Certified Energy Manager Instructions & Application 
CEM Exam with Live Seminar Version 
 
Note: As of July 1, 2009, all applicants must take a required approved preparatory seminar before sitting for 
the exam.  Registration for seminars is separate.  Applications received without first registering for a 
seminar will not be processed.  Applicants taking the certification exam at a remote testing center should 
use the Remote Testing Center CEM Application.   
 
The following information is contained in this booklet:

Part A: Information for Applicants

• Objectives 
• Eligibility 
• Procedures 
• Point Scoring Evaluation 
• CEM EXAMINATION OVERVIEW (Mandatory Sections and Optional Sections) 
• Maintaining Certification 
• Lifetime Certification 
• Reinstatement 
• Fees 
• CEM Designation Usage

Part B: CEM Application

• Applicant Information Data 
• ACT Test Center Location 
• Education 
• Professional Registration 
• Experience 
• Reference 
• Letter of Reference (Cover page and form) 
• Employment Verification (Cover page and form) 
• Client Verification (Cover page and form) 

Part C: Study Guide 

 
• Study Guide References & Topics 
• Practice Online Exam (optional) 
• Sample Exam Review Questions 
• Reference Book Order Form 
 Part A: Information for Applicants
CERTIFIED ENERGY MANAGER (CEM®)

Please read through the following important information before submitting your CEM® Application found in
part B of this booklet.

1. CEM® OBJECTIVES
¾ To raise the professional standards of those engaged in energy management.
¾ To improve the practice of energy management by encouraging energy managers in a continuing
program of professional development.
¾ To identify persons with acceptable knowledge of the principles and practices of energy management
related disciplines and laws governing and affecting energy managers through completing an
examination and fulfilling prescribed standards of performance and conduct.
¾ To award special recognition to those energy managers who have demonstrated a high level of
competence and ethical fitness for energy management.

2. ELIGIBILITY
Energy managers with one the following prerequisites may apply to sit for exam:

2.1 A Four-Year Engineering or Architecture degree or P.E. or R.A. with at least three years of
experience in energy engineering/management
OR
2.2 A Four-Year Business or related degree with at least five years of experience in energy
engineering/management
OR
2.3. A Two-Year Technical Degree with eight years of experience in energy engineering/management
OR
2.4 Ten years or more verified experience in energy engineering/management

3. THE REQUIRED BODY OF KNOWLEDGE

The effective practice of energy management requires in-depth knowledge of a wide variety of subjects. All
applicants must take a required approved preparatory seminar before sitting for the certification exam. For
certification purposes, however, the candidate must also demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Certification
Board the knowledge and ability to apply the essentials of energy management. To aid candidates in
preparing for the examination, the Certification Board makes available a bibliography of suggested
reference materials and a study guide (Refer to Part C of this booklet).

4. PROCEDURES
The first step in the CEM certification process is to register for a required approved preparatory seminar.
After seminar registration has been completed, the certification application should be completed. Since
certification is based on education, experience and passing the examination, it is important that the applicant
understands the eligibility requirements (section 2 above), and has attained the prerequisite to qualify for
certification.

The application should be received by the certification department four weeks prior to the desired
exam date if the applicant feels confident he/she has the necessary prerequisite for certification.
Should applicants have questions about the experience prerequisite for certification, he/she can have
 his/her application reviewed by the CEM Board prior to taking the exam. If this is the case, a
completed application (including all references, official college transcripts and employment
verification) must be received by AEE at least eight weeks prior to desired exam date, and the
applicant must request in writing that he/she would like an initial review by of his/her application by
the CEM Board.

It is very important that all applicants give clear and complete details concerning energy management
experience so that the CEM Board can have a clear understanding of the applicant’s energy management
experience. Based on the eligibility requirement, the number of years required to be verified will vary. Past
employers may need to be complete the employment verification form. If you are self-employed or are a
principal owner of a company, three client verifications are required in the place of employment
verification. All references, employment verification and/or client verification forms should be
completed by the reference, employers and/or clients before sending to AEE. AEE does not send
requests to references.

NOTE – CEM Exam Held with Live Seminar

Your CEM Application must be approved by AEE prior to sitting for the exam. You will receive a letter
once AEE has approved your application with additional exam information. Once the application is
complete and the CEM exam is passed, all applications are sent to the CEM Board for final approval. Only
after Board approval is certification granted.

5. THE APPLICATION & POINT SCORING EVALUATION

The Application Form provides an organized method for documenting professional and educational
background, achievements and community service.

The Personal Data Form is divided into the following three parts:

Division I – Education
Division II – Professional Registration (i.e. PE, Registered Architect)
Division III – Experience/Employment in Energy Management

The applicant is requested to list on the Application Form all pertinent information in these categories for
evaluation by the CEM Board. All applicants must complete the application; a resume does not replace the
four-page application.

The two areas of evaluation shall receive points as follows:

Application Form Data Maximum Score 1400 points Minimum Score Required 700

CEM Examination Maximum Score 1040 points Minimum Score Required 700

Total Required: Maximum Score 2440 points Minimum Score Required 1400

To be awarded the CEM designation, candidates must achieve the minimum total of 700 points on the CEM
Application Data and minimum score of 700 points on the CEM examination individually for a minimum
total of 1400 points.

If a candidate has failed to acquire sufficient points to be recommended for CEM, the candidate may be re-
examined at a subsequent examination period and/or resubmit an updated Application Form. Examination
scores will be kept on file by the Certification Director for a period of three years. Applicants have three
 years to follow up and complete his/her CEM file; after three years, applicants must retake the CEM exam.
A score can be resubmitted if the candidate so requests. High performance on the CEM examination portion
of the certification process is crucial when the Application score is low.

It is essential that candidates devote considerable time and effort to completing the Application Form
since certification by the CEM Board can be based only on the information provided. Inaccurate
and/or incomplete data will only be a liability for the applicant. Documentation should be attached to
the Application to substantiate the information presented.

