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Since getting my LEED AP back in June, I have been asked by a number of people in the AV industry how one goes about getting this accreditation. As with anything in life, I imagine there are many paths one can take; however, I thought I would provide information on the process I undertook to assist those looking to become accredited.

1. My firm, Waveguide, joined the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Technically, you don’t have to do this, but it gives you a discount on the study guide and test and gets your firm listed on the USGBC directory. USGBC membership dues are based on your firm’s revenue. For the average AV integrator or consultant, your dues will range from $300 to $2,500 with most firms paying either $1,000 or $1,500.
   
   
2. I purchased the LEED New Construction Version 2.2 Handbook, which is $150 for members, $200 for non-members. This is the essential study guide and outlines all of the LEED points attainable on a project. It’s 300 some odd pages, but is well organized and serves as a good reference to pass the test and beyond.
   
   
3. I took a LEED study workshop course so I would know what the heck I was stepping into. This was a 3-day, 4 hour per day class I took between Christmas and New Years Day. Basically, an architect in Atlanta was getting all of their principals accredited, and they had hired a LEED trainer to come in and teach a class. They knew I was interested in pursuing my LEED AP so they let me sit in for $400 (which was what they paid per head). Even though I had a general working knowledge of the whole LEED point system prior to taking the class, I got a  lot out of the class and strongly recommend taking such a course so you know what to expect and can understand how the test is structured. I believe the USGBC (www.usgbc.org) lists entities that offer this training.
   
   
4. Next, my goal was to take a 3-day weekend, read the handbook cover to cover, make my little flash cards, and basically cram for the test. Unfortunately, it took me six months to find that 3-day weekend.
   
   
5. I signed up for the test for which the exam fee is $250 for members and $350 for non-members.
   
   
6. I crammed one more time the night before the test. The test is basically about 80 multiple-choice questions and is offered at ProMetric test sites around the country. The test takes about two hours. Your score is calculated instantly so you can see if you passed about 15 seconds after you hit submit

Good luck!