Building Energy Modeling Guidebook

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Instructionsfor Participating i

ASHRAE

Building Energy ModelingProfessional (BEMP

CertificatioProgram

Effective date: 10/06/2


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About ASHRAEThe American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Con-ditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is an international membershipsociety committed to the advancement of the arts andsciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigera-tion to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world. Insupport of this mission, ASHRAE offers many products andservices, including the Building Energy Modeling Professional(BEMP) certification program, which is designed to meet

educational needs of the HVAC&R industry.

ASHRAE does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex,

religion, disability, or national or ethnic origin in its policies,procedures, or eligibility requirements for its programs.

About the GuideThe purpose of this guide is to provide information aboutASHRAEs BEMP certification program. No information ormaterial in this guide creates a contract between ASHRAEand an individual customer or organization. ASHRAE will doits best to apply the principles and provisions containedwithin this guide as written, but reserves the right tochange those principles and provisions without actualnotice. Nevertheless, ASHRAE will make reasonableefforts to notify customers of any changes.

Purpose of the BEMP CertificationThe purpose of this certification is to certify individualsability to evaluate, choose, use, calibrate, and interpret theresults of energy modeling software when applied tobuilding and systems energy performance and economicsand to certify individuals competence to model new andexisting buildings and systems with their full range ofphysics.

Disclaimer of WarrantyASHRAE does not warrant that this program or itsexamination certifies a candidates technical competenceor technical ability to design any part of the HVAC&Rsystem. Furthermore, nothing about this program or itsexamination is intended to replace, override, or conflictwith licensing requirements for design engineers, archi-tects, or other building professionals.

Who Can ParticipateParticipation in ASHRAEs BEMP program requires that a

candidate meet eligibility requirements and successfullycomplete the programs examination. Membership inASHRAE is not a prerequisite to participate inthe program.

Eligibility RequirementsAny individual who meets one of the following combina-tions of academic and work experience requirements willbe eligible to take the examination for the Building EnergyModeling Professional certification.

Government-issued or government-recognized licenseas a professional engineer or architect and a minimumof two (2) years building energy modeling experience

Minimum of Bachelors degree in engineering or arelated field (e.g., building science, architecture, phys-ics, or mathematics) from an accredited institution ofhigher learning and a minimum of five (5) years energy-related HVAC, architecture, lighting, or renewableenergy experience, including a minimum of two (2)

years building energy modeling experience; up to twoyears of graduate studies at an accredited institution ofhigher learning can be counted toward the five (5)years experience in this category

Associates degree or Technical degree or certicate indesign, construction, or a related field from an accred-ited institution of higher learning and a minimum ofseven (7) years energy-related HVAC, architecture,lighting, or renewable energy experience, including aminimum of two (2) years building energy modelingexperience

High School diploma or equivalent and a minimum often (10) years energy-related HVAC, architecture,

lighting, or renewable energy experience, including aminimum of two (2) years building energy modelingexperience

Testing RequirementsCandidates who have completed and submitted the BEMPapplication and who have received approval thereof fromASHRAE can enroll for the Building Energy ModelingProfessional examination. To earn the Building EnergyModeling Professional certification, the candidate mustsuccessfully pass the examination in full; no partial creditfor this examination will be given.

Completing and Submitting

the ApplicationTo participate in ASHRAEs Building Energy ModelingProfessional program, a candidate must complete andsubmit an application. Within a reasonable time afterreceiving a candidates application, ASHRAE will notifythe candidate either of ASHRAEs acceptance andapproval of the application or of ASHRAEs denial ofapproval and the reasons therefore.

(ASHRAE has a process in place if a candidates applica-tion is denied and the candidate wants to reapply. Pleasecontact [email protected] to request informationon this process.)

If an application is declined by ASHRAE or cancelled bythe applicant, the amount of the fee, less $50 to coveradministrative costs, will be refunded to the applicant.


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About the ExaminationThe examination for the BEMP program is a proctored, closedbook/closed notes, 2.5-hour, 115-item multiple-choice test.A candidates score is based on 100 of the items; the other15 items, which are interspersed throughout the examina-tion, are included for trial or pre-test purposes.

