GBCI, VA Help Veterans and Families Pay for LEED Exams

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in accordance with the G.I. Bill, has agreed to reimburse Veterans, eligible dependents and reservists for the cost of any of the LEED Professional Examsâ„¢ administered by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI).  

“We are honored to be a part of the VA's aggressive effort to help Veterans gain the skills and credentials required for full participation in the new, green economy,” said Peter Templeton, President, GBCI. “For those veterans who are pursuing a career in green building or a related field, this support for attaining LEED credentials can go a long way in helping them achieve their professional goals, and GBCI is proud to play a part in their future success.”

Individuals planning to take a LEED Professional Exam must apply directly to the VA for reimbursement. Under this agreement, the VA will cover up to $2,000 per exam. Anyone who took a LEED Professional Exam after December 3, 2008 is eligible for reimbursement. Those interested in applying and learning more about the program and related certification benefits should visit http://tinyurl.com/gibillVA.    

GBCI administers exams for professionals wishing to earn a LEED Green Associate or LEED AP credential, which support the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED green building rating systems.   The LEED Green Associate credential is ideal for professionals who want to demonstrate green building expertise in non-technical fields of practice. The five LEED AP credentials distinguish green building practitioners who have demonstrated proficiency and specialization in the LEED rating systems for Building Design + Construction (BD+C), Interior Design + Construction (ID+C), Operations + Maintenance (O+M), Homes, or Neighborhood Development (ND).

For more information on the LEED Professional Exams and Credentials, visit www.gbci.org.

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About GBCI
The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) provides third party confirmation that specific criteria related to LEED building certification and LEED professional credentialing have been met.   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 building certification program for the more than 30,000 commercial projects seeking third-party verification of compliance with the industry’s leading green building rating system. For more information, please visit www.gbci.org.