Top 10 Energy Consultant Certifications

Certifications are important for an energy consultant in the job market because they demonstrate that a person has the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to work in this field. They also show potential employers that the energy consultant has been trained in industry-specific topics and is qualified to provide advice and assistance. Certifications can also help energy consultants stand out from the competition when applying for jobs or bidding on contracts. Finally, certifications can give energy consultants access to exclusive networks and resources that may not be available without certification.

This article reviews the top certifications for Energy Consultants, and explains how they can help to advance an energy consultant's career.

What are Energy Consultant Certifications?

Energy consultant certification is a professional credential that certifies an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of energy efficiency. It provides a framework for evaluating and validating the individual’s qualifications in energy-related topics such as energy auditing, retrofitting, renewable energy systems, sustainability practices, and more.

The certification process involves rigorous examinations to test the individual’s understanding of key concepts in the field of energy efficiency. The certification also verifies an individual’s ability to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios. By obtaining this certification, individuals demonstrate to employers that they have the necessary qualifications to work as an energy consultant.

Having this certification can help individuals stand out amongst other job applicants when applying for positions within the energy industry. It gives employers confidence that they are hiring someone who is qualified and knowledgeable about energy efficiency principles. In addition, having this certification may also provide access to additional resources or opportunities related to consulting projects or research initiatives within the industry. Finally, it allows individuals to stay up-to-date on current trends and technologies related to energy efficiency, giving them a competitive edge over those without such credentials.

Pro Tip: When looking for an energy consultant certification, make sure to check if it is accredited by the relevant government agencies or organizations in your area. This will ensure that you are getting a quality certification that meets all regulatory and industry standards.

Related: What does an Energy Consultant do?

Top 10 Energy Consultant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Energy Consultants today.

1. Certified Energy Manager (CEM)

A Certified Energy Manager (CEM) is a professional designation given to individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of energy management. CEMs are trained to assess, design, implement, and monitor energy-efficient systems and processes. They understand the principles of energy conservation, renewable energy sources, and sustainable building practices.

The CEM certification is offered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). To become certified, candidates must pass an exam that covers topics such as energy economics, engineering principles, building systems, and project management. The exam takes approximately four hours and costs $500 USD.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain educational requirements. Candidates must have at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field from an accredited institution; two years of full-time experience in the field of energy management; or both education and experience combined.

Once certified, CEMs must maintain their credentials by completing continuing education credits every three years. The cost for recertification is $200 USD per three year period.

2. Certified Energy Auditor (CEA)

A Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) is a professional who has been certified by an accredited organization to assess energy use and identify areas for improvement. The CEA evaluates the efficiency of existing systems, equipment and processes and makes recommendations for improvements.

It typically takes between 1-2 years to become a Certified Energy Auditor depending on the specific requirements of the certification program. To become a CEA, you must first complete an approved training program in energy auditing and then pass the certification exam.

The cost of becoming a Certified Energy Auditor varies depending on the program chosen. Generally, it costs anywhere from $500-$2000 USD to get certified.

Once certified, CEAs are expected to maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses every two years in order to stay up-to-date on new technologies and practices in energy efficiency.

3. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP)

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in green building design, construction, and operations. This certification is offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED APs are professionals who understand the LEED rating system, can interpret its requirements, and can help projects achieve their sustainability goals.

It typically takes between six months to a year to become a LEED AP. The process involves studying for and passing an exam administered by the USGBC. The exam covers topics such as green building principles, project management, energy efficiency, water conservation, materials selection, indoor environmental quality, and more.

To get started on the path to becoming a LEED AP you must first register with the USGBC. You will then need to complete an online training course or attend an in-person workshop before taking the exam. Once you have passed the exam you will be eligible for LEED AP certification.

The cost of becoming a LEED AP varies depending on how you choose to study for the exam and which type of credential you are pursuing (e.g., LEED Green Associate or LEED AP BD+C). Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1,000 USD to become certified as a LEED AP.

4. Building Performance Institute Building Analyst Professional (BPI BA)

The Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst Professional (BA) certification is a nationally recognized credential that validates the knowledge and skills of individuals working in the home performance industry. The BPI BA certification requires professionals to demonstrate their ability to assess, analyze, and improve the energy efficiency and comfort of homes.

