Top 11 Energy Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for an energy manager in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and mastery of industry standards and best practices. They also provide employers with assurance that their energy managers possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage energy projects. Certifications can also help a candidate stand out from the competition when applying for jobs. In addition, certifications can be used as evidence of proficiency in specialized areas such as renewable energy or energy efficiency, which can be attractive to employers seeking candidates with specific skillsets. Ultimately, certifications serve as a valuable asset for energy managers looking to establish themselves in the field and increase their career opportunities.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Energy Managers and explains how they can help to advance an energy manager's career.

What are Energy Manager Certifications?

Energy manager certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of energy management. It demonstrates an individual's commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, and provides proof of competency in the field.

The certification is designed to help individuals advance their careers by demonstrating their qualifications to employers, clients, and peers. It also helps organizations identify qualified professionals who can effectively manage energy resources and maximize energy efficiency. The certification is awarded after successful completion of an energy management training program or course, as well as passing a comprehensive examination.

By becoming certified, individuals gain access to industry-specific resources that help them stay up-to-date with advancements in the field, including new technologies and best practices for improving energy efficiency. Certification also provides networking opportunities with other certified professionals who can provide support throughout one’s career. Energy managers who are certified may also be eligible for special benefits such as discounts on energy-related products or services.

Overall, having a professional certification in energy management demonstrates an individual's dedication to the field and increases their employability within the industry. It can open up new opportunities for growth and allow them to contribute more effectively to their organization's overall sustainability goals.

Pro Tip: Be sure to research the requirements for energy manager certification in your area. Different states may have different qualifications and requirements for certifications, so be sure to check with your local regulatory body before starting the process. Additionally, look into any continuing education or refresher courses that are available to ensure you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and regulations in energy management.

Related: What does an Energy Manager do?

Top 11 Energy Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Energy Manager (CEM)

A Certified Energy Manager (CEM) is a professional designation given by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) to individuals who have demonstrated expertise in energy efficiency, energy management, and energy auditing. The CEM certification is recognized as the highest level of achievement in the energy industry.

The CEM program requires that applicants have a minimum of five years of experience in the energy field and pass an exam. Those applying for the CEM certification must also complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education courses every three years to maintain their certification status.

To get certified, you must first apply to take the CEM exam. You can find information about the application process on the AEE website. Once your application has been accepted, you will be sent an eligibility letter with instructions on how to register for and take the exam. The cost for taking the exam is $400 USD plus applicable taxes.

After successfully passing the exam, you will receive your official CEM certificate from AEE within 4-6 weeks. The cost for receiving your certificate is included in your exam fee; however, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining replacement certificates or transcripts if needed.

Overall, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year to become a Certified Energy Manager depending on when you are able to take and pass the exam.

2. Certified Energy Auditor (CEA)

A Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) is a professional who has been certified by a recognized organization to assess energy efficiency and recommend energy-saving solutions in buildings or other facilities. The CEA certification typically requires passing an exam that tests knowledge of energy auditing techniques, building science, and energy conservation measures.

The length of time it takes to become a Certified Energy Auditor depends on the certifying body and the individual's experience level. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from three months to two years to become certified. For those with prior experience in the field, the process may be shorter.

To get certified as an Energy Auditor, individuals must meet certain requirements set by their chosen certifying body. These requirements usually include completing a specified number of hours of training or education in energy auditing and related topics, passing an exam, and having at least one year of experience in the field.

The cost for becoming a Certified Energy Auditor varies depending on the certifying body and any additional training or materials required. Generally speaking, certification fees range from $500-$1,500 USD. Additional costs may include training courses or materials needed for preparation for the certification exam.

3. LEED Green Associate

LEED Green Associate is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have a thorough understanding of green building principles and practices. It is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), which is an organization dedicated to transforming the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated in order to create healthier, more sustainable environments.

The LEED Green Associate exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as green building principles, energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, materials selection, and other related topics. The exam typically takes about two hours to complete and requires a minimum score of 170 points out of 200 in order to pass.

To become a LEED Green Associate you must first register for the exam online through the USGBC website. Once registered you can begin studying for the exam using resources provided by the USGBC or through self-study materials available from third-party providers. After passing the exam you will receive your LEED Green Associate certification which is valid for three years.

The cost of taking the LEED Green Associate exam varies depending on whether you are a member of USGBC or not; members pay $200 while non-members pay $250.

