Education Review Program Guide

Valid for May 2012

Green Building Certification Institute

2101 L Street NW, Suite 650 Washington, DC 20037 www.gbci.org 1.800.795.1746 +1.202.828.1145 www.gbci.org/contact

Table of Contents
About the Education Review Program

ii

Education providers ................................................................................................................................. 1 Course reviewers & auditors ................................................................................................................... 1 Qualifications Courses ..................................................................................................................................................... 2 Basic requirements Types of courses Review criteria ......................................................................................................................................... 3 LEED-specific ........................................................................................................................................... 8 Special situations ..................................................................................................................................... 9 Conferences & events Internal education Review Process ...................................................................................................................................... 10 Timing Fast track review Course status

For Providers
Register as a provider ........................................................................................................................... 12 Provider Administrator ........................................................................................................................... 12 Fees ......................................................................................................................................................... 12 USGBC Member Companies USGBC Chapters Managing courses ................................................................................................................................... 13 Submitting a course for review What to submit Adding a course instance Renewing Changing fee teir Adding or removing course submitters Applying for fast track status Approved courses .................................................................................................................................. 15 Certificate of completion Auditing Non-approved courses .......................................................................................................................... 16 Appealing a review Provider conduct .................................................................................................................................... 16
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About the Education Review Program

The Education Review Program builds a standard of continuing education for LEED Professionals. The Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) includes 7 other ways to earn CE hours, but these activities are reviewed and approved for the highest relevance, quality, and rigor. The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) manages the program which is made up of organizations who offer green building courses (known as education providers) and by qualified volunteers (reviewers and auditors) who review their classes.

Education providers

Education providers are organizations that offer peer-reviewed options for continuing education that have been approved by GBCI to count for CMP. Within the program, the term courses refers to all offerings by providers and includes on-demand and online activities, articles, and conferences.

Course reviewers & auditors

Courses are reviewed by a team of independent, cross-professional subject matter experts and adult educators. Reviewers review applications and approve courses. Auditors review courses that have already approved. To avoid conflicts, the review team remains anonymous to each other and the provider during a review.

Qualifications

Reviewers must be an employee of a USGBC member company or a member of a USGBC Chapter. In addition, they must meet 3 of the following 5 requirements: 1. Be a LEED Green Associate or LEED AP with specialty meeting all CMP requirements 2. At least 3 years professional experience in green building and/or sustainability 3. A degree from an accredited institution of higher education 4. Experience in education or professional development (e.g. instructional design, course development) 5. A current credential or certificate related to green building and/or sustainability from a national or international professional organization. (A LEED Professional Credential satisfies both requirements 1 and 5.) Auditors must: Be an existing reviewer in good standing Have completed a minimum of 5 full course reviews Complete a one-hour online auditor training course

GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION INSTITUTE

2101 L Street NW, Suite 500 | Washington, DC 20037

gbci.org/contact

800 795 1746 | +202 828 1145

About the Education Review Program

Courses
Only continuing education that is directly related to green building is eligible for review.

Basic requirements

All courses must: Increase the competency of LEED Professionals Follow current green building practices and provide correct program content Be designed and instructed by persons qualified in the subject matter and qualified as instructional designers/course instructors Provide documentation of successful course completion to the LEED Professional Be at least 50 minutes of instructional time in length. (Courses receive one CE hour for the first 50-60 minutes and .5 CE hour for each additional 30 minutes.) Courses cannot: Be LEED exam preparation, meaning the content focuses on exam strategies, GBCI candidate handbooks, reference documents, and targeting successful exams. This evidence can be found in its curricula, syllabi, and marketing. Be intended to lead to a degree. Such courses are College and University Courses in CMP. However, courses offered as continuing education or in extension programs at colleges or universities are eligible for review.