6. THE CEM EXAMINATION

The applicant must complete a four-hour exam. The Dates of the Course are April 27, 28, 29, May 2, & 3,
20111 with the Exam on May 3, 2011. Applicants must register separately to attend the associated live
seminar. An Examination Administrator will proctor the examination. This Administrator may be an
Association associate, an educator, an approved testing expert or agency, or whomever the Certification
Board deems appropriate based on pre-approval.

The examination questions are based on concepts and experiences basic to energy management, on
recognized tests, and on supplemental reading. The exam is Open Book! Because of the diversity of
background and experience of Energy Managers, the examination will permit the candidates some choice of
subject areas. Three subject areas will be mandatory. Of the remaining 11 examination sections, the
candidate will choose eight sections he/she feels best qualified to answer. The exam consists of multiple
choice and true/false questions.

Grading is accomplished by members of the Certification Director and the CEM Board. Examinations are
identified by number rather than by the candidate’s name to assure confidentiality and objectivity in
grading. Candidates are notified of exam results by mail within 30 days of the exam date.

The CEM Examination contains with the following mandatory subjects:

1. *Codes and Standards
2. *Energy Accounting and Economics
3. *Energy Audits and Instrumentation

The candidate will choose 8 of the remaining 14 sections. If more than 8 additional sections are marked,
only the first 8 will be scored. Eleven Sections Total: three mandatory and eight chosen by candidate.
4. Electrical Systems
5. HVAC Systems
6. Motors & Drives
7. Industrial Systems
8. Building Envelope
9. Cogeneration & CHP Systems
10. Energy Procurement
11. Building Automation and Control Systems
12. Green Buildings, LEED and Energy Star
13. Thermal Energy Storage Systems
14. Lighting Systems
15. Boiler and Steam Systems
16. Maintenance & Commissioning
17. Alternative Financing
*Denotes Mandatory Sections
7. MAINTAINING CERTIFICATION
The continuing education of Energy Managers is essential to cope with the rapidly changing field of energy
management. A CEM must accumulate ten professional credits every three years and submit a completed
Renewal Form to the Certification Director to remain certified. CEM renewal notices are mailed in the 3rd
year of recertification six months prior to the expiration date, which falls on December 31 of that year.

Professional credits for recertification can be accumulated at any time, within the three year period. For
example, Energy Managers receiving a CEM certification in 2010, must file a record of ten professional
points with the Certification Director by December 31, 2013 to receive a CEM certificate for another 3-year
period. Credits are not maintained by AEE during the three year period. It is the responsibility of the
individual to maintain a record and submit this information at the time of renewal.

Activities for CEM Renewal Credits

¾ Continued employment in energy management/energy engineering activities:
1 credit per year
¾ Membership in a professional engineering society:
1 credit per year (3 max)
¾ Continuing education (CEU’s) / professional activities (seminars or conferences):
2 credits per CEU, college credit hour or 10 contract hours for seminar
¾ Awards presented and/or papers published involving energy engineering/management:
2 credits each
¾ Offices held in a professional engineering society:
1 credit per year

8. LIFETIME CERTIFICATION
A CEM, upon retiring and reaching the age of sixty-two, is certified for life. No further reporting is
necessary except to notify the Certification Secretary of meeting the age requirement by sending a copy of
Driver’s License.

9. SUSPENSION OF REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATION

If an Energy Manager does not accumulate the required professional credits, certification shall terminate,
unless in the judgment of the Certification Board, extenuating circumstances exist and the deficiency can be
readily overcome.

10. REINSTATEMENT OF CEM

Energy Managers who do not acquire sufficient CEM maintenance points to be recertified on recertification
date will be notified in writing of suspension from using the CEM designation and will no longer be listed
as a CEM in any AEE publication. A lapsed CEM has the following options to reinstate:
1. Resubmits to the certification process and successfully meets the criteria for certification by personal
data information and examination or,
2. Acquires make-up points at a cumulative total equal to 3.5 per year for every year since date of
expiration. This option is available one-time only. Certifications that have lapsed more than three
renewal cycles must retake the CEM exam.
11. FEES:

Option A: CEM Exam held with Live Seminar

APPLICATION FEE (CEM Exam held with Live Seminar)

A fee of $200.00 dollars is payable with the filing of the application. This includes the CEM application
($100.00) and first-time CEM examination fee ($100.00). No application or examination fee refunds are allowed.

Re-Examination Fee: For each re-examination (held with live seminar), a fee of $100.00 will be required.

Option B: CEM Exam at Remote Testing Center

APPLICATION FEES (Testing Center Application Only)

A fee of $300.00 dollars is payable with the filing of the application. This includes the CEM application
($150.00) and first-time CEM examination fee ($150.00). No application or examination fee refunds are allowed.

Re-Examination Fee (Remote Testing Center Location): For each re-examination, a fee of $150.00 will be required.

RENEWAL FEE
Three-year renewal fee: $200.00
Reinstatement fee: $250.00
No refunds allowed.

12. USE OF CEM DESIGNATION

As a Certified Energy Manager (CEM®), the Energy Manager may use the designation with his/her name on
organization letterheads, business cards, certain internet listings and forms of address. An official CEM® Stamp is
available for purchase which authenticates your Certification and Certification validation. The official stamp is useful
for proposals and official documents (see next page).

Certification is for individuals only. The CEM designation may not be used to imply that an organization, company or
firm is certified. AEE does not endorse or recommend any individual CEM, product or service. Improper usage of
CEM or AEE logo may result in suspension. If you have questions about usage of the CEM designation, please
contact AEE. A Personalized CEM Stamp also available. CEM® Stamp (see Stamp Order Form).

Sample Correct Usage (Signature or Business Card):

John A. Smith, P.E., C.E.M. / Mary Jones, B.E.P., C.E.M.

Web Usage:
John A. Smith is an individual member of the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) and is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM®).

