Green Advantage offers 2 green builder certifications.
Getting certified is easy! Just follow these 5 simple steps.
- Choose the certification that is right for you
- Review our policies
- Create a login account and register for the exam
- Download prep resource materials and study
- Take the exam
To register to become certified, click here.
To register to recertify, click here.
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 focuses on: | 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. |
| To pass you must: | Understand the application of green building methods, materials, and 300+ green building best practices including building performance, worker & occupant health & safety, crew collaboration, and costs | Understand the application of green building 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 |
| Exam length/format: | 1-½ hour test time/60 multiple choice questions | 1-½ hour test time/60 multiple choice questions |
| Credential awarded: | Green Advantage Certified Associate® ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 Accredited (valid for 5 years) | Green Advantage Certified Practitioner® ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 Accredited (valid for 5 years) |
| Fee: | $250 This fee is reimbursable for eligible veterans. Click here for more information. See the fee schedule for student discounts. | $250 This fee is reimbursable for eligible veterans. Click here for more information. See the fee schedule for student discounts. |
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
- From the Green Advantage website, if you have a GA account, log in and complete then Register. If you do not have a GA account, create one by clicking on New User and then Register.
- Select the computerized version of the exam you wish to take.
- Read and electronically sign 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.
An employer, training organization, or other host may arrange for a group exam. This involves a different registration process than the one listed above. 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)
- GACA/GACP Certification Handbook
- GACA Exam Overview
- GACP Exam Overview
- Tips for Preparing to Take an Exam
- Tips for Exam Day
- List of Exam Prep Trainers
Green Advantage recommends, but does not require, exam candidates to attend exam preparation training.
Recertify
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 recertified.