Types of courses

Each course format must first be designated as either a one-time or an on-going event and either live or on-demand: One-time On-going Facilitator-led: Face-to-face instruction offered at a specific time and location. May include workshops, panel presentations, lectures etc. Online: Training broadcast live at a specific time. Live Tour: In-person tour of one or more projects offered live at a specific time and location with clear green building learning objectives. Virtual tours are On Demand: Online. Conference: Single event with multiple simultaneous sessions or tracks offered live at a specific time and location. May include conventions, annual meetings, summits, etc. (See Conferences and Events on page 9.) Article/Print: Online or print media course offered in written format. Must have an assessment of learning objectives. May include articles or workbooks. Online: Online training offered any time, on demand. Must have an assessment of learning objectives. May include self paced and prerecorded formats.
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GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION INSTITUTE

On-demand

About the Education Review Program

Review criteria
The review scorecard has prerequisites and qualitative criteria, which are evaluated by the course reviewers. All prerequisites must be met and will be evaluated with a Yes or No. Qualitative criteria are rated from 0-3 and must average to 2 points or higher. Type Criteria Reviewer Notes Courses should not explicitly promote a specific company, product, or service. They should provide generic industry information. No company names or identifying product image may be used. Any photos used must have any identifying company identification covered or shaded out. Company graphics may only be included on the first and last slide, cover page of a handout, or on a welcome screen (if an online course).

Subject Matter
Prerequisite Content and materials are non-commercial, nonbiased, and do not promote a specific commercial product of services

Courses should not covertly promote a specific company, product or service. They should provide balanced, accepted and credible industry information. Education should not direct participants to preference of one commercial product over another due to unbalanced or biased education. If a specific company, product or service type is explored generally at the exclusion of others, the course title and description should clearly reflect that focus. Standards, tools, systems and non-commercial products or services offered by government or non-profit organizations may be excluded from this criteria. Exclusion may be granted for products or services held in the public domain. Learners are looking for practical, applicable knowledge they can apply to their practice. They do not want a sales pitch. Providers that promote their products/services or try to sneak it into the course content will lose credibility with the learners and status as registered GBCI education provider. This criteria allows courses to be in compliance with AIA/CES and other provider criteria. The content must support the Education Review Program goals of facilitating access to high quality green building professional development opportunities for LEED Professionals and driving green market transformation through technically relevant and innovative professional development courses that increase green building knowledge and capacity across the industry. The course topic and goals must enrich knowledge, understanding, and application of green building practice, techniques, and trends beyond what is already known by passing the LEED Professional Exams. It should present ways that buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life.

Prerequisite Subject matter supports the objectives of GBCIs Education Review Program

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About the Education Review Program

Prerequisite USGBC, GBCI, the LEED rating systems, and LEED Professional Exams are accurately represented, if applicable.

If the course material is presenting any information on the U.S. Green Building Council, the Green Building Certification Institute, the LEED rating systems, or LEED Professional Exams, it should be represented accurately. Only the most current logos should be used, and only in their proper context. Information should not infringe on USGBC intellectual property rights. View more on USGBC or LEED Logo use View more on GBCI and the LEED Professional Exams USGBC intellectual property includes such items as images or text from non-public, USGBC-owned curriculum and presentations, LEED Online, LEED Reference Guides. If you question this, please flag it for USGBC staff to verify. The topic addressed in the content should be current, timely, and relevant to the green building industry. The content and materials used should demonstrate practical application to green building practice. Courses should not only relate to sustainability without mention of the built environment or building practices, and vice versa. The content should be aligned with green industry accepted practices, techniques and technologies. Content should be based upon sound research, logic and expertise. It is important that the learners understand the learning activity in which they will participate. A clear description should be given to help the learner understand the overall objectives and what activities they will engage in during the course. Note: This is the description that will be included in the online catalog listing of USGBC programs. Any descriptions >125 words will be edited by GBCI staff as necessary to fit the course catalog.

Qualitative Qualitative

Qualitative

Subject matter is timely and current Course content includes practical application to green building practice The content presented is truthful and accurate. The course description is clear, focused, and provides an overview of the course length, intended audience, content covered, and expected leaner activities and outcomes. The audience is defined and appropriate for the subject matter.

Course Description
Qualitative

Audience and Learning Level

Qualitative The content presented in the course should be appropriate for the intended audiences general learning styles, knowledge level, and needs. Audience and topic should be identified in course review application, but does not need to be in course materials.

GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION INSTITUTE

2101 L Street NW, Suite 500 | Washington, DC 20037

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About the Education Review Program

Qualitative The course content is appropriate for the identified audience(s) and learning level. The content presented should be appropriate for the intended learning level identified on the Course Review Application. Appropriateness is determined by such factors as audience perspective and experience, and course format and content. The breadth and depth of the content presented should be appropriate for the intended learning level identified on the Course Review Application.

Course Development and Delivery

Providers should have specific qualifications for subject matter experts who create education. The developer may be one person or a team. The developer must be qualified to create the subject matter for the course. There should be evidence presented that documents the Developer(s) meet these qualifications. This can be documented in a statement from the Education Provider as to the qualifications expected, how they are assessed to determine eligibility, and in a sampling of bios from the course developer(s). Qualitative Course developer Providers should have identified specific qualifications for is qualified as educational designers who create education. The developer an instructional may be one person or a team. The developer needs to be skilled designer. in the design principles for adult learning. There should be evidence presented that documents the developer(s) meet these qualifications. This can be documented in a statement from the Provider as to the qualifications expected, how they are assessed to determine eligibility, and in a sampling of bios from the course developer(s). Qualitative Course instructor Providers should have specific qualifications for the instructor(s) is qualified to teach who present the course. They should be skilled as presenters/ this course. trainers and knowledgeable in the subject matter. There should be evidence presented that documents that the Instructor(s) meet these qualifications. This can be documented in a statement from the Education Provider as to the qualifications expected, how they are assessed to determine eligibility, and a sampling of bios from the instructors. Program evaluation can be in a separate document or online. Prerequisite A program evaluation form is used to collect feedback from participants on the quality and effectiveness of the course. Qualitative Course developer is a qualified subject matter expert.

GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION INSTITUTE

2101 L Street NW, Suite 500 | Washington, DC 20037

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About the Education Review Program

Objectives and Assessment
Prerequisite Learning objectives are stated at the beginning of the course.

Qualitative

Qualitative

Qualitative

A good course should provide the learning objectives in the beginning of the course. This allows learners to know what they are expected to accomplish by the end of the course. Learning objectives serve as the basis for content and learner assessment. If there is a PowerPoint presentation, the learning objectives must be on one of the first slides. The learning objectives can also be given in the introduction or in course handouts. Learning objectives The objectives should be written so that the learners know are measurable specifically what they should be able to do at the end of the and achievable course. The objectives should be measurable (the learners can easily identify if they can or cannot do the action in the objective at the end) and achievable (the learners can actually learn what it takes to meet the objective within the course format, time frame, and content.) Learning objectives The course content, materials and activities should ensure that learners achieve the stated learning objectives. are met through the course content and materials. The content review The course should have a way for the instructor and learners to assess if the objectives were met. This can be done simply activity/activities with an informal review activity, structured Q&A, formal quiz allow learners to or assignment, etc. Assessments should be designed so the measure if they learners can demonstrate (to the instructor or to themselves) have met the they can do the actions stated in the learning objectives. course objectives Participants should have access to the course outline or timed agenda for reference. Presenting the structure for the course will help the learners to understand what will be covered, sets expectations, and helps them become engaged in the learning process. It helps a learner focus by allowing them to consider what they already know about the items to be covered. It also shows that the Education Provider has structured the course and activities to ensure that learning objectives are met. The material and learning activities should match the objectives and build on the new knowledge presented in a logical format. The amount of materials and content to be covered should fit within the allotted time frame of the course. There should be enough time to present the materials and allow for learner participation. Too much content will not leave time for questions, discussions, or other effective learning activities.

Structure and Activities

Prerequisite A clear agenda or outline of the course content and activities is provided to attendees

Qualitative

Qualitative

The flow of the course is logical and effective The course length is appropriate for the content covered

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About the Education Review Program

Qualitative There are clear descriptions and instructions for Activities Clear descriptions and instructions must be presented for learning activities. For online courses, these instructions should include how to navigate though the course materials. Learners must understand what is expected in their participation (e.g., passively sit and listen, prepare an example to share, take a quiz, etc.) These instructions are especially important since the learner is receiving continuing education credits for successful completion. Providers should share evidence of these instructions with the review team if they are not included in the printed course materials. The course should allow the learners to become engaged in the learning activities. This should include opportunities to interact with: Content (e.g., problems to solve, material sample to touch, case study to review) Instructor (e.g., asks questions, share information) Other learners (e.g., group activities, discussions) The materials used to teach the content should match the audience. A provider should have an idea of the intended audiences learning styles, knowledge level, and expectations.

