The Green Building Certification Institute has begun testing for the new LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
Green Associate credential and Operations and Maintenence credential.
The Green Associate credential will denote basic knowledge of green design, construction and operations, and is an option for professionals who wish to demonstrate green expertise in non-technical areas of practice. It is the first step for professionals if they later choose to become a LEED AP.
The O+M AP credential will provide a standard for professionals involved in the operation and maintenence of existing buildings, and has replaced the "LEED AP for Existing Buildings" credential. To attain the LEED AP O+M credential, a candidate must pass the LEED Green Associate exam as part one to demonstrate general knowledge, and then pass a second Operations and Maintenance specialty exam.
Other Accredited Professional (AP) categories include Homes, Building Design and Construction, Interior Design and Construction, and Neighborhood Development. For each of these categories as well, the Green Associate credential is the first step in the credentialing process.