The Top Benefits of Being a WELL Accredited Professional: Is It Right for You?
Is a WELL accreditation 100% necessary to get ahead in the healthy building industry? Not necessarily but it definitely helps!
The WELL Building Standard is reshaping the built environment by focusing on human health and well-being. As interest in healthier spaces continues to grow, the role of professionals with expertise in this area becomes even more crucial.
But what exactly is the WELL AP credential, and how can it benefit your career in architecture, design, or real estate?
What is the WELL AP Credential?
The WELL AP credential signifies a professional's expertise in the WELL Building Standard and their commitment to advancing well-being through design.
By earning this certification, professionals demonstrate their knowledge in promoting environments that support physical and mental wellness, such as air quality, water quality, and optimal lighting.
To become a WELL AP, individuals must pass the WELL AP exam, a comprehensive test that covers various aspects of human health and the built environment.
For professionals in architecture, interior design, real estate, or construction, the WELL AP credential can be a valuable asset.
Benefits of WELL AP Certification
Becoming a WELL Accredited Professional offers several advantages that make it a worthy investment. Here are the top benefits:
Global Recognition:
The WELL AP certification is recognized worldwide, making it a valuable credential for professionals looking to work in the international arena.
Increased Career Opportunities:
With the WELL AP credential, professionals stand out in a competitive market. Employers in green building, real estate development, and wellness-focused industries actively seek out candidates who have this certification because it demonstrates a deep understanding of how to create spaces that prioritize health and well-being.
Competitive Advantage:
In a crowded job market, the WELL AP credential gives you a competitive edge. As the demand for healthier and sustainable environments increases, having this certification demonstrates your ability to meet these modern design challenges.
Commitment to Health and Sustainability:
Earning your WELL AP certification shows your dedication to sustainable design and human wellness. For professionals passionate about making a positive impact on people’s lives, this credential affirms your expertise and commitment to creating healthier environments.
The Importance of Human Health and Well-being in the Built Environment
The built environment directly influences wellbeing, whether it’s through air quality, lighting, water, or the materials used in construction. Poorly designed spaces can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, stress, and even poor mental health.
The WELL Building Standard seeks to address these concerns by setting guidelines that help create environments that support well-being.
From optimizing air filtration systems to ensuring adequate natural light, the WELL standard provides a framework to improve the quality of life for occupants. As a WELL AP, you'll be at the forefront of this movement, contributing to healthier buildings and communities.
Becoming a WELL AP Professional with the International Well Building Institute IWBI
If you're considering becoming a WELL Accredited Professional with the International Well Building Institute, here’s what you need to know about the process:
Eligibility and Exam Requirements
The first step in earning the WELL AP credential is passing the WELL AP exam. This 115-question multiple-choice exam is designed to test your knowledge of the WELL Building Standard and your ability to apply its principles in real-world projects.
The exam covers various topics, including air and water quality, light, thermal comfort, nutrition, and other key wellness elements in the built environment.
The test is administered by GBCI (Green Business Certification Inc.) and can be taken at Prometric testing centers worldwide. Yes, there are quite a few different entities involved here, including the International Well Building Institute but stick with us!
Certification Cost and Maintenance
The cost of becoming a WELL AP includes both the exam fee and any preparation materials or courses you choose to take.
Once certified, WELL APs must renew their credential every two years to stay current. This involves completing continuing education requirements to ensure your knowledge stays up-to-date with evolving standards and practices.
Career Opportunities and Market Demand
In today's job market, professionals with expertise in green building standard and the wellness certification process are in high demand. It's already a global movement, so passing the WELL AP exam can open up new opportunities across various sectors, including real estate, architecture, interior design, and corporate wellness consulting.
With businesses and developers increasingly focusing on creating healthier workspaces, residential communities, and hospitality environments, the demand for WELL APs continues to grow.
Whether you're working on office design, residential real estate developments, or hospitality projects, the WELL AP exam credential enhances your professional profile and boosts your career prospects.
Conclusion
While preparing for the exam and maintaining the credential requires an investment of time and resources, the benefits—ranging from enhanced career opportunities to improved earning potential—make it well worth the effort.
If you're passionate about designing healthier, more sustainable environments, the WELL certification credential denotes expertise like nothing else out there right now!