As a contractor, obtaining some level of green certification could make all the difference in a recession-weary building industry. Demand is way up for green building; spurred by government incentives, efficient materials and appliances, as well as increased awareness of long-term savings and environmental impact.

Understanding those factors and all the products and practices that go along with green building is key to winning today’s clients’ trust and signature. Proving that you have such knowledge and expertise only makes lead generation and confirmation that much easier. There are several ways to become a green certified contractor; some are nationally recognized, some vary by state or region.

Following are a few examples of how you can become a green certified professional:

LEED certification

The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program has become the number one standard for modern, green home design. Typically, LEED is referred to as a ratings system for sustainable buildings. At the same time, the USGBC also offers accreditation for contractors.

There are three levels of certification: LEED Green Associate, LEED AP and LEED Fellow. For a fee, and with some proof of previous work on a LEED project, you can take an exam, pass it, and become a registered green professional recognized by the most reputable green building organization in the country. For more info, see the USGBC website.

Green Advantage (GA)

Green Advantage provides training and certification for aspiring green building professionals. They do so on three levels: commercial, residential, and commercial-residential. Tests cover six topics, including basic understanding of green building, site and land use, water, energy and atmosphere, materials and indoor environmental quality. The exam costs $175 and includes three years-worth of certification. Learn more about Green Advantage.

National Association of Home Builders

NAHB Green is a program that focuses on green building education, resources and, of course, certification for green professionals. Their CGP program, offered through the NAHB’s University of Housing, requires 24 hours of approved training and education every three years. Courses are offered at NAHB national events and CGP designation is only available to individuals.

Build It Green

Build It Green is an example of a statewide certification program – in this case, California. Build It Green offers training, workshops and certification for contractors in the state. Training varies from the basics of green building to green remodeling and retrofitting. Build It Green also has its own LEED-like ratings systems for homes in California.

Training and certification through Build It Green costs $400 for members and $450 for non-members. Certification is good for two years before re-certification (at just $50) is required.

While LEED is currently the industry standard in green building ratings (and often the status required for many states’ green building tax credits), expect more states or statewide organizations to develop their own standards. Florida is one example.