ERAC Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What distinguishes a Energy Risk Auditor Certification certified professional from a non-certified practitioner? → Certification validates competency through standardized assessment against benchmarks
2. In a wind energy assessment, what is the significance of the 'Weibull distribution'? → It statistically describes the frequency distribution of wind speeds at a site
3. What is the main purpose of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) in the energy sector? → Improve corporate governance
4. Which statement BEST describes the relationship between Energy Risk Auditor Certification certification and industry evolution? → Requirements evolve periodically to reflect advances in knowledge and practice
5. When documenting assessment findings in ERAC practice, which approach is MOST appropriate? → Record objective findings, measurements, and observations factually
6. In energy data analytics, what does an M&V (Measurement & Verification) protocol primarily confirm? → Actual energy savings achieved from efficiency measures
7. In energy reporting, what does the term 'sub-metering' refer to? → Measuring energy consumption at the equipment or system level below the main utility meter
8. Which metric indicates profitability before interest and taxes? → EBIT
9. The Social Cost of Carbon (SCC) is primarily used by policymakers to: → Estimate the economic damages associated with emitting one additional ton of CO2
10. Which ASHRAE standard provides guidelines for energy auditing levels (Level I, II, and III)? → ASHRAE 211
11. Under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), what is 'Phase 4' primarily focused on? → Increasing the annual linear reduction factor to align with the EU Green Deal 2030 targets
12. How frequently should ongoing assessments be conducted in Energy Risk Auditor Certification practice? → At regular intervals and as conditions change
13. Which financial reporting standard is commonly followed in the United States? → GAAP
14. Which foundational principle is MOST important for success in Energy Risk Auditor Certification? → Commitment to continuous learning, ethical practice, and quality outcomes
15. Which metric is most commonly used to evaluate the economic performance of a renewable energy project over its lifetime? → Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE)
16. What is the MOST effective way for new ERAC professionals to build competency? → Combining formal education, mentored practice, and ongoing professional development
17. What is the primary purpose of a 'buffer pool' in voluntary carbon forestry projects? → To hold a reserve of credits that can replace those lost due to project reversal risks
18. When assessment results for a Energy Risk Auditor Certification evaluation are inconclusive, the BEST practice is to: → Conduct additional assessment using alternative methods
19. Which metric is used to convert different greenhouse gases into a common unit for carbon trading purposes? → Global Warming Potential (GWP) expressed as CO2-equivalent
20. Under the Verra Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), what does 'VCU' stand for? → Verified Carbon Unit
21. What does 'behind-the-meter' (BTM) mean in the context of distributed energy resources? → Generation or storage assets located on the customer's side of the utility meter
22. Which US program provides voluntary certification for green power through RECs and helps organizations achieve renewable energy goals? → EPA Green Power Partnership
23. In energy data management, what is the significance of 'interval data' from a smart meter? → It provides time-stamped consumption readings at frequent intervals (e.g., 15-minute)
24. Which of the following is an example of a control activity in risk mitigation? → Segregation of duties
25. What is the primary function of a solar inverter in a photovoltaic system? → To convert DC electricity generated by solar panels into AC electricity for building use
26. Which ratio measures a company’s ability to meet short-term obligations? → Current ratio
27. What is basis risk in energy trading? → Risk of price mismatch between hedge and exposure
28. In the California Cap-and-Trade Program, what is the 'price ceiling' also called? → Allowance Price Containment Reserve (APCR)
29. How does the ERAC body of knowledge relate to daily professional practice? → It provides the foundational framework guiding decision-making and standard practices
30. Which law requires companies to disclose material risks to investors? → Securities Exchange Act