EDGE-Expert Practice Exam Questions with Answers Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE Expert) Exam Certification

In EDGE, the Coefficient of Performance (COP) is used to measure the efficiency of heating systems that produce heat using a refrigeration cycle, such as heat pumps. The EDGE Methodology Report specifies: "The Coefficient of Performance (COP) is used in EDGE to evaluate the efficiency of heat pumps, including ground source heat pumps, where it is defined as the ratio of thermal output to electrical input. This metric is not applied to direct heating systems like electric heaters or boilers" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 5.1: Energy Efficiency Metrics). Option C, ground source heat pump, fits this description as it operates using a refrigeration cycle to transfer heat, and its efficiency is measured by COP in EDGE. Option A (electric heater) has an efficiency typically measured as 100% (or COP of 1), but EDGE does not use COP for such systems, as noted: "Electric heaters are assumed to have a fixed efficiency in EDGE, not evaluated via COP" (EDGE User Guide, Section 4.2: Energy Efficiency Measures). Option B (condensing boiler) uses thermal efficiency (%), not COP, as per: "Boilers in EDGE are assessed by their thermal efficiency, not COP" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 5.2: Heating Systems). Option D (sensible heat recovery from exhaust air) is a heat recovery method, not a heating system, and does not use COP: "Heat recovery systems are evaluated by their heat recovery effectiveness, not COP" (EDGE User Guide, Section 4.3: Ventilation Measures). Thus, ground source heat pump (Option C) is the correct choice.

Adoption of green building practices in EDGE is influenced by factors that incentivize or mandate resource efficiency. The EDGE User Guide discusses drivers for green building adoption: "Factors that lead to higher adoption of green building practices include green building regulations, which mandate compliance with efficiency standards; public awareness and capacity building, which educate stakeholders on the benefits of green design; and clear visibility of estimated savings and costs, which provide financial justification for green measures" (EDGE User Guide, Section 1.1: Introduction to EDGE). Option A (green building regulations) directly encourages adoption by enforcing standards: "Regulations requiring energy or water efficiency standards push developers to adopt green practices to meet legal requirements" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 1.2: Scope of EDGE Standard). Option C (public awareness and capacity building) increases adoption by educating stakeholders: "Awareness campaigns and training programs increase demand for greenbuildings by informing developers, owners, and tenants of their benefits" (EDGE User Guide, Section 1.1: Introduction to EDGE). Option D (clear visibility of estimated savings and costs) incentivizes adoption by demonstrating financial benefits: "EDGE’s display of savings and payback periods motivates adoption by showing the return on investment for green measures" (EDGE User Guide, Section 2.4: Interpreting EDGE Results). However, Option B (lower electricity supply costs) may not lead to higher adoption, as it reduces the financial incentive to save energy: "Lower electricity supply costs decrease the cost savings from energy efficiency measures, potentially discouraging investment in green practices, as the payback period for measures like insulation or efficient lighting becomes longer" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 4.4: Cost Savings Calculations). The EDGE User Guide further elaborates: "High utility costs often drive green building adoption by making energy and water savings more financially attractive, whereas lower costs can reduce the urgency to implement efficiency measures" (EDGE User Guide, Section 1.2: Scope of EDGE Certification). In this context, lower electricity supply costs (Option B) may not encourage green building practices, as the economic motivation for energy savings diminishes.

