[Bldg-sim] Key Tips for Passing ASHRAE Certified Building Energy Modeling Professional (BEMP) Exam

[Jim Dirkes]

On the other hand....
Tests are often very unpredictable regarding the type of information one is expected to know.  Sometimes the people who prepare the test are "academic" as opposed to "practical", sometimes "theoretical" versus "hands-on".
Without remembering specific details, I recall taking the LEED EBOM test and thinking to myself that the test-preparers eschewed / disdained "reference materials" because it seemed the expectation was that the test-taker was supposed to memorize a lot of procedural details that were readily available in the USGBC documentation.
I've prepared university level tests (as has Dr. Haberl) and it's always a challenge to try to do so and be confident a) that the test covers a good cross section of important knowledge, b) is unambiguous and c) is able to fairly measure the student's knowledge.
That said, while it is certainly inappropriate to ask about specific test questions, it seems appropriate to ask about the general aspects and focus of the test.  It certainly does seem that the world could use a great and comprehensive resource on energy modeling!
IBPSA's BEMBook (http://www.bembook.ibpsa.us/) is a reasonable start,  as is www.energy-models.com<http://www.energy-models.com> or Rocky Mountain Institute (http://www.rmi.org/EnergyModelingWorkstream  ).
There is a LOT of ground that is not covered by those, however!  I have a saying that "Some people have 20 years of experience, but 19 of those years were repeats of the first year".  In other words, they haven't learned anything in a long time.  We don't want to be that person! (and I'm not suggesting that any of the people on this forum are that person.  Actually, if you're on this or a similar forum, you're investing in continuous improvement!)


James V Dirkes II, PE, BEMP, LEED AP
www.buildingperformanceteam.com<http://www.buildingperformanceteam.com/>
Energy Analysis, Commissioning & Training Services
1631 Acacia Drive, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 USA
616 450 8653

From: Bldg-sim [mailto:bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] On Behalf Of Jeff Haberl
Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2014 10:33 AM
To: Wahid Hamed; bldg-sim at lists.onebuilding.org
Subject: Re: [Bldg-sim] Key Tips for Passing ASHRAE Certified Building Energy Modeling Professional (BEMP) Exam


Wahid,



The ASHRAE BEMP exam is a very hard exam that tests a person(s) knowledge about building energy modeling -- all aspects. To this extent it was created by modelers to REALLY test one's modeling skills. So, it should really be a test of what you know. This is because it is supposed to "certify" that someone actually knows something.



Hence, I don't think it is appropriate for you to ask for "help" from others on the Bldg-sim list server.



If you need help studying for the exam, I suggest you contact IBPSA USA and/or others who offer courses and workshops that help one prepare for the test.



Sorry to be such a jerk.



Jeff


8=!  8=)  :=)  8=)  ;=)  8=)  8=(  8=)  8=()  8=)  8=|  8=)  :=')  8=) 8=?
Jeff S. Haberl, Ph.D.,P.E.inactive,FASHRAE,FIBPSA,......jhaberl at tamu.edu<mailto:........jhaberl at tamu.edu>
Professor........................................................................Office Ph: 979-845-6507
Department of Architecture............................................Lab Ph:979-845-6065
Energy Systems Laboratory...........................................FAX: 979-862-2457
Texas A&M University...................................................77843-3581
College Station, Texas, USA, 77843..............................URL:www.esl.tamu.edu
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________________________________
From: Bldg-sim [bldg-sim-bounces at lists.onebuilding.org] on behalf of Wahid Hamed [wahid.hamed at gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2014 2:09 AM
To: bldg-sim at lists.onebuilding.org<mailto:bldg-sim at lists.onebuilding.org>
Subject: [Bldg-sim] Key Tips for Passing ASHRAE Certified Building Energy Modeling Professional (BEMP) Exam
Dear All,

I would be grateful if guys who passed the BEMP exam could share their tips for passing the exam and their recommendations. how much calculations involved? kind of question techniques?, etc.



Regards,


Wahid H. Mohamed, LEED AP (BD+C)
Mechanical Project Engineer, Energy Modeler

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