Incorrect Usage:
ABC Company is Certified by AEE.

Correct Usage:
- ABC Company has many Certified Energy Managers -CEMs® on its staff.
- ABC Company is looking for a Certified Energy Manager candidate for a position.
- John Smith, President of ABC Company, is an individual member of the Association of Energy Engineers and is a Certified Energy
Manager (CEM), Certified Carbon Reduction Professional (CRM) and Certified Sustainable Development Professional (CSDP).
- ABC Company is a Corporate Member of the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) and has five current Certified Energy Managers
(CEM) on staff including…….

John Smith is an individual: Corporate Member of:

Link to [Link]/certifiation    Link to [Link]

CEM® Application, Testing and Review Process (CEM Exam with Live Seminar Version)
 OFFICIAL STAMP FOR

CERTIFIED ENERGY MANAGERS - CEM®

NOW AVAILABLE

As the CEM® designation becomes a requirement for more jobs and projects, AEE is
pleased to announce the availability of an official stamp that will authenticate your
status as a CEM® in good standing.

The stamp will include your name, your CEM® ID number, and the expiration date of your
CEM®.

(Actual Size - 1¾”)

Stamp is self-inking with dark blue ink.

Please use the order form provided.

Price: $50 (includes shipping)

Association of Energy Engineers

4025 Pleasantdale Road, Suite 420 / Atlanta, GA / 770-447-5083
ASSOCIATION OF ENERGY ENGINEERS
Attn: AEE - CEM Stamp
4025 Pleasantdale Road, Suite 420
ORDER FORM CEM® STAMP 
Atlanta, GA 30340
770.447.5083 Phone
770.446.3969 Fax
Order may be e-mailed to aee@[Link] DATE: __________________________________________

SOLD / Ship To: 
Name: Company:

Street Address:

City/State/Zip:

E-Mail Address:

Phone No:

DESCRIPTION
QUANTITY UNIT PRICE TOTAL
Name on Stamp (Clearly Print) CEM Certification Number Date of Expiration

$50.00

$50.00

$50.00

$50.00

$50.00

$50.00

TOTAL DUE

Check method of payment: ____ Check: Make check payable to Association of Energy Engineers

____ Credit Card: ____ American Express ___VISA ___MasterCard

CARD NO.
__________________ ______________________________________________________
Expiration Date Signature
 Part B: CEM®APPLICATION
CEM Exam with Live Seminar Version & Study Guide

Please use this form only if you plan on taking the CEM Certification Exam held in-conjunction with one of the Live AEE Seminars

1) Seminar Name / Date / Location (REQUIRED): Comprehensive Five-day Training Program for Energy
Managers / April 27, 28, 29, May 2, & 3, 2011 / Energy Resource Center-Southern California Gas Co, 9240
Firestone Blvd, Downey CA
NOTE: The following information is to be filled out as completely as possible. Please read the “Information for Applicants” very carefully, and also
follow instructions for completing and forwarding forms. It is important that the AEE Certification Board have substantiating data for each criteria
indicated in the application. APPLICATIONS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE $200.00 FILING AND EXAMINATION FEE IN ORDER TO BE
CONSIDERED. THIS APPLICATION DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY REGISTER YOU FOR THE REQUIRED TRAINING SEMINAR or Exam.
PLEASE COMPLETE THIS SHEET AND EMAIL TO CEMSIGNUP@[Link] OR MAIL TO AEE SOCAL / C/O ARUP
12777 West Jefferson Blvd Ste 200Los Angeles, CA 90066. Once the information is received you will be invoiced for the Course and exam.

Mail application to: For Payment Contact AEE SoCal:

AEE – CEM Certification Dept. CEMsignup@[Link]
4025 Pleasantdale Rd. Suite 420 OR call and ask for Nataka White: ((310) 578-4538)
Atlanta, GA 30340
OR fax to: (770-447-4354)

Personal Data (Please print or type) File Number: ( AEE Internal Use Only)
Full legal name as it will appear on certificate:

Last Name: Legal First Name: Middle Initial:

Job Title:

Firm Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip: Country:

Phone: Fax: E-mail:

Residence Address:

City: State: Zip: Country:

Phone: Address Requested for Correspondence: ______Business _______Residence

DIVISION I – EDUCATION
(MAXIMUM 350 POINTS FOR DIVISION I)

List in chronological order the name and location of each college or university attended; also list other appropriate training.
Points are based on degree obtained and substantiating documentation submitted. Please arrange for Official College
Transcripts where degree was issued to be forwarded to AEE, but do not delay filing of application for this
reason.

Name & Location Years Date Degree Field In Which

Of Institution From - To Graduated Received Degree Was
Issued

DIVISION II – PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION

(MAXIMUM 350 POINTS FOR DIVISION II)

I am a Registered Engineer: ___yes ___no

I am a Registered Architect: ___yes ___no
I am an Engineer in Training (E.I.T.): ___yes ___no
I am a Certified Plant Engineer: ___yes ___no
I am an Energy Auditor: ___yes ___no

If yes to any of the above, complete the following and enclose copy registration. Registration must indicate that
license is currently in force. Points are based on substantiating documentation submitted.

State Registration No. Date Now in Force

__yes ___no

__yes ___no

__yes ___no

__yes ___no

__yes ___no

Have any states revoked or suspended your registration? ___yes ____no

If yes, please explain:
DIVISION III – EXPERIENCE RECORD
(MAXIMUM 700 POINTS - 350 points for 3 years of full-time energy experience; 50 points per year thereafter)

Applicant should forward one copy of the Employment Verification Form to each employer for those periods which
apply to Certification Eligibility. Forms may be completed by immediate superiors or personnel offices and must be
returned directly to AEE.

Please complete the following in chronological order and list the most recent employer first. Include a description of job
functions held for those periods of employment, which qualify you for specific category of certification as applied for. This
form may be copied if additional space is needed.

