The programmed rate of climb/descent is proportional to the magnitude of the selected altitude change. For the first 1000 ft of flight level change the climb/descent rate is 1 to1 (i.e. if the change is 1000 ft the AT would aim to achieve 1000 ft/min of climb/descent rate)
This is the same what the instructurs at Jet Blue taught us, but in my experience the V/S rises to about 1200-1300 ft/min when using the FLCH mode for 1000' climb or descents. And this is higher then the 1000 ft/min Limit which is set down in our OM-B. This was introduced to stop TCAS RA issued due to excessive closer rates to cleared levels in the terminal area. Resulting in about 80% of all RA's experienced in my company.
I really like the Embraer is a great Aircraft and fun to fly. I just wanted to point out that the FLCH mode (for small Altitude changes) does work as well as it is written in the manuals. As I said before for idle descents or during climb out it works really well.