4. Building Performance Institute Building Analyst Professional (BPI-BAP)

The Building Performance Institute (BPI) Building Analyst Professional (BPI-BAP) is a certification program designed to train and certify individuals in the principles of building performance, energy efficiency, and health and safety. The BPI-BAP certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a professional’s ability to assess, diagnose, and improve the performance of residential buildings.

To become certified as a BPI-BAP, individuals must complete an approved training course and pass a comprehensive exam. The training courses vary in length depending on the provider; however, most courses range from two to four days. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, individuals are awarded the BPI-BAP certification.

Individuals interested in becoming certified as a BPI-BAP can find approved training providers on the BPI website. Training costs vary by provider; however, most courses cost between $500-$1,000. In addition to the training cost, there is also an exam fee of $300 that must be paid directly to BPI at the time of registration for the exam.

Once certified as a BPI-BAP, professionals can use their credentials to provide energy efficiency services such as home energy audits or retrofit projects for homeowners. Additionally, many utility companies offer incentives for those who are certified through programs like BPI-BAP.

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

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of green building principles and practices. LEED APs are knowledgeable about the LEED Rating System, which is a set of standards developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to measure the environmental performance of buildings and other structures.

It typically takes between one to two years to become a LEED AP, depending on your experience level and prior knowledge. To become a LEED AP, you must first pass the LEED Green Associate Exam (GA). This exam covers topics such as sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, location and transportation, innovation in design process, regional priority credits, and project management. Once you have passed the GA exam, you can then take the LEED AP Exam which covers more advanced topics related to green building design.

The cost of becoming a LEED AP varies depending on your location and whether or not you choose to attend an accredited training program or study independently for the exams. Generally speaking however it will cost between $500-$1,000 USD for both exams combined.

6. Association of Energy Engineers Certified Power Quality Professional (CPQP)

The Association of Energy Engineers Certified Power Quality Professional (CPQP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who have demonstrated expertise in power quality. It is intended to provide employers with a reliable means of identifying qualified professionals in the field of power quality.

To obtain the CPQP certification, applicants must successfully complete an approved course or training program that covers topics such as electrical fundamentals, power system analysis, power quality assessment and monitoring, as well as design and implementation of solutions for power quality problems. Applicants must also pass a written exam administered by the Association of Energy Engineers.

The course or training program typically takes between two and four weeks to complete depending on the provider. The cost for the course or training program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 USD. The written exam fee is currently set at $300 USD.

Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their CPQP certification from the Association of Energy Engineers.

7. Certified Measurement & Verification Professional (CMVP)

Certified Measurement & Verification Professional (CMVP) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the principles, methods, and techniques for measuring and verifying energy savings in buildings. The CMVP is designed to provide a standard of excellence for energy professionals who are involved in the measurement and verification of energy efficiency projects.

The CMVP certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and an on-site assessment. The online exam tests the applicant’s knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques used in measurement and verification of energy savings. The on-site assessment involves a review of the applicant’s experience with actual measurement and verification projects.

It typically takes up to 6 months to complete the certification process. To get started, applicants must first register with the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) and pay the registration fee. Once registered, applicants can access study materials to prepare for both parts of the exam. After passing both parts of the exam, applicants will receive their CMVP certificate from AEE.

The cost for registering with AEE is $400 USD plus applicable taxes. Additional fees may apply depending on location or other factors such as testing center availability or special accommodations needed during testing.

8. Certified Sustainable Development Professional (CSDP)

Certified Sustainable Development Professional (CSDP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in the field of sustainable development. The certification is offered by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing sustainable development around the world.

The CSDP certification program consists of two parts: an online assessment and an onsite examination. The online assessment tests the applicant’s knowledge and understanding of sustainability principles, concepts, and best practices. The onsite examination is a comprehensive assessment that covers topics such as environmental management systems, climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, renewable energy technologies, green building design, water conservation strategies, waste management systems, and more.

To become certified as a CSDP, applicants must first complete the online assessment with a passing score of at least 70%. Upon successful completion of the online assessment, applicants must then register for and pass the onsite examination. The onsite exam consists of multiple choice questions based on material covered during the coursework portion of the certification program.

The cost for becoming certified as a CSDP varies depending on whether you are applying for individual or group certification. For individual certification, it typically costs between $1,000-$2,500 USD depending on your location. Group certifications typically cost between $3,000-$5,000 USD depending on your location.

In terms of time commitment to become certified as a CSDP , it typically takes 6-12 months from start to finish to complete all requirements for certification .