Date: Employer CONCISE STATEMENT OF ENERGY-RELATED WORK PERFORMED

From-To Name & Address

TITLE OF
POSITION
Date: Employer CONCISE STATEMENT OF ENERGY-RELATED WORK PERFORMED
From-To Name & Address

TITLE OF
POSITION
Date: Employer CONCISE STATEMENT OF ENERGY-RELATED WORK PERFORMED
From-To Name & Address

TITLE OF
POSITION
Date: Employer CONCISE STATEMENT OF ENERGY-RELATED WORK PERFORMED
From-To Name & Address

TITLE OF
POSITION
REFERENCES
Furnish the names and addresses of two references. References should be CEM professionals, PEs, RAs, or other
highly distinguished professional in the industry. The official AEE Letter of Reference is to be forwarded by Applicant
to the individuals listed below and returned directly to AEE by references.

Name Company and Address Position

OBLIGATION

I (Signature), having completed the aforementioned to the best of my ability, do

hereby apply for AEE Energy Manager Certification and wish to take the CEM Examination.

Affidavit
I hereby agree (a) to be bound by terms and provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Association of Energy Engineers, its by-laws and
such other regulation as may from time to time be in force, so far as they may affect me;
(b) to indemnify and hold harmless each and all of your members, Board of Directors, Certification Board, officers, examiners and agents from and
against any liability whatsoever in respect to any act or omission by you or them or any of them in connection with this application, the examination,
the grades given upon such examination, and/or the granting or issuance of o failure to grant o issue a certificate to me; (c) that any prescribed fee
paid by me is not refundable; and (d) that any certificate granted or issued me shall remain the property of the Association. I certify that all the
information contained in this application is correct to the best of my knowledge.

I further pledge myself hereby to the highest ethical standards in the practice of energy engineering/management.

Signature in Full

Date:

Certification Board The AEE Certification Board, acting at its regular meeting on has
Use only ____approved _____disapproved this application as presented for certification.
Certification No.______________

Director, CEM Certification Date

 REQUEST FOR REFERENCE INFORMATION 
Certified Energy Manager
From:

To: Date:

Dear :

I am applying to the Association of Energy Engineers for Certification as an

Energy Manager. In this regard, I hereby authorize your release of the requested
information.

Please furnish the requested information as completely as possible, and return to

AEE Certification Board.

The receipt of replies will be reported by AEE, but under no circumstances will the
information be divulged to me, or used for any purpose except to validate my
application for Energy Manager Certification.

Sincerely,

___________________________________________
Applicant Signature

NOTE: Applicant must submit two letters of reference.

 APPLICANT COMPLETE / Attach to Cover Letter
Name:
Address:
City: State: Zip:
REFERRAL COMPLETE / LETTER OF REFERENCE

Name:
Company: Telephone:
Address:
City: State: Zip:

The above named applicant I have known personally from:

____________________________to____________________________

I am personally familiar with the professional work of the applicant:

____yes ____no
If yes, please state relationship and brief description of character of work.

Do you know any reason why candidate should be denied certification?

_____yes ____no
If yes, please state reason.

To the best of my knowledge, I hereby attest that the above information is true and correct.
Name of person supply information:
(please type or print)

Official Title of Respondent:

Signature: Date:

Return to: AEE CERTIFICATION BOARD – CEM

4025 PLEASANTDALE RD. Suite 420
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30340
 REQUEST FOR EMPLOYMENT AND  
JOB DUTIES VERIFICATION  
Certified Energy Manager

From:

To: Date:

Dear :

I am applying to the Association of Energy Engineers for Certification as an Energy

Manager. In this regard, I hereby authorize your release of the requested
information enclosed which verifies my employment and duties from the period
_________________to___________________.

Please furnish the requested information as completely as possible, and return to

AEE Certification Board.

The receipt of replies will be reported by AEE, but under no circumstances will the
information be divulged to me, or used for any purpose except to validate my
application for Energy Manager Certification.

Applicant Signature

NOTE: If self-employed, complete letter of client verification.

 APPLICANT COMPLETE / Attach to Cover Letter
Name:
Address:
City: State: Zip:
LETTER OF EMPLOYMENT and JOB DUTIES VERIFICATION
The following information verifies the employment and duties of the above applicant for AEE Certification.

Company: Telephone:
Address:
City: State: Zip:
The above named applicant was (has been) employed by our company from
to and has held the following positions:
Dates:
Dates:
Dates:
Dates:

Please fully describe the energy-related responsibilities of the applicant (REQUIRED). Attach
descriptions if necessary to answer fully. Forms with incomplete details will not be processed.

To the best of my knowledge, and our employment records, I hereby attest that the above information is
true and correct.
Name of person supply information:
(please type or print)

Official Title of Respondent:

Signature: Date:

Return to: AEE CERTIFICATION BOARD – CEM

4025 PLEASANTDALE RD. Suite 420
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30340
 REQUEST FOR CLIENT VERIFICATION
Certified Energy Manager

From:

To: Date:

Dear :

I am applying to the Association of Energy Engineers for Certification as an

Energy Manager. In this regard, I hereby authorize your release of the requested
information enclosed which verifies my employment and duties from the period
_________________to___________________.

Please furnish the requested information as completely as possible, and return to

the AEE Certification Board.

The receipt of replies will be reported by AEE, but under no circumstances will the
information be divulged to me, or used for any purpose except to validate my
application for Energy Manager Certification.

Applicant Signature

NOTE: Complete this form only if self-employed – furnish three (3) client verification letters.
 NOTE: If Self-Employed, furnish three (3) client verifications.

APPLICANT COMPLETE / Attach to Cover Letter

Name:
Address:
City: State: Zip:
CLIENT COMPLETE / LETTER OF CLIENT VERIFICATION
The following information verifies the Contractor/Consultant and duties of the above applicant for AEE Certification.

