LEED for Homes Green Rater Program

The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED for Homes Rating System has seen widespread implementation throughout the residential sector since its launch in 2008. As of October 2009, there are nearly 20,000 units registered with LEED for Homes throughout the U.S., all of which will require on-site verification from a credentialed LEED for Homes Green Rater.

To help meet this demand, USGBC has designed the all-new LEED for Homes Green Rater Program to establish minimum qualifications and competencies among Green Raters who are performing in-field verification on LEED for Homes projects.

The LEED for Homes Green Rater Beta Exam application period is OPEN NOW through Fri., Oct. 30.

•  To apply, visit GBCI.org, log in to My Credentials, and apply under "Current Options."
  

Overview of LEED for Homes Green Rater Program

View Green Rater Program Diagram

LEED for Homes Green Raters play a critical role in the LEED for Homes process by overseeing all verification services on a project. Green Raters may work directly for a LEED for Homes Provider or contract independently with one or several Providers, but may not provide verification services on a project without an agreement with a Provider organization.

A Green Rater has the following responsibilities within the LEED for Homes Program:

• Oversight of all verification services on a LEED for Homes registered project
• Communication link between Provider Organization and Project Team
• Verification that Project Submittal Package is complete and delivery to Provider QAD

Eligibility Qualifications

Green Rater Pathways

There are two pathways candidates may follow to become a LEED for Homes Green Rater: the Conventional Pathway and, for experienced raters, the Advanced Track.

A candidate following the Conventional Pathway must:

• Meet the minimum LEED for Homes Green Rater Eligibility Qualifications
• Apply to be a LEED for Homes Green Rater (Application process open in 2010)
• Complete the two-part LEED for Homes Green Rater Training:
  Part 1: Full series of self-guided online learning modules
  Part 2: Instructor-led two-day LEED for Homes Green Rater Workshop
• Register, take and pass the LEED for Homes Green Rater exam, administered by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI).

→ At this point, candidates will obtain an exam completion certificate from GBCI

• Establish an agreement to provide verification services with a LEED for Homes Provider organization. It is strongly recommend that this happen at the very beginning of the applicant’s pathway.
• Complete the required components of LEED for Homes Green Rater Mentorship within 24 months of passing exam.

→ After satisfying the mentorship requirements, candidates will obtain a LEED for Homes Green Rater Certificate from GBCI

Mentorship Requirements

Once candidates have passed the LEED for Homes Green Rater exam, they have two years to complete a mentorship with a current LEED for Homes Green Rater and Provider Quality Assurance Designee (QAD).

A mentorship must consist of these elements:

• Participate in 2 preliminary ratings Note: Mentor must be present or participating via phone for the entirety of both meetings.
• Conduct two pre-drywall and two final verification visits. Note: The first visit of each verification type must be supervised in-person by the Mentor.
• Assemble two LEED for Homes Project Submittal Packages (reviewed by QAD)
• Submit mentorship documentation to GBCI for review.

Advanced Track

This track is for individuals who have provided verification services on LEED for Homes projects prior to the availability of the LEED for Homes Green Rater certificate. The Advanced Track requires only one self-guided online learning module prior to the applicant sitting for the LEED for Homes Green Rater Exam administered by GBCI. Such individuals may submit an Advanced Track application between October 2009 and September 2010 demonstrating that they have met the specified requirements to USGBC. 

The Advanced Track eligibility requirements are:

• Have previously participated in three LEED for Homes preliminary ratings.
• Have previously conducted three pre-drywall and three final verification visits on LEED for Homes projects.(Note: At least one of each must have been supervised by a LEED for Homes Provider Quality Assurance Designee)
  
• Have previously assembled 3 LEED for Homes submittal packages

• Submit your completed application to greenrater@usgbc.org

Applications

•  To apply, visit GBCI.org, log in to My Credentials, and apply under "Current Options."
  

LEED for Homes Resources