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Why I Failed LEED Green Associate Exam And How to Pass

  • Writer: Mika
    Mika
  • Oct 24, 2019
  • 4 min read

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LEED Green Associate exam measures general knowledge of green building practices and how to support others working on LEED projects. According to USGBC, LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Available for virtually all building project types, from new construction to interior fit-outs and operation & maintenance, LEED provides a framework that project teams can apply to create healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement.


So if you care about the environment and would like to contribute as a professional socially and economically, go LEED!


At the beginning, I did not want to spend a lot of money so I was using a free online course. I watched the 10 hours courses then I took the three 100 questions multiple choice. I did my research, read some blogs online, and some of the comments were positive. So I used the resource.


The first time I studied was January of 2019. I was reading and studying and at the same time applying jobs. When I started working I got really busy so I stop studying and was focusing on my daily task. Around April close to my birthday, I started studying again because I wanted to pass by the time its my birthday. It was the same timing I took my PMP exam a year ago.


The first time I studied I used the resource called GreenCE. It's free, easy to understand, and the courses provides video, study material, and 3 exams. I studied for about a month or two and took the exam. To my surprise, the exam was very different from what I studied. Of course, I failed the first time. Frustrated, I jot down everything I remember from the exam and wrote it on my note. I wrote the questions as well as the answers and researched later to check which answer was correct. I scheduled the exam a week later because I was confident that I will pass the second time.


I studied again, took the mock exam everyday, and memorized the needed terminology. The second time I took the test, I failed again. There was still questions that I don't understand and it did not come out from the study resource that I used. So I reached out to my colleague who took the exam and passed the test. I asked which resource he used and he gave me some study materials and the name of the website he used to study.


My colleague used the company called LEADING GREEN and he took the on site class. I reach out to the person and explained about my situation. I honestly told him I failed the test and want to pass the test this time so if he can help me out. He said I will definitely pass the test if I follow the instruction. I wondered everyone would say that to purchase the courses but I really wanted to pass the test after failing twice so I purchased the course. He was professional and explained step by step on how to use the course. It seems like he personally made the course and he also visits back and forth from New York and Toronto. He wasn't in New York during that time so instead of taking the on site class I took the online class.


The process is pretty much the same but I liked the fact that the video is short and straightforward. The GreenCE courses has an hour for each video but for LEADING Green was 30 minutes in average. It was also easier to understand and some examples was provided. I watched all the video and took the exams.


It's a 2 hour exam for 100 questions multiple choice. The score is 200 points since there are multiple answers in one questions. I scheduled for the exam and this time did not tell anyone. I was embarrassed the last time I told my friend and colleague. After they wished me lack and asked how was the exam it was already awkward to say I failed again.


So then I scheduled my exam. Here comes the exam day. After greeting the front desk, I put my stuff in the locker and lined up nervously. The lady took me inside a room full of computers with privacy panel on each side. I sat down and wear the headphone to lessen the surrounded noise of typing keyboard. Once I finished the exam, I wasn't sure if I pass. It felt different from the last time I took the exam. After taking the survey, a short note pop out on my screen written as "Congratulation, you passed!".


Really, my advice to pass the exam is to use the right resource.


I was shocked. After thinking I wasn't sure I would pass, I passed. And my score wasn't bad at all. I was so happy I finally passed and this is just the beginning. There is a specialize test that I have to take after this. But for now, I will just relax first... then take the next challenge.


This might depend on some people so don't take my word but I personally thought that the LEADING GREEN study material was the way to go to pass the exam. It cost me $200 but its worth it. If I used this material at the very first time, I must have pass the test for the first time. So guys, don't be stingy and invest on your study material! Here's the link to the study material. https://leadinggreen.com/online-leed-green-associate/


Thanks for reading and good luck if your taking the exam!

 
 
 

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© 2017 By Mika Arai.

Mika Arai

 

 

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