The Statewide Codes and Standards (C&S) program and CABEC have developed a comprehensive certification examination for California energy analysts (“CEA”) that incorporates the Energy Code Standards. This exam development was a complex and lengthy process. The exams were first administered in 2014 (The 2013 Building Energy Efficiency Standards implementation date was July 1, 2014). The CEA Exams are updated every three years to incorporate the most recent California Energy Code Standards.
Many stakeholders and incentive program managers have expressed an interest in and willingness to adopt the CEA credential as an energy efficiency program requirement. Due to the “gap” between the implementation date and the updated 2019 CEA examinees receiving their certifications, we have recommended that temporarily, they require a current CEA certification for building energy analysts. Now that we have a sizeable list of Residential CEAs available, state run programs have begun to require current CEAs for participation.
What is a CEA?
Certification as a CEA signifies that a consultant understands the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24, Part 6) and has an understanding of broader energy efficiency issues, is committed to providing quality service to clients, and that he/she has made a commitment to conduct business in an ethical fashion. Because CEAs have also make a commitment to ongoing educational requirements, attending advanced industry training puts them on the cutting edge.
Certified Energy Analysts (CEAs) are individuals who have demonstrated their mastery of the Residential and/or Nonresidential California Energy Standards through the following steps.
- Pass the appropriate two-part (Multiple Choice and ACM Modeling) CEA Exam for Residential and/or Nonresidential.
- Have verified experience and/or education and other certifications related to Title 24 compliance work.
- Participate in a Professional Practices Workshop (PPW), sponsored by CABEC.
- Attend at least nine hours per year of continuing education training.
Since energy consultants are not regulated by the state, CABEC designed the CEA to be a statement of an energy consultant’s working knowledge and understanding of the California Energy Efficiency Standards. When an energy consultant is a Certified Energy Analyst it is a statement to a building department, builder, architect, or homeowner of the professional skills and knowledge of that energy consultant. This certification has become a highly regarded symbol of expertise within the industry and with regard to Title 24 in California.
Become a CEA
The Building Energy Efficiency and Appliance Efficiency Standards of the State of California are predicted to continue saving billions in energy costs. Energy analysts are centrally important to achieving these savings. CABEC was founded to foster the professional development of energy analysts who prepare compliance documentation for the energy code contained in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 6.
The Certified Energy Analyst (CEA) program is a natural outgrowth of the CABEC Statement of Purpose and is officially recognized by the California Energy Commission as establishing a professional standard as well as providing an important link in energy compliance. The primary goal of the Certified Energy Analyst (CEA) program is to maintain and manage a professional credential for those who assist the building industry in meeting and exceeding state energy standards.
The CEA program is designed to benefit energy analysts and their clients in the design and construction community. For clients and potential clients, CEA certification is the best evidence an analyst can give of his or her knowledge, experience, and expertise. Certification demonstrates a commitment on the part of the energy analyst to maintain a high degree of professional excellence pertaining to the Building Energy Efficiency Standards. Separate certification is offered for the Residential and Nonresidential Standards. Web site visitors can also easily search the CEA directory for a qualified professional to assist them with their project.
Energy analysts can now begin and manage the CEA certification process through CABEC’s website. Although paid CABEC Membership is a great deal, and entitles Members to discounts on the CEA certification process, it’s also possible to become a CEA and maintain certification with a free account. You can compare options here. CEA Standards Exams have been posted — click here to register! Thank you for helping to keep California on the cutting edge of energy efficiency!
