How to Become a Certified Energy Manager: Get Ahead in Energy Management

Energy managementis a profession that’s growing in demand, but also in competition.To get and stay ahead in the industry, there is more and more pressure on energy managers to demonstrate their skills, knowledge and expertise.One way of doing this is throughcertification. In this article, we focus onthe how and why of becoming a certified energy manager.

How to Become a Certified Energy Manager?

With increasing investments worldwide in energy efficiency in buildings (estimated to be USD 90 billion), consequently,we’re seeing an increased demand for skilled energy professionals. Organisations need energy experts that can make strategic energy decisions, lead energy efficiency projects, and ultimately, make the organisation more efficient and cut costs.

Aside from a relevant degree and experience, employers may also seek professional certifications when hiring their next energy manager or consultant.

To improve your employability and recognition in your field you might want to consider getting an official energy management certification.Having a certification on your CV and LinkedIn profile can showcase your expertiseand give you an edge in a competitive industry.


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Why should I bother with certificates? Why become a certified energy manager?

If you’re already an experienced energy pro, you might be thinkingwhy do I need a piece of paper, when I know how to do my job?”.

Good point.

Of course, your experience and track record to date will be the most important proof of your abilities. However, certifications can add a valuable feather to your cap.You might not have needed a certificate to get your current job. But nowadayscertifications are becoming more and more common in the industry,and are particularly sought after in the UK and US.

Recognised certifications can demonstrate that you are a top professional and that you can add value to a project, especially if you work with international clients and partners. Depending on the country and industry, certifications may be expected or even mandatory. For instance, in the US, theDepartment of Energy, Agency for International Development, State Department, Fortune 1000 companies, utilities, energy service companies, and others officially recognise the CEM certificate.

The energy industry is dynamic and ever-changing.It’s essential to keep up to datewith legislation, compliance and reporting requirements through training and continuing professional development.

Certifications are a great way to learn about the latest requirements in the industry, and some require regular renewals every few years to make sure you’re clued up on the latest industry developments.

If you are looking to change job now or in the future,certificates can give you an edge over other candidatesand may even be an essential requirement for some employers.

Here we give a round-up of the top certifications out there:

1. Certified Energy Manager


The
CEM Certificateoffered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)is the most widely recognised energy management certification worldwide,primarily in the US where it’s a requirement for most energy manager positions.

It’s a rigorous certification,covering everything about how buildingsuse energy and how to identify potential savings.Candidates attend a CEM training seminar, pay a fee and take the official exam at one of280 remote testing centres. There are two centres in Western Europe – in theUKandIreland, and others across New Zealand, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

在多个局域网提供的培训和考试guages.CEMs need to show continuing professional competency in their careers and renew the certification every three years.

The AEE has a list of approved training providers that run preparatory seminars for the CEM exam. They are mainly US-based, on-site courses, but some offer online options too.

What are the employment prospects for a Certified Energy Manager? CEMs go on to various jobs, such as:

  • Energy Engineers
  • Energy Managers
  • Building Facility Managers
  • Government Facility Managers
  • Industrial Facility Managers
  • Utility Account Managers
  • Energy Service Performance Managers
  • Energy Efficiency Consultants
  • Project Engineer Resource
  • Efficiency Managers (REMs)

2. Chartered Energy Manager


This certification
is offered by the Energy Institute (EI),针对内部能源管理人员。候选人需要to apply jointly for professional membership of the EI. It involves submitting a detailed professional development review, continuing professional development plan, academic records etc, and paying a fee.

The UK-based Energy Institute offersthree levels of training能源管理专业人员from introductory to advanced, for those new to energy management as well as those aiming to become Chartered Energy Managers.

Level 1 is available online or as a 5-day course in London, Level 2 is a 150-hour online course, and Level 3 is a 12-day taught the course in London. They also offer tailored,bespoke trainingin the UK and internationally.

3. European EnergyManager (EUREM)

TheEUREM programmeto enhance the skills of technical experts in energy efficiencyis offered in 30 countries around the world(not only in Europe, despite the name!). The training is aimed at technical experts, executives and energy service providers and consists of 160 face-to-face teaching units of 45 minutes each, plus the “energy concept” practical project work.

4. Professional Energy Manager (PEM)

ThePEM Certificationis offered by Schneider’s Energy University in partnership with theInstitute of Energy Professionals.The PEM exam is one of the longest-running energy education programmes and is now available worldwide through the Energy University website. There are a number of recommended online courses you can take to prep for the exam.

5. DEXMA Energy Academy Certificate

At DEXMA, we have our own onlineEnergy Academy. It has two different blocks: one about usingDEXMAsoftware and another about generalEnergy Management. With these courses, you can quickly train your teams both technically and commercially. The courses consist of shortvideo tutorialsand a finalexamto evaluate each of them, with acertificateon completion.

Getting trained up

There are many many other training courses in centres across the world,whetheryou’re at the start of your career or an experienced energy manager looking to upskill. To name a couple,theEnergy Managers Associationin the UK andCIETin Canada.

Some employers finance training and accreditation as part of their professional development schemes, so it’s worthhaving a chat with your employerand looking up centres near you.

Whether you are certified or not, there are other things you can do keep on top of the latest energy trends and developments:

Have any more doubts about certification, energy management, or the meaning of life?Get in touch, we’ll lend you an ear. We might not solve your existential crisis, but quite possibly your energy crisis

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