Guidelines for the
Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)
Chapters and Individuals Implementing the
Certified Energy Manager® (CEM®) Program
Background
The Certified Energy Manager® (CEM®) training program is a registered trademark of the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). Any training and examinations using the CEM® training program must be approved by AEE’s Executive Director. The below are guidelines which can be used in training and testing for the CEM® training program:
Chapters in the United States
AEE provides in-house training for the CEM® training program that can be used by the chapter. Many chapters have already taken advantage of this program and have scheduled an authorized CEM® two- or five-day training program in their region. For details, contact the Executive Director at (770) 447-5083.
In addition, several chapters have held study group meetings two or three hours a week over a several week period of time. At the end of the training, the chapter schedules with the Certification Director an examination to be administered by the chapter. Only CEMs who are in good standing may proctor the CEM® examination. The chapter should notify the Certification Director of the workshop dates and the CEM® examination dates prior to making a public announcement. In no case is a chapter or individual authorized to give a two-or five- day CEM® seminar without express written permission of the AEE Executive Director.
International Chapters
The International CEM® training program was started for developing countries and was funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The program included the following procedures:
AEE instructors trained a core group of Certified Energy Managers® in that country. At the conclusion of the CEM® training program, a Train-the-Trainer program was implemented. The core group of CEMs® formed an AEE In-Country Certification Board, reporting to the CEM® International Board, to be responsible for administering and protecting the quality of the program. A licensing agreement between AEE and each participating country was established which included the following steps:
Any changes in the CEM® course or examination must be approved by the AEE International CEM® Board. Changes to the original course or examination must be made in writing in English and submitted to the AEE International CEM® Board for approval prior to teaching the course or implementing the examination. Between approvals, no changes are permitted. The confidentiality of the test is important to insure the quality of the program. CEMs® who have met the eligibility criteria and have passed the examination are eligible for recognition by the AEE International CEM® Board.
In order to be recognized, the international chapter must submit, in English, the name of each candidate, full contact information including complete information on the candidate’s education and work experience, the date examination was taken, the score for each section, and the overall score for each candidate. The AEE International CEM® Board will then recognize each qualified candidate by issuing a CEM® certificate. AEE retains the right to audit any chapter CEM® training program. The examination must be proctored by the authorized instructor.
Effective October 1, 2004, each chapter or trainer must submit their current course outline and test questions in English every three years for review and approval by the International CEM® Board. This requirement must be met in order for CEM certificates to be issued.
The following guidelines summarize the procedure for CEM® training and testing:
v Chapters or individuals must have authorization from AEE Headquarters to implement CEM® program.
v Courses and testing must be conducted according to either
§ The course material and test questions provided by the CEM® Board, or
§ The course material and test questions adapted for conditions in a country outside the USA and approved by the CEM® International Board.
v Exams are four-hour tests with 80 questions.
v In the case of courses adapted for use outside the USA, use is permitted of only course material and test questions that have been approved
§ Initially, and
§ Each time the AEE CEM® Board revises the material.
v Exams must be proctored only by an authorized instructor.
v Exams must be graded only by an authorized instructor.
v To be accepted, candidates must meet all CEM® requirements:
§ Passing test score
§ Education
§ Minimum work experience
v Timely payment of student fees must be made to AEE Headquarters.
v Exam questions must be protected at all times from leakage.
v Any leakage must be reported immediately and replacement test requested.
All CEM® material is protected by copyright. It is the intellectual property of the Association of Energy Engineers.
AEE is entitled to the student licensing fee for these intellectual rights.
All authorized trainers are expected to strictly follow AEE policy.
Revocation
In the event of leakage of exam questions or other ethical violation involving a CEM®
course or exam, the licensing agreement with the offending chapter or the CEM®
certification of the offending individual will be revoked.
Recertification
Every three years all CEMs® must be recertified in accordance with CEM® policy.
Every three years all international trainers must be recertified by completing an AEE form attesting to their professional qualifications and AEE teaching activity.
Modifications to Guidelines
The International CEM Board reserves the right to modify the Guidelines on a case-by-case basis, with justification.