9. Certified Carbon Reduction Manager (CCRM)

Certified Carbon Reduction Manager (CCRM) is a certification program designed to help individuals and organizations understand the science of climate change, reduce their carbon footprint, and implement strategies for climate change mitigation. The CCRM certification is offered by the Climate Change Institute of Canada (CCIC).

The CCRM program consists of two parts: an online course and an assessment. The online course provides comprehensive knowledge about climate science, carbon accounting, greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies, and climate change policies. It takes around 30 hours to complete the course. Once the course is completed, participants must pass a written assessment to receive their CCRM certification.

To enroll in the CCRM program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in environmental sciences or related fields. The cost of the program is $1,000 CAD plus applicable taxes.

10. Certified Demand Side Management Professional (CDMP)

Certified Demand Side Management Professional (CDMP) is a certification program offered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). The CDMP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in Demand Side Management (DSM), which is an energy efficiency strategy that focuses on reducing energy consumption and cost through customer-focused initiatives.

The CDMP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in DSM, including topics such as energy conservation, demand response, energy efficiency measures, renewable energy technologies, and financial analysis. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by the AEE.

The CDMP certification process typically takes about 4-6 weeks from the time of application submission to receiving results. To apply for the CDMP certification, applicants must complete an online application form and submit it along with payment of the applicable fee. The fee for the CDMP exam is $395 USD for members of AEE and $495 USD for non-members.

11. International Facility Management Association's Facilities Management Professional Certification Program (IFMA-FMP).

The International Facility Management Association’s (IFMA) Facilities Management Professional (FMP) Certification Program is a comprehensive program that provides facility management professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively manage their facilities. The certification is designed to help facility managers understand the principles of facility management, develop the necessary skills to manage a wide range of facility-related tasks, and provide them with the credentials needed to demonstrate their expertise in this field.

The FMP certification consists of three levels: Fundamentals, Core, and Advanced. The Fundamentals level covers basic concepts such as building systems, operations and maintenance, project management, finance and budgeting, human resources management, sustainability and energy efficiency, and more. The Core level focuses on advanced topics such as strategic planning, risk management, performance measurement and improvement processes. Finally, the Advanced level covers topics such as change management strategies, crisis management plans, process improvement initiatives, technology integration strategies and more.

The FMP certification program typically takes between six months to one year to complete depending on an individual’s prior experience in facility management. To get certified at each level of the program requires passing an exam which can be taken online or in person at one of IFMA’s testing centers around the world.

The cost for taking the exams varies depending on where you take them but typically ranges from $250-$500 per exam plus any applicable taxes or fees. Additionally there may be additional fees for study materials or other related expenses.

Do You Really Need a Energy Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals and the type of job you want to pursue. If you are interested in pursuing a career as an energy manager, then obtaining an energy manager certificate could be beneficial. An energy manager certificate can provide a competitive edge when applying for jobs and demonstrate to potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary for the position.

Having an energy manager certificate can also give you credibility in the field. It shows that you have taken the time to learn about relevant concepts such as sustainability, renewable energy sources, and energy efficiency. This knowledge can help in your day-to-day tasks as an energy manager, such as implementing cost-effective strategies to reduce energy consumption or finding ways to improve efficiency at a company or organization.

Additionally, having an energy manager certificate may open up more job opportunities. Many companies are looking for candidates with specialized knowledge in the field of energy management. Having this certification demonstrates that you have a certain level of expertise and understanding of how to manage energy resources effectively and efficiently.

Overall, obtaining an energy manager certificate can be beneficial depending on your career goals. It is important to consider what type of job you would like to pursue and if having a certification will help achieve those goals.

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FAQs About Energy Manager Certifications

1. What is an Energy Manager Certification?

Answer: An Energy Manager Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates knowledge and expertise in energy management. It helps to demonstrate a commitment to energy efficiency, sustainability, and best practices in the energy industry.

2. Who should get an Energy Manager Certification?

Answer: Professionals who are looking to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in energy management should consider getting an Energy Manager Certification. This includes facility managers, engineers, architects, consultants, and other professionals who work in the energy industry or related fields.

3. How do I become certified?

Answer: To become certified as an Energy Manager, you must pass an examination administered by a recognized certifying body such as the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). The exam covers topics such as energy auditing, engineering principles, technology, economics and finance, legal issues, sustainability and renewable energy sources.

4. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on your individual preparation for the exam. It typically takes anywhere from 6-12 months of study before taking the exam.

5. Is there any continuing education required for maintaining certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require candidates to maintain their certification through continuing education activities such as seminars or workshops related to energy management topics.