Company: Telephone:
Address:
City: State: Zip:

The above contractor/consultant has provided service(s) to our company from:

____________________________to____________________________

Please fully describe the energy-related responsibilities of the applicant (REQUIRED). Attach
descriptions if necessary to answer fully. Forms with incomplete details will not be processed.

To the best of my knowledge, I hereby attest that the above information is true and correct.
Name of person supply information:
(please type or print)

Official Title of Respondent:

Signature: Date:

Return to: AEE CERTIFICATION BOARD – CEM

4025 PLEASANTDALE RD. Suite 420
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30340
 Part C: STUDY GUIDE
®
CERTIFIED ENERGY MANAGERS (CEM EXAM)

Online Practice CEM® Test Also Available.

CEM Applicants now have access to an online version practice test of the CEM exam. There is an
additional fee to take this online test and you may access the full details at Vantage Learning:

Direct Link: [Link]

The following is a list of the subjects for the CEM exam. Each subject covers a number of topics. Following the list of topics are
suggested references with chapter numbers.

The primary references are the Handbook of Energy Engineering, by D. Paul Mehta and Albert Thumann, the Energy
Management Handbook, 5th or 6th Edition by Wayne C. Turner, and Guide to Energy Management 4th or 5th Edition by Barney L.
Capehart, Wayne C. Turner and William J. Kennedy. However, some other books and materials are also referenced as
appropriate.

The exam will be open book and will last four hours. All questions are 8 points each. The maximum exam score is 1,040 points
and passing score for exam portion is 704. All candidates must answer Sections I, II, and III: Codes and Standards and Indoor
Air Quality, Energy Accounting and Economics, and Energy Audits and Instrumentation. The candidate should choose 8 of the
remaining 14 sections. If more than 8 additional sections are marked, only the first 8 will be scored. After the first three
mandatory sections, the fourteen sections remaining are as follows:

Electrical Systems HVAC Systems

Industrial Systems Motors and Drives
Building Envelope Cogeneration and CHP Systems
Energy Procurement Building Automation and Control Systems
Green Buildings, LEED and ENERGY STAR
Thermal Energy Storage Systems Lighting Systems
Boiler and Steam Systems Maintenance and Commissioning
Alternative Financing

STUDY GUIDE TOPICS & REFERNCES

I. CODES AND STANDARDS and INDOOR AIR QUALITY

CODES AND STANDARDS SUBJECT TOPICS
Federal Power Act
FERC
National Energy Act of 1978
Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978
Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Orders 436, 500, 636, 636A, 888, and 889
Energy Policy Act of 1992
Energy Policy Act of 2005 – Energy Efficiency Requirements and Tax Incentives
ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-1999, 2001
IEC and IEEC Codes
ASHRAE Standard 90.2
ASHRAE Standard 62-1999, 2001
Model Energy Code
ASHRAE Standard 135-2001

REF: Mehta and Thumann, Handbook of Energy Engineering, Chapter 1.

REF: Turner, Energy Management Handbook, Chapter 20.
 INDOOR AIR QUALIY SUBJECT TOPICS
ASHRAE Standard 62- 2001
Acceptable Air Quality
Ventilation Rate Procedure
Alternate Air Quality Procedure
Typical Air Contaminants
VOCs and Bioaerosols
IAQ Problem Causes
CO2 Measurement and Control
Microbial Contamination

REF: ASHRAE 62 -2001 Standard

REF: Turner, Energy Management Handbook, Chapter 17

II. ENERGY ACCOUNTING AND ECONOMICS

SUBJECT TOPICS
Simple Payback Period Life Cycle Cost Method
Time Value of Money Interest Formulas and Tables
Present Worth Project Life
Net Present Value Annual Cost Method
Present Worth Method Economic Performance Measures
After Tax Cash Flow Analysis Depreciation Methods
Internal Rate of Return Impact of Fuel Escalation Rates
Energy Accounting Btu Reporting
Point of Use Costs Efficiency Measures

REF: Mehta and Thumann, Handbook of Energy Engineering, Chapter 2.

REF: Turner, Energy Management Handbook, Chapter 4.
REF: Capehart, Turner and Kennedy, Guide to Energy Management, Chapter 4.

III. ENERGY AUDITS AND INSTRUMENTATION

SUBJECT TOPICS
Role of Audits Audit Equipment
Energy Management Measures Load Factors
Combustion Analysis Combustion Analyzers
Power Factor Correction Electric Metering Equipment
Very Basic Thermodynamics Temperature Measurement
Air Velocity Measurement Pressure Measurement
Light Level Measurement Humidity Measurement
Infrared Equipment Energy and Power Measurement
Fuel Choices HHV and LHV
Energy Use Index Energy Cost Index

REF: Mehta and Thumann, Handbook of Energy Engineering, Chapter 3.

REF: Turner, Energy Management Handbook, Chapter 3.
REF: Capehart, Turner and Kennedy, Guide to Energy Management, Chapter 2.
IV. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
SUBJECT TOPICS
Demand and Energy Load Factors
Real Power Reactive Power
Power Factor Three Phase Systems
Power Factor Correction Peak Demand Reduction
Rate Structure and Analysis Motors and Motor Drives
Variable Speed Drives Affinity Laws (Pump and Fan Laws)
Power Quality Harmonics
Grounding IEEE PQ Standard 519

REF: Mehta and Thumann, Handbook of Energy Engineering, Chapter 4.

REF: Turner, Energy Management Handbook, Chapter 11.
REF: Capehart, Turner and Kennedy, Guide to Energy Management, Chapter 3.

V. HVAC SYSTEMS
SUBJECT TOPICS
Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Affinity Laws Performance Rating (COP, EER, kW/ton)
Psychrometric Chart HVAC Economizers
HVAC Equipment Types Air Distribution Systems (Reheat, Multizone, VAV)
Degree Days Chillers
Heat Transfer Energy Consumption Estimates
Vapor Compression Cycle Absorption Cycle
Cooling Towers Air and Water Based Heat Flow
ASHRAE Ventilation Standard Demand Control Ventilation

REF: Mehta and Thumann, Handbook of Energy Engineering, Chapter 7, 8.

