The Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) credential is awarded by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) to professionals who conduct building energy audits and identify cost-effective efficiency improvements. Earning the CEA demonstrates expertise across building systems, energy calculations, financial analysis for energy conservation measures, and regulatory knowledge — making it one of the most respected credentials in the energy management field.
This free printable PDF covers the full scope of CEA exam content, including ASHRAE audit levels, HVAC and envelope analysis, lighting systems, utility rate structures, measurement and verification, and renewable energy fundamentals. Download it, print it, and study offline at your own pace to supplement your interactive practice.
The CEA exam tests a broad range of technical and analytical knowledge required to conduct professional building energy audits and recommend financially viable energy conservation measures (ECMs).
You need to know the three ASHRAE audit levels in detail: Level 1 (walk-through survey), Level 2 (energy survey and analysis with ECM identification), and Level 3 (detailed analysis with investment-grade data). The audit process includes pre-audit data collection, on-site survey methodology, establishing an energy use baseline, identifying opportunities, and preparing a structured audit report with ECM descriptions and financial analysis.
HVAC coverage includes chilled water systems, direct expansion (DX) systems, air handling units, variable air volume (VAV) systems, and economizers — both dry-bulb and enthalpy control types. Building envelope questions test U-value and R-value calculations, infiltration analysis, and window performance metrics (SHGC and U-factor). Lighting questions cover lamp types (LED, fluorescent, HID), lighting power density calculations, and controls including occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting, and dimming systems. Electrical system topics include power factor and power factor correction, transformer efficiency, NEMA premium motor efficiency standards, and variable frequency drives (VFDs) for fans and pumps.
Key calculation types include energy use intensity (EUI) in kBtu/sq ft/year, degree day calculations for heating and cooling loads, bin analysis for annual energy estimates, monthly utility bill analysis (separating peak demand from energy charges), steam system enthalpy and heat content, and compressed air system energy use including cfm, pressure drop, and compressor efficiency ratings.
You must be able to calculate simple payback period (cost divided by annual savings), return on investment, net present value using a discount rate, and internal rate of return. Life cycle cost analysis is also tested. Measurement and verification (M&V) concepts include IPMVP Options A, B, C, and D, as well as avoided cost calculations used to quantify energy savings after implementation.
Solar PV questions cover peak watts, capacity factor, and annual output estimation. Solar thermal content includes flat plate versus evacuated tube collectors. Wind energy questions focus on capacity factor. Geothermal heat pump questions compare COP (heating) and EER (cooling) performance metrics.
Rate structure topics include time-of-use (TOU) pricing, demand charges, ratchet clauses, interruptible rates, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and net metering. Retro-commissioning questions distinguish between operational changes and capital projects, and focus on identifying no-cost and low-cost ECMs such as thermostat reset schedules, economizer repairs, lighting delamping, and chiller staging optimization.
Want instant feedback on every answer? Our Certified Energy Auditor practice test delivers question-by-question explanations, score tracking, and a results breakdown by topic so you can focus your remaining study time on the domains where you need it most. Use the online tests alongside your PDF for the most complete CEA exam preparation.
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 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 air-handling unit serving a hospital serves both interior and perimeter zones simultaneously year-round. An auditor identifies significant reheat energy waste. Which energy recovery technology would best reduce both heating and cooling energy at this AHU?
Answer: B. Energy recovery ventilator (ERV) with an enthalpy wheel
An enthalpy wheel ERV transfers both sensible heat and latent moisture between exhaust and supply air streams, pre-conditioning incoming outside air with energy that would otherwise be discarded. In a hospital with high mandatory outside air requirements, this dramatically cuts both heating and cooling loads.
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 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.
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