More about the training.
All Students will
- Watch training videos online for each LEED Category on your time during the training period. These must be completed before the live course.
- Complete a LEED checklist workbook based on an example project
- Discuss questions with students and the instructor on an online chat forum in regards to each of the LEED categories/credit
- Attend a 3-hour live session where we will go over your homework and other questions
- Complete all videos, assignments, and discussions by the last day, and then take a practice quiz
- Be encouraged to take the GBCI Green Rater official quiz during the course with the group
- Access to a building science CEU course discount to help you complete your application
Learning Objectives
- Define the responsibilities of a LEED Green Rater in each phase of the project
- Manage and conduct verification activities
- Effectively use the LEED v4 Homes and Multifamily Workbook
- Identify the location key resources
In addition
This course provides you with access to the online practice exam once you complete, access to all relevant LEED for homes files for documentation, Green Rater client contract draft, free access to an all-day LEED for Homes workshop recorded training, and the opportunity to get optional mentorship from a GHI Green Rater Team Member.
Audience
This training is intended for professionals with a minimum of three years of experience in the residential construction industry and basic residential green building knowledge who are interested in providing verification services on LEED for Homes projects. Those with a background in on-site verification and/or energy rating are particularly qualified along with HERS, ASHRAE or BPI professionals.
This is also a great session for those managing a LEED project and what to know what the green raters will be looking for so that you make the project go smoother.
Continuing Education – 15 Hours (includes modules)
- RESNET – 10 hours
- BSI Verifiers – 15 hours
- GBCI / LEED AP Homes – 15 hours only
- BPI: 8.5 CEUs
- AIA/HSW*
- Certified GreenHome Professional – 15 hours
- AIBD*
*May be applicable to your local state-based design or contractor license
Cost and Registration
You must complete 3 hours of live training that GHI offers every month, or you can schedule a training with us any time. Please register here to get started now. Cost $1,000 nonmembers or $500.00 for GHI members.
Bonuses! – Looking to become a National Green Building Standard (NGBS) Verifier? This is one pathway to get qualified for that credential.
All trained LEED green raters are qualified to be GreenHome Inspectors and DOE Home Energy Score Assessors.
Instructor
Brett Little – Education Manager

FAQ
Q. What experience/education do I need to be a LEED green rater
A. See here, but please do not fill this out until you complete the course!
Q. Before taking this course, do I need to be a LEED AP first?
A. No but you will need to become a LEED AP within 6 months of taking the course, or you will be required to retake the course at an additional fee. GHI highly advises you first to become a LEED GA, then LEED AP, and then take this Green Rater Course. We have outlined an easy step-by-step pathway for you to do so here https://greenhomeinstitute.org/become-a-leed-accredited-professional-ap-homes/
Please note LEED AP specialties such as O+M and others do not qualify only Homes or BD+C, LEED AP legacy does not qualify.
Q. Do you provide the final Green Rater Exam, and how long do I have to take it?
A. The final LEED Green Rater Exam is not managed nor developed by the GreenHome Institute but by GBCI. This exam will be an additional fee for you paid to GBCI. We encourage you to reserve the rest of the day after the class to finish the exam. Please do not wait, as many who do, never take it. You have six months to complete your exam; if you do not, you must retake our course.
Q. Is this a training on the LEED for Homes Rating system credits and requirements?
A. Yes and no. To succeed in this class, you should have some exposure to the general LEED rating system and how it works. This class aims to know how to verify LEED requirements, not necessarily know all the details of designing and building a LEED Home. Please attend our 4-hour on-demand LEED for Homes Course before taking this course if you are not already a LEED AP Homes. This course is free for all GHI members.
Q. After paying the course fee to GHI are there any other payments I need to make to pass this course?
A. Yes the course fee will not include a few other things you need
- You will need access to the LEED Credit Library at $99 a year which is also needed for the exam and to be an active rater https://www.usgbc.org/resources/web-based-reference-guide
- You will need to purchase the final exam from GBCI for $45.00
Q. What if the time available for the live portion of the course does not work for me?
A. For an additional $1,000 you can schedule a course anytime you wish, on your time with respect to the instructor’s calendar. Also, there will be courses scheduled typically every other month depending on the demand for the class. Contact Brett.Little@greenhomeinstitute.org
Q. I have an active LEED project that I need to get trained on now, what do I do?
A. GHI can provide you a LEED Green Rater for your project and you may go through the training and be mentored on that project at the same time. Contact us for details and pricing as each project is unique. Use this form LEED for Homes Project Inquiry – GreenHome Institute
Q. What technology do I need to take this course?
A. Internet connection, a traditional browser, speakers and you must have a device that can run excel or an application that can run excel. You must be able to fill out this LEED workbook. This requires version 7 of excel or higher for PC and 2011 for MACS. You must be able to have a browser that supports the thinkific platform.
Q. Are there any required live sessions during this course period?
A. Yes, there is One 3 hour mandatory live course monthly that is online. If you miss it you can attend the next time as more will be scheduled more 2022 OR you can schedule a personalized meeting at any time with the below choices.
We can schedule a personal training any time our trainer is available for an additional $1,000. However, that fee can be waived if the training is used as a real LEED project plan review when you obtain GHI as your LEED H provider. We also have personalized trainings for large companies training 3 or more at one time. Contact Brett.Little@greenhomeinstitute.org
Q. If I take the personal training, when do I schedule it?
A. We will work together to find a time that meets both or schedules right away.
Q. Do I qualify for a 5% Discount on the course?
A. Maybe, many affiliate partners have a code for you, and your LEED for Homes Provider has a coupon code for you to use. Please ask them. Also, if you are a HERS rater, you can also contact your HERS provider for the code. Check with your local chapter of USGBC, AIA, NARI, HBA, AIBD as well as they may have a code for you!
Q. Will you cover the new Energy Star Multifamily New Construction program?
A. Yes, briefly, but it will not be on the exam!
Q. I am not proficient in English. Can someone come in to help translate for me at no extra cost?
A. Yes. If you need a translator, they can get in for free as long as they know they will not get the credential.
Q. Can I be a LEED O + M or Legacy LEED AP only to qualify?
A. No
Q. What is this course rated? What are others saying about this course?
A. This course is rated 4+ out of 5, and here are the course survey results
Q. Can I pay by check?
A. Yes, we will send you an invoice, but we are requesting it be a bank-to-bank payment ( we can show you how) to avoid physical mail during the outbreak
Q. I can’t make this event, but will there be more?
A. Yes. Keep checking back on this page for updates and get on our mailing list, email Brett.Little@greenhomeinstitute.org to learn more. We usually schedule every other month.
Q. What is the refund policy?
A. The 100% refund is being granted minus the $50 processing fee if you have not completed any modules on the course. Once you start the course, the refund will % will be based on the % of the course you have completed. However, you will be allowed to roll overall fees and take the following month’s course at no additional cost if you miss this month. At any time, you may transfer 100% of the remaining refund to other GHI courses or programs as well. Refunds are on a case-by-case basis, so please reach out quickly if you have a concern.