A detailed content outline for the BEMP examination isprovided on page 6. This outline identifies the following

aspects of the examination:

The four major content areas, as well as tasks withineach area, that the examination covers

The number of examination items devoted to each majorcontent area

The number of items at each cognitive level that acandidate is likely to use in responding to items in eachmajor content area

The three cognitive levels tested on the BEMP examina-tion are:

1. Recall:The ability to remember or recognize specificinformation

2. Application: The ability to comprehend, relate, orapply knowledge to new or changing situations

3. Analysis:The ability to synthesize information sometimes from a variety of sources, determine solu-tions, and/or evaluate the usefulness of a solution

Special Arrangements for Candidates with DisabilitiesASHRAE complies with the Americans with DisabilitiesAct and strives to ensure that no individual with a disabil-ity is deprived of the opportunity to take the examination

solely by reason of that disability. ASHRAE will providereasonable accommodations for candidates with disabili-ties. Candidates requesting special accommodations mustcall AMP, ASHRAEs exam vendor, at 888-519-9901.

1. Candidates must advise AMP at the time of schedulingthat wheelchair access is necessary.

2. Candidates with visual, sensory, or physical disabilitiesthat would prevent them from taking the examinationunder standard conditions may request special accommo-dations and arrangements.

Verification of the disability and a statement of the specifictype of assistance needed must be made in writing to AMPat least 45 calendar days prior to the desired examinationdate. Please inform AMP of the need for special accommo-dations when scheduling the examination.

Telecommunication Devices for the DeafAMP is equipped with Telecommunication Devices forthe Deaf (TDD) to assist deaf and hearing-impairedcandidates. TDD calling is available 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.(Central Time) Monday through Friday at 913-895-4637.

This TDD phone option is for individuals who have com-patible TDD machinery.

Examination Appointment Cancellations/Failure to

Report to an ExaminationA candidate who wishes to cancel his/her examinationappointment, but fails to contact AMP at least twobusiness days prior to the scheduled testing session, willforfeit the examination fee and must reschedule

the examination.

On the Day of Your ExaminationOn the day of your examination appointment, report tothe testing room no later than your scheduled testingtime. A CANDIDATE WHO ARRIVES MORE THAN 15MINUTES AFTER THE SCHEDULED TESTING TIMEWILL NOT BE ADMITTED.

To gain admission to the testing room, a candidate needsto present two forms of identification, one with a currentphotograph. Both forms of identification must be current

and include the candidates current name and signature.The candidate will also be required to sign a roster forverification of identity.

Acceptable forms of identification include a current:1. Drivers license with photograph2. State identification card with photograph3. Passport4. Military identification card with photograph5. Social security card (secondary form)

Employment ID cards, student ID cards, and any type oftemporary identification are NOT acceptable as primary

identification. Candidates are prohibited from misrepre-senting their identities or falsifying information to obtainadmission to the testing room.

SecurityASHRAE and AMP maintain examination administrationand security standards that are designed to assure that alcandidates are provided the same opportunity to demon-strate their abilities.

The following security procedures apply during theexamination: Examinations are proprietary.

No cameras, notes, tape recorders, Personal DigitalAssistants (PDAs), pagers, or cellular phones areallowed in the testing room.

You are encouraged to bring a non-programmablescientific calculator for the BEMP examination. Onlysilent, non-programmable calculators are permitted,but they will not be provided for you.

No guests, visitors, or family members are allowed inthe testing room or reception areas.


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No personal items, valuables, or weapons are allowedin the testing room. Only keys and wallets may be takeninto the testing room and AMP is not responsible foritems left in other areas.

Examination Restrictions No personal belongings will be allowed in the testing

room. Pencils will be provided during check-in. Use ofa cellular phone or other electronic device is strictly

prohibited and will result in dismissal from the examination. You will be provided with scratch paper to use during

the examination. You must sign and return the scratchpaper to the supervisor at the completion of testing, oryou will not receive a score report. No documents ornotes of any kind may be removed from the examinationroom. If you need a second piece of scratch paper, youneed to ask the test proctor for another piece of paperand turn in the one you used before.

No questions concerning the content of the examinationmay be asked during the examination.

Eating, drinking, or smoking will not be permitted in thetesting room.

You may take a break whenever you wish, but you willnot be allowed additional time to make up for time lostduring breaks.

