Certifications
Choose the green builder certification that’s right for you.
| Green Advantage Certified Associate® Exam (GACA® Exam) | Green Advantage Certified Practitioner® Exam (GACP® Exam) | |
| Exam is for: | Workers across trades, regardless of green building rating system, standard, or code utilized on the job.
| Supervisors across trades, regardless of green building rating system, standard, or code utilized on the job.
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| Exam focus: | How to ensure successful green building projects and reduce risks associated with green building. | How to ensure successful green building projects and reduce risks associated with green building, emphasizing supervisory perspective. |
| Examination Requirements & Training: | Understand the application of green building means, methods, materials, and 300+ green building best practices including building performance, worker & occupant health & safety, crew collaboration, and costs. Although training in preparation for the exam is not required and not provided by Green Advantage, if you are interested in training, contact: Ian Heckman Consulting Ian is a highly experienced builder who is available to provide GACA training to groups and individuals throughout the US and Canada. He’s been helping to create an environmentally friendly culture for over 20 years. To make arrangements, contact him at ianheckman44@gmail.com. | Understand the application of green building means, methods, materials, and 800+ green building best practices. The exam emphasizes meeting and exceeding green project goals related to building performance, worker and occupant health and safety, crew collaboration, and costs. Although training in preparation for the exam is not required and not provided by Green Advantage, if you are interested in training, contact: Ian Heckman Consulting Ian is a highly experienced builder who is available to provide GACP training to groups and individuals throughout the US and Canada. He’s been helping to create an environmentally friendly culture for over 20 years. To make arrangements, contact him at ianheckman44@gmail.com. |
| Exam administration/length/format: | Exams are administered online through remote live proctoring. A link is sent to schedule exams. To avoid a $50 rescheduling fee, exam rescheduling should be done at least 48 hours in advance. Alternatively, by request, proctored paper/pencil exams can also be administered to groups of 5 or greater candidates at approved sites. Contact ces@greenadvantage.org to make arrangements. 1-½ hour test time/60 multiple choice questions | Exams are administered online through remote live proctoring. A link is sent to schedule exams. To avoid a $50 rescheduling fee, exam rescheduling should be done at least 48 hours in advance. Alternatively, by request, proctored paper/pencil exams can also be administered to groups of 5 or greater candidates at approved sites. Contact ces@greenadvantage.org to make arrangements. 1-½ hour test time/60 multiple choice questions |
| Credential awarded: | Green Advantage Certified Associate® (GACA™) Accredited (valid for 5 years) | Green Advantage Certified Practitioner® (GACP™) (valid for 5 years) |
| Fee: | $300 This fee is reimbursable for eligible veterans and eligible coast guard service members. Click here for more information about veteran reimbursement and click here to learn more about Coast Guard reimbursement. $300 This fee applies to the Credential Maintenance Program. Contact ces@greenadvantage.org to make payment arrangements. $250 This fee applies to Students. Contact ces@greenadvantage.org to make payment arrangements. | $300 This fee is reimbursable for eligible veterans and eligible coast guard service members. Click here for more information about veteran reimbursement and click here to learn more about Coast Guard reimbursement. See the fee schedule for student discounts. $300 This fee applies to the Credential Maintenance Program. Contact ces@greenadvantage.org to make payment arrangements. $250 This fee applies to Students. Contact ces@greenadvantage.org to make payment arrangements. |
| Purchase Study Guide alone: | $50. Click here to purchase. | $50. Click here to purchase. |
| Time limit for exams and retakes: | Once payment is made by an individual or through voucher purchase, registrants have six months from the date of payment to take the exam, including retakes. | Once payment is made by an individual or through voucher purchase, registrants have six months from the date of payment to take the exam, including retakes. |
Policies
Review our policies in the GACA/GACP Certification Handbook and GA Trademark Usage Guide. If you still have questions, please feel free to contact us ces@greenadvantage.org or 540-822-9449.
Register
Individuals
- Click here to Register.
- Select the computerized version of the exam you wish to take.
- Read and accept the registration agreement.
- Checkout by paying for your exam. You can pay with a credit card or, if your employer or host has sent you a voucher code, enter your voucher code.
- Schedule your exam. Once you complete step #4 above, you will receive an email scheduler that will enable you to arrange a date/time to take your exam through remote proctoring.
As part of a group/organization
An employer, training organization, or other host may arrange for a group exam. If you are part of such a group, you will receive special registration instructions from your exam host. If you have questions about this process, ask your exam host, or contact exams@greenadvantage.org.
Prepare
Green Advantage offers free resources to help you prepare for your certification exam – and pass!
- Study Guides (included with exam registration). Or, purchase the Study Guide for $50.
- GACA/GACP Certification Handbook
- GACA Exam Overview
- GACP Exam Overview
- Tips for Preparing to Take an Exam
- Tips for Exam Day
Green Advantage recommends, but does not require, exam candidates to attend exam preparation training.
Credential Maintenance
The GA Certified Practitioner and the GA Certified Associate™ certifications are valid for 5 years. So be sure to keep track of your certification expiration, and don’t forget to get to maintain your certification through continuing education or taking and passing the current exam. Learn more by visiting the landing page for the Credential Maintenance Program.