ASHRAE Certification study guide. Building energy modeling professional (BEMP) 2022 PDF

Full title and description

Certification Study Guide: Building Energy Modeling Professional (BEMP) — ASHRAE study guide (2022). A focused exam-preparation and reference publication that organizes the BEMP body of knowledge into task-by-task study aids, quick quizzes, a 100-question practice exam with solutions, a customizable study map, common formulas, and a glossary to support candidates preparing for the ASHRAE BEMP certification.

Abstract

This study guide compiles and structures the core references, task descriptions, and practice materials used by ASHRAE’s Building Energy Modeling Professional (BEMP) certification program. It does not teach step-by-step modeling techniques but provides a mapped study path to the detailed content outline (DCO), highlights core versus deep-dive resources, offers self-assessments and quick quizzes, and includes a full 100-question practice exam and solutions to help candidates identify knowledge gaps and prioritize study.

General information

• Status: Active (2022 edition)
• Publication date: 2022
• Publisher: ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)
• ICS / categories: Building engineering; Energy efficiency and management; Building simulation and modeling
• Edition / version: 2022 edition (study guide aligned to the BEMP program at time of publication)
• Number of pages: 120

Scope

The guide is intended as an exam-oriented study and reference tool for candidates pursuing ASHRAE’s BEMP credential. It maps the BEMP Detailed Content Outline (DCO) to recommended resources, summarizes key theory and standards references, provides task-level self-assessments, quick quizzes, a compact set of commonly used modeling formulas, a glossary of terms, and a 100-question practice exam with answers. It is not a substitute for hands-on modeling experience or the primary technical references (handbooks, standards, and software manuals).

Key topics and requirements

• Overview of the BEMP Detailed Content Outline (DCO) and exam blueprint
• Fundamentals of building physics and energy flows
• HVAC systems, controls, and plant modeling inputs
• Model input development and data sources (occupancy, schedules, internal loads)
• Building envelope modeling and thermal properties
• Energy simulation software workflows, common tools, and best practices
• Model calibration, validation, benchmarking, and uncertainty
• Reporting, quality assurance, and documentation expectations for modeling deliverables
• Relevant standards and codes (example: ASHRAE Standards 90.1, 62.1, 55, and Guideline 14) as exam references
• Practice exam (100 questions) with solutions, quick quizzes and task-by-task self-assessments

Typical use and users

Primary users are building energy modelers preparing for the ASHRAE BEMP exam: energy analysts, MEP engineers, building scientists, commissioning professionals, sustainability consultants, and advanced graduate students. Typical use cases include structured self-study, identifying gaps against the DCO, targeted review of standards and handbook sections, and timed practice with the included 100-question exam.

Related standards

Commonly cited resources and standards used alongside this study guide include ASHRAE Handbook — Fundamentals, ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 90.1 (Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings), Standard 62.1 (Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality), Standard 55 (Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy), ASHRAE Guideline 14 (Measurement of Energy and Demand Savings), and ASHRAE Standard 209 (Energy Simulation Aided Design). The guide maps sections of these references to BEMP job tasks.

Keywords

BEMP; ASHRAE; study guide; building energy modeling; exam preparation; practice exam; model calibration; simulation; EnergyPlus; eQUEST; standards; DCO; building performance.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: This is an ASHRAE Certification Study Guide (2022) created to help candidates prepare for the Building Energy Modeling Professional (BEMP) certification exam. It organizes the BEMP program content, practice questions, and study tools rather than establishing technical requirements as a formal technical standard.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the BEMP Detailed Content Outline (DCO) in a study-oriented format: task-by-task self-assessments, resource breakdowns, quick quizzes, a glossary, common formulas, and a 100-question practice exam with solutions to help candidates focus study effort on the topics most relevant to the exam.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Energy modelers and practitioners preparing for the ASHRAE BEMP exam — including MEP engineers, energy consultants, commissioning agents, building scientists, and students — use the guide to structure exam study and review essential references.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: This is the 2022 study guide edition. Note that ASHRAE has indicated that the study guide does not reflect later updates to the BEMP exam content outline and that an updated study guide is planned for Society Year 2025–26. Candidates should cross-check the current BEMP Candidate Guidebook/DCO when preparing and confirm any exam content changes that post-date 2022.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. ASHRAE publishes a set of certification study guides for multiple certification programs (for example, BEAP, BCxP, CHD, CDP and BEMP). The guides are companion study materials to ASHRAE’s individual certification candidate guidebooks and handbooks.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: BEMP, ASHRAE, building energy modeling, study guide, practice exam, model calibration, simulation, DCO, standards mapping.