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K-State Today

October 21, 2020

Kurt Foley passes certified energy manager exam

Submitted by David A. Carter

Kurt Foley, the newest member of the Kansas Energy Program at K-State Engineering Extension, recently passed the exam required to become a certified energy manager, or CEM.

Daunting to even seasoned engineers, the exam covers up to 14 energy-related topics, including HVAC systems, lighting systems, and energy accounting and economics, to name just a few.

Although Foley also recently completed a Master of Science in environmental policy and management, along with a graduate certificate in energy and sustainability, his success on the exam is even more incredible because Foley’s undergraduate degree is in history, not engineering.

"The fact that Kurt passed the exam on his first pass speaks volumes to the degree of his preparation and dedication to studying," said David Carter, director of the Kansas Energy Program.

With the successful completion of the CEM exam, Foley becomes the fourth member of the Kansas Energy Program to pass the exam, and is now recognized by the Association of Energy Engineers as an energy manager in training; to become a full-fledged CEM, Foley must now complete four years of energy-related experience to broaden his energy knowledge.

The CEM credential is incredibly important to the Kansas Energy Program. The program works with energy professionals in various energy-related topics. Sharing this widely recognized credential with these energy professionals brings a degree of trust and confidence in the services the program provides. According to the Association of Energy Engineers website, more than 30,000 professionals from over 100 countries have participated in the association's CEM program since 1981.