In a hot and dry climate with low rainfall, water efficiency measures in EDGE are evaluated based on their potential to reduce potable water demand, but their effectiveness depends on local conditions. The EDGE User Guide explains the impact of various water-saving measures: "In regions with low rainfall, rainwater harvesting provides minimal water savings due to limited precipitation, whereas measures like low-flow showers, dual flush toilets, and black water recycling can achieve consistent savings by reducing direct water use or reusing wastewater" (EDGE User Guide, Section 5.2: Water Efficiency Measures). Option B, rainwater harvesting, relies on rainfall to collect water for non-potable uses, but in a hot and dry climate with low water availability, its effectiveness is limited: "Rainwater harvesting systems in EDGE are modeled based on local precipitation data. In arid climates with annual rainfall below 200 mm, savings from rainwater harvesting are typically less than 5% of total water demand, as the collected volume is insufficient to meet significant needs" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 4.2: Water Savings Calculations). In contrast, Option A (low-flow showers) reduces water use directly: "Low-flow showers can reduce water consumption by 20-30% in buildings, regardless of climate, by limiting flow rates to 6-8 liters per minute" (EDGE User Guide, Section 5.2: Water Efficiency Measures). Option C (recycle black water) also offers consistent savings: "Black water recycling systems can save 30-40% of water demand by treating and reusing wastewater for flushing or irrigation, independent of rainfall" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 4.2: Water Savings Calculations). Option D (dual flush for water closets) similarly provides reliable savings: "Dual flush toilets reduce water use by 25-35% by offering a low-flush option for liquid waste, effective in all climates" (EDGE User Guide, Section 5.2: Water Efficiency Measures). Given the low rainfall in a hot and dry climate, rainwater harvesting (Option B) yields the lowest water savings compared to the other measures, which do not depend on precipitation. The EDGE User Guide further notes: "In dry climates, measures like rainwater harvesting are often the least effective, while demand-side measures (e.g., low-flow fixtures) and recycling systems provide higher and more consistent water savings" (EDGE User Guide, Section 5.3: Additional Water Efficiency Measures). Thus, rainwater harvesting (Option B) gives the lowest water savings in this context.

The EDGE certification process assigns clear responsibilities to various stakeholders to ensure a smooth and accountable process. The EDGE Certification Protocol defines the role of the ProjectOwner (also referred to as the EDGE Client): "The Project Owner, as the EDGE Client, is responsible for the entire project within the EDGE certification system. This includes providing all necessary project documentation (e.g., drawings, specifications, and self-assessments), ensuring access to the site for audits, and paying the audit and certification fees as required by the Certification Provider" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 2.1: Roles and Responsibilities). Option C, Project Owner, directly aligns with this comprehensive responsibility. Option A (EDGE Expert) is incorrect, as the Expert’s role is advisory: "The EDGE Expert provides consultancy services, assisting with documentation and measure selection, but the ultimate responsibility for submission and payment lies with the Project Owner" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 2.1: Roles of EDGE Expert). Option B (EDGE Auditor) is also incorrect, as the Auditor’s role is to verify compliance, not manage the project: "The EDGE Auditor conducts independent audits and is not responsible for project management, documentation provision, or fee payments" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 2.2: Roles of EDGE Auditor). Option D (EDGE Certification Provider) is responsible for issuing certificates and overseeing the process, not managing the project: "The EDGE Certification Provider, such as GBCI, reviews the Auditor’s recommendation and issues certificates, but does not manage the project or pay fees" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.3: Certification Decision). The EDGE User Guide further reinforces this: "The Project Owner must coordinate all aspects of the certification process, ensuring documentation is complete, site access is granted for post-construction audits, and all fees are paid to the Certification Provider in a timely manner" (EDGE User Guide, Section 6.1: Project Preparation). This holistic responsibility makes the Project Owner (Option C) the correct answer.

EDGE Auditors must meet specific requirements to maintain their licensed status, ensuring they remain active and competent in their role. The EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols provide detailed guidance: "To maintain their licensed status, EDGE Auditors must undertake at least one building project audit every two years. This requirement ensures that Auditors remain actively engaged in the certification process and maintain their practical experience in verifying EDGE projects" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 5.1: Maintaining Auditor Status). Option A, undertake at least one building project audit every two years, directly aligns with this requirement. Option B (attend refresher training for at least two hours every two years) and Option C (attend refresher training for at least two hours every three years) are incorrect, as the protocols specify a different training requirement: "EDGE Auditors must attend refresher training as required by IFC, typically every three years, but the duration is not specified as a minimum of two hours; the focus is on completing the training, not the exact hours" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 5.1: Maintaining Auditor Status). Option D (undertake at least one building project audit every three years) is also incorrect, as the required frequency is every two years, not three: "A three-year interval for audits does not meet the requirement of one audit every two years, which is necessary to ensure ongoing competence" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 5.1: Maintaining Auditor Status). The EDGE User Guide supports this by stating: "Auditors maintain their status by conducting at least one audit every two years, ensuring they stay familiar with EDGE standards and procedures through active practice" (EDGE User Guide, Section 6.5: Working with EDGE Auditors). Additionally, the protocols note: "Failure to conduct an audit within two years may result in a lapse of Auditor status, requiring recertification through additional training or re-examination" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 5.2: Recertification Conditions). Thus, undertaking at least one audit every two years (Option A) is the correct requirement for maintaining EDGE Auditor status.

