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Section 2:
Preparing for the Examination
Exam Content Outline
The competency requirements assessed in the CxA exam are outlined below.

Duties and Tasks Weight

A Managing Commissioning Projects 18%
1 Identify the scope of the project
2 Develop a commissioning team
3 Manage a commissioning budget
4 Identify commissioning deliverables
5 Participate in VE activities
6 Review project documents
7 Monitor the construction/project schedule
8 Participate in project meetings
9 Conduct commissioning meetings
10 Track deficiencies (issues log)
11 Facilitate risk assessment as it relates to commissioning activities
12 Assess pass/fail criteria for functional test results
13 Identify tasks for completion of commissioning processes
B Preparing Commissioning Documentation 19%
1 Assist in developing the OPR/CFR
2 Create system/equipment list
3 Create commissioning process tracking metrics
4 Develop the commissioning plan
5 Develop commissioning schedules
6 Develop communications plans
7 Create commissioning specifications
8 Write system verification checklists
9 Create FPTs
10 Determine site visit protocols (logistics)
11 Develop issues logs
12 Document commissioning meetings
13 Write commissioning reports
14 Create systems manuals
15 Develop end of warranty review process

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C Conducting Commissioning Activities 24%

1 Plan commissioning construction activities
2 Monitor commissioning construction activities
3 Facilitate the completion of construction checklists
4 Facilitate the acceptance phase
D Managing Training Activities 4%
1 Develop training plan
2 Facilitate training coordination meeting
3 Facilitate training activities
4 Conduct training follow-up activities
E Completing Warranty Phase Activities 5%
1 Facilitate off-season testing
2 Troubleshoot facility issues
3 Measure energy performance
4 Facilitate end of warranty meeting
F Conducting Existing Building Commissioning 23%
1 Determine scope of project
2 Conduct a building performance assessment
3 Prepare a CFR
4 Conduct a systems assessment
5 Conduct a site investigation
6 Recommend corrections and improvements
7 Oversee implementation of corrective measures
8 Conduct performance verifications
G Conducting On-Going Commissioning 7%
1 Measure IEQ performance
2 Evaluate building systems performance
3 Review building operating plan
4 Review maintenance activities
5 Accommodate space/function changes
6 Implement corrective actions
7 Publish measurement and performance results to stakeholders
Total 100%

CxA Exam Reference List

Following is a list of references that were used during development of the CxA certification
examination. This list is made available to individuals who are pursuing CxA certification and

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want to enhance their ability to apply concepts and analyze issues related to commissioning.
This is not intended as a comprehensive list of all materials available to CxA candidates.

ACG Commissioning Guideline, 2nd Edition

ASHRAE Standard 202 – 2013: Commissioning Process for Buildings and Systems
ASHRAE Guideline 0 – 2013: The Commissioning Process
ASHRAE Guideline 1.1 – 2007: HVAC&R Technical Requirements for the Commissioning
Process
EMA Energy Management Guideline

ACG Education & Training

ACG offers a variety of education and training opportunities for individuals who are interested in
professional development. Courses, workshops, webinars, and other such programs offered by
ACG are not a requirement for CxA certification. The Council does not approve, recommend, or
endorse any educational programs offered by any organization to prepare individuals for CxA
certification examination.

CxA Acronym List

CxA candidates are expected to be familiar with the following list of acronyms:
ACG – AABC Commissioning Group NFPA – National Fire Protection
Association
AHU – air handling unit
NICET – National Institute for
BAS – building automation system
Certification in Engineering
CFR – current facility requirements Technologies
Cx - commissioning O&M – operation and maintenance
CxA – commissioning authority OA – outside air
DDC – direct digital controls OPR – owner’s project requirements
EBCx – existing building commissioning PPE – personal protective equipment
ECM – energy conservation measure PM – preventative maintenance
FIM – facility improvement measure RFP – request for proposal
FPT – functional performance tests SVC – systems verification check
HVAC – heating, ventilating and air TAB – testing, adjusting, and balancing
conditioning or test and balance
IAQ – indoor air quality VAV – variable air volume
LEED – Leadership in Energy and VFD – variable frequency drive
Environmental Design
NETA – International Electrical Testing
Association

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