MisconductIndividuals who engage in any of the following types ofconduct, either in the testing room or during a break, maybe dismissed from the examination, their scores will notbe reported, and their examination fees will not berefunded. Examples of misconduct are when a candidate: creates a disturbance, is abusive, or is otherwise

uncooperative;

displays and/or uses electronic communications equip-ment such as pagers, cellular phones, or PDAs;

gives or receives help or is suspected of doing so;

attempts to record examination questions or make notes; attempts to take the examination for someone else; or

is observed with notes, books, or other aids.

Copyrighted Examination QuestionsAll examination questions are the copyrighted propertyof ASHRAE. It is forbidden under federal copyright lawto copy, reproduce, record, distribute or display these exami-nation questions by any means, in whole or in part. Doingso may subject you to severe civil and criminal penalties.

Timed ExaminationAn examination question may be left unanswered forreturn later in the examination session. If all questionshave not been answered and there is time remaining, returnto the examination and answer those questions. Be sure toprovide an answer for each examination question beforeending the examination. There is no penalty for guessing.

Following the ExaminationAfter completing the examination, candidates are askedto complete a short evaluation of their examinationexperience.

Scores will be reported as either Pass or Fail and willbe provided in written form only by U.S. mail. Scores arenot reported over the telephone, by electronic mail, or byfacsimile.

Scores Cancelled by ASHRAE or AMPASHRAE and AMP are responsible for the validity andintegrity of the scores they report. On occasion, occur-rences such as misconduct by a candidate may cause ascore to be suspect. ASHRAE and AMP reserve the rightto void or withhold examination results if, upon investiga-tion, violation of its regulations is discovered.

ConfidentialityInformation about candidates for testing and their exam-ination results are considered confidential. Studies and

reports concerning candidates will contain no informationidentifiable with any candidate, unless authorized bythe candidate.

By participating in the BEMP program, eachperson who earns and maintains this certificationagrees to be listed on ASHRAEs public website.Only those individuals who are active BEMPcertificants will be listed on the site. Uponrequest, ASHRAE will provide a link to yourcompanys website.

Duplicate Score ReportCandidates may purchase additional copies of theirresults at a cost of $25 per copy. Requests must besubmitted to ASHRAE, in writing. The request mustinclude the candidates name, identification number,mailing address, telephone number, date of examinationand examination taken. Submit this information with therequired fee payable to ASHRAE in the form of a check,money order or cashiers check. Duplicate score reportswill be mailed within approximately two weeks afterreceipt of the request and fee.

Candidate Responsibilities

Each candidate for ASHRAEs Building Energy ModelingProfessional certification is responsible for:

Submitting a completed, signed application form andthe application fee.

Enrolling for the examination. Paying a reschedule or cancellation fee if the candi-

date chooses to cancel or reschedule an enrollment. Complying with the rules for examination.

Immediately notifying ASHRAE of any suspectedviolations of the rules for examination.


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Effective Date: 12-1-2009

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating andAir-Conditioning Engineers

Building Energy Modeling Professional ExaminationDetailed Content Outline*

Open cells show an examination could include items from indicated cognitive levels.Shaded cells prevent appearance of items on examinations.

