Every certification program offered by AEE is defined by strict standards to ensure the program maintains its industry-wide recognition and credibility.

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Experience

Discover the relevant experience and educational credentials needed to achieve certification.

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Training

Find an approved training program that aligns with the fundamental knowledge base of the program.

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Application

Submit your application, schedule and pass the Certification exam.

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Exam

Confirm your competencies by passing our globally developed certification exams.

Work Experience & Education Requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following eligibility criteria:

4-year related* degree OR Professional Engineer (PE) OR Registered Architect (RA) AND 2+ Years related* experience
4-year unrelated degree AND 3+ years related* experience
2-year associate degree AND 5+ years related* experience
NONE AND 10+ years related* experience
The current status of Certified Energy Manager (CEM®), Business Energy Professional (BEP®), or Certified Energy Procurement Professional (CEP®)

*Related degree in energy management, business, marketing, finance, engineering, or architecture and related experience in demand side management programs or work related to supporting demand-side management.

Industry & People, Training

CDSM In-Training

If you do not meet one of the eligibility criteria above, you can still apply for an in-training certification, CDSM-IT. In order to gain the in-training certification, you must attend a preparatory training seminar or obtain a degree from an approved training provider, submit the CDSM-IT certification application under step two below, and pass the CDSM certification examination. The CDSM-IT certification is valid for six years, which allows you time to meet the full PCF certification eligibility requirements.

Training Requirements

All certification candidates must attend a an approved preparatory training program. A preparatory program provides value by giving candidates a high level of understanding across a wide variety of relevant topics.

Scheduled Training Programs

Complete your Application

Submit your education, experience, and training program information, pay applicable fees, and schedule an exam.

United States

Certification Application and Examination Fees:

  • $400

Application and examination fees are nonrefundable.

Retest Fees:

  • $200

Certification Renewal:

  • $300 every three years

CDSM Application

International

Candidates wishing to take an international certification program should contact the local training partner for training, application, exam registration, and fees. Please visit the Approved Training Partners page to see if there is an approved training partner in your country, and click on the “More Info” link under the country name to contact that partner.

If there is not an AEE training partner in your country, please complete this request form. AEE can also present in-house training programs per request for a minimum number of attendees.

Find Training

Body of Knowledge

An intensive jobs task analysis was performed for the CEM and a weighted percentage of topics was developed for the CEM Body of Knowledge. The number of questions on the exam will align with the content percentages listed in the CEM Body of Knowledge.

Resources & Study Guides

Use the available resources to prepare you for the training program and certification exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question? Check our FAQs to see a list of commonly asked questions and answers on certification, testing, renewals etc.

Your Certification Exam

All certification candidates must pass the associated exam to demonstrate their technical knowledge, proficiency, and abilities relevant to the certification program’s Body of Knowledge. You may schedule your exam as part of an In-Person Training program or schedule a remote proctored exam.

Additional Information about CDSM Certification or File a Complaint
If you have any questions about CDSM certification or would like to file a complaint against an individual CDSM or the CDSM Program, please contact AEE’s Certification here.