Embodied energy in materials is one of the three core pillars of the EDGE standard, focusing on reducing the environmental impact of construction materials. The EDGE User Guide lists measures that specifically target embodied energy: "To reduce embodied energy in materials, EDGE includes measures such as the use of fly ash concrete, which substitutes a portion of cement with fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, thereby lowering the embodied energy and carbon footprint of concrete production" (EDGE User Guide, Section 7.2: Materials Efficiency Measures). Option B, fly ash concrete, directly aligns with this measure, as it reduces the need for high-energy cement production. Option A (external shading) impacts energy by reducing cooling loads but does not directly address embodied energy: "External shading reduces operational energy use but does not contribute to embodied energy savings unless the shading materials themselves are low-impact, which is not specified in EDGE” (EDGE User Guide, Section 3.5: Passive Design Strategies). Option C (occupancy sensors) is an energy efficiency measure for lighting, not materials: "Occupancy sensors reduce lighting energy use but have no direct impact on embodied energy in materials" (EDGE User Guide, Section 4.4: Lighting Efficiency Measures). Option D (low-flow shower heads) targets water efficiency, not materials: "Low-flow shower heads reduce water consumption, but their embodied energy impact is minimal and not a focus of EDGE materials measures" (EDGE User Guide, Section 5.2: Water Efficiency Measures). The EDGE MethodologyReport further elaborates: "Fly ash concrete can reduce embodied energy by up to 20% compared to traditional concrete, making it a key measure in EDGE for materials efficiency, especially in high-volume applications like hospitals or hotels" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 6.1: Embodied Energy in Materials). Other materials measures in EDGE, such as using recycled steel or bamboo, are not listed among the options, making fly ash concrete (Option B) the correct choice for reducing embodied energy.

The EDGE Auditor’s submission for Preliminary Certification (design stage) must include specific elements to support the recommendation for certification. The EDGE Certification Protocol specifies: "For Preliminary Certification, the EDGE Auditor’s submission must include compliance documents for the selected measures, such as drawings, specifications, and manufacturer’s data sheets, which verify that the design aligns with the self-assessment in the EDGE software. These documents are reviewed by the Certification Provider to confirm eligibility" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.2: Audit Requirements). Option C, compliance documents for selected measures, directly matches this requirement. Option A (all available design data) is too broad and not required: "Only documents directly related to the selected measures are needed, not all design data" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.2: Audit Requirements). Option B (Chapter 5 EDGE certification protocol) is incorrect, as this refers to the protocol document itself, not a submission component: "The certification protocol is a reference, not part of the Auditor’s submission" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 1.1: Overview). Option D (design audit site visit results) is incorrect, as site visits are not required at the design stage: "Preliminary Certification is based on a desk audit, not a site visit, which occurs at the post-construction stage" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.3: Certification Decision). Thus, compliance documents (Option C) are required in the submission.

Insulation materials in EDGE are evaluated for their thermal performance and embodied energy as part of materials efficiency measures. The EDGE User Guide lists common insulation options: "In EDGE, insulation materials for walls, roofs, and floors include mineral wool, polyurethane,polystyrene, and fiberglass, which are selected for their low thermal conductivity and availability in most markets" (EDGE User Guide, Section 7.2: Materials Efficiency Measures). Options A (mineral wool), B (polyurethane), and D (polystyrene) are explicitly mentioned as insulation materials in EDGE. Option C, polypropylene, is not listed as an insulation material, as confirmed by the EDGE Methodology Report: "Polypropylene is a plastic material often used in packaging or pipes, but it is not recognized in EDGE as an insulation material due to its poor thermal resistance compared to standard insulation options like polystyrene or polyurethane" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 6.1: Embodied Energy in Materials). The EDGE software’s material database further excludes polypropylene from insulation options, focusing instead on materials with established thermal properties for building envelopes. Thus, polypropylene (Option C) is not an insulation option in EDGE.