REF: Turner, Energy Management Handbook, Chapter 10.
REF: Capehart, Turner and Kennedy, Guide to Energy Management, Chapter 6.

VI. MOTORS AND DRIVES

SUBJECT TOPICS
AC Induction Motors AC Synchronous Motors
DC Motors High Efficiency Motors
Load Factor and Slip Power Factor and Efficiency
Motor Speed Control Variable Frequency Drives
Fan and Pump Laws Variable Flow Systems
Motor Selection Criteria New vs. Rewound Motors
Motor Management Software Power Factor Correction

REF: Mehta and Thumann, Handbook of Energy Engineering, Chapter 4.

REF: Turner, Energy Management Handbook, Chapter 11.
REF: Capehart, Turner and Kennedy, Guide to Energy Management, Chapter 12.
VII. INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS
SUBJECT TOPICS
Waste Heat Recovery Boilers and Thermal Systems
Industrial Energy Management Fuel Choices
Steam Systems Steam Tables
Heat Exchangers Compressors
Turbines Pumps
Compressed Air Systems Air Compressors
Air Compressor Controls Air Leaks

REF: Mehta and Thumann, Handbook of Energy Engineering, Chapter 5, 6 & 15.
REF: Turner, Energy Management Handbook, Chapter 5, 6 & 8.
REF: Capehart, Turner and Kennedy, Guide to Energy Management, Chapter 7.

VIII. BUILDING ENVELOPE

SUBJECT TOPICS
Thermal Resistance Heat Transfer Coefficients
Insulation Vapor Barriers
Solar Heat Gain Solar Shading
Thermally Light Facilities Thermally Heavy Facilities
Conduction Heat Loads Psychrometric Chart
Air Heat Transfer Water Heat Transfer

REF: Mehta and Thumann, Handbook of Energy Engineering, Chapter 7.

REF: Turner, Energy Management Handbook, Chapter 9 & 15.
REF: Capehart, Turner and Kennedy, Guide to Energy Management, Chapter 6 & 11.

IX. COGENERATION AND CHP SYSTEMS

SUBJECT TOPICS
Topping Cycles Bottoming Cycles
Combined Cycles Fuel Selection
Prime Movers Operating Strategies
Regulations Codes and Standards
PURPA and EPACT 05 Qualifying Facilities
Combined Heat and Power Distributed Generation
HHV and LHV Thermal Efficiencies

REF: Mehta and Thumann, Handbook of Energy Engineering, Chapter 9.

REF: Turner, Energy Management Handbook, Chapter 7.

X. ENERGY PROCUREMENT
SUBJECT TOPICS
Energy Policy Act of 2005 Energy Policy Act of 1992
Deregulated Natural Gas Retail and Wholesale Wheeling
FERC Orders 888 and 889 Electric Deregulation
Utility Restructuring Natural Gas Policy Act
Marketers and Brokers HHV and LHV
LDC, ISO, PX, EWG Distributed Generation

REF: Mehta and Thumann, Handbook of Energy Engineering, Chapter 1.

REF: Turner, Energy Management Handbook, Chapter 21, 23, & 24.
XI. BUILDING AUTOMATION AND CONTROL SYSTEMS
SUBJECT TOPICS
Energy Management Strategies Terminology
Basic Controls PID Controls
BACnet & LON Signal Carriers
Power Line Carriers Direct Digital Control
Distributed Control Central Control
Optimization Controls Reset Controls
Building Control Strategies Communication Protocols
Expert Systems Artificial Intelligence
Self-Tuning Control Loops Energy Information Systems
TCP/IP Internet, Intranets and WWW

REF: Mehta and Thumann, Handbook of Energy Engineering, Chapter 4 and 10.
REF: Turner, Energy Management Handbook, Chapter 12.
REF: Capehart, Turner and Kennedy, Guide to Energy Management, Chapter 9.

XII. GREEN BUILDINGS, LEED, AND ENERGY STAR

SUBJECT TOPICS
Green Buildings USGBC
Sustainable Design LEED Certification
ASHRAE 90.1 Energy Cost Budget Method LEED EB
Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum LEED NC
LEED CI LEED CS
Water Efficiency Energy and Atmosphere
Materials and Resources Indoor Environmental Quality
ENERGY STAR Rating Profile Manager

REF: United States Green Building Council, website with LEED presentations, [Link]
REF: ENERGY STAR presentation, ENERGY STAR website, [Link].

XIII. THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS

SUBJECT TOPICS
Design Strategies Operating Strategies
Storage Media Advantages and Limitations
Chilled Water Storage Ice Storage
Sizing Volume Requirements
Full Storage Systems Partial Storage Systems

REF: Mehta and Thumann, Handbook of Energy Engineering, Chapter 12.

REF: Turner, Energy Management Handbook, Chapter 19.

XIV. LIGHTING SYSTEMS

SUBJECT TOPICS
Light Sources Efficiency and Efficacy
Lamp Life Strike and Restrike
Lumens Foot-candles
Zonal Cavity Design Method Inverse Square Law
Coefficient of Utilization Room Cavity Ratios
Lamp Lumen Depreciation Light Loss Factors
Dimming Lighting Controls
Color Temperature Color Rendering Index
Visual Comfort Factor Reflectors
Ballasts Ballast Factor
Lighting Retrofits IES Lighting Standards
EPACT 2005 Lighting Efficiency

REF: Mehta and Thumann, Handbook of Energy Engineering, Chapter 4.

