CEA vs. CEPE — What's The Difference?
Both the CEPE and the CEA certifications encourage the professional development of building energy consultants. The CEA has additional requirements beyond passing the CEPE test.
— Certified Energy Plans Examiner (CEPE)
The CEPE exam is open to anyone that wishes to demonstrate their knowledge of the Residential and/or Nonresidential California Energy Standards, (Residential Standards and Nonresidential Standards are separate tests). Most individuals taking the CEPE test are building department plan checkers, building inspectors, and energy consultants. Individuals passing the exam are listed on the CEPE Roster page on the CABEC web site. This list is also distributed to every building department in California as well as being provided to many other individuals and companies. The CEPE test is given in the fall of each year and is preceded by training sessions designed to help prepare persons taking the exam.Get more information about becoming a CEPE.
— Certified Energy Analyst (CEA)
Certified Energy Analysts are CABEC members who have demonstrated their mastery of the Residential and/or Nonresidential California Energy Standards through the following steps. (You must be a CABEC member to acquire CEA certification. Click here to access our on-line application form).- They have passed the appropriate (Residential and/or Nonresidential) CEPE Exam.
- They have at least one year of experience performing energy compliance calculations.
- They have participated in a CABEC ethics seminar.
- They attend at least six hours per year of continuing education training.
Get more information about becoming a CEA.






