What's the Difference Between Energy Advisors and Energy Auditors?

Although the names may sound similar, there are many differences between the role of an Energy Advisor and an Energy Auditor. Let's take a closer look.

Where They Work

While a Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) evaluates how energy is used in commercial, industrial and institutional settings, an Energy Advisor is responsible for assessing the energy performance of residential homes. The Energy Advisor also provides advice on potential savings during the design, construction, and renovation stages directly to the end user/ home owner.

Besides the tests conducted to evaluate the energy efficiency levels of a building (which are also practiced by the Energy Advisor), an energy audit moves beyond the building and involves the review of bills (accounting). This practice is normally observed int the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors.

How They Become Certified Professionals

In order to become an official NRCan-Registered Energy Advisor (EA), candidates must:

• Pass the Foundation Level Exam
• Pass the Energy Advisor Exam
• Be affiliated with a service organisation

In order to achieve AEE's Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) credential, candidates must:

• Pass the Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) exam;
• Submit a CEA Application;
• Be reviewed by the Certification Board

Exams and Training

For Aspiring Energy Advisors

To best prepare for the challenging exams required to become a Registered Energy Advisor, prospective REAs can take CIET's exam prep courses.

• Prep Course for the NRCan Foundation Level Exam
  3 days
  1.8 Continuing Education Units (CEU)
  CSEP points: 3 (+2 for certification)
  This course provides an overview of building science issues and sound business practices. Candidates get valuable knowledge in energy efficiency homebuilding techniques.
  Find an upcoming session.
• Prep Course for the NRCan Energy Advisor Exam (House)
  4 days
  2.4 Continuing Education Units (CEU)
  CSEP points: 4 (+2 for certification)
  This interactive course provides an overview of the administration and delivery of EnerGuide Rating System Version 15. Participants gain hands-on experience with Natural Resources Canada's HOT2000 energy modelling software.
  Find an upcoming session.

For Aspiring Certified Energy Auditors

• Certified Energy Auditor (CEA)
  4 days
  3.2 Continuing Education Units (CEU)
  CSEP points: 4 (+2 for certification)
  This training is designed to expand professional knowledge in energy auditing as well as serve as a preparatory vehicle for the examination required to achieve AEE's CEA credential. It provides the fundamental knowledge needed to evaluate how energy is being used in a facility and identify where consumption can be reduced. It also covered useful calculation methods and practical examples.

  It is relevant for professionals supervising and managing facility energy audits and energy management programs, including: energy engineers and consultants, current energy auditors seeking a certification, new energy auditors, plant and facility engineers, energy managers, ESCO professionals, energy performance contracting professionals, organisations considering energy projects, and instructors teaching energy analysis.
  Find an upcoming session.