CEM Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CEM facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What does the Betz limit of approximately 59.3% represent in wind energy engineering? → The theoretical maximum fraction of kinetic wind energy that any turbine can extract
2. Which of the following is an advantage of using technology-enhanced items in assessments? → They can assess higher-order thinking skills
3. Which of the following assessment strategies is best suited for evaluating students understanding of complex concepts or processes? → Performance-based tasks
4. What is the primary purpose of continuous (or surface) blowdown in a boiler system? → To control the concentration of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the boiler water.
5. Which of the following is an example of an informal assessment technique? → Classroom observation
6. In educational assessment, what does the term "norm-referenced" mean? → Students are compared to a predetermined standard or benchmark
7. What does validity refer to in educational measurement? → The extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure
8. To accurately measure the true power (kW) consumed by a three-phase motor, an energy auditor must measure which of the following sets of electrical parameters? → Voltage, Current, and Power Factor
9. Which commercially available solar panel technology typically achieves the highest conversion efficiency? → Monocrystalline silicon
10. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of effective assessment practices? → Bias
11. Which NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) designation represents the highest level of energy efficiency for general-purpose industrial motors? → NEMA Premium®
12. Wind turbine power output is proportional to which mathematical relationship with wind speed? → Cubic (speed³)
13. What is the purpose of benchmark assessments in education? → To measure students' progress against grade-level standards
14. A project's Net Present Value (NPV) is calculated to be greater than zero. What does this indicate about the investment? → The project is expected to be profitable and exceed the minimum required rate of return.
15. In a hot, sunny climate, which of the following window properties is most critical for reducing solar heat gain and thus minimizing cooling loads? → A low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
16. What is the main advantage of using rubrics in educational assessment? → They provide objective scoring criteria
17. A facility's centrifugal chiller is rated at 400 tons and consumes 240 kW at full load. What is the chiller's full-load energy efficiency rating in kW/ton? → 0.60 kW/ton
18. An exhibition manager is developing a strategic plan. Which of the following statements best defines the organization's core purpose and what it does? → A mission statement
19. Which of the following instruments is used to measure the quantity of light or illuminance level in a space, typically expressed in foot-candles or lux? → Light Meter
20. A building owner wants to reduce both fabric heat loss and ventilation heat loss. Which combination of strategies would be most effective? → Adding continuous exterior insulation and performing comprehensive air sealing.
21. Which unit is used to express solar irradiance, representing the instantaneous power of solar radiation striking a surface? → Watts per square meter (W/m²)
22. A 12-watt LED lamp produces a total of 1,620 lumens. What is the luminous efficacy of this lamp? → 135 lumens/watt
23. Which renewable energy technology harnesses the Earth's internal heat to generate electricity or provide direct heating? → Geothermal
24. What is the typical efficiency range of commercial silicon photovoltaic (PV) solar panels under standard test conditions? → 15–22%
25. What is the primary operational advantage of a run-of-river microhydro system compared to wind or solar installations? → Ability to generate consistent baseload power 24 hours a day from continuous water flow
26. Which of the following is an example of authentic assessment? → Portfolio assessment
27. Which of the following is a significant negative consequence of having too much excess air in the boiler combustion process? → Decreased boiler efficiency due to excess heat being carried up the stack.
28. Which of the following is an example of an objective assessment item? → True/False question
29. Which of the following is an example of a criterion-referenced assessment? → Driving Test
30. The concept of the 'time value of money' is fundamental to energy economics. It is based on which of the following core principles? → A dollar received today is worth more than a dollar received in the future.