Feature image: The TRUE Platinum Stradivarius—Inditex project in Barcelona, Spain. Photo credit: Stradivarius.
Over the past eight years, the TRUE Advisor certificate program has provided education, rating system expertise and recognition to over 3,300 individuals. Building on invaluable feedback from the TRUE Advisor community, we are excited to announce an update designed to enhance your education and engagement: a new certificate renewal process set to launch on Feb. 27, 2027.
What is changing?
Beginning Feb. 27, 2027, TRUE Advisors will enjoy a simplified renewal process that no longer requires retaking modules and exams. Instead, TRUE Advisors will be able to renew their certificate by completing continuing education (CE) hours, a shift that emphasizes ongoing mastery of the TRUE rating system and zero waste concepts.
Key elements of this new process include the following:
- Two-year reporting period: During this period, TRUE Advisors will be required to complete a set number of CE hours to renew their certificate.
- CE activities: TRUE Advisors will build their expertise through education courses, TRUE project participation, volunteering to support TRUE development work and authorship of TRUE-related materials.
- Affordable renewal fees: To support accessibility, early renewals will cost $85, on-time renewals will be $100 and late renewals will be $150, a substantial reduction from the previous $350 retake fee for USGBC members and $450 for non-members.
A comprehensive certificate maintenance program guide will be released at the start of 2027 to ensure all TRUE Advisors are well-prepared.
For all existing TRUE Advisors, or any individual who takes and passes the TRUE Advisor exam prior to Feb. 28, 2027, the two-year renewal window will begin on March 1, 2027. For any individual that takes and passes the exam after that date, the two-year renewal window will begin on the date they passed the exam in order to ensure all individuals have an equitable renewal period.
Why change the process?
As we approach the renewal window for all current TRUE Advisors in February 2027, GBCI is committed to developing a process that addresses the TRUE community’s needs. This change is rooted in three core priorities that emerged from community feedback:
- Education: Maintaining the program’s focus on expanding knowledge in TRUE and zero waste.
- Engagement: Increasing opportunities for meaningful participation.
- Value: Enhancing the renewal process to provide ongoing value rather than repeating learned information.
What does this mean for me?
If you are an existing TRUE Advisor interested in renewing your certificate: No immediate action is required. You will receive more information when the new process launches in 2027.
If you are considering taking the TRUE Advisor exam before 2027 and wonder about timing: Feel free to pursue the TRUE Advisor exam at your own pace. The new renewal policy will work the same for new and existing TRUE Advisors beginning March 1, 2027.
Have questions?
Reach out to us with any questions or check out the TRUE Advisor handbook.