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New credential renewal policy

  • Updated

What is the new credential renewal policy?

Starting Nov. 3, 2023, GBCI is updating the renewal policy for all LEED credential holders. These changes incentivize early renewal, which can be completed up to a year before a credential expires, and offer a clear path forward if you miss your renewal date. The changes will affect three key areas: the renewal process, pricing and user experience.

Currently, credential holders have a 30-day grace period after the renewal date to report hours previously earned within the two-year reporting period and renewal.

With the new policy, the 30-day grace period is extended to a 12-month grace period and will allow you extra time to earn CE hours without changing your current reporting period. However, please note that this additional time will be deducted from your next reporting period. A reactivation fee for late renewals will be assessed in the new policy but so will discounts for renewing early. Learn more about the new credential renewal fee schedule.

Note: Your reporting period does not change. You can confirm your reporting period and renewal date by logging into your USGBC account, clicking "Account" on the top right side, and then selecting "Credentials."

Does my reporting period change with the new credential renewal policy?

No. Your reporting period does not change. You can confirm your reporting period by logging into your USGBC account, clicking "Account" on the top right side, then selecting "Credentials."

You can confirm your reporting period by logging into your USGBC account, clicking "Account" on the top right side, then selecting "Credentials."

How does this new credential renewal policy affect me?

If your LEED credential renewal date (the last day of your reporting period) is before Nov. 3, 2023, you must earn and report CE hours and renew your credential by your renewal date to keep your renewal fee at $85. If you need additional time, you will be eligible for the new 12-month grace period and the new fee schedule will apply.

If your LEED credential renewal date (the last day of your reporting period) is after Nov. 3, 2023, no action is required. The new policy will take effect on your next credential renewal.

Note: Your reporting period does not change. You can confirm your reporting period and renewal date by logging into your USGBC account, clicking "Account" on the top right side, then selecting "Credentials."

What is my renewal date?

Your renewal date is the last day of your reporting period. It is the last day you are eligible for early renewal. The day after your renewal date, your credential becomes inactive.

What are the pricing changes for the new credential renewal policy?

The update includes a price increase for the standard LEED credential fee from $85 to $100; however, additional rates are included to acknowledge early and late renewals.

New policy (effective Nov. 3, 2023):

  • Early renewal (year 2 of reporting period – renewal date): $85
  • On time renewal (day after the renewal date – first 30 days of the grace period): $100
  • Late renewal (more than 30 days into the grace period): $150

What is my credential status?

With the new credential renewal policy effective Nov. 3, 2023, your credential can fall within three different statuses within your most recent reporting period: active, inactive and expired.

  • Active: You are up to date with your continuing education (CE) hours and have renewed your credential within the last two years. Your credential is within your current reporting period and you are in the process of earning your required CE hours to maintain and/or renew your credential. Learn more about the benefits of early renewal.
  • Inactive: Your credential has lapsed and is currently outside the 2-year reporting period window. You have 12 months from the day your credential lapsed to earn and report your missing CE hours and renew your credential. It's important to note that the reporting period will not change, however, any additional time utilized within the 12-month period will be considered in the next reporting period. In other words, credential holders will use a portion of their upcoming reporting period, leading to a shorter duration for their next reporting period. Please note that credential reactivation fees will apply.
  • Expired: Your credential lapsed more than 12 months ago and is no longer valid. We encourage you to consider re-testing to join our community of green building professionals. If unforeseen circumstances prevent you from completing your credential maintenance requirements in your 2-year reporting period, you must reach out to GBCI before your reporting period ends to explain your situation. For example, GBCI will consider situations such as military deployment or credential holder’s long-term illness. Requests must be submitted to GBCI at least 30 days before the end of your reporting period. Please be prepared to provide supporting documentation. GBCI reviews requests on a case-by-case basis and does not guarantee any extensions.

Where can I find my credential status?

In the updated Credentials dashboard, your credential status can be found in your usgbc.org account Credential Overview page under the “My credentials” section. Learn more about your credential status.

