LEED Certification Gets VA Help

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 Exams' administered by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI).

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 https://tinyurl.com/gibillVA.

''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.''

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).