Qualitative

The activities allow the learner to interact with the content, the instructor and the other learners

Qualitative

The course activities are appropriate for audience, learning level, subject matter, format

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2101 L Street NW, Suite 500 | Washington, DC 20037

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About the Education Review Program

LEED-specific
LEED Professionals must earn a designated number of LEED-specific CE hours for CMP.

For a course to earn LEED-specific CE hours, it: Must have 75% or more of the content directly relating to versions of LEED Rating Systems being developed or implemented in LEED projects, including: Components of the Rating System: Rating System Selection, Minimum Program Requirements, LEED Project Boundary, Compliant Space Types, Prerequisites & Credit (Intent, Requirements), Related Credits/Credit Synergies, Referenced Standards, Calculations, Documentation, LEED Addenda, Exemplary Performance, Regional Priority Credits, Credit Weightings LEED Online (however, providers cannot show images of LEED Online itself.) LEED Certification Model: Credit Interpretations, Process of Review & Certification, Appeals Must be application-based (i.e., an extended interaction using strategy examples, case studies, best practices, and lessons learned beyond a simple overview of LEED credits, intents and requirements). May include comparisons of LEED with other rating systems, codes, standards, or government policies with the primary focus explaining how LEED relates to these other systems. (For example, demonstrating how to complete LEED within local building code requirements.) Must include detailed speaker notes in the application. (Providers must demonstrate the full context of the discussion and consistency in information conveyed by instructors as well as all information pertaining to the LEED rating systems for review by LEED-specific reviewers.) Must have at least one Subject Matter Expert (SME) on the course development team with: A LEED AP with a specialty related to the course topic (for example, a LEED AP Homes must be on the development team for any LEED for Homes course) AND project experience related to the course topic (for example, a course on water efficiency must have one SME with project experience in the water-related issues on LEED projects) Must be taught by an instructor with: A LEED AP with a specialty related to the course topic (for example, the instructor of a LEEDspecific BD+C course must have a LEED AP BD+C) AND project experience related to the LEED course topic. Must include the LEED-specific Application in the course application. Will be reviewed by a LEED AP with a specialty related to the course topic LEED-specific courses will be reviewed within 30 days, regardless of fast track status (see Fast Track Review on page 10). Please review the course to ensure that it is a likely candidate for LEED-specific CE hours prior to submittal. LEED-specific courses are audited at least every 2 years to ensure currency with updates to LEED. LEED APs with specialty are required to earn LEED-specific CE hours relating to their specialty. The course catalog shows the specialty(ies) for which the course is approved.

GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION INSTITUTE

2101 L Street NW, Suite 500 | Washington, DC 20037

gbci.org/contact

800 795 1746 | +202 828 1145

About the Education Review Program

Special situations
Beyond the standard situations described above, there are some types of courses that warrant different review processes and criteria: conferences and courses created only for internal audiences.

Conferences and events

Conferences and events are single, one-time educational events with multiple simultaneous sessions or tracks offered live at a specific time and location. They can include lectures, panel discussions, round-tables, or tours, and may be offered in-person or online. Conferences may also be referred to as conventions, annual meetings, or summits. Due to the shorter development time associated with conferences and events, GBCI does not require full program materials for each session (e.g., presentations and handouts) for review; however, providers are always expected to develop and deliver high-quality education that meets the review criteria. The review is based upon the strength of the following elements: Clear program description Measurable learning objectives which are met through the program Detailed, timed agenda/program outline Program developers Strength of presenters/instructors Program evaluation(s) Conferences are reviewed as a live, one-time events and therefore only count as one course when determining provider fees. Providers must attach a completed Conference Session Spreadsheet with detailed information about each conference session to their application. To meet the guidelines of the LEED-specific review criteria, any conference session that is applying as LEED-specific must include a LEED-specific Application uploaded in the Materials section of the online course review application. Supporting materials may be requested.