The baseline assumptions in EDGE software, known as the Base Case, are critical for calculating resource savings and are determined using standardized data. The EDGE Methodology Report explains: "Baseline assumptions in EDGE, referred to as the Base Case, are determined by market surveys of typical construction practices in the project’s country, reflecting common materials, systems, and design practices for the selected typology and location" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 3.1: Base Case Determination). Option C, market survey of typical construction practices, aligns with this methodology. Option A (EDGE software users) is incorrect, as users do not set the baseline; they input project-specific data. Option B (EDGE Auditors) is also incorrect, as auditors verify compliance, not establish baselines. Option D (market survey of best construction practices) is wrong because EDGE uses typical practices, not best practices, to create a realistic benchmark, as clarified in the EDGE User Guide: "The Base Case reflects typical local practices, not best practices, to ensure a fair comparison for resource savings" (EDGE User Guide, Section 2.3: Using the EDGE App).

In the EDGE software, the "most attractive solution" for a project, such as a hospital, is determined by balancing resource savings (energy, water, or materials) with financial payback periods, as these metrics are key outputs in the EDGE App Results Bar. The EDGE User Guide explains how to evaluate measures: "The EDGE software prioritizes measures that offer the highest resource savings with the shortest payback periods, making them the most attractive solutions for project teams. For hospitals, where energy and water demands are high due to continuous operation, measures with significant savings and faster payback are typically preferred" (EDGE User Guide, Section 2.4: Interpreting EDGE Results). Let’s evaluate the options: Option A (external shading) offers 7% savings (likely energy, as shading reduces cooling loads) with an 8-year payback. Option B (insulation of external walls) provides 3% savings (also energy) with a 9-year payback. Option C (solar hot water system) delivers 15% savings (energy, as it reduces the need for electric or gas water heating) with a 6-year payback. Option D (water-cooled chillers) achieves 20% energy savings but with a 10-year payback. The EDGE Methodology Report further clarifies: "For hospitals, measures like solar hot water systems are often attractive because they address high hot water demands (e.g., for sterilization, showers), offering substantial energy savings with relatively short payback periods due to consistent usage" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 5.3: Energy Measures). Comparing the options, Option C has the second-highest savings (15%) and the shortest payback (6 years), making it more attractive than Option D (20% savings but 10 years payback), Option A (7% savings, 8 years), and Option B (3% savings, 9 years). The EDGE User Guide also notes: "A payback period of 6 years is generally considered attractive in EDGE, especially for measures with savings above 10%, as it aligns with typical investment horizons for building owners" (EDGE User Guide, Section 2.4: Interpreting EDGE Results). Additionally, for a hospital, hot water demand is significant, making solar hot water systems particularly effective: "Hospitals benefit greatly from solar hot water systems, achieving energy savings of 10-20% with payback periods often under 7 years due to high hot water usage" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 4.2: Energy Savings Calculations). Thus, the solar hot water system (Option C) is the most attractive solution due to its balanced savings and shortest payback period.

EDGE Zero Carbon certification, like all EDGE certifications, is limited to specific building typologies supported by the EDGE software, as these typologies have predefined usage patterns for accurate modeling. The EDGE User Guide lists the supported typologies: "EDGE certification, including EDGE Zero Carbon, is available for the following building typologies: homes, hotels, offices, hospitals, retail, schools, warehouses, and light industry buildings. Museums are not a supported typology in EDGE, as their unique usage patterns, such as specialized HVAC for artifact preservation, are not modeled in the software" (EDGE User Guide, Section 1.2: Scope of EDGE Certification). Option C, the project cannot be certified because EDGE does not have a ‘museum’ typology, directly aligns with this limitation, as museums are not among the supported building types. Option A (the project team can select any typology they consider applicable) is incorrect, as EDGE requires the use of predefined typologies: "The EDGE software restricts typology selection to predefined categories to ensure accurate Base Case calculations; users cannot create custom typologies for unsupported building types like museums" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 2.1: Calculation Approach). Option B (operating for at least 6 months at 75% occupancy) and Option D (operating for at least 12 months at 75% occupancy) address operational data requirements for EDGE Zero Carbon, but they are irrelevant if the typology is unsupported: "EDGE Zero Carbon certification requires at least 12 months of operational data at 75% occupancy to verify performance, but this applies only to supported typologies" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 2.3: Certification Levels). Since museums are not supported, the operational data requirement does not apply, making both B and D incorrect in this context. The EDGE Certification Protocol further confirms: "Buildings like museums, which are not part of EDGE’s typology list, cannot be certified, as the software cannot generate a Base Case for unsupported building types, ensuring consistency in certification standards" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 1.2: Scope of EDGE Standard). The EDGE User Guide adds: "Clients pursuing certification for unsupported typologies, such as museums or cultural centers, will need to explore other green building certifications, as EDGE is not designed for these building types" (EDGE User Guide, Section 1.2: Scope of EDGE Certification). Thus, the project cannot be certified due to the lack of a museum typology (Option C).

