Hey everyone, does anyone here have their LC? I’m wondering how tough the exam is. Is 2 months enough to prepare if I’ve got several years of experience with a distributor, manufacturer, and rep agency? I don’t have an engineering or architectural background, but I’m pretty solid on the technical side. I’m just not too familiar with some of the IES standards or equations like systems savings and cost-benefit analysis.
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The test has been loaded with equations and calculations that don’t really apply to what we do day-to-day. It sounds like we’re in similar fields. I still think the certification is worth having, but it’s not as crucial as it used to be.
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I should’ve mentioned that I’m looking to switch to lighting design. With my years of experience in lighting, I’m hoping that getting this certification along with an Autodesk cert will help me land a job and skip the 4-year degree in architecture/engineering/interior design. What do you think about that?
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If you have the experience in the specification side of things, I’d potentially see that as more valuable than the LC itself. If you have a type of lighting design you’re wanting to go into, I would almost urge that kind of certification instead. Something like WELL or LEAD would go much further than the LC in getting you hired, as far as I’m aware.
But do be honest, if you don’t know how to design, you shouldn’t be applying for a job as a designer. Some LD offices do have control, calculation, or documentation specialists, so that could be your foot in the door.
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When I got my Master’s, they told us it wasn’t really worth trying to get the certification. I see it occasionally at the tail end of someone’s email signature, but have never used the LC specifically as a basis of any sort of reliability or knowledge standard. It might help you get a job, but I don’t think it would go further than that.
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Hi! I’ve been through the LC exam and found it challenging but manageable. With your experience, you should do well. Two months can be enough if you use your time effectively. Try to get comfortable with the IES standards and equations; they’re pretty crucial
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