Items

CognitiveLevel

Recall

Application

Analysis

Totals

I. ESTABLISHING THE MODELING SCOPE 3 7 7 17

A. Modeling Objectives 0 1 2 3

1. Define the purpose of the modeling study

2. Interpret the design intent of the building project

3. Evaluate the completeness of the design and operationinformation

4. Link required project deliverables to goals of the modeling study

B. Analysis Methodologies 2 3 3 8

1. Differentiate among calculation methods within available softwareand tools e.g.,

a. time-neutral e.g.,

bin method degree day

b. time-sequencing e.g.,

heat balance

weighting factor

thermal network

parametric

2. Evaluate mathematical modeling methods for buildingcomponents e.g.,

empirical

regression

first-principle of thermodynamics

3. Translate a building project into an energy model

a. simplify building physics to a mathematical model

b. anticipate the impact of simplification and model deficiencies

C. Softwareand ToolSelection 1 2 1 4

1. Evaluate the appropriateness of the methodology bycharacteristics of the project e.g.,

project phase

building type

climate

2. Select the optimal software and tools to meet output data needsof the project e.g.,

life-cycle cost analysis

energy use and demand

individual componentperformance


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Items

CognitiveLevel

Recall

Application

Analysis

Totals

D. Project Scheduling and Budget Considerations 0 1 1 21. Tailor the modeling strategy to the design phase e.g.,

conceptual

mid-design

design benchmarking

2. Recognize budget implications of and on modeling methodology

3. Make approximations targeted toward specific model limitations

II. COMPONENTS OF BUILDING AND ENERGY SYSTEMS14 18 16 48

A. Location and Climate Definition 2 1 1 4

1. Use commonly available data about the local climate e.g.,

temperature

humidity

precipitation

solar

elevation

wind

2. Choose the best source of weather data for a project e.g.,

long-term representative

constructed

geographically equivalent

historical for a time period

3. Identify site characteristics e.g.,

microclimates

orientation

adjacent buildings

shading

reflectance

vegetation effects

local wind

solar effects

B. Building Envelope and Partitions 1 3 2 6

1. Model exterior and interior opaque surface performance e.g.,

geometry

boundary conditions

thermal transmission andcapacitance

2. Model ground-coupled surface performance

3. Model fenestrations e.g.,

solar heat gain

shading

reflectance

glazing

framing

spectral4. Model building airflow e.g.,

psychrometrics

air-tightness

driving forces of infiltration


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Items

CognitiveLevel

Recall

Application

Analysis

Totals

C. Building HVAC Systems 3 3 3 91. Model terminal equipment in each zone e.g.,

perimeter heating

fan coil units

heated / chilled radiant slabs

VAV / CAV boxes

2. Model secondary distribution systems e.g.,

air

water

refrigerant

3. Model primary energy systems e.g.,

chillers

boilers

heat rejection

thermal storage

combined heat and power

4. Model packaged systems e.g.,

split

roof-top

packaged terminal air-conditioner

5. Model ventilation e.g.,

mechanical natural

D. Lighting Systems 1 1 1 3

1. Model artificial lighting power

2. Model daylighting e.g.,

glare illuminance

3. Distribute lighting heat gain among room, return, and plenum

E. Other Internal and Process Loads 2 2 3 7

1. Differentiate between space loads and building loads

2. Model loads as sensible, latent, or radiant fractions and thermaldistribution e.g.,

occupants

water heating

plug loads

appliances

vertical transportation

commercial refrigeration

external lighting

special processes

F. District Energy Systems 0 1 1 2

1. Model purchased energy

2. Model shared energy systems


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Items

CognitiveLevel

Recall

Application

Analysis

Totals

G. Renewable Energy Systems 1 1 1 31. Model solar thermal systems

2. Model onsite power generation e.g.,

photovoltaic

wind

micro-hydro

H. Controls 4 6 4 14

1. Model HVAC controls

a. temperature

b. humidification and de-humidification

c. pressured. outside air ventilation e.g.,

quantity

quality

humidity

temperature

demand-control

e. supply and return flow e.g.,

economizers

exhaust

maximum and minimum

capacity control

2. Model lighting controls e.g.,

illuminance

occupancy

time-based

energy-rate based

glare considerations

dimming

3. Model controls for miscellaneous equipment e.g.,

service hot water

process equipment

vertical transportation

4. Describe basic control sequences e.g.,

2-position

scheduled

proportional integral derivative

5. Sequence equipment to manage loads e.g.,

pumps

fans

large plant equipment


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Items

CognitiveLevel

Recall

Application

Analysis

Totals

III. APPLICATIONS OF ENERGY MODELS FOR BUILDINGS3 6 3 12

A. Simulation Comparisons 1 2 1 4

1. Compare alternative simulation results e.g.,

code compliance

performance relativeto standards

parametric studies

equipment and componentselection

2. Compare a simulation to measured data

a. statistical models

b. calibrated building-specific data e.g.,

forensics

utility bills

measurement and verification

B. Modeling Energy Performance 2 3 1 6

1. Choose whole-building metrics e.g.,

cost

emissions

demand

source energy consumption

site energy consumption

2. Choose component metrics e.g.,