The EDGE standard is designed to be a practical, focused tool for green building certification, emphasizing specific resource efficiency metrics. The EDGE User Guide describes its characteristics: "EDGE is a simple, fast, and smart tool for green building certification. It provides an intuitive interface with a powerful engine that accounts for local climate and building use (simple), identifies measures with the best return on investment (fast), and displays capital costs and payback periods (smart)" (EDGE User Guide, Section 1.1: Introduction to EDGE). Options A, C, and D align with these descriptions. However, Option B (holistic approach that takes into account wider sustainability issues) is not a characteristic of EDGE, as the standard focuses narrowly on energy, water, and embodied energy in materials, not broader sustainability issues like biodiversity or social equity. This is clarified in the EDGE Certification Protocol: "EDGE is not a holistic sustainability standard; it specifically targets resource efficiency in energy, water, and materials, excluding wider sustainability metrics such as indoor air quality or ecological impact" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 1.2: Scope of EDGE Standard). Thus, Option B is not a characteristic of the EDGE standard.

The issuance of certificates in the EDGE certification process is a defined responsibility assigned to specific roles. The EDGE Certification Protocol states: "The EDGE Preliminary Certificate, awarded at the design stage, is issued by the EDGE Certification Provider after the Auditor submits a recommendation for certification based on the design audit. The Certification Provider reviews the Auditor’s report and, if compliant, issues the certificate" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.3: Certification Decision). Option C, Certification Provider, aligns with this process, as entities like GBCI are responsible for issuing certificates. Option A (Auditor) is incorrect, as Auditors only recommend certification: "The Auditor’s role is to provide a recommendation, not to issue the certificate" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 2.2: Roles of EDGE Auditor). Option B (Expert) is also incorrect, as Experts advise on design, not certification: "EDGE Experts assist with project design and self-assessment, not certification issuance" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 2.1: Roles of EDGE Expert). Option D (Operations and Management Team) is wrong, as this team supports the overall program, not individual certifications: "The EDGE Operations and Management Team oversees program development, not certificate issuance" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 1.3: Program Structure). Thus, the Preliminary Certificate is issued by the Certification Provider (Option C).

The EDGE framework strictly prohibits Auditors from engaging in roles that could compromise their independence, such as providing design consultancy on the same project they are auditing. The EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols address this scenario explicitly: "An EDGE Auditor must not accept any role in the design development of a project they are auditing, as this creates a conflict of interest by blurring the lines between consultancy and independent verification. If the Client requests the Auditor to take on a design role, the Auditor should decline and may refer the Client to another qualified professional who is not involved in the audit process" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 2.3: Conflict of Interest). Option B, refer the Client to an associate within the organization who works in another department, but is qualified and available to carry out the work, aligns with this guidance, as it maintains the Auditor’s independence while helping the Client find a suitable replacement. Option A (resign from the audit role) is an overreaction, as the request itself does not compromise the Auditor’s position unless accepted: "The Auditor is not required to resign unless they have already engaged in a conflicting role, which can be avoided by declining the request" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 4.1: Audit Process). Option C (accept the additional commission) is unethical, as it violates conflict-of-interest rules: "Accepting a design role on a project being audited undermines the Auditor’s impartiality, as they would be auditing theirown work, which is strictly prohibited" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.1: Certification Process). Option D (refer the Client to an associate working with the Auditor on the EDGE audit) is also incorrect, as this associate is already involved in the audit, creating a potential conflict: "Referring the Client to someone involved in the same audit does not resolve the conflict of interest, as the audit team must remain independent from design activities" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 2.3: Conflict of Interest). The EDGE User Guide reinforces this principle: "Auditors must maintain strict separation from design roles to ensure an unbiased audit, and should assist the Client by referring them to independent professionals if needed" (EDGE User Guide, Section 6.5: Working with EDGE Auditors). Thus, referring the Client to a qualified associate in another department (Option B) is the correct action.