To become a BPI BA, an individual must pass both the written and field exams. The written exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as building science fundamentals, combustion safety, air leakage testing, ventilation systems, insulation installation, duct systems, and more. The field exam requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to perform a comprehensive home assessment using diagnostic tools such as blower doors, combustion analyzers, infrared cameras, and more.

The BPI BA certification process typically takes between 4-6 weeks from start to finish. To get started on the path towards becoming a certified BPI BA professional you will need to register for the exams with BPI directly or through an approved training provider.

The cost of becoming a BPI BA varies depending on whether you are taking the exams as part of a class or independently. If you are taking the exams independently you can expect to pay $350 for both the written and field exams which includes all study materials needed for preparation. If you are taking the exams as part of a class then your costs may vary depending on which provider you choose.

5. Association of Energy Engineers Certified Power Professional (CPP)

The Association of Energy Engineers Certified Power Professional (CPP) is an internationally recognized certification program designed to recognize professional excellence in the field of power engineering. The CPP is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, experience, and commitment to the energy industry.

It typically takes about six months to complete the certification process. In order to become certified, applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in power engineering or related fields. They must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as electrical theory, power system design, and energy management principles.

To get started on the CPP certification process, applicants must first submit an application form along with proof of their qualifications and experience. After submitting their application, they will receive a confirmation email from AEE with further instructions on how to register for the exam.

The cost of becoming a Certified Power Professional varies depending on the applicant's country of residence. Generally speaking, it costs around $600-700 USD for international applicants and $400-500 USD for domestic applicants.

6. American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy Certified Residential Specialist (ACEEE CRS)

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of energy efficiency in residential buildings. It is the only nationally recognized certification program that focuses specifically on residential energy efficiency.

The ACEEE CRS program consists of four levels of certification: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Master CRS. Each level requires specific knowledge and experience in the field of residential energy efficiency, as well as successful completion of a written exam.

To become certified at any level, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the field of residential energy efficiency, and must pass a written exam that covers topics such as building science fundamentals, building envelope design, HVAC systems design, lighting design and other related topics.

The cost to apply for the ACEEE CRS program varies depending on which level you are applying for. The fee for Level 1 is $150; Level 2 is $300; Level 3 is $500; and Master CRS is $1,000.

It typically takes 6-8 weeks to receive your results after taking the exam. Once you have passed the exam and been certified by ACEEE, your certification will be valid for three years from the date you passed the exam.

7. Certified Measurement & Verification Professional (CMVP)

Certified Measurement & Verification Professional (CMVP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in energy measurement and verification. The CMVP certification provides assurance that individuals have achieved a level of proficiency in the field of measurement and verification.

It typically takes three to six months to complete the CMVP certification process, depending on the individual's experience and study habits. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam administered by AEE, which covers topics such as energy efficiency project planning, design and implementation, data collection and analysis, and reporting results. The exam fee is $450 for members of AEE or $550 for non-members.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also demonstrate two years of relevant work experience in order to qualify for the CMVP certification. This experience must be verified by a qualified supervisor or mentor who can attest to their knowledge and skills in energy measurement and verification.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the applicant's situation. In addition to the exam fee mentioned above, there may be additional costs associated with obtaining necessary documents or materials needed for the application process.

8. International Performance Measurement & Verification Protocol Practitioner (IPMVPP)

The International Performance Measurement & Verification Protocol Practitioner (IPMVPP) is a certification program developed by the Efficiency Valuation Organization (EVO). It was created to provide a standard of excellence in the field of performance measurement and verification. IPMVPP provides professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately measure, report, and verify energy savings from energy efficiency projects.

To become an IPMVPP, individuals must complete an online course and pass a final exam. The course typically takes 8-10 hours to complete, depending on the individual’s prior knowledge. After passing the exam, individuals will be certified as an IPMVPP for three years.

The cost for the online course and exam is $495 USD. This fee covers all materials needed for the course as well as access to EVO’s online learning platform.

In addition to becoming certified as an IPMVPP, individuals may also choose to pursue additional certifications offered by EVO such as Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Certified Measurement & Verification Professional (CMVP), or Certified Building Commissioning Professional (CBCP).

9. Home Energy Rating System Rater (HERS Rater)

The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rater is a nationally recognized system that evaluates the energy efficiency of new and existing homes. The HERS Index score is calculated by comparing the home’s energy performance to a reference home, which is defined by the US Department of Energy. A lower HERS Index score indicates greater energy efficiency.

