Frequently Asked Questions
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Renewal Questions
How do I renew my certification?
Information about how to renew your certification can be found here
How many points do I need?
50 points over the past 3 years are required to renew; 30 of which can be obtained through active work experience in the energy field.
The other 20 can be obtained a variety of ways. Please visit the renewal form to see examples. Click here.
How much does it cost to renew?
The cost to renew is $150. However, if you are past due and beyond the grace period, the late fee and renewal fee total cost is $250. Please let us know if you intend to renew, but will not meet the renewal deadline.
What is accepted work experience/professional development activities?
- Papers, articles, and/or books published. Ten (10) points per item, first time only.
- Papers, workshops, and/or seminars presented. Three (3) points per hour of presentation length for first time presenting, and one (1) point per hour for subsequent presentations, up to a maximum of six (6) points per hour.
- College/university courses completed. Forty-five (45) points per credit hour for semester schedule, thirty (30) points per credit hour for quarter schedule.
- Workshops, seminars, and/or other related training programs attended. Ten (10) points per continuing education unit (CEU) or equivalent. One (1) point per contact hour or professional development hour (PDH).
- Active participant in a professional society/organization. Two (2) points per professional society/organization. Maximum four (4) points total.
- Other energy-related activities. See instructions and/or contact IEP for specific point allocations.
If I let my renewal lapse, what can I do to become active again?
Fill out the renewal form, found here, and send to renewal@theiep.org. Please let us know if you intend to renew but will not meet the renewal deadline.
Can I reuse my previous renewals continuing education and work experience for my upcoming renewal?
No. The continuing education must be within the past 3 years since your last renewal period.
If my certification expires, do I have to take the classes and exam again?
Please reach out to us at renewal@theiep.org to discuss your circumstances.
How do I obtain Certification?
Why should I get my Professional Energy Manager Certification?
EP’s Professional Energy Manager® (PEM) certification is recognized worldwide and is designed to equip you with practical tools to help you and your employer achieve your energy and sustainability goals. The PEM can be obtained in a variety of ways that fit your needs, learning style, and budget. It can also be coupled with an Energy Management Diploma from North Carolina State University – a top-25 graduate engineering program in the United States.
What is the difference between the PEM Certification and the Energy Management Diploma through NCSU?
Going through the NCSU course will get you the opportunity to obtain both the PEM and Diploma with one test. Our partnership with SE also provides the opportunity to get the PEM (but not the Diploma). The PEM is the certification which has the usual continuing education requirements, renewal, etc. The Diploma is exactly that: like what you got from high school or college. Its not a “Bachelor of Science” or a 4-year degree diploma, but it is a step up from NCSU’s certificate programs.
How do I get certified?
Upon completion of the three-week program, you will qualify to take a comprehensive course examination developed by the Institute of Energy Professionals. By successfully completing the exam, you will earn the Professional Energy Manager (PEM) certification, in addition to receiving your program diploma from the university.
How and when can I take the exam to become certified?
Upon completion of the three-week program, you will qualify to take a comprehensive course examination developed by the Institute of Energy Professionals. By successfully completing the exam, you will earn the Professional Energy Manager (PEM) certification, in addition to receiving your program diploma from the university.
How often are classes offered?
Three times a year. Spring, Summer and Fall. There are other options to obtain the PEM designation outside of the In-Person classes offered by NC State.
How long are the classes?
Courses range in length from half-day to five days depending on the program. EM1, EM2, and EM3 are week long classes offered each Spring, Summer and Fall. Each class is 32 instructional hours.
Are there prerequisites to obtaining the PEM?
No.
General Questions
Are fees refundable?
Please contact us at renewal@theiep.org to discuss your circumstances.
Retirement
Recently Retired, can I keep my PEM certification?
Yes, we have a PEM Emeritus designation. Every 3 years, your fee will be $25 to keep the PEM Emeritus designation. Reach out to us to obtain your PEM Emeritus designation.
Renewal Qualifications
A total of 50 points is required to renew. See page 3, 4 and page 5 of the renewal document here for an in-depth description of what qualifies for your professional development activities/points.