Registration is now open to candidates who qualify and wish to pursue the new LEED Green Associate credential or the new LEED Accredited Professional (AP) Operation and Maintenance (O+M) Credential.

Designed for professionals who want to demonstrate green building expertise in non-technical fields of practice, the LEED Green Associate credential represents demonstrable knowledge and skills in green design, construction and operations. It is also the first step for professionals if they later choose to become a LEED-AP.

The LEED-AP O+M credential recognizes advanced knowledge in green building practices along with specialized expertise relevant to the field of building operations and maintenance. The new credential was designed to be consistent with the knowledge base and requirements of the new LEED 2009 rating system, which launches April 27, 2009. Attaining the LEED-AP O+M credential is a two-part process requiring candidates to pass the LEED Green Associate exam as part one to demonstrate general knowledge, and then pass a second operations and maintenance specialty exam.

About GBCI
GBCI was created to administer certification and credentialing programs related to green building practice and to ensure that the LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) program continues to be developed in accordance with best practices for credentialing programs. To underscore this commitment, GBCI is undergoing the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accreditation process for personnel certification agencies complying with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standard 17024. Early in 2009, GBCI assumed responsibility for administering the LEED certification program for the more than 20,000 commercial projects seeking third party verification of compliance with the industry’s leading green building rating system.

For more information related to the exam structure, eligibility requirements and maintenance programs for these credentials, visitwww.gbci.org.