LEED certification, intensive course?

September 8, 2008 9:55 PM

I have looked in all the usual places, and cannot find an intensive class to prepare for the test for LEED certification. I will have to take LWOP so the shorter the better. I found one in CO. I am wait-listed, but it is too long anyway. I have studied independently and have already surpassed the ONE-DAY-WONDER seminars. I need to pass the test to move on. Any architects, construction managers out there who can give me a lead?
posted by woman to Education (7 answers total)

Are you sure you need a class? Really all you need is the reference manual, and memorization ability. The test is pretty much just a recitation of rote-memorized factoids (example: what does SCAQMD stand for?). Know all the credits, their intent, and their referenced standards, and you're more or less set to go.

I'm not being snarky when I say this. All I did was study the manual during off-hours.
posted by aramaic at 6:16 AM on September 9, 2008 [1 favorite]

I pass LEED 3.1 two years ago by studying on my own (with my wife as my study partner). A lot of memorization of acronyms and credit allocations. Also try the ARE Forum's LEED topic group. You'll find lots of fellow test takers and tips there, as well as mock exams, Q&A, etc.
posted by spoons at 7:17 AM on September 9, 2008

I don't know if you're going to find much more than a one-day course. The Colorado chapter of the USGBC offers some workshops, but it looks like they're only a full day at most. They also have study guides online that you can purchase, but it sounds like you may have already done that. You might check with the colleges in your area or some local "green" consultants or builders (for example, there's this in Arizona), but I don't see anything that's longer than a day. As was said above, there are plenty of study guides and reference materials availalbe. I bet you'll be ok on your own.
posted by curie at 8:06 AM on September 9, 2008

My local ASHRAE chapter has a YEA group (Young Engineers in ASHRAE) that meets after work once a week to study together for the LEED test. It might be worth checking into - they would probably let you study with them even if you're not an ASHRAE member.
posted by beandip at 8:22 AM on September 9, 2008

Yeah, a class is great but you can do it on your own. I just passed a couple months ago. Here's what I did: made flash cards that covered each credit with name, intent, requirements, submittals. Then I signed up for these practice test. They are worth it. Take the first one, freak out, go back to the book and study some more. Take another one, freak out, study harder, re-reading the manual and paying special attention to all the suplemental information that goes with each credit and practicing the calculations.

I would give yourself, at minimum, a month to read through the entire manual and make flash cards or whatever cheat sheets you need (I assume you're working a 9-5). Then another month to take the practice tests, study, restudy, take another practice test, study, restudy. Then you'll take the test and find that it's a breeze!

Do a search -- there's a blog out there with some great study tips.
posted by amanda at 10:35 AM on September 9, 2008

The national USGBC organization also offers workshops and online courses. Doesn't look like you necessarily have to be a member. There's a fee to join the national org, but not to join the local chapter (at least not in AZ).
posted by curie at 9:26 AM on September 10, 2008

Our company added added LEED courses to our list of services recently. Most contractors really need to understand how this will effect their schedule and estimates. I found 8 classes (2 times a week) gains great success. But we require that the student read the manual first, then take (8) 1 hour classes, take my practice exams, spend 2 weeks cramming and then take the exam. Which version to you plan to take LEED CI 2.0, LEED NC 2.2 or LEED EB? What is your background? I could help, but you need to do the groundwork!
posted by CoriCheairs at 9:09 AM on September 11, 2008