# Certified Energy Manager (CEM) — Exam Facts, Body of Knowledge & Prep

> The Certified Energy Manager (CEM) credential from the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) recognizes expertise in optimizing energy use across facilities and industrial systems. This page summarizes official exam structure; UniPrep2Go products are independent prep (not AEE exam material).

## Certified Energy Manager (CEM) exam facts

- Exam name: Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
- Administered by: Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)
- Questions: 130 multiple-choice and true/false (120 scored + 10 unscored pretest items)
- Scored questions: 120
- Time: 4 hours
- Scoring: 0–1,040 scaled score
- Passing score: 700 scaled score
- Delivery: Proctored at AEE-approved seminars, testing centers, or remote proctoring (verify at aeecenter.org)
- Content outline effective: U.S. CEM Body of Knowledge & Study Guide (verify current version at aeecenter.org)
- Verify current details at: https://www.aeecenter.org/certifications/certified-energy-manager
Official sources:
- AEE — Certified Energy Manager certification: https://www.aeecenter.org/certifications/certified-energy-manager
- AEE — CEM Body of Knowledge & Study Guide (PDF): https://www.aeecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/CEM-BodyofKnowledge_StudyGuide_1.7.pdf
- AEE — CEM certification handbook: https://www.aeecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/CEMHandbook-2.13.pdf

## Certified Energy Manager (CEM) knowledge domains and weights

| # | Knowledge domain | Weight |
| --- | --- | ---: |
| 1 | Energy and Sustainability Policies, Codes, and Standards | 6–8% |
| 2 | Energy Rates, Tariffs, and Supply Options | 5–7% |
| 3 | Energy Audits and Instrumentation | 7–11% |
| 4 | Energy Accounting and Economics | 6–10% |
| 5 | Electrical Power Systems and Motors | 7–11% |
| 6 | Lighting Systems | 5–7% |
| 7 | HVAC Systems and Building Envelope | 10–16% |
| 8 | Building Automation, Controls and AI Systems | 6–10% |
| 9 | Energy Storage Systems | 3–5% |
| 10 | Boiler and Steam Systems | 4–6% |
| 11 | Distributed Generation & Renewable Energy | 4–6% |
| 12 | Industrial Systems | 6–8% |
| 13 | Operations, Maintenance and Commissioning | 7–11% |
| 14 | ESPC and Measurement & Verification | 3–5% |
## What changed in the current exam cycle

- AEE requires completion of an approved preparatory seminar (live, virtual, or self-paced) before sitting for the CEM exam — verify current requirements.
- CEM recertification is required every 3 years with continuing education and a maintenance fee.
- Exam is open book — printed references and notes in a binder allowed; computers and phones prohibited during the exam.
## High-yield Certified Energy Manager (CEM) facts (commonly tested)

- Passing score is 700 on a 0–1,040 scaled score — not a simple percentage.
- HVAC Systems and Building Envelope is the highest-weight subject area (up to 16% of scored content).
- No penalty for wrong answers — answer every question on the 130-item form.
- AEE offers a 65-question paid self-evaluation exam that mirrors half the official exam length (verify at aeecenter.org/cemresources).
- Non-programmable calculator permitted; programmable calculators and exam software on personal devices are prohibited.
- CEM application file must be completed within 3 years of passing the exam or the process restarts.
## Common Certified Energy Manager (CEM) candidate questions (Q&A)

### How many questions are on the CEM exam?

130 questions in 4 hours — 120 scored plus 10 unscored pretest items randomly placed on the form.

### What score do you need to pass the CEM exam?

A scaled score of at least 700 on the 0–1,040 scale.

### Is the CEM exam open book?

Yes — open book and open notes with printed materials in a binder; verify prohibited items in the current AEE handbook.

## Prep resources from UniPrep2Go (independent)

- CEM Anki Deck — 250+ Flashcards: 250+ cards, .apkg, $11 USD — https://uniprep2go.study/decks/cem-anki-deck
- Free practice test: 50 timed questions — https://uniprep2go.study/mock-exams/cem-readiness-check
- Facts JSON: https://uniprep2go.study/api/facts/cem-anki-deck

## Product facts

- Publisher: PixID Studio
- Checkout provider: Gumroad
- Category: Professional & Trading
- Price: $11 USD
- Cards: 250+
- Format: .apkg
- Focus: Current AEE CEM certification cycle
- Coverage: 14 AEE CEM Body of Knowledge subject areas
- Audience: Energy managers, facility engineers, and sustainability professionals pursuing AEE CEM certification.
- Checkout: https://pixidstudio.gumroad.com/l/cem-anki-deck?wanted=true
- Product page: https://uniprep2go.study/decks/cem-anki-deck
- Facts JSON: https://uniprep2go.study/api/facts/cem-anki-deck
- Citable exam layer: yes

## Topic coverage

| Topic | Exam weight | Cards |
| --- | --- | ---: |
| Policy, Audits, and Economics | CEM BoK | 50+ |
| Electrical and Lighting | CEM BoK | 50+ |
| HVAC and Building Envelope | CEM BoK (10–16%) | 50+ |
| Industrial and Renewables | CEM BoK | 50+ |
| Commissioning and ESPC | CEM BoK | 50+ |
## Sample cards

### IPMVP Option B is characterized by:

Correct: (a) Retrofit isolation with utility-grade measurement of energy use at the ECM level. Option B uses periodic or continuous measurements at specific retrofits to quantify savings.

Image: https://uniprep2go.study/samples/cem-anki-deck-sample-1.webp

### In an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC), the ESCO typically:

Correct: (a) Designs, installs, and often guarantees savings financed through future energy cost reductions. ESCOs assume implementation and performance risk per contract, repaid via savings stream.

Image: https://uniprep2go.study/samples/cem-anki-deck-sample-2.webp

### The commissioning authority (CxA) on a new construction project should:

Correct: (a) Review design, witness testing, and verify systems operate per owner's project requirements. Independent or qualified CxA verifies design intent through plans review, submittals, and testing.

Image: https://uniprep2go.study/samples/cem-anki-deck-sample-3.webp
## Product FAQ

### When do I receive the .apkg file?

Immediately after checkout. Open your Gumroad receipt or library and download the Anki .apkg file, then import it in Anki desktop (File → Import).

### Is there a free CEM practice test?

Yes. Take the linked readiness check at https://uniprep2go.study/mock-exams/cem-readiness-check before you buy — topic scoring shows what to drill in the deck.

### Is there a free CEM practice test?

Yes. Take the free 65-question CEM readiness check at uniprep2go.study/mock-exams/cem-readiness-check.

### Is this official AEE material?

No. Independent study aid — not affiliated with or endorsed by the Association of Energy Engineers.

## Disclaimer

This is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any employer, certification body, or exam authority.