accepted by NY Dept. of State. Kristen teaches at State University of New York and has addressed the United Nations and been a featured speaker at the annual Javits Center Construction Expo. Her writing has been published in Newsweek, and she has granted exclusive interviews to national publications such Wall Street Journal.

When not teaching LEED at NYREI, Kristen assists private clients – mostly large Fortune 500 firms – in greening their building portfolio. She takes great pleasure in helping others get started in environmental careers, bringing enthusiasm and a wealth of knowledge to the classroom. Kristen invites you to join this exciting exploration of ways to green our built environment.

Kristen Bacorn Email: Kristen@GreenEstateConsulting.com Tel: 917.209.8585

NOTE: Kristen Bacorn also offers a Green Certificate Course (22.5 hours of CE including the Fair Housing requirement)
as well as a 7.5 hour CE course on Green Architecture every month.