| FAQs - CEPE 2008 Standards |
| Q1: What is happening with the new (2008) Building Energy Efficiency Standards? |
| A1: The Energy Commission adopted the 2008 Building Energy Efficiency Standards on April 23, 2008, and the Building Standards Commission approved them for publication on September 11, 2008. These new Standards went into effect as of January 1, 2010. The 2008 Standards must be followed if the application for the building permit was submitted on or after Janurary 1, 2010. For more information, please click the following link: http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/2008standards/index.html |
| Q2: What does this mean to 2005 Certified Energy Plans Examiners (CEPEs)? |
| A2: Approximately 500 people are currently certified as CEPEs for the 2008 Energy Standards. 2008 CEPEs have certificate numbers starting with R08– or NR08–. Those with numbers starting with R05– or NR05– will need to take and pass the Re-certification Exam for the 2008 Standards to earn a certification that is considered current for the new standards. |
| Q3: What if I have never been certified as a CEPE before? |
| A3: The training we provide will be adequate to prepare you to take the exams. To become certified, you will need to take and pass the Full Exam (4 1/2 hours in length) instead of the Re-certification Exam ( 2 hours). To attend training, click the Registrations section tab at the top of each page on our web site. If training is currently available, you will see the appropriate link. |
| Q4: Where can I get a copy of the Compliance Manuals? |
| A4: The most current manuals are available on the California Energy Commission’s web site as follows: |
| Q5: How do I request being notified for anything related to the 2008 Standards and CEPE Certification? |
| A5: Send an e-mail to the CABEC Executive Director or call 877-530-3045 and leave your name and e-mail address, requesting that you be added to the e-mail list for this information. |
| Q6: What is the schedule for Training and Exams? |
| A6: The Training and Exam Schedules vary and are generally announced months in advance. (Refer to Q7 just below). |
| Q7: When does registration open? |
| A7: Typically at least twice a year. There is generally a spring registration period and a fall registration period, both of which are usually announced months in advance. Please keep watching the website for these announcements. |
| Q8: Will I be notified when it opens? |
| A8: If you have been receiving e-mails from CABEC, you will be automatically notified. If you have not previously received e-mails from CABEC, send an e-mail to the CABEC Executive Director or call 760-452-6600 and leave your name and e-mail address, requesting that you be added to the e-mail list for this information. |
| Q9: Am I required to attend Training if I want to take the exam? |
| A9: No. If you feel you can pass the exam without a refresher course, you may register for the exam only. |
| Q10: What is required to pass the exam? |
| A10: People taking the exam to RE-CERTIFY as a CEPE for the 2008 Standards (i.e., those who are current CEPE’s) will take a two hour exam with 30 Multiple Choice questions. Candidates must answer 23 questions correctly to Pass the exam. People taking the exam for the first time will have 4 ½ hours to take a 60 question exam. Candidates must answer 45 of the questions correctly to Pass the exam. |
| Q11: How much does it cost? |
| A11: Trainings are $20 each, for CABEC Members and Non-Members First Time Exams: $75 for CABEC Members and $225 for Non-Members Recertification Exams: $50 for CABEC Members and $200 for Non-Members ** CABEC Members receive a significant discount on exams and annual maintenance fees because their membership dues also contribute to covering the costs associated with the examination and other program costs. |
| Q12: What is the Maintenance Fee? |
| A12: The cost of maintaining the website, responding to compliance concerns, interacting with people searching for a CEPE, etc. does not end with your certification. It is an ongoing process, and the maintenance fee is being assessed to cover these costs. The maintenance fee is a new component of the CEPE fee schedule, and timely annual renewal is required to maintain your certification(s). |
| Q13: How much will the Maintenance Fee cost? |
| A13: $100 per category of certification for Non-members, $40 for one or both categories (Residential and/or Nonresidential) of certification for CABEC Members. CABEC Members** receive a significant discount on their annual maintenance fees because their membership dues also contribute to covering the costs associated with CEPE program costs. Examples (see chart below for specifics):
|
Non-Member/Member Maintenance Fee Cost Comparison Chart
| Non-Member | Member | ||||
| Year/Overview | Recertification | First Time Certification | Recertification | First Time Certification | Dues |
| 2009 | $200 ea | $225 ea | $50 ea | $75 ea | $230 |
| 2010 | $100 ea | $100 ea | $40 ea | $40 ea | $230 |
| 2011 | $100 ea | $100 ea | $40 ea | $40 ea | $230 |
| 3-Year TOTAL | $400* | $425* | $130* | $155* | $690 |
| 3-Year Membership Fees | $0 | $0 | $690 | $690 | |
| 3-Year TOTAL | $400 | $425 | $820 | $845 | |
| * Costs will be higher if you receive two certifications. ** Full-time Building Officials who are not producing Compliance Reports are exempt from maintenance fees. |
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| Q14: How can I join CABEC? |
| A14: You can join CABEC by filling out our online CABEC Membership Application Form Or you may download a PDF version fo the CABEC Membership Application Form by clicking on the link provided on the web page listed just above. |
| Q15: What is the "Compliance Agreement"? |
| A15: The Compliance Agreement is an agreement between the CEPE and CABEC. The agreement states that each Certified Energy Plans Examiner (CEPE) accepts and consents “to be bound by, and promise and agree to fully comply with” the CABEC Bylaws, and any policies and procedures adopted by CABEC's Board of Directors which are now in effect and as may be amended from time to time, including but not necessarily limited to CABEC's Code of Ethics, Antitrust Policy and Complaint Review Procedures. These documents are posted on the CABEC website for your review and are available to be downloaded for your records. |
| Q16: Why is the "Compliance Agreement" being required? |
| A16: The CEPE program has grown to include several hundred energy professionals. This Compliance Agreement is CABEC’s articulation of the expectations associated with certification. |
| Q17: What is the Complaint Review Procedure? |
| A17: The Complaint Review Procedure (click to download the PDF document) outlines the formal process that CABEC will observe in the event that a serious complaint about a consultant’s work or conduct should arise. The procedure was carefully designed to address substantive complaints about the work done by certified consultants while minimizing minor and/or indiscriminate grievances against the consultant. |
| Q18: Does CABEC have a downloadable form I can use to submit a Complaint about a consultant’s work or conduct? |
| A18: Yes. Click the following link to download a PDF version of the form: Complaint Review Form |
| Q19: What is a Certified Energy Analyst (CEA)? |
| A19: To become a Certified Energy Analyst, you must already be a CEPE. In addition to the CEPE fees there is a one-time $125 application fee to apply for each category of CEA (members or non-members). The maintenance fee for the CEPE certification will cover the CEA certifications. For CABEC Members, the maintenance fee cost will be $40/year to cover Res and Non-Res certifications. For Non-Members the cost will be $200/year to cover both certifications. |
| Q20: Does CABEC allow for any type of special consideration for people with special needs or handicaps? |
| A20: Requests for special accommodation must be received by CABEC at least 2 weeks prior to the date of the exam to allow CABEC the time needed to consider the request and respond to the specific need. |
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