IES Blog

LEED AP: Continuing Education

Posted : April 7, 2010 by Suzanne, Category: Uncategorized

I’ve been considering opting into the new LEED AP program. See my previous post that explained my process of evaluation and final decision… for now. Part of the evaluation included figuring out what was needed to maintain my credentials. If I became a LEED AP BD+C (aka LEED AP with Specialty) I’d have to participate in the Certification Maintenance Program. There are two options in the program:

1. Collect 30 hours of continuing education hours, over a two year period
2. Retake the LEED AP BD+C exam

After spending what felt like 30 hours sifting through what counts towards the 30 hours of continuing education hours needed and trying to figure out what would qualify for me, I’ve come to a quasi-decision.  But first, here’s what I found out:
1. There’s two variables:
• Activities [8]
• Categories [7] – only needed the first time you opt in
2. There are a lot of restrictions.
3. Requires self-reporting online - more paperwork.
4. GBCI likes to keep things complicated.
5. Spending my working hours and a lot of my spare time on sustainable work doesn’t equate to 30 hours over two years unfortunately.

It boils down to the limits the GBCI puts on some of the activities that qualify for hours.  These are my notes on the activities.  For the full document, “How to Earn Continuing Education (CE) Hours”, (https://www.gbci.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=3675) visit the GBCI site.

*Hours earned as an instructor cannot exceed 50% of your total CE hours.

For me, I already have some of the hours, or plan to in the next two years. These are the items highlighted in green. But doing the math, I’m still short 6 CE hours. Unfortunately my PE doesn’t count as I’ve had it for awhile. The good news is that IES is already an approved provider and will be offering ERB approved trainings later this year. So this can count for you if you plan to attend one of our approved trainings, or are one of the presenters.

For me, I could work on my professional development and take a few ERB-approved courses ($). Or I could publish two articles (time). Or I could take advantage of living in Boston, “the Athens of America” with its 100 plus college and universities and just take a college course (time and $). Or I could just take the test. I like tests. Note: in case you don’t do well on tests, be forewarned, you only have up to three tries per calendar year.

For now, I’m waiting to see where the market goes in the coming years. I’m leaning towards the test taking option. Did I mention I like tests? In the meantime, I can sleep soundly knowing that my “LEED AP without specialty credential is held in perpetuity and does not have any credential maintenance requirements or fees.”

Next Time: LEED AP: What to Study and How to Study.

Tags:Boston, LEED