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.