Newsletter of the College of Architecture at Texas A&M University
Three students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in construction science at Texas A&M’s College of Architecture have enhanced their resumés, becoming certified as LEED Accredited Professionals: after passing a rigorous exam while juggling internships and schoolwork.
“Certification in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a very sought after and desirable qualification,” said George Eustace, senior lecturer of construction science. “Many construction companies have established goals for their employees to become LEED certified.”
LEED Accredited Professionals, or LEED APs, possess a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and the LEED Rating System, established by the U.S. Green Building Council.
“After I passed the test April 2, I received second interviews from two companies who previously said they would not be able to hire me,” said senior Jonathan Sneed. “I believe my accreditation will continue opening doors and allow me to excel in an area of construction that is forecast for serious growth.”
Ashley Shaw, a junior, was doing her internship at DPR construction in California when her opportunity arose.
“The company offered to train me and pay for the exam, so I was willing to put in the extra time to study and learn,” she said.
Eric McElroy, who’s scheduled to graduate in May, was working at an internship in the Dallas office of JE Dunn Construction when he got an offer from his boss.
“He called me into his office, told me they were happy with my performance and that he wanted to make a deal with me,” said McElroy. “He told me that JE Dunn would pay for me to take the LEED test — only if I passed it. I immediately took him up on his offer and began studying.”
For the next 3 weeks, after finishing his workday at JE Dunn, then working on his Construction Industry Professional Studies class, he studied for the LEED exam.
“I took the test on Christmas Eve and walked out a LEED accredited professional,” he said. “It was a very rewarding experience for me. People asked me why I was taking the exam, and I told them it’s the direction that our industry is moving and it helps put me one step ahead of everybody else.”
Sneed said he took advantage of several study aids as he prepared.
“I obtained a great study review packet called ‘The LEED AP Walkthrough’ by Patrick Flynn. This comprehensive packet highlights the majority of information that must be memorized in order to pass the exam,” he said.
The “Walkthrough,” he said, goes through each of the test’s credits and prerequisites and also provides some useful study and testing tips that make memorizing all the material easier.
He then took two practice tests on the Internet recommended by Flynn.
“The first test was free and is on BuildingGreen.com,” he said. “I found this test to be a great indicator of how much studying I needed to do and showed me the areas of study where I needed to focus.”
The second test he took, on GreenExamPrep.com, charges $50 to access its four tests during a six-month period, providing explanations of the right and wrong answers for each question. Sneed said the questions were accurately modeled off the real LEED exam.
“These tests were crucial to my preparation and I would highly recommend them to anyone,” he said.
Sneed said he spent two solid weeks and $700 studying for one of the hardest exams he’d ever taken, but that “it was absolutely worth it.”
“Passing the LEED AP exam was difficult, but I would strongly recommend it to anyone interested in finding a job in this very competitive market,” he said.
- Posted: May 1, 2009-
