CPESC Exam Structure and Grading
There are two CPESC exams. One is for individuals pursing In-Training status. The second is for individuals who are approved for the full CPESC exam. The following sections provide details about these exams.
See the Calculator Policy for information about which calculators are approved for use on the CPESC exam. Note that examinees are NOT allowed to bring the following devices into the exam room:
- Mobile phones (including smartphones)
- Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
- Portable/tablet computers
- Similar devices
CPESC-IT Exam
Overview
Individuals pursuing In-Training status must pass Part 1 of the CPESC exam to achieve In-Training status. Once they have acquired the qualifying work experience specified by the Application Review Committee (ARC), they can petition the ARC for approval to proceed with the Practical Application portion of the exam (Part 2). Note that the Practical Application portion of the exam is structured exactly like the Practical Application part of the full CPESC exam.
Part 1 of the CPESC exam is comprised of two (2) sections. You will have a maximum of three (3) hours to complete the exam.
See CPESC Certification Procedures and Standards, Article III, Section 4 for more information about achieving full professional status.
Section A - Fundamentals of Erosion and Sediment Control
Section A consists of 155 multiple choice questions that test the applicants knowledge of the fundamentals of erosion and sediment control. The questions, answer sheets, and a metric conversion table will be provided to you at the exam site.
Section B - Rules and Regulations
Section B consists of 45 multiple choice questions that test the applicants knowledge of national rules and regulations. Country-specific versions of this Section are available for the United States and Canada. Questions and answer sheets will be provided to you at the exam site.
Grading
All examination materials will be returned to the CPESC, Inc. Administrative Office for grading. Exam results are sent by US Mail within 30 days of receipt of exams from the proctor. Exam results are provided as pass/fail only — numerical scores are not provided. Note that exam results cannot be obtained from staff by phone or email.
CPESC-IT examinees must score at least 70 percent overall to pass the examination portion of the In-Training application process. CPESC-IT registrants must score at least 70 percent on the Practical Application portion of the exam (that is, Part 2) to achieve full CPESC status.
An exam review course/study manual is available from the CPESC Administrative Office. See CPESC Products for cost and ordering information. Click here to view the table of contents for the manual.
If a qualified applicant fails the exam, there is a re-test fee to sit for the exam again. See CPESC Certification Procedures and Standards, Article II, Section 3. Fees for more information.
Full CPESC Exam
Overview
The full CPESC exam is comprised of two (2) parts. You will have a maximum of five (5) hours to complete the exam. All needed reference materials will be provided by CPESC, Inc.
Part 1, Section A - Fundamentals of Erosion and Sediment Control
Part 1, Section A consists of 155 multiple choice questions that test the applicants knowledge of the fundamentals of erosion and sediment control. The questions, answer sheets, and a metric conversion table will be provided to you at the exam site.
Part 1, Section B - Rules and Regulations
Part 1, Section B consists of 45 multiple choice questions that test the applicants knowledge of national rules and regulations. Country-specific versions of this Section are available for the United States and Canada. Questions and answer sheets will be provided to you at the exam site.
Part 2 - Practical Application
Part 2 consists of 3 sections. Each section contains 12 multiple choice questions on erosion and sediment control principles, and tests the applicant's ability to apply that knowledge in specific areas of land use. The areas of land use covered may include Agriculture, Small Commercial Development, Linear Construction, and Residential Development. A resource bookle will be provided to assist you in answering these questions.
Grading
All examination materials (including scratch paper) must be returned to the CPESC, Inc. Administrative Office for grading. Examinees must score at least 70 percent on EACH part to pass the examination portion of the application process. Exam results are sent by US Mail within 30 days of receipt of exams from the proctor. Exam results are provided as pass/fail only — numerical scores are not provided. Note that exam results cannot be obtained from staff by phone or email.
An exam review course/study manual is available from the CPESC Administrative Office. See CPESC Products for cost and ordering information. Click here to view the table of contents for the manual.
If a qualified applicant fails the exam, there is a re-test fee to sit for the exam again. See CPESC Certification Procedures and Standards, Article II, Section 3. Fees for more information.