Wastewater treatment and recycling systems are evaluated in EDGE for their potential to reduce water consumption, a key aspect of green building design. The EDGE User Guide highlights the varying water usage patterns across building typologies: "Hotels typically have high water consumption due to guest rooms, laundry, and amenities like pools, making them ideal candidates for wastewater treatment and recycling systems, which can significantly reduce potable water demand by reusing treated water for non-potable uses such as irrigation and flushing" (EDGE User Guide, Section 5.2: Water Efficiency Measures). In contrast, homes (Option A) and offices (Option D) generally have lower per-capita water use, and schools (Option C) have intermittent occupancy, reducing the overall impact of such systems. The EDGE Methodology Report further supports this, noting: "For hotels, greywater and blackwater recycling can achieve up to 40% water savings due to high occupancy and consistent demand, compared to 20-25% in homes or offices" (EDGE Methodology Report Version 2.0, Section 4.2: Water Savings Calculations). Thus, hotels (Option B) benefit the most from wastewater treatment and recycling systems due to their high water usage andpotential for significant savings.

The EDGE audit process requires that the documentation submitted by the Client accurately reflects the self-assessment in the EDGE software, ensuring consistency and transparency. The EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols address discrepancies in documentation: "If an EDGE Auditor identifies a discrepancy between the submitted documentation and the self-assessment PDF, such as measures being claimed that were not selected in the EDGE software, the Auditor must inform the Client to update the EDGE software to reflect the correct measures and prepare a new PDF for submission. This ensures that the audit is based on an accurate representation of the project’s claims" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 4.2: Evidence Verification). Option C, inform the Client to update the EDGE software and prepare a new PDF, directly aligns with this protocol, as it corrects the error at the source and ensures the self-assessment matches the claimed measures. Option A (ask for advice from the EDGE Partner) is unnecessary, as the protocol provides clear guidance: "Auditors are expected to follow standard procedures for discrepancies without needing to consult the EDGE Partner, unless the issue involves a policy interpretation beyond the protocols" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 4.1: Audit Process). Option B (modify the self-assessment and submit) is unethical and prohibited, as Auditors cannot alter the Client’s submission: "The Auditor must not modify the Client’s self-assessment in the EDGE software, as this compromises the independence of the audit process; the Client is responsible for updating the assessment" (EDGE Certification Protocol, Section 3.2: Audit Requirements). Option D (ignore the error on PDF) is also incorrect, as ignoring discrepancies violates audit integrity: "All discrepancies between the PDF and submitted documents must be resolved before the audit proceeds, as ignoring errors could lead to incorrect certification outcomes" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 4.2: Evidence Verification). The EDGE User Guide further reinforces: "The self-assessment PDF must accurately reflect the measures selected in the EDGE software, and any mismatch requires the Client to revise the assessment to ensure a fair and transparent audit" (EDGE User Guide, Section 6.2: Documentation Requirements). Thus, the Auditor should inform the Client to update the software and prepare a new PDF (Option C).

Maintaining EDGE Auditor status involves specific requirements to ensure ongoing competence. The EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols outline these requirements: "To maintain their status, EDGE Auditors must perform at least one project site audit every two years, attend refresher training as required by IFC, and stay updated by studying the EDGE user guides and protocols as they are revised" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 5.1: Maintaining Auditor Status). Option A (performing at least one project site audit every two years) is explicitly required to demonstrate active engagement. Option B (studying the EDGE user guides as updated) is also necessary to stay current with program changes. Option D (attending refresher training) is mandated to ensure continued education. However, Option C (retaking the auditor exam) is not a requirement for maintaining status: "Once certified, EDGE Auditors are not required to retake the exam to maintain their status, though they may need to retake it if their certification lapses or if significant program changes occur" (EDGE Expert and Auditor Protocols, Section 5.2: Recertification Conditions). Since the question focuses on maintaining status, not recertification after lapse, retaking the exam is not a standard requirement. Thus, retaking the auditor exam (Option C) does not contribute to maintaining Auditor status.