Accreditation FAQ
What is Green Roof Professional (GRP) accreditation and why is it necessary?
GRP accreditation is an indicator that an individual has achieved a specific knowledge level regarding green roof design, project management, installation and maintenance.
Passing the exam indicates that you have demonstrated knowledge and deemed important by the green roof industry at a given point in time. It is not a form of licensure, and is not an indication of professional competency in the field. For example, an individual may become a LEED Accredited Professional, but this does not mean they are 'competent' to design a green building.
What benefits are there to being an accredited Green Roof Professional (GRP)?
Accredited Green Roof Professionals will be ideally positioned to be the professional of choice on green roof projects. Benefits include:
- Earn confidence and credibility in the green infrastructure field
- Distinguish yourself among industry professionals
- Protect your green roofing projects from sub-standard industry practice
- Optimize the range of benefits from your green roof projects
- Ensure projects provide long term results for maximum client satisfaction
- Earn up to 21 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for GRP Training course completion
- Stay up to date in industry developments and best practice
- Become part of the GRP Community and benefit from an extensive professional network
- Demonstrate your commitment to the green roofing profession
When is the exam offered?
The GRP Accreditation Exam is now available online. Please email training@greenroofs.org for questions regarding the exam.
Do I have to take all of the GRP training courses in order to take the exam?
It is highly recommended that you take all three of the GRP training courses - Green Roof Design and Installation, Green Roof Waterproofing and Drainage, and Green Roof Plants and Growing Media - since the exam questions are based on the content contained therein. At a minimum you should purchase all of the course manuals and study them. Manuals are available from the Green Infrastructure Store.
Who can become an accredited GRP? Is this only for architects, landscpae architects, and other design professionals?
Anyone can take the exam. Those on the installation and maintenance side will also benefit from having the designation. They may also require additional training associated with the installation of specific systems provided by manufacturers.
What material will be on the exam i.e. is it everything in the course manuals?
The exam covers all of the material contained in the three GRP training courses, and resource manuals.
How much does it cost to write the exam?
The cost of the Online GRP Accreditation Exam is $249 USD, per attempt. This rate applies for Canadian residents as well.
How can I reduce the costs of becoming a GRP?
There are several ways to save money:
- Take advantage of early-bird registration rates for in-class training courses
- Purchase one or more of the GRP course manuals from the Green Infrastructure Store in lieu of attending the online and in-class training courses.
What is the passing score for the GRP Accreditation Exam?
In order to pass the GRP Accreditation Exam, candidates must receive a score of 80% or higher.
How soon after I complete the exam will I know if I have passed?
Results will be emailed to test takers within 2-3 weeks of the exam date. Successful candidates will be sent a GRP Accreditation Certificate Package. Unsuccessful candidates will receive an exam sub-score report, which can be used for better targeted study.
How long is the designation good for? Do I have to rewrite the exam at some point in the future or do I maintain my standing through continuing education credits?
Standing in the program will be maintained by obtaining a minimum of 16 continuing education credits every two years. Eight of these credits will be for GRHC related activities including our conference and courses. GRPs are also required to hold a GRHC membership in good standing. As of January 1, 2011, all GRPs are required to be GRHC Individual Members in good standing.
Is this designation relevant to any other professional designation? i.e. will this help me get my LEED AP?
The knowledge gained by taking the green roof courses is beneficial to understanding how they can be used to maximize LEED credits for your clients’ projects. The GRP designation is a further indication of expertise in green building, but will not assist with obtaining the LEED AP designation.
Which organizations are endorsing/supporting your program?
Our courses are officially endorsed by the AIA, ASLA, APLD, RCI, USGBC and a number of state/provincial associations such as the Ontario Association of Architects. Other organizations allow continuing education credits for our courses on a self-reporting basis (meaning course registrants submit for credits after the course and the organization decides if they will allow the credits). We are continually working on broadening support from key organizations.
Is there a study guide for the exam?
A Green Roof Professional Accreditation Exam Guidebook is available on our web site here.
Is there a cost to re-take the exam if I fail?
Yes, the cost is $249 US.
How long after I fail the exam can I take it again?
The exam can be written as early two months (60 days) after an original attempt. Secondary attempts of the exam made before the 60 day limit will not be considered valid.
ONCE I PURCHASE THE EXAM, DO I HAVE TO TAKE IT RIGHT AWAY?
No. Once the GRP Accreditation Exam has been purchased, the test taker can wait up to a year (365 days) to take the exam.
Do I have to be a member of GRHC to write the exam?
While both members and non-members can write the exam, all GRPs are required to be GRHC Individual Members in good standing. Thus, you may wait to receive your exam results before deciding whether or not to join GRHC as a member.