How to Earn Your Master CGP

The Master Certified Green Professional (Master CGP) designation builds on the concepts taught in the Certified Green Professional™ (CGP) program, providing a more in-depth and much more advanced study of green building science and methods. It covers topics such as building science techniques, the high-performance home and marketing strategies for selling green. Master CGP also teaches you ways to decrease the liabilities associated with green building and how to incorporate green building certification into your scheduling and project management.

Curriculum and Other Requirements

Required Courses

Students who began the Master CGP curriculum before Dec. 31, 2020, can complete either course work path listed below.

• High Performance Building for Building Professionals
• Business Management for Building Professionals (online) OR hold an NAHB designation
• Advanced Green Building: Building Science (2-day course)
• Advanced High Performance Building: Project Management

Students who begin the Master CGP curriculum after Jan. 1, 2021, are required to complete the following.

• Basics of High Performance Building (online)
• Business Management for Building Professionals (online) OR hold an NAHB designation
• Advanced High Performance Building: Best Practices for Climate Zones
• Advanced High Performance Building: Project Management
• High Performance Building: Building Science

Other Requirements

• Complete and submit the online Master CGP graduation application or the print version
• Only building industry professionals* are eligible. If you are not a builder or remodeler, you must be involved in the design, specification and/or supervision of projects from start to finish
• You must have five years of green building experience and have built, remodeled or been involved with the construction of at least three dwellings that have been certified to the ICC 700 National Green Building Standard or a recognized local, state or national green residential rating program
• You must provide proof of the following: valid liability insurance, proof of workers’ compensation and a valid business or contractor’s license (if required by the state(s) in which you do business).
• Must sign and adhere to the Master CGP Code of Ethics or agree to the terms electronically

*Employee in an executive or management position with discretionary authority over building and construction matters, excluding office management and administrative personnel, such as office manager or accountant.

Course Fees

Local course fees are determined by a licensed HBA or other organization that administers the classes.

National course fees:

• Two-day courses
  • $420 for NAHB member
  • $630 for non-member
• One-day course
  • $220 for member
  • $330 for non-member

Graduation/Renewal Fees

Premium Option: Kit Available Online/Print (Includes customized plaque, lapel pin and ribbon)

• $145 for member
• $218 for non-member

Standard Option: Available Online Only (Includes downloadable designation certificate)

• $75 member
• $110 non-member

Annual renewal fees

• $65 for member
• $95 for non-member

Effective Jan. 1, 2022, designees who have lapsed longer than one year from their renewal date will pay a $50 reinstatement fee in addition to the renewal fee.

Continuing Education Requirements

NAHB designees are required to complete four hours or credits each year. Designees are NOT required to send in proof of continuing education (CE) earned at time of renewal. However, designees may be chosen for a random audit and NAHB will contact them directly to provide proof of CE. View continuing education requirements for NAHB designations.