CEM Body of Knowledge and Study Guide - Preparation for the CEM Certification Exam - Study Guide Topics & References - Version 1.7

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by McGucket

CEM Body of Knowledge and Study Guide provides preparation guidance for the Certified Energy Manager (CEM) Certification Exam, a four-hour open-book assessment with 130 questions across 14 mandatory subject sections. It explains exam logistics, including the need for a hand calculator and the existence of a 65-question online self-evaluation that simulates half the test. The guide lists required Body of Knowledge 2.0 areas with exam percentage ranges, then expands each section into detailed study topics and references such as energy engineering and energy management textbooks.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages17

Reading Time43 min

AccessFree to download

Preparation for the CEM Certification Exam

Exam format, timing, and requirements

Mandatory subjects and exam percentage breakdown

Online self-evaluation exam

Primary references and study resources

Body of Knowledge 2.0 study guide topics & references

Energy and Sustainability Policies, Codes and Standards

Energy Rates, Tariffs and Supply Options

Energy Audits and Instrumentation

THE CEM BODY OF KNOWLEDGE AND STUDY GUIDE Preparation for the CEM Certification Exam The CEM Certification Exam is a four-hour open book exam. The examination questions are based on the Body of Knowledge listed below. Because of the diversity of background and experience of Energy Managers, the examination has 14 different subject sections, all of which are included in the exam. You must bring a hand calculator to the exam as the CEM exam does not allow computers, tablets, or cell phones to be used during the test. It is highly recommended that you review the complete Study Guide and answer the Exam Review questions included in the Study Guide to determine your readiness for the exam. The CEM Examination contains the following mandatory subjects: | Body of Knowledge 2.0 | Percent of Exam | | --- | --- | | 1. Energy and Sustainability Policies, Codes and Standards | 6%-8% | | 2. Energy Rates, Tariffs and Supply Options | 5%-7% | | 3. Energy Audits and Instrumentation | 7%-11% | | 4. Energy Accounting and Economics | 6%-10% | | 5. Electrical Power Systems and Motors | 7%-11% | | 6. Lighting Systems | 5% -7% | | 7. HVAC Systems and Building Envelope | 10%-16% | | 8. Building Automation, Controls and Artificial Intelligence Systems | 6%-10% | | 9. Energy Storage Systems | 3%-5% | | 10. Boiler and Steam Systems | 4%-6% | | 11. Distributed Generation & Renewable Energy Systems | 4%-6% | | 12. Industrial Systems | 6%-8% | | 13. Operations, Maintenance and Commissioning | 7%-11% | | 14. Energy Savings Performance Contracting and Measurement & Verification | 3%-5% | STUDY GUIDE CERTIFIED ENERGY MANAGERS (CEM ® EXAM) Online Self-Evaluation Exam Also Available CEM Applicants have access to an online version self-evaluation CEM exam. The 65-question multiple choice selfevaluation exam simulates half the certification test, contains a two hour time limit, and covers seventeen sections. There is a $50 fee to take this online test and you may access the full details at: Direct [Link:](Link: www.aeecenter.org/cem/selfevaluation)[ ](Link: www.aeecenter.org/cem/selfevaluation)[www.aeecenter.org/cem/selfevaluation](Link: www.aeecenter.org/cem/selfevaluation) Get a sense of how to time questions. The actual exam time allotted is 4 hours for 130 questions. You will need to complete the 65-question self-evaluation exam in 2 hours. At the end of the exam, you will receive a sections report that lets you know what sections you passed and failed. You will not be able to see the specific questions that you answered wrong/right or the answers. The following is a list of the subjects for the CEM exam. Each subject covers a number of topics. The primary references include: Handbook of Energy Engineering, 8th by D. Paul Mehta and Albert Thumann Energy Management Handbook, 9th Edition by Stephen Roosa, Steve Doty, and Wayne C. Turner Guide to Energy Management, 8th Edition by Barney L. Capehart, Wayne C. Turner and William J. Kennedy Certified Energy Manager (CEM) Training Workbook (available to AEE training attendees) The primary textbook resources are available through the AEE eLibrary, which is a great source for accessing searchable content as well as highlighting and taking notes. Digital books cannot be accessed during the certification exam. The study guide will not lead you to answers to all of the questions, but it will certainly lead you to a very large number of correct answers. A person with the necessary experience who reviews the study guide should not have any problem passing the exam. The exam will: be open book, last four hours, and have 130 questions to answer. Of the 130 questions, 120 are scored and 10 randomly located questions are trial questions being prepared for possible use on future exams. The 10 trial questions do not count toward the examinee’s score. The trial questions are randomly located and are not identified. Therefore, all 130 questions should be answered. There are 14 sections listed

FAQs

How long is the CEM Certification Exam, and is it open book?

The CEM Certification Exam lasts four hours and is open book. There are 130 questions total, with 120 scored and 10 trial questions not counted toward the score.

What are the exam requirements regarding calculators or devices?

A hand calculator must be brought because computers, tablets, or cell phones are not allowed during the test.

What is the online self-evaluation exam, and what does the score report include?

The online self-evaluation exam is a 65-question, multiple-choice test with a two-hour time limit that simulates half the certification exam and covers seventeen sections. After completion, a section report indicates which sections were passed or failed, without showing the specific questions or correct answers.

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by McGucket