Page 1 of 131
California Certified Energy Analyst (CEA) Exam ACTUAL
EXAM COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
SUMMARIZED EXAM COVERAGE (ALL CONTENTS COVERED)
The California Certified Energy Analyst (CEA) exam focuses on Title 24 energy compliance and building
science principles. It tests knowledge of building envelope requirements, insulation, fenestration
performance, HVAC sizing and efficiency, duct leakage, ventilation and indoor air quality, lighting
controls and power limits, water heating efficiency measures, renewable energy fundamentals, energy
modeling using performance compliance tools, commissioning and acceptance testing procedures,
energy auditing methods, diagnostic testing like blower doors and thermography, and professional
responsibilities in documentation and compliance reporting.
✅ PART 3: 50 SCENARIO-BASED MCQs (BATCH 1: QUESTIONS 1–50)
(Random order, all questions ≥15 words, with answers and rationales, continuous, no skipping.)
1.
, Page 2 of 131
A designer submits Title 24 documentation showing only prescriptive measures, but the project was
modeled using performance compliance software. What is the most appropriate correction?
A. Submit only architectural drawings because modeling overrides documentation
B. Submit correct compliance forms consistent with the performance method used
C. Remove the energy model and rely on mandatory measures only
D. Use prescriptive requirements even if performance compliance was calculated
Answer: B
Rationale: Compliance forms must match the compliance method; performance compliance requires
correct reporting and documentation.
2.
During a retrofit audit, you find attic insulation labeled R-30 but compressed under storage decking.
What is the main energy concern?
A. Compression increases insulation effectiveness by reducing air gaps
B. Compression reduces effective R-value, increasing heat transfer through the ceiling
C. Compression increases solar reflectance of the roof system
D. Compression only affects moisture control, not energy performance
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Answer: B
Rationale: Compressed insulation has reduced thickness, lowering effective R-value and increasing heat
loss or gain.
3.
A homeowner complains of high cooling bills, and you observe significant duct leakage in a hot attic.
What improvement usually provides the largest efficiency gain?
A. Installing larger supply registers without sealing ducts
B. Sealing duct leaks and improving duct insulation to reduce losses
C. Increasing thermostat setpoint by one degree permanently
D. Installing additional attic ventilation fans without sealing ducts
Answer: B
Rationale: Duct leakage in hot attics causes major energy loss; sealing and insulating ducts improves
efficiency dramatically.
4.
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A proposed building design has large west-facing glazing with high SHGC values in a hot climate zone.
What is the likely impact?
A. Reduced cooling load because sunlight provides free ventilation
B. Increased cooling demand due to solar heat gain during afternoon peak hours
C. Reduced heating demand only, with no cooling effect
D. Improved TDV compliance because glazing area increases daylighting automatically
Answer: B
Rationale: West-facing high SHGC windows increase afternoon solar heat gain, increasing cooling load
and peak demand.
5.
An HVAC contractor installs a high-efficiency heat pump but does not verify airflow or refrigerant
charge. Why is this problematic for Title 24 compliance?
A. Heat pumps do not require airflow testing under any circumstances
B. Acceptance testing may be required, and poor installation reduces real efficiency
C. Refrigerant charge affects only heating performance, not cooling
D. Airflow verification is only required for commercial refrigeration equipment
California Certified Energy Analyst (CEA) Exam ACTUAL
EXAM COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
LATEST UPDATE THIS YEAR
SUMMARIZED EXAM COVERAGE (ALL CONTENTS COVERED)
The California Certified Energy Analyst (CEA) exam focuses on Title 24 energy compliance and building
science principles. It tests knowledge of building envelope requirements, insulation, fenestration
performance, HVAC sizing and efficiency, duct leakage, ventilation and indoor air quality, lighting
controls and power limits, water heating efficiency measures, renewable energy fundamentals, energy
modeling using performance compliance tools, commissioning and acceptance testing procedures,
energy auditing methods, diagnostic testing like blower doors and thermography, and professional
responsibilities in documentation and compliance reporting.
✅ PART 3: 50 SCENARIO-BASED MCQs (BATCH 1: QUESTIONS 1–50)
(Random order, all questions ≥15 words, with answers and rationales, continuous, no skipping.)
1.
, Page 2 of 131
A designer submits Title 24 documentation showing only prescriptive measures, but the project was
modeled using performance compliance software. What is the most appropriate correction?
A. Submit only architectural drawings because modeling overrides documentation
B. Submit correct compliance forms consistent with the performance method used
C. Remove the energy model and rely on mandatory measures only
D. Use prescriptive requirements even if performance compliance was calculated
Answer: B
Rationale: Compliance forms must match the compliance method; performance compliance requires
correct reporting and documentation.
2.
During a retrofit audit, you find attic insulation labeled R-30 but compressed under storage decking.
What is the main energy concern?
A. Compression increases insulation effectiveness by reducing air gaps
B. Compression reduces effective R-value, increasing heat transfer through the ceiling
C. Compression increases solar reflectance of the roof system
D. Compression only affects moisture control, not energy performance
, Page 3 of 131
Answer: B
Rationale: Compressed insulation has reduced thickness, lowering effective R-value and increasing heat
loss or gain.
3.
A homeowner complains of high cooling bills, and you observe significant duct leakage in a hot attic.
What improvement usually provides the largest efficiency gain?
A. Installing larger supply registers without sealing ducts
B. Sealing duct leaks and improving duct insulation to reduce losses
C. Increasing thermostat setpoint by one degree permanently
D. Installing additional attic ventilation fans without sealing ducts
Answer: B
Rationale: Duct leakage in hot attics causes major energy loss; sealing and insulating ducts improves
efficiency dramatically.
4.
, Page 4 of 131
A proposed building design has large west-facing glazing with high SHGC values in a hot climate zone.
What is the likely impact?
A. Reduced cooling load because sunlight provides free ventilation
B. Increased cooling demand due to solar heat gain during afternoon peak hours
C. Reduced heating demand only, with no cooling effect
D. Improved TDV compliance because glazing area increases daylighting automatically
Answer: B
Rationale: West-facing high SHGC windows increase afternoon solar heat gain, increasing cooling load
and peak demand.
5.
An HVAC contractor installs a high-efficiency heat pump but does not verify airflow or refrigerant
charge. Why is this problematic for Title 24 compliance?
A. Heat pumps do not require airflow testing under any circumstances
B. Acceptance testing may be required, and poor installation reduces real efficiency
C. Refrigerant charge affects only heating performance, not cooling
D. Airflow verification is only required for commercial refrigeration equipment