Internal courses

Firms offering non-commercial courses to a strictly internal audience are encouraged to become providers. These firms must meet the same requirements for instructional design and subject matter quality and may participate in the fast track review process. Internal courses must be submitted online and meet all course review requirements except: Company logos may appear beyond the first and last slide of a presentation. LEED Online may incorporated only for the sole and exclusive purpose of registering, submitting, and/or applying for LEED certification. If the course is only being offered to internal audiences, the provider should mark No to the question Display courses in course catalog? in the review application. It is the providers responsibility to inform GBCI if a course is for internal or external audiences and providers who offer internal courses for external audiences must gain GBCI approval beforehand. Company logos and LEED Online should not be included in any external courses.
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About the Education Review Program

GBCIs criteria include a review of both subject matter and instructional design. Once a course has been submitted to GBCI it is sent to a team of qualified reviewers. If the course meets the review criteria it is approved; if not, it is returned with comments indicating what needs to be changed. If the course meets the requirements during the second review, it is approved; if not, the course is not approved and must be resubmitted to be approved.

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Review Process

Timing

Initial reviews take up to 30 days. This timeline may change due to the total volume of courses, last-minute requests, and providers responsiveness to reviewer questions. Providers should submit their courses as early as possible to allow time for the 30-day initial review, for making any necessary edits to be made to the course, and for a second review. Courses submitted for a second review will be returned as soon as possible. Courses cannot be reviewed after they have happened; if a course isnt submitted in time, attendees may report the activity as a Live Presentation.

Fast track review

Providers that are able to create courses that consistently meet GBCIs standards can fast track their review timelines from 30 days to 2 weeks or less. The fast track review (previously called portfolio review) is stringent and intended for organizations whose primary activity is professional education. Providers are eligible for a fast track review after having 3 courses approved and are required to submit a fast track application before submitting their 11th course. To be eligible for fast track, providers must demonstrate their organizational capability to consistently develop and deliver top-quality green building education by: Demonstrated organizational commitment to greening the built environment Dedicated instructional designer(s) on-staff or contracted for course development Dedicated subject matter expert(s) on-staff or contracted for course development Demonstrated organizational capacity to deliver courses/events on a wide scale A comprehensive system for instructor selection, training, review, and continued quality control An established track record as a provider with exceptional courses Although fast track courses are usually reviewed in 2 weeks or less, providers should still provide as much time as possible for the review. If a fast track review takes longer than 2 weeks, the provider will be notified. The fast track review time does not apply to LEED-specific courses. All LEED-specific courses undergo an extensive 30-day review by LEED-specific reviewers to ensure the highest quality, currency, and accuracy. Annually, a minimum of one fast track course will be selected for audit to ensure continued quality. If the audit does not reflect the quality demonstrated in the initial application, the ability to fast track reviews may be suspended at the discretion of GBCI.
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About the Education Review Program

Course status
As a course progresses through the review process, the following terms indicate its status:

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During initial review: Draft: draft of a course has been created but has not been submitted for review. Edits are possible. Pre-Review: course has been submitted for review. Edits are not possible. In Review: course has been sent to reviewers. Edits are not possible. Review Complete: reviewers have completed scorecards but not made an approval decision. If the course does not meet the review criteria after the initial review, it will be sent back to the provider. During this second review: Draft2: course was returned the provider with review comments so provider can make required changes. Edits are possible. Pre-Review2: course has been submitted for review after the requested edits were made by the provider. Edits are not possible. In Review2: course has been sent to reviewers. Edits are not possible. Review Complete2: reviewers have completed scorecards but not made an approval decision. Not Approved: course did not meet the review criteria after a second review. For approval, a new course review application must be submitted. Approved: course review is complete and CE hours have been assigned. Approved Late Renewal: annual fee is overdue. Courses have been removed from the catalog. Once paid, courses will return to the catalog (if appropriate) without having to resubmit for review. Retired: course is no longer being offered and is not posted to the catalog. Archived: all retired courses become archived at the time of annual renewal. These courses do not count toward total courses for a providers fees.

GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION INSTITUTE

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gbci.org/contact

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For Providers
Register as a provider

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The first step to become a provider is to register online at gbci.org/managecourses. Once the applicable fees are paid, courses may be submitted for review. Paying by credit card gives instant access to submit courses. Paying by check can delay the process by up to 30 days (until the check has cleared).

Administrator

The individual who completes the online registration form will become the administrator. Every provider has one administrator. Responsibilities include: Serving as the main point-of-contact Managing course submitter accounts Maintaining the provider account, including renewing, changing the fee tier, and applying for fast track reviews Only the existing administrator can request that the administrator role be passed to another individual

Fees

Providers pay one annual fee based on the organization type and number of courses offered. Beginning in 2012, fee cycles will correspond to the calendar year. Providers who registered or renewed before July 17, 2011 will receive a prorated refund in January 2012 to apply to a new fee cycle. Providers who registered or renewed after July 17, 2011 will pay a prorated amount for the rest of 2011 and start a new fee cycle in 2012. All fees paid to GBCI are non-refundable. 10 or fewer courses 11 to 25 courses* More than 25* Member Non-member Member Non-member Member Non-member For-Profit Company $1,500 $1,795 $2,000 $2,400 $3,000 $3,600 Non-Profit Organization $1,000 $1,200 $1,500 $1,800 $2,000 $2,400 USGBC Chapters $500 $750 $1,000 * Providers with 11 or more courses must apply for fast track review.

USGBC Members

To receive the reduced USGBC member rate, the provider account must be linked to the member company through the Corporate Access ID. To determine if your company is a current USGBC member, search the USGBC Member Directory. Members can request access to their Corporate Access ID from their organizations primary contact.

USGBC Chapters

To receive the reduced chapter rate, the providers administrator who establishes a USGBC Chapters account must be a designated Chapter Administrator on USGBCs website. (Please have your Chapter leader contact USGBCs Chapter Department to establish this role.)

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For Providers
Managing courses
All courses are managed from your account at gbci.org/managecourses.

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Adding or removing course submitters

Course submitters have access to create, edit, and submit courses. Course submitters cannot renew, change fee tier, or apply for fast track review. Only the administrator can add or remove course submitters.

To add a course submitter:

1. 2. 3. 4.

Confirm that the desired course submitter has a My GBCI.org account Log into gbci.org/managecourses Click the User Management tab in the dashboard Type the course submitters MyGBCI.org username/email address and click Add

Submitting a course for review

Once the payment has been processed, the administrator or course submitter can submit a course for review. To submit a course: 1. Log into gbci.org/managecourses 2. Click the Course Maintenance tab and select Add New Course 3. Complete the course review application and upload all necessary course materials & submit. For a LEED-specific course, complete the LEED-specific Application and upload it in Section I of the online course review application. For a conference, complete the Conference Session Spreadsheet and upload it in the Materials section of the course review application.

What to submit

Only electronic copies of course materials that have been uploaded into the course application will be accepted. PDF files are the quickest, easiest, and most accessible files. If PowerPoint or other high-resolution files are submitted, they should be compressed before uploading. Required materials: Final course presentation materials (typically as PDF, PowerPoint, or online) Handout materials supplied to attendees Course evaluation form (PDF or link, if posted online) Learning assessment (only mandatory for on-demand courses) Detailed agenda (in PDF) Conference Session Spreadsheet (only mandatory for conferences) Recommended materials (not exclusive):
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For Providers
Course promotional material (e.g., text for promoting course to potential attendees) Instructor notes/script* (detailed notes are required for LEED-specific courses) Instructor answer key for activities Audio/video files

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* Instructor notes provide the review team with a better understanding of what is being covered in a face-to-face course. Speaker notes are essential if multiple instructors are presenting a course to maintain consistency and accuracy among presentations.

Adding an instance of a course

Once a course has been approved, providers can create an instance of that course, so the time, date, and location of the next occurrence appear in the course catalog. To create an instance for a course: 1. Log into gbci.org/managecourses 2. Click the Course Maintenance tab and select Manage Courses 3. Under the Instances column click View 4. Within the blue title bar, click Add New Instance 5. Fill out the appropriate fields (for either a live or online course); press submit The start and end date are for the course itself and will be the same date for most courses.