Does my reporting period change if I renew my LEED credential during the inactive period?

Your reporting period will not change. Any additional time utilized within the 12-month grace period will be considered in the next reporting period. In other words, credential holders will use a portion of their upcoming reporting period, leading to a shorter duration for their next reporting period; you are in effect ‘eating into’ the next two-year reporting period.

Can I renew my credential early?

Yes. You may renew your credential one year into your reporting period after the required continuing education (CE) hours have been completed.  Once you have successfully renewed your credential within the current two-year reporting period, any additional CE hours earned can be reported for the ongoing reporting period. However, these additional hours cannot be counted towards the next reporting period.

Please note that you can start earning and reporting CE hours towards your new reporting period once your new reporting period begins.

Credential holders who renew early will benefit from a discount off of the standard renewal fee.

Am I eligible for early renewal?

You are eligible for the early renewal rate when renewing your LEED credential within the active two-year reporting period. Early renewal allows you to renew your credential at the reduced rate of $85, instead of the standard renewal fee of $100.

For those choosing to renew within the first 30 days of the 12-month inactive grace period, the renewal fee remains at $100. However, renewing beyond this initial 30-day window, during the 12-month grace period, will incur an additional reactivation fee of $50.

Can I continue to earn and report CE hours after renewing my credential early?

Yes. You may continue to earn and report CE hours for your current report period. However, these CE hours will not count towards your new reporting period. You can start earning and reporting CE hours towards your new reporting period, once your new reporting period begins.

How will my CE hours be tracked and recognized during my inactive status?

If, while earning CE hours for your current reporting period, you exceed the minimum requirement and earn additional hours, those extra hours will be carried forward and counted toward your next reporting period. This means that the surplus hours will be credited and applied to fulfill the CE requirements for the next reporting period once you renew your credential.

Please note that CE hours within a single activity cannot be divided between two reporting periods. All hours from a particular activity can only be reported towards one reporting period. Therefore, the hours earned from one activity will be attributed entirely to a single reporting period and cannot be split across multiple reporting periods.

Why is my credential no longer valid?

If your credential lapsed more than 12 months ago, it means that your credential expired and is no longer valid. We encourage you to consider re-testing to join our community of green building professionals.

Why do I have to re-test for my LEED credential?

You will have to re-test if your credential status is expired. In this case, since your credential is no longer valid, your only option is to re-test. You will have the option to re-test for the LEED Green Associate exam or LEED Green Associate and LEEP AP with specialty combined exam.

Note: If your LEED AP with specialty credential expired, you will have to start the credential process from the beginning and re-test for your LEED Green Associate credential.

Can I register for a LEED exam if my LEED credential is inactive?

No. If your LEED Green Associate or LEED AP with specialty credential has lapsed and is inactive, you will not be allowed to register for any LEED exam. Once your credential is renewed and is active, you may proceed to register for a LEED exam.

What happens if I do not complete my continuing education requirements?

If you do not complete your continuing education requirements by the end of your two-year reporting period, your LEED credential lapses and becomes inactive. You will have 12 months from the day your credential lapsed to earn and report your missing CE hours and renew your credential. It's important to note that the reporting period will not change, however, any additional time utilized within the 12-month period will be considered in the next reporting period. In other words, credential holders will use a portion of their upcoming reporting period, leading to a shorter duration for their next reporting period. Credential reactivation fees may apply upon renewal.

If your credential lapsed more than 12 months ago, it is expired and no longer valid. To regain a credential after expiration, you must register and re-test as a new candidate. You will be responsible for all applicable fees.

Also, as per the GBCI Disciplinary and Exam Appeals Policy, upon expiration of the credential, you must cease the use of the credential and logo.

How much is my credential renewal if I hold more than one LEED AP with specialty credential?

The cost for credential maintenance renewal for LEED APs with more than one specialty credential is $100. Credential holders with multiple LEED AP with specialty credentials are not charged extra to maintain multiple credentials. Please refer to the question “What is the cost for credential maintenance renewal?” for additional details on early and late renewal fees.

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