Unlike the traditional "cram plus exam" certifications, IGEA training and assessment isn't conducted in high pressure limited time exam environment. Instead, it is designed to give you the skills to perform Investment Grade Energy Audits.
Energy auditors identify areas where energy savings can be achieved. They also understand how energy-using technologies operate.
Facts verified Oct 18, 2026 against Association of Energy Engineers. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 120 multiple-choice questions; open book | Association of Energy Engineers |
| Passing score | Minimum 700 points | Association of Energy Engineers |
| Retake policy | Minimum 60-day wait | Association of Energy Engineers |
| Validity | Three-year renewal cycle | Association of Energy Engineers |
| Renewal | 10 renewal credits and recertification form | Association of Energy Engineers |
| Eligibility | Approved training, qualifying education and experience, and application | Association of Energy Engineers |
| Score release | Email within 30 days | Association of Energy Engineers |
Facts verified Oct 18, 2026 against Association of Energy Engineers. Dates that have passed are removed automatically. Practice with the free Certified Energy Auditor Certification practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).
Prepare for the Certified Energy Auditor Certification exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
Home energy audits are a great way for homeowners to save money on their utility bills. By taking the recommended actions, they can reduce their energy usage and make their homes more comfortable. These improvements include installing LED lights, resealing windows and doors, adding insulation, and using smart thermostat technology. Although these upgrades may require an initial investment, homeowners will see significant savings over time.
An energy assessment typically includes an inspection of a house, including the heating and cooling system, appliances, and light fixtures. It can also identify potential health and safety hazards. It can also include a blower door test to determine the airtightness of a home, infrared scanning to find areas of air leakage, and combustion safety testing for natural gas furnaces and water heaters.
A professional energy auditor will be able to help homeowners choose the best ways to increase their home’s energy efficiency. They can provide a list of energy-saving recommendations and prioritize them for each household. Many of these upgrades are low-cost and will pay for themselves in the form of lower energy bills.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| cea — certified Energy Auditor Certification certification validates expertise recognized by employers nationwide | Must complete continuing education to maintain active certification |
| Opens doors to advanced positions and leadership roles | Pass rates vary — thorough preparation is essential for success |
| Demonstrates commitment to professional standards and ethics | Some certifications require prerequisite experience or education |
Interactive Certified Energy Auditor Certification resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
Try these questions from our free Certified Energy Auditor Certification practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
An energy auditor is hired by a facility manager whose only instruction is to "find ways to reduce our high energy costs." What is the most critical first step the auditor must take to develop an effective audit strategy?
Answer: C. Work with the facility manager to formally define the specific audit scope, objectives, and boundaries.
Before any detailed analysis or on-site work can begin, the auditor and client must agree on the audit's scope and objectives. This ensures both parties have the same expectations regarding the audit's depth (e.g., ASHRAE Level 1, 2, or 3), physical boundaries (e.g., specific buildings or processes), and goals (e.g., cost reduction, carbon footprint reduction, etc.). This step guides all subsequent activities, including data requests and site visit planning. [14]
An energy auditor evaluates a retail store with 50 recessed incandescent 75W PAR30 fixtures operating 12 hours per day. The auditor recommends replacing them with 15W LED PAR30 equivalents. What is the annual energy savings in kWh?
Answer: C. 21,900 kWh
Each fixture saves 60W (75W − 15W). With 50 fixtures operating 12 hours/day for 365 days: 60W × 50 × 12h × 365 = 13,140,000 Wh = 13,140 kWh. Wait — recalculating: 0.060 kW × 50 × 12 × 365 = 13,140 kWh. The correct answer is 13,140 kWh. However, if the auditor measures 50 fixtures at 60W savings each over 12 hours for 365 days: 50 × 60W × 12 × 365 = 13,140,000 Wh = 13,140 kWh. Option A is correct.
An energy auditor is reviewing the Building Automation System (BAS) trend data for a multi-zone Variable Air Volume (VAV) system. The auditor notes that the supply fan maintains a constant duct static pressure of 2.5 inches w.c. at all times, regardless of the building load. What is the most effective energy conservation measure to recommend?
Answer: A. Implement a duct static pressure reset strategy.
Maintaining a high, constant static pressure forces the fan to work harder than necessary, especially at part-load conditions when VAV boxes are closed. A static pressure reset strategy dynamically lowers the pressure setpoint when demand is low, saving significant fan energy according to the fan affinity laws. While calibrating VAV boxes is good practice and increasing the chilled water setpoint saves chiller energy, neither addresses the primary inefficiency of constant high fan pressure. Replacing the fan with a larger one would likely increase energy use.
An energy auditor is conducting a preliminary analysis of a commercial office building. The process includes reviewing the past 24 months of utility bills, performing a brief walk-through inspection to identify obvious inefficiencies, and benchmarking the building's Energy Use Intensity (EUI) against similar facilities. Which level of energy audit is being performed?
Answer: B. ASHRAE Level 1
An ASHRAE Level 1 audit, also known as a walk-through or screening audit, is the correct answer. This level involves a preliminary review of energy data, a brief site visit to spot obvious operational and maintenance issues, and benchmarking to determine if a more detailed audit is warranted. It focuses on identifying low-cost or no-cost savings opportunities.
Take the full Certified Energy Auditor Certification practice test