[What are the requirements for applying to become a REA? Professional identity required for energy audits]
Energy audits in Hong Kong must be conducted by Registered Energy Efficiency Assessors (REAs). What are the requirements to become an REA? According to the records of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department of Hong Kong, as of March 2025, there are less than 1,450 people in Hong Kong who hold the status of REA (Registered Energy Assessors). To maintain the status of a Registered Energy Efficiency Assessor, it is not valid for life after passing the exam. Since energy conservation and emission reduction is a national task, there are high standards for those who have obtained the status of Registered Energy Efficiency Assessors, and they need to continue to register for relevant professional courses for further study. In 2025, the government has the opportunity to pass the energy audit revision, and a large number of buildings will be included in the scope of mandatory energy audits. If you are interested in becoming an REA, don't miss the content of this article.
REA Qualification
Registered Energy Assessor (REA) is a professional qualification recognized by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) of Hong Kong. It aims to cultivate professionals with energy efficiency assessment, energy-saving solution design and audit capabilities. Only those who hold REA qualifications can conduct energy audits for buildings (including commercial buildings, industrial buildings, residential buildings and non-residential buildings), helping companies comply with regulations such as the Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance (Cap. 610) and promote Hong Kong's low-carbon transformation goals.
Importance of REA qualification
Statutory requirements : According to Hong Kong law, some buildings (such as large commercial buildings, government facilities) are required to undergo mandatory energy audits on a regular basis. REA is a qualified person to perform such audits.
Professional certification : REA qualifications prove the holder's professional ability in the fields of energy management, energy-saving technology and data analysis, which can enhance the competitiveness in the workplace.
Industry opportunities : As Hong Kong's "carbon neutrality" goal is advanced, corporate demand for energy-saving consultants has surged. REA qualifications can expand career development space (such as green building consultants, ESG strategy planning, etc.). Given the current population ratio of REA, there is indeed a lot of room for competition.
Becoming an REA: Conditions and Qualifications
According to the EMSD standards, applicants must meet the following conditions to apply for REA qualification:
Background Requirements
If an applicant applies for registration as a Registered Energy Assessor as a member of the public, the applicant must meet the following prescribed requirements:
A
* is a registered professional engineer within the meaning of section 2(1) of the Engineers Registration Ordinance (Cap. 409) and is registered under that Ordinance in the electrical, mechanical, environmental or building services discipline;
* has acquired at least 2 years’ practical experience in engineering works related to energy efficiency of buildings during the period of such registration;
* has the necessary knowledge to carry out the duties and functions of a registered energy assessor under this Ordinance and is a fit and proper person to be registered; or
B
* a statutory member of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers in the electrical, mechanical, environmental or building services disciplines, or possesses a qualification recognised by the Institution as being of a standard not inferior to that of a statutory member of the Institution in any of those disciplines;
* has acquired at least 3 years’ practical experience in engineering works related to energy efficiency of buildings during the period of membership;
* Possess the necessary knowledge to carry out the duties and functions of a registered energy assessor under this Ordinance and be a fit and proper person to be registered.
or
* Considered as a whole, the applicant possesses knowledge, qualifications, education, experience and training comparable to those listed in items A and B above;
* and enable the applicant to perform the duties and functions of a registered energy assessor under this Ordinance;
* and the applicant is a fit and proper person to be registered.
How to apply for REA qualification?
Applicants for Registered Energy Efficiency Assessors (REEAs) are required to submit the following documents to the Director of EMSD for consideration and undergo an interview, including:
1. A completed specified form (Form EA1)
2. A copy of a certificate that proves his/her professional qualifications in the sector
3. Proof of relevant practical experience
4. Prescribed application fee (cheque only)
* If the applicant does not hold the professional qualification of a registered professional engineer, a statutory member of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers or equivalent, the applicant is required to submit relevant proof of knowledge, education and training.
Electronic submission website: https://www.emsd.gov.hk/en/electronic_submissions/
Application form: http://www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/chi/pee/mibec_app.shtml .
The completed application form and supporting documents should be submitted by post or in person to the Energy Efficiency Office, 7/F, EMSD Headquarters, 3 Kai Shing Street, Kowloon Bay.
Application Fee:
Apply to become REA (valid for 10 years) - HKD$2,100
Application for renewal of REA (valid for 10 years) - HKD$1,100
The revision of energy audit may adjust the current time from once every 10 years to once every 5 years. At that time, the demand for REA's services will increase greatly. If you want to join REA, you can also obtain the CEng qualification of an engineering association (such as CIBSE or IMechE) to become a member of the association. Through the mutual recognition system among engineering associations, you can apply for the professional qualification of REA with your work experience.
HKEA provides CEng training courses . As a practitioner in the engineering sector, CEng is of course one of your goals. In the future, the demand for REA will increase. Professional identity will become the golden certificate in the field of energy management, opening up new green opportunities for personal careers. Our chairman mentor is not only an active examiner of the Engineering Society, but also has obtained the qualification of Registered Energy Efficiency Assessor. If you want to obtain the CEng qualification, you can click here to register . We will contact you within 24 hours after receiving your registration.