equipment usage

equipment sizes

component performance

3. Choose metrics for indoor environmental performance e.g.,

temperature

humidity

ventilation rate

daylighting

C. Evolution of Simulation Techniques to Meet Project Methods andObjectives 0 1 1 2

1. Adapt simulations to the project phase

2. Customize simulations for changes in building use


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Items

CognitiveLevel

Recall

Application

Analysis

Totals

IV. INTERPRETATIONS OF ENERGY MODEL RESULTS5 10 8 23

A. Verification and Troubleshooting of Simulation Results 1 3 3 7

1. Perform reality check e.g.,

hand calculations

mass and energy balance

conformance with expectedvalues

2. Perform software check e.g.,

metering

input files

hourly reports

3. Perform parametric bracketing to verify model sensitivity

4. Review data for anomalies

5. Reconcile anomalies using single time-step reports

6. Resolve loads not met and hours outside of control range

B. Analyzing and Comparing Modeling Results 2 4 2 8

1. Analyze simulation outputs e.g.,

component metrics

energy use intensity

whole building metric

2. Compare outputs to targets e.g.,

rating programs

codes

building labelling programs

C. Economic Analyses 1 1 1 3

1. Determine effects of utility rate structures and regulations oncosts

2. Calculate financial metrics e.g.,

life-cycle costing

cash flow

investment performance

client financing needs

3. Estimate the effects of incentives

D. Sensitivity Analyses 0 1 1 2

1. Perform a sensitivity analysis on modeling assumptions

2. Identify critical synergistic interactions of building components


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Items

CognitiveLevel

Recall

Application

Analysis

Totals

E. Project Deliverable 1 1 1 31. Communicate results

2. Communicate methodology and assumptions on which results arebased

3. Submit documentation that affirms the accuracy andcompleteness of results

4. Recommend actions

Totals 25 41 34 100

*Each new test form will include two 15-item pretests (e.g., 1A, 1B).


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Renewal Requirements for ASHRAE Certification Programs

Each Certificant is required to renew his/her certification every three years. The renewal process includes submittal of arenewal fee ($125 for members, $195 for non-members) and evidence of earning 45 ASHRAE Continuing Education (ACE)units during each three-year renewal period.*

The three-year renewal period starts on December 31 of the year in which the Certificant earns the certification. Forexample, a Certificant who earns the certification anytime in 2008 will have a renewal deadline of December 31, 2011.

Individuals who fail to submit renewal fees and evidence of the required ACEs by the December 31 deadline will be con-sidered as non-renewing, notified accordingly, and advised to cease using the specific certification designation after theirnames. The names of non-renewing Certificants will be removed from the list of Certificants on ASHRAEs website.

To be reinstated, non-renewing Certificants must submit the renewal fee, a reinstatement fee ($60), and evidence of therequired ACEs by December 31 of the year following their active status. After that date, non-renewing Certificants mustfollow the same process as that for the initial application. Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed on a case-by-casebasis by the Committee.

Type Credits

Successful completion of a course in a related field from an accredited institution of higherlearningNote: To qualify for this credit, a course must be offered regularly and must conclude witha test that sets a passing grade.

15 ACEs per credit hour(semester system) OR10 ACEs (quarter system)

PatentNote: Credit can be claimed after a patent is issued and the inventor submits details to theboard. The invention must be related to engineering.

10 ACEs

Publication of article/paper/book in recognized peer reviewed journal in relevant eld(max. 3 per year).Note: A news article in a technical or professional bulletin is not considered a publishedpaper.

10 ACEs per publisheditem

Active participation in a professional or technical society relevant to the fieldNote: The certificant must serve as an officer and/or must actively participate in a commit-tee of the organization. PDH credits are earned at the end of each year of service.

2 ACEs per year perorganization

Writing ASHRAE certification exam items in relevant field 5 ACEs per exam

Accreditation Visit Evaluator (or ASHRAE approved equivalent) 3 ACEs per year

Professional awards 2 ACEs per award

Teaching of approved courses and workshops in relevant fieldNote: Teaching credit is valid for teaching a course or seminar for the first time only. It does

not apply to faculty performing regular duties.

ACEs are determined bymultiplying by two (2) the

total number of coursehours (for preparationtime).

Attendance at meetings and conferences (e.g. National, Annual, Regional) or specialconferences relevant to the field

Qualifying seminars andworkshops will be basedon one ACE unit for eachhour of attendance.

Attendance and completion of approved short courses and other continued educationactivities in relevant field

Qualifying seminars andworkshops will be basedon one ACE unit for eachhour of attendance.

Acceptable Methods of Obtaining ACE credits


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Building Energy Modeling Guidebook

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