How I studied for the LEED exam

Now that I've passed the LEED AP exam, I'd like to share with you my study curriculum in the hope it will help you pass yours.

Obviously I read the USGBC book, concentrating first on the highlighted pages. I underlined what seemed to be the most important key items or words. I used the flashcards from Professional Publications, Inc at http://www.ppl2pass.com/. I carried them everywhere I went and reviewing constantly.
I went to the back of the book and read the glossary of terms. Anything that was new to me or that I did not have a depth of knowledge in, I went to the Internet (thank God for Google) and checked it out.

A few weeks ago I subscribed to an online test from Green Building Education Services at https://www.greenexamprep.com/index.html . Wayne Whitzell and I discovered it about the same time. It is the best $50 you will spend in preparation for the exam! On the practice test, under "test setting" I chose from the dropdown menu to give the results "after every question". The explanations were great and when I missed a question it forced me to go the Reference Guide and review that answer. I took the various tests multiple times. The system scrambles the questions each time you take the exam. Two weeks before the test, every evening that I could, I did one of the four tests. It made me exceptionally prepared for the exam.

I purchased from the USGBC Colorado Chapter their "LEED Professional Study Guide and Practice Exam". It is concentrated more on NC, but it does have a good outline along with a small practice test for EB. In the middle of the book is a table covering all the credits/prerequisites and it was very helpful. The page called "Acronyms and Abbreviations" has an important synopsis. On the test, you have to know what is covered in the standards for ASHRAE 90.1, 52.2, 55, 62 and ASTM E408 , E903.

I also compiled a study spreadsheet for myself which I will make available to anyone who wants it. It is vital that you know the percentages for the various credits. So I put them on the spreadsheet along with an abbreviated requirement cell. It prints out on 8.5x14 paper. It is not all inclusive but if you have read the materials, it is a concentrated study help like the flashcards but with more information. If you want the file, email me at cesgro@comcast.net

When I took the exam, I noticed that there were a couple of questions that I had not seen in any of the materials that I had studied. I contacted the USGBC and they replied in an email that there was an "erratum for the Reference Guide" that corrected errors and omissions in the Reference Guide book. I went online but haven't yet found it. Whichever LEED exam you are taking, it may be a good idea to check if there is an errata for that Reference Guide.

I hope this helps.

Charles Esgro LEED AP (I like how this looks)

What Does the "I" in IFMA mean?

Hello IFMA-Sac Community!

I wanted you to know that I have been selected to be on a International Task Force to "Define the focus of IFMA's international development strategy as it relates to the organization's member-centric culture as opposed to our products/services culture." There are nine of us on this TF.

This has been a passion of mine for many years, especially ten years ago when I was the IFMA Board Chairman. The profession of FM has been evolving differently around the globe and at different speeds, so it is appropriate for IFMA to establish a clear approach to growing the global membership and to provide the unique products and services that advance all these different member's careers.

Our first official meeting will be in Dallas next month at WWP, and I am looking forward to helping our association evolve as needed to meet the global challenges we are facing.

I will report some of the findings along the way as this TF proceeds. As always, I would love to hear any thoughts you may have about the "I" in IFMA, and promise to get back to any who offer some ideas or ask questions.

Thanks for checking in!

Charles Esgro Passed his LEED AP!!!!

Everyone joing me in congratulating Charles! Hopefully we can get him to post a blog about his experience. Nudge Nudge :-)

Speaking of LEED AP, there has been a change in the EB testing. Below is taken from an email issued by the GBCI regarding the changes:

Registration to take the current LEED for Existing Buildings v2.0 Accredited Professional (AP) exam will close on September 30, 2008 and the last date that the exam will be offered is December 31, 2008.
As of September 1, 2008, all projects registering with the U.S. Green Building
Council (USGBC) for LEED for Existing Buildings are required to register under the new LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Rating System.
As a registrant for the LEED for Existing Buildings v2.0 AP exam please review the following options available to you:
• If you have not yet scheduled an exam session: You have until September 30 to schedule your LEED for Existing Buildings v2.0 exam and you may take the exam up until December 31, 2008.
• If you have scheduled an exam session between now and September 30, 2008: There is nothing you need to do. In the event that you do not pass your exam, you will still be able to register for a new LEED for Existing Buildings v2.0 AP exam through September 30, 2008.
• If you have scheduled an exam session between October 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008:
Option 1: Keep your appointment. If you need to retest, you will need to study from the new LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Rating System and Reference Guide.
Option 2: Cancel your scheduled exam using the procedures outlined in the candidate handbook. Once your exam is cancelled, you have the option to participate in the Beta testing of the new LEED for Existing Buildings: O&M exam for free. Beta testing will occur in November, 2008. Although specific details will follow, please know now that if you participate in the Beta testing event, it will take several months to receive your pass or fail notification. If you are interested in this option, please contact GBCI at volunteer@gbci.org.
To schedule, reschedule, cancel or confirm an exam appointment, please visit Prometric’s Web site: www.prometric.com/gbci. Please note that Prometric charges a $30 rescheduling fee for any appointment cancelled or rescheduled within 30 days of the original exam date. For instructions and policies regarding Prometric scheduling, please see pages 6-8 of the LEED AP Candidate Handbook. If you have questions regarding your exam appointment or the scheduling process, please contact Prometric at 1-800-853-6769.
For more information on the LEED for Existing Buildings v2.0 exam retirement, please visit GBCI’s Web site. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call our Customer Service Staff at 1-800-795-1746.
Thank you for your interest and involvement in the LEED Accredited Professional program. Good luck in your endeavors towards a sustainable built environment.
Sincerely,
_________________
Accreditation Staff
Green Building Certification Institute
1800 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Third Floor
Washington, DC 20036
800 795-1746
www.gbci.org