REF: Turner, Energy Management Handbook, Chapter 13.
REF: Capehart, Turner and Kennedy, Guide to Energy Management, Chapter 5.
XV. BOILER AND STEAM SYSTEMS
SUBJECT TOPICS
Combustion Efficiency Air to Fuel Ratio
Excess Air Boiler Economizers
Steam Traps Steam Leaks
Condensate Return Boiler Blow down
Waste Heat Recovery Flash Steam
Scaling and Fouling Turbulators
HHV and LHV Condensing Boilers

REF: Mehta and Thumann, Handbook of Energy Engineering, Chapter 6.

REF: Turner, Energy Management Handbook, Chapter 5 and 6.
REF: Capehart, Turner and Kennedy, Guide to Energy Management, Chapter 7 and 8.

XVI. MAINTENANCE AND COMMISSIONING

MAINTENANCE SUBJECT TOPICS
Combustion Control Compressed Air Leaks
Steam Leaks Steam Traps
Insulation Outside Air Ventilation
Group Relamping Scheduled Maintenance
Preventive Maintenance Proactive Maintenance
Boiler Scale Water Treatment

REF: Mehta and Thumann, Handbook of Energy Engineering, Chapter 14.

REF: Turner, Energy Management Handbook, Chapter 14.
REF: Capehart, Turner and Kennedy, Guide to Energy Management, Chapter 10 and 11.

COMMISSIONING SUBJECT TOPICS

Purpose of Commissioning Benefits of Commissioning
Need for Commissioning Commissioning New Buildings
Retro-Commissioning Real Time and Continuous Commissioning
Measurement and Verification Commissioning Agent
Phases of Commissioning Facility Design Intent
Commissioning Documentation

REF: Turner, Energy Management Handbook, Chapter 26

XVII. ALTERNATIVE FINANCING

SUBJECT TOPICS
Energy Service Companies Energy Savings Performance Contracting
Utility Financing Shared Savings Contracts
Demand Side Management Contracting and Leasing
Measurement and Verification Protocols Savings Determination
Risk Assessment Energy Policy Act of 1992
Loans, Stocks and Bonds Federal Facility Requirements

REF: Mehta and Thumann, Handbook of Energy Engineering, Chapter 16.

REF: Turner, Energy Management Handbook, Chapter 25.
 CEM EXAM REVIEW QUESTIONS (Sample Only)
Some of these review questions may be more complex or difficult than the exam but will be good practice
problems.

1. An alternative refrigerant to CFC-114 is HCFC-124?

(A) True
(B) False

2. Participation in the Marching Grants Program for Schools and Hospitals, as authorized in the
National Energy Conservation Policy Act (NECPA), requires an 80% match of funds from the
recipient institutions except in hardship cases.
(A) True
(B) False

3. If electricity is selling for $0.06 per kilowatt-hour and is used for electric heating with an
efficiency of 100%, what is the equivalent price of natural gas per therm if it can be burned with
an efficiency of 80%?
(A) $1.30/therm
(B) $1.40/therm
(C) $1.50/therm
(D) $1.60/therm
(E) $1.70/therm

4. An energy saving device will save $25,000 per year for 8 years. How much can a company pay
for this device if the interest rate (discount rate) is 15%?

5. What would be used to find the quantity of electric current in an AC circuit?

(A) Ohmmeter
(B) Ammeter
(C) Wattmeter
(D) All of the above

6. An audit for one firm showed that the power factor is almost always 70% and that the demand is
1000kW. What capacitor size is needed to correct power factor to 90%.
(A) 266 kVAR
(B) 536 kVAR
(C) 1000kVAR
(D) 618kVAR
(E) 1214 kVAR

7. The amount of reactive power that must be supplied by capacitors to correct a power factor of
84% to 95% in a 400 HP motor at 75% load and 98% efficiency is:
(A) At the inductive load
(B) At load control centers
(C) At the primary transformer
(D) All of the above
(E) A & B
8. Power factor correcting capacitors may be located:
(A) At the inductive load
(B) At load control centers
(C) At the primary transformer
(D) All of the above
(E) A & B

9. You find that you can replace a 50 HP motor with a 5 HP motor by cutting the total air flow
requirements. Calculate the total dollar savings, given the information below:
Runtime: 8,760 hours/year
Motor Efficiency: 90% (both motors)
Electrical Rate: $9.00/KW-month
$0.05/KW-hr
$0.005/KW-hr

Fuel Cost Adjustment:

(A) $22,000
(B) $12,710
(C) $18,798
(D) $15,650
(E) $9,874

10. An absorption system with a COP of 0.8 is powered by hot water that enters at 200 F and exits at
180 F at a rate of 25 gpm. The chilled water operates on a 10 F temperature difference and the
condenser water on a 20 F temperature difference. Calculate the Chilled water flow.
(A) 10 gpm
(B) 20 gpm
(C) 40 gpm
(D) 45 gpm
(E) 30 gpm

11. 10,000 cfm of air leaves an air handler at 50 F, it is delivered to a room at 65 F. How many
BTU/hr was lost in the ductwork?
(A) 162,000 BTU/hr
(B) 75,000 BTU/hr
(C) 126,550 BTU/hr
(D) 256,000 BTU/hr
(E) 10,000 BTU/hr

12. Which of the following is not a positive displacement air compressor?

(A) Helical Compressor
(B) Reciprocating Compressor
(C) Vane Compressor
(D) Axial Compressor
(E) None of the above
13. Air at 69 F dry bulb and 50% relative humidity flows at 6750 cubic feet per minute and is heated
to 90 F dry bulb. How many BTU/hr is required in this process?
(A) 50,000 BTU/hr
(B) 75,000 BTU/hr
(C) 150,000 BTU/hr
(D) 10,000 BTU/hr

14. Estimate the seasonal energy consumption for a building if its design-heating load has been
determined to be 350,000 BTU/hr for a design temperature difference of 70 F if the heating
season has 3,500-degree days. The heating unit efficiency is 80%. Assume 1 MCF = 106 BTU.
(A) 625 MCF/year
(B) 350 MCF/year
(C) 420 MCF/year
(D) 656 MCF/year
(E) 525 MCF/year

