LEED Green Associate (GA) Exam Prep Cohort
A Green Building Alliance, Frontline Gig, and Dream.org partnership

There is a growing demand for buildings that use sustainable and healthy products, deliver reduced utility and operating costs, can withstand extreme weather and emergency events, and reduce carbon emissions. This is driving demand across industries for a workforce with the training and skill to design, construct, and operate those buildings.

During this five-week cohort led by Green Building Alliance, participants will be provided with career exposure, learn core concepts of the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification program, prepare for and take the LEED GA exam, and have the opportunity to network and connect with peers and green building industry experts. 

This cohort, presented by Green Building Alliance, is offered at no cost to Pennsylvania residents of Allegheny, Beaver, Fayette, Greene, Washinton, and Westmoreland counties. Participants are also eligible to receive a learning stipend from our partners, Frontline Gig and Dream.org following completion of the cohort. 

Please read the important information below and then CLICK HERE to apply. Only participants who apply through Frontline are eligible for the stipend. Space is limited to 10 participants per cohort. 

Cohort Schedule

The cohort will meet Tuesday evenings for five weeks, starting January 6, 2026

January 6, 5-7 PM               Virtual                   Intro to green building + industry opportunities

January 13, 5-7 PM                Virtual                LEED GA credential training 

January 20, 5-7 PM                Virtual                Training continued 

January 27, 5-7 PM                Virtual                Training continued + study breakouts 

February 3, 5-7 PM                In-Person           Green space tour + networking meet & greet

About the LEED GA Credential 

The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) created the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate (GA) credential to denote basic knowledge and understanding of green building design and construction. The LEED Green Associate exam tests general knowledge of green building practices and the concepts needed to support other professionals working on LEED projects. The Green Associate credential also serves as the first step for professionals pursuing a more advanced LEED Accredited Professional (AP) Specialization.  

The LEED GA Exam Prep Course teaches the core concepts of the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED certification program and helps participants effectively navigate both requirements and practical context relating to the LEED Building Design and Construction (BD+C) rating system. Through this course, participants will build a strong foundation towards successfully passing the LEED v4 Green Associate exam. The course and the exam are open to anyone, regardless of experience level. 

Value for the Attendee 

• Free, high-quality training delivered by Green Building Alliance

• Career exposure to green construction and sustainability

• $300 completion stipend provided by Frontline Gig

• LEED Green Associate course is designed to be of interest and value for personnel with responsibilities related to the success of any green building project. 

• Credentialed staff will gain the knowledge and confidence to oversee and manage consultants who are hired to guide the LEED certification process. 

• Those entering the field of green building are often expected to have this credential.

Stipend Details 

In addition to this training being offered at no charge, participants receive a $300 stipend after completing at least 4 of 5 sessions (including the February 3 in-person session) and a short reflection survey. Stipends are issued directly by Frontline. 

Eligibility & Expectations 

This program is open to Pennsylvania residents of Allegheny, Beaver, Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. 

You should also:

• Be 18+ 

• Be available for all sessions 

• Be interested in green jobs or building-related trades 

• Complete the Frontline Readiness Check (required for stipend eligibility)

• Your instructor will send preview materials in advance. This will ensure that all students have a basic understanding of how the LEED rating system is designed as well as key terms and definitions.   

Your instructor will send preview materials in advance. This will ensure that all students have a basic understanding of how the LEED rating system is designed as well as key terms and definitions.   

It should also be noted that this course is designed to lay a successful foundation for your preparation for the exam. Additional self-guided studying is necessary, and the instructor will provide study resources as well as suggestions for other successful study strategies.  

Meet Your Trainer

Leslie Montgomery, VP of Education, Green Building Alliance, LEED AP BD + C 

About the Partnership

This cohort is delivered in partnership between:

Green Building Alliance 

Frontline Gig – a workforce readiness platform helping talent launch into the clean energy and green construction workforce 

Dream.org – supporting community members entering climate and tech careers