A HERS rating typically takes two to three hours to complete and includes an on-site inspection of the home’s insulation, windows, doors, heating and cooling systems, ductwork, water heating equipment, and other components. The rater will also use diagnostic tools such as blower door tests and infrared cameras to identify air leakage points in the home.

To become a certified HERS Rater, you must complete a training program approved by RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network). The training program consists of classroom instruction and field experience with a qualified mentor. After completing the training program, you must pass an exam administered by RESNET in order to become certified.

The cost of becoming a certified HERS Rater varies depending on your location and can range from $1,000-$2,500 or more. Additionally, there are annual fees associated with maintaining your certification status.

10. Building Operator Certification (BOC).

Building Operator Certification (BOC) is a nationally recognized training and certification program designed to give building operators the knowledge and skills necessary to operate their buildings more efficiently. The program focuses on energy efficiency, indoor air quality, water conservation, and other sustainable practices. It is designed for people who work in commercial and institutional buildings, such as office buildings, schools, hospitals, retail stores, warehouses, and more.

The BOC program consists of two levels: Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 is a self-paced online course that takes approximately 25 hours to complete. It covers topics such as energy efficiency principles and strategies, building systems operations and maintenance, sustainability best practices, and more. Upon successful completion of the coursework, participants must pass an online exam in order to become certified at the Level 1 level.

Level 2 is an advanced certification that requires additional training and experience beyond what is covered in Level 1. To become certified at this level requires attending an instructor-led workshop that lasts two days or longer. Participants must also have at least one year of full-time experience working with building systems operations or maintenance before they can take the exam for Level 2 certification.

The cost of the BOC program varies depending on which level you are pursuing. The cost for Level 1 certification typically ranges from $500-$800 USD (including materials). The cost for Level 2 certification typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD (including materials).

Once you have completed your training and passed your exams you will receive a certificate that verifies your Building Operator Certification status. This certificate will be valid for three years after which time you will need to renew it by taking additional courses or workshops as required by the BOC program standards.

Do You Really Need a Energy Consultant Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not necessarily need an energy consultant certificate to start a career as an energy consultant. There are many pathways for people interested in this field, and each will have its own set of requirements and qualifications.

For instance, some employers may prefer or require that you have a degree in engineering, economics, or business related to energy consulting. Others may not care if you don’t have any formal credentials but rather focus on your experience in the field and your ability to communicate effectively with clients.

That said, having a certificate can be beneficial in certain circumstances. For one thing, it can give employers a sense of assurance that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform well in the role. It can also provide evidence that you have taken the time to gain additional skills and knowledge about the profession. This could potentially help boost your chances of landing a job offer or promotion within the industry.

In addition, having an energy consultant certificate from an accredited institution can demonstrate to prospective employers that you are serious about becoming an energy consultant and willing to invest in yourself professionally. It could also give you access to exclusive networking opportunities with other professionals who hold similar certificates and open up more doors for future career advancement.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an energy consultant certificate depends on what type of employer you’re applying for and how much experience they require from candidates. If they don’t list any specific requirements, then it’s probably safe to assume that they won’t penalize applicants who don’t hold one—but it never hurts to make sure by double-checking first!

Related: Energy Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Energy Consultant Certifications

1. What is an Energy Consultant Certification?

Answer: An Energy Consultant Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates knowledge and expertise in the field of energy management, sustainability, and conservation. It provides recognition for individuals who are committed to helping organizations reduce their energy consumption and environmental footprint.

2. How do I become certified as an Energy Consultant?

Answer: To become certified as an Energy Consultant, you must complete a certification program approved by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The program typically includes courses in energy management, sustainability, and conservation. You may also need to pass exams or other assessments before becoming certified.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as an Energy Consultant?

Answer: Becoming certified as an Energy Consultant provides several benefits such as increased credibility with clients, expanded career opportunities, higher salaries for those who specialize in energy consulting services, and improved job security. It can also help professionals gain access to new information about emerging trends in the industry.

4. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining an Energy Consultant Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certification programs require applicants to have at least two years of experience in the field of energy management or related fields such as engineering or construction management before they can qualify for certification. Additionally, many programs require applicants to pass exams or other assessments prior to receiving certification.

5. How much does it cost to become certified as an Energy Consultant?

Answer: The cost of obtaining an Energy Consultant Certification varies depending on the program you choose and whether you take online or in-person classes. Generally speaking, expect to pay anywhere from $2,000-$7,000 USD depending on your chosen program and its requirements.