15. A wall has a total R-value of 15. Determine the annual cost of the heat loss per square foot in a
climate having 5,000 heating degree-days. The heating unit efficiency is 70% and the fuel cost is
$5.00/million BTUs.
(A) $0.057 ft2
(B) $0.040 ft2
(C) $0.129/ft2
(D) $0.200/ft2
(E) $0.029/ft2

16. A 10,000 square foot building consumes the following amounts of energy per year. What is the
energy budget in BTU’s per square foot?
(A) 7,500 BTU/square foot Natural Gas 5,000 therms/years
(B) 88,000 BTU/square foot Electricity 60,000 kwh/year
(C) 81,500 BTU/square foot
(D) 70,500 BTU/square foot
(E) 700,000 BTU/square foot

17. Assuming that adding 2 inches of fiberglass insulation drops the U-valve of a building from 0.24
to 0.098, calculate the annual cooling savings per square foot from the data given below:
(A) $0.10/ft2 2,000 cooling degree days
(B) $0.25/ft2 Cooling COP = 2.5
(C) $0.04/ft2 Electrical cost $0.05/kw-hr
(D)$0.59/ft2
(E) $0.02/ft2
18. How many BTU/hr of fuel is wasted if 100 pound per hour condensate at 30 psia saturated liquid
is drained to the sewer and is made up with water at 60 F. Assume the boiler is 80% efficient
and ignore blowdown effects.
(A) 12,090 BTU/hr
(B) 15,200 BTU/hr
(C) 18,000 BTU/hr
(D) 23,855 BTU/hr
(E) 21,800 BTU/hr

19. One of the major hindrances to growth of self-help has always been
(A) Take or pay contracts
(B) Lack of enough produced natural gas
(C) FERC’s unwillingness to encourage transportation pricing
(D) FERC’s unwillingness to allow pipelines to “unbundle” costs

20. The time between failures of equipment without an energy management control system (EMS) is
usually longer than in those situations monitored by an EMS with a maintenance schedule.
(A) True
(B) False

21. Chilled water reset saves energy because the energy required in refrigeration compressor is not a
function of the chilled water's leaving temperature.
(A) True
(B) False

22. The difference between the setting at which the controller operates to one position and the setting
at which it changes to the other is known as the:
(A) Throttling range
(B) Offset
(C) Differential
(D) Control Point

23. What is the flow rate of 60 F water through a control valve with a flow coefficient of 0.5 and a
pressure difference across the valve of 16 psig?
(A) 2 gpm
(B) 4 gpm
(C) 6 gpm
(D) 8 gpm
(E) 10 gpm

24. With a load leveling TES strategy, a building manager will

(A) Not operate the chiller during peak hours
(B) Essentially base load the chiller (i.e., operate at high load most of the time)
(C) Operate only during the peaking times
(D) Operate in the “off” season
25. A large commercial building will be retrofitted with a closed loop water to air heat pump system.
Individual meters will show costs to each department. Demand billing is a small part of the total
electrical cost.
Would you recommend a TES?
(A) Yes
(B) No

26. A building presently has the following lighting system:

Present 196 mercury vapor light fixtures
Size: 250 watt/lamp
285 watt/fixture, including ballast
Lamp Life: 20,000 hours/lamp
Lamp Cost: $44.00/lamp
Output: 10,000 lumens
You have chosen to replace the existing system with the following:
Proposed: 140 high pressure sodium fixtures
Size: 150 watt/lamp
185 watt/fixture
Lamp Life: 24,000 hours/lamps
Lamp Cost: $54.00/lamp
Output: 15,000 lumens
The facility operates 24 hours/day. Approximate the heating effect if the heating system
efficiency is 80%, fuel costs $5.00 per million BTUs and there are 200 heating days per year.
(A) $4,445/year
(B) $2,548/year
(C) $6,986/year
(D) $5,289/year
(E) $3,068/year

27. One disadvantage to metal halide lamps is a pronounced tendency to shift colors as the lamp
ages.
(A) True
(B) False

28. Given the same amount of excess air and the same flue gas temperature, which fuel provides the
highest combustion efficiency?
(A) Natural Gas
(B) No. 2 Fuel Oil
(C) No. 6 Fuel Oil
(D) Coal

29. A boiler is rated at 30 boiler horsepower and 80% efficient. What is the input rating?
(A) 1,005,000BTU/hr
(B) 1,255,300BTU/hr
(C) 502, 500BTU/hr
(D) 3,628,750BTU/hr
(E) 13,400,000BTU/hr
 30. A back pressure steam turbine receives 10,000 pounds per hour steam at 115 psia, 450 F. Outlet
conditions of the steam turbine are 30 psia saturated. If the electrical generator is 95% efficient,
how much electrical power is generated. Choose the closest answer.
(A) 227 kw
(B) 335 kw
(C) 325 kw
(D) 260 kw
(E) 244kw

31. Given the parameters below, estimate the percent outside air in this simple single zone heating
system.
Outside Air Temp = 20 F
Return Air Temp = 72 F
Mixed Air Temp = 65 F
(A) 25.2%
(B) 13.5%
(C) 30.5%
(D) 5.0%
(E) 86.5%

CEM EXAM REVIEW ANSWERS

Questions – Answers Questions – Answers Questions – Answers

(1) – A (12) – D (22) – C

(2) – B (13) – C (23) – A
(3) – B (14) – E (24) – B
(4) - $112, 175 (15) – A (25) – B
(5) – B (16) – D (26) – E
(6) – B (17) – C (27) – A
(7) – A (18) – D (28) – D
(8) – D (19) – A (29) – B
( 9) – A (20) – B (30) – E
(10) – C (21) – B (31) – B
(11) - A

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CEM® Certified Energy Manager is a registered trade mark of the Association of Energy Engineers. The information contained herewith is for
informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement from AEE in any kind.
CEM application, procedures, requirements, and eligibility are subject to change.