Renewing

The administrator begins receiving email notifications 90 days before the renewal fee is due. To avoid paying a higher fee than necessary, providers are encouraged to retire courses no longer being offered throughout the year as they will be archived and not count towards the providers number of courses offered. To renew: 1. Log into gbci.org/managecourses 2. Click the Account Management tab in the dashboard and select Renew. (This will only appear within 90 days of renewal.) If you choose not to renew, all courses will be removed from the course catalog and may not be offered for CE hours.

Applying for fast track status

1. 2. 3. 4.

Log into gbci.org/managecourses Click the Account Management tab in the dashboard Complete and upload the Fast Track Review Application Receive final approval from GBCI Education Review Committee

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For Providers
Changing fee tier

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Because the fee structure is tiered based on the number of courses offered, providers must update their accounts and pay the difference between the two fee tiers before adding courses in excess of their current tier. Providers should review their current courses to determine if any should be retired before changing tiers. To change fee tiers: 1. Log into gbci.org/managecourses 2. Click the Account Management tab in the dashboard and select Upgrade Tier. 3. Complete the registration form and payment with the updated information and number of courses.

Approved courses

Courses approved through the review process are assigned CE hours and will be displayed in the course catalog. All approved courses have valid from/to dates signifying the lifespan of a courses approval. Courses should remain in the catalog unless: The course is retired or the provider doesnt renew Fundamental content and structure changes more than 25% Course and provider audits are not satisfactory Course stops meeting the requirements of CMP Providers may be asked to resubmit courses for review if there are any discrepancies in these areas.

Auditing

GBCI audits a minimum of 10% of approved courses annually. Audits may involve looking at the provider organization, reviewing a courses documentation, or attending a course. Providers will be notified if their or their courses are selected for audit. GBCI may audit at any time, for any reason, and auditors must be provided free access to audit the course. Live courses are audited in person; online courses are audited online. See the Live Course Audit Score Card or the On Demand Audit Score Card for the audit criteria. After an audit, providers receive the auditors comments and/or recommendations. Based on this feedback, GBCI may request additional information about the course (e.g. past evaluations, updated materials) or the provider (e.g. audit additional courses, clarifying phone call). Providers must maintain current records of course evaluations. A summary of evaluations may be requested for any approved course at any time. If an audited course is not in compliance, the provider has 45 days to demonstrate compliance. Providers are able to make changes to a course application once for free. If the course is still not in compliance, it must be resubmitted for review.
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For Providers
Certificate of completion
LEED Professionals self-report their CMP activities in My Credentials. However, a record of all attendees must be maintained by the provider for 7 years and each attendee who completes at least 80% of the course must be given a certificate of completion containing: Course name Course number Provider name Attendee name Course completion date Number and type of CE hours Recommended prescriptive category (not required)

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Non-approved courses

Submitted courses may not be approved for one or more of the following reasons: The subject matter is not relevant to the continuing education needs of LEED Professionals The course does not meet the minimum scoring requirements of the review An audit of an approved course has determined it to not be in compliance Provider has retired the course The date of a one-time event has passed Providers account is no longer current with GBCI After review, if changes are required, administrators and course submitters are emailed comments identifying areas that need improvement and the course will be in Draft2 status. A resubmitted narrative detailing how all non-conforming criteria have been addressed must be uploaded in the Materials section of the online application. GBCIs educational review staff provides limited guidance to assist in meeting the review criteria. Providers are responsible for knowing all criteria and processes outlined in this guide prior to submitting a course.

Appeal Process

Courses denied approval after resubmission with revisions may make an appeal in writing to EdProvider@gbci.org within 30 days of the final review decision. Appeals must address specific points in the reviewers comments and provide supportive documentation. Appeals will be reviewed by the GBCI Education Review Committee and a written response will be made back to provider within 30 days.

Provider Conduct

While participation in the program is governed initially by the quality, relevance, and rigor of what has been submitted, providers are expected to govern their conduct once participating in the program. Misrepresentations of GBCI, CMP, or USGBC are grounds for removal from the program. In the event of such activity, the provider will be contacted to try to resolve any issues, but GBCI reserves the right to remove the provider from the